Blue Notes

...I would say that about 6 million of that will be for Dawes, Sjostrom, Valiquette, some kids such as Korpikroski/Byers, and last but not least.... Shanny's bonus from last year. I believe it counts towards this year's cap. That leaves around 16 million for other free agents. One this is for sure... if they sign either Hossa or Campbell to 7+ million dollar "multi-year" contract, the organization will have their hands tied building a roster for awhile.

Although I would love to see Sundin and Jagr play together, I can't see either taking less than a 5 million dollar base contract. That would leave on 6 million to add on two defenseman, replace veteran forwards (Shanny, Straka, and Avery) and have absolutely zero wiggle room under the cap. Doesn't seem very feasible.

I almost feel like there is a trade yet to come involving Prucha or possibly Dawes... maybe to get a PP puck-moving D-man.

The cap minimum is now at the same level as the cap limit that was in place the year after the lockout.

Anyone have a clue why 1 year of hockey was lost ?

The Rangers are going to either trade for or sign a defenseman that they will pay in the 6-7 million dollar range multi year.

I do not think there is any doubt about that.

That's why I don't believe one word of the Sundin rumors, I just don't see them spending 5 million dollars plus on the strongest position already in the organization.

"Anyone have a clue why 1 year of hockey was lost ?"

So I could pay less for my seasons tickets? Oh, wait... nevermind.

brett - some (seemingly 1/2) of Shannys bonus fit into this past years cap. whatever did not fit then will be used for the coming yr. I got the 1/2 figure from an estimate from Dubi of blueshirtbulletin.

Prucha is worth nothing. You can't trade him for anything else than a draft pick or maybe a role player.

Dawes, on the other hand, is a guy I would trade for if I were a GM