The Stig
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 2,844
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Post by The Stig on Jul 24, 2010 10:34:17 GMT -5
The difference with the Backstrom and Ovie deals is that they're long, but still realistic in length. In Backstrom's case, it almost certainly won't even be his last NHL contract - he'll only be 32 or so when it's up. I think Ovie will be something like 36 when his contract expires - old by NHL standards, but still 8 years younger than Kovy will be when his contract ends. If I recall right, the front-loading in the Ovie and Backstrom deals is also a lot less extreme than it was for Kovalchuk.
But both of your rule suggestions make a lot of sense. This is clearly a bad loophole in the CBA that needs to be fixed. Fortunately the Devils went so over the top that there seems to be pretty unanimous agreement that something needs to change. I don't think the players will put up too much of a fight about it. If a lockout comes it'll be over something else.
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jgalt
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 4,380
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Post by jgalt on Jul 27, 2010 19:39:58 GMT -5
One of the most confusing things about this situation is Kovy's free agent status. Hes not signed but not a UFA. You'd think the NHLPA would want him to be able to pursue other offers (especially if its the KHL, putting pressure on the NHL to let him sign).
But it does seem that the free agent mark is opening up more with all the arbitration hearings coming through.
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