Comments on: Bruins Having Difficulties Signing Kessel http://thepuckdoctors.com/2009/08/bruins-having-difficulties-signing-kessel/ Thu, 03 May 2012 02:42:04 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Larry Gasik http://thepuckdoctors.com/2009/08/bruins-having-difficulties-signing-kessel/comment-page-1/#comment-61 Larry Gasik Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:41:11 +0000 http://thepuckdoctors.com/?p=209#comment-61 Chris - Unfortunately, it is not as simple as, "Is Kessel worth $5 million?" This is the salary cap era where a team must have over 20 guys in under $56 million. I don't know if you've heard but there are even more reports of the Bruins having a difficult time getting Kessel on board. With Toronto requiring their second round draft pick, all signs point to a potential offer sheet from Toronto. I don't think it is very fair to compare Gionta to Kessel. Gionta is an established veteran, with a Stanley Cup. I also believe that nearly every signing was an overpayment this summer, including Gionta. But the big difference is that Gionta was an unrestricted free agent, and could go anywhere he wanted. If Kessel wants to go play for Anahiem because he likes the weather, he has to hope they are willing to give up a lot for him. If a team wants Kessel, they're going to lose draft picks and still have to pay Kessel, so it is more expensive for the other team. And you're right - he's only in his early twenties and is going to improve. But the fact is, he is a restricted free agent which in theory should bring his salary down. He potted his goals with a center who is very good at making players around him better. He's a great offensive talent, but Boston may need that money for other players. Thanks for the comment, and I'll watch my grammar and spelling. :) Chris -
Unfortunately, it is not as simple as, “Is Kessel worth $5 million?” This is the salary cap era where a team must have over 20 guys in under $56 million. I don’t know if you’ve heard but there are even more reports of the Bruins having a difficult time getting Kessel on board. With Toronto requiring their second round draft pick, all signs point to a potential offer sheet from Toronto.
I don’t think it is very fair to compare Gionta to Kessel. Gionta is an established veteran, with a Stanley Cup. I also believe that nearly every signing was an overpayment this summer, including Gionta. But the big difference is that Gionta was an unrestricted free agent, and could go anywhere he wanted. If Kessel wants to go play for Anahiem because he likes the weather, he has to hope they are willing to give up a lot for him. If a team wants Kessel, they’re going to lose draft picks and still have to pay Kessel, so it is more expensive for the other team.
And you’re right – he’s only in his early twenties and is going to improve. But the fact is, he is a restricted free agent which in theory should bring his salary down. He potted his goals with a center who is very good at making players around him better. He’s a great offensive talent, but Boston may need that money for other players.
Thanks for the comment, and I’ll watch my grammar and spelling. :)

]]> By: Chris Chester http://thepuckdoctors.com/2009/08/bruins-having-difficulties-signing-kessel/comment-page-1/#comment-20 Chris Chester Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:57:04 +0000 http://thepuckdoctors.com/?p=209#comment-20 If Brian Gionta can get $5M in Montreal, surely Boston can find a way to pay the kid. For crying out loud, he's a 60 point player (in 70 games mind you) at only 21 years old. You'd have to be awfully cynical to assume that he's hit his ceiling. He could very well be a point-per-game player for the rest of his career. Also, casualty, not causality. If Brian Gionta can get $5M in Montreal, surely Boston can find a way to pay the kid. For crying out loud, he’s a 60 point player (in 70 games mind you) at only 21 years old. You’d have to be awfully cynical to assume that he’s hit his ceiling. He could very well be a point-per-game player for the rest of his career.

Also, casualty, not causality.

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