And the winner is... Thomas Vanek
Although head coach Lindy Ruff didn't walk away from Thursday's NHL Awards with another Jack Adams trophy, there was a member of the organization that was honored. Sabres forward Thomas Vanek became the first Sabres forward since Pat LaFontaine & Alexander Mogilny in 1992-93 to be named a NHL Second Team All-Star.
Pretty cool honor, huh?
Vanek finished the season with 43 goals and 41 assists for 84 points, with a league leading plus/minus of +47. The 43 goals was tied for the 5th highest total in the league (Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis and Atlanta's Marian Hossa also had 43), and 84 points was tied with Vancouver's Daniel Sedin for the 19th best.
It's nice to see Sabres players recognized, but fans should be a little worried about this, because Vanek's price undoubtedly just went up.
Vanek, a restricted free agent who made $942,400 last season, has been placed in some elite company with this selection. Now with the Sabres trying to sign both their co-captains, this could be another sign that at least one captain won't be back.
When it comes time for Darcy Regier negotiate TV's contract, Vanek's agent is surely going to use this to his advantage. Look at the salaries of the other 2nd teamers last season:
For arguments sake, let's say the Sabres sign Vanek to a 3 year, $15 million deal. I think $5M per is about right considering what other top wingers in the league make. Minnesota's Marian Gaborik, who is about the same age, and same production level, makes $5 million a year.
That's an immediate addition of $4 million to last year's payroll. Considering the Sabres' cap number last season was just about close to the $44 million limit, that's huge.
You subtract the contracts of Drury & Briere, (Drury made $3.154M, but cap number was $3.04M... Briere made $5M) you have about $8M to work with. Subtract Numminen's contract ($2.6M), and Zubrus ($1.85M) since they are also unrestricted, and you're playing with just over $12 million. Take out $4 million for Vanek, you're down to $8 million to work off last year's cap number. If the new cap is $49 million, there's $13 million in cap space to sign both captains, and at least a defenseman. There is depth available to replace Zubrus. Not to mention, the Sabres have restricted free agents to sign, including Derek Roy and Nathan Paetsch, both who will get raises. Roy will get at least a $1 million dollar raise.
So, even if the Sabres decide to spend to the cap, which they probably won't, they'll need to get Briere and Drury signed to deals under $6 million each to retain both. There's no guarantee either will take a significant "hometown discount".
Larry Quinn did say at Thursday's press conference that the Sabres will spend more than they did last season. That's probably true. But that doesn't mean they'll be adding any new players. Because of the way the cap works, the Sabres spent to the cap last season. The cap was $44 million, but the total of all the Sabres player salaries was around $41 million. Since the cap number is the average salary over the length of the contract, all of the deals the Sabres made last year were backloaded.
For example, Brian Campbell signed a two year deal last offseason, worth $3 million. His cap number is $1.5M. Last season, he made $1.25M, and this season he will make $1.75M. This is the case in just about every contract the Sabres have given out. So just about every player, even under contract, gets a raise this year. In essence, the Sabres are already spending more money.
Back to Vanek, if they go out and get both captains signed, and spend anywhere close to the $13 million in cap space we discussed, there is potential that some other team will give Thomas Vanek an offer sheet and there will be nothing the Sabres can do. Unless they get some really sweet deals early, they may be setting themselves up.
So, Austin asks, "What does it all mean, Basil?"
It means that someone's not coming back next year. Whether it's Briere or Drury because they can't get them signed, or Vanek because they gave the captains too much money and can't afford to match an offer sheet, or some other roster player they have to move to make cap space, there will most likely be someone who just can't fit in.
Pretty cool honor, huh?
Vanek finished the season with 43 goals and 41 assists for 84 points, with a league leading plus/minus of +47. The 43 goals was tied for the 5th highest total in the league (Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis and Atlanta's Marian Hossa also had 43), and 84 points was tied with Vancouver's Daniel Sedin for the 19th best.It's nice to see Sabres players recognized, but fans should be a little worried about this, because Vanek's price undoubtedly just went up.
Vanek, a restricted free agent who made $942,400 last season, has been placed in some elite company with this selection. Now with the Sabres trying to sign both their co-captains, this could be another sign that at least one captain won't be back.
When it comes time for Darcy Regier negotiate TV's contract, Vanek's agent is surely going to use this to his advantage. Look at the salaries of the other 2nd teamers last season:
- G - Roberto Luongo, VAN: $6,000,000
- D - Chris Pronger, ANA: $6,200,000
- D - Dan Boyle, TB: $3,625,000
- C - Vincent Lecavalier, TB: $7,166,666
- RW - Martin St. Louis, TB: $6,000,000
For arguments sake, let's say the Sabres sign Vanek to a 3 year, $15 million deal. I think $5M per is about right considering what other top wingers in the league make. Minnesota's Marian Gaborik, who is about the same age, and same production level, makes $5 million a year.
That's an immediate addition of $4 million to last year's payroll. Considering the Sabres' cap number last season was just about close to the $44 million limit, that's huge.
You subtract the contracts of Drury & Briere, (Drury made $3.154M, but cap number was $3.04M... Briere made $5M) you have about $8M to work with. Subtract Numminen's contract ($2.6M), and Zubrus ($1.85M) since they are also unrestricted, and you're playing with just over $12 million. Take out $4 million for Vanek, you're down to $8 million to work off last year's cap number. If the new cap is $49 million, there's $13 million in cap space to sign both captains, and at least a defenseman. There is depth available to replace Zubrus. Not to mention, the Sabres have restricted free agents to sign, including Derek Roy and Nathan Paetsch, both who will get raises. Roy will get at least a $1 million dollar raise.
So, even if the Sabres decide to spend to the cap, which they probably won't, they'll need to get Briere and Drury signed to deals under $6 million each to retain both. There's no guarantee either will take a significant "hometown discount".
Larry Quinn did say at Thursday's press conference that the Sabres will spend more than they did last season. That's probably true. But that doesn't mean they'll be adding any new players. Because of the way the cap works, the Sabres spent to the cap last season. The cap was $44 million, but the total of all the Sabres player salaries was around $41 million. Since the cap number is the average salary over the length of the contract, all of the deals the Sabres made last year were backloaded.
For example, Brian Campbell signed a two year deal last offseason, worth $3 million. His cap number is $1.5M. Last season, he made $1.25M, and this season he will make $1.75M. This is the case in just about every contract the Sabres have given out. So just about every player, even under contract, gets a raise this year. In essence, the Sabres are already spending more money.
Back to Vanek, if they go out and get both captains signed, and spend anywhere close to the $13 million in cap space we discussed, there is potential that some other team will give Thomas Vanek an offer sheet and there will be nothing the Sabres can do. Unless they get some really sweet deals early, they may be setting themselves up.
So, Austin asks, "What does it all mean, Basil?"
It means that someone's not coming back next year. Whether it's Briere or Drury because they can't get them signed, or Vanek because they gave the captains too much money and can't afford to match an offer sheet, or some other roster player they have to move to make cap space, there will most likely be someone who just can't fit in.
* * * *
In other NHL Awards news, no one really came home a winner, but there were many Sabres who recieved votes. The following are the winners, and what Sabres received votes:
2006-2007 NHL ALL-STAR TEAM VOTING RESULTS
CENTER
Pts. (1st-2nd-3rd) Career All-Star Selections
1. SIDNEY CROSBY, PIT 683 (130-10-3) 1 First Team, 0 Second Team
2. Vincent Lecavalier, TB 292 (8-63-63) 0 First Team, 1 Second Team
5. Daniel Briere, BUF 5 (0-1-2)
7. Chris Drury, BUF 2 (0-0-2)
LEFT WING
Pts. (1st-2nd-3rd) Career All-Star Selections
1. ALEX OVECHKIN, WSH 479 (75-29-17) 2 First Team, 0 Second Team
2. Thomas Vanek, BUF 306 (26-47-35) 0 First Team, 1 Second Team
DEFENSE
Pts. (1st-2nd-3rd) Career All-Star Selections
1. NICKLAS LIDSTROM, DET 678 (130-8-4) 8 First Team, 0 Second Team
2. SCOTT NIEDERMAYER, ANA 622 (107-28-3) 3 First Team, 1 Second Team
3. Chris Pronger, ANA 407 (31-79-15)
4. Dan Boyle, T.B. 198 (6-46-30)
9. Brian Campbell, BUF 47 (0-10-17)
GOALTENDER
Pts. (1st-2nd-3rd) Career All-Star Selections
1. MARTIN BRODEUR, N.J. 607 (91-50-2) 3 First Team, 3 Second Team
2. Roberto Luongo, VAN 521 (52-86-3) 0 First Team, 2 Second Team
6. Ryan Miller, BUF 17 (0-0-17)
2006-2007 Hart Trophy Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th
1. Sidney Crosby, PIT 1225 (91-34-14-2-1)
11. Daniel Briere, BUF 33 (0-2-0-5-4)
13. Chris Drury, BUF 14 (0-0-1-2-3)
20. Ryan Miller, BUF 2 (0-0-0-0-2)
22. Thomas Vanek, BUF 1 (0-0-0-0-1)
2006-2007 Norris Trophy Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th
1. Nicklas Lidstrom, DET 1217 (87-44-5-4-2)
10. Brian Campbell, BUF 42 (0-0-3-4-15)
2006-2007 Vezina Trophy Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd
1. Martin Brodeur, N.J. 122 (16-14-0)
7. Ryan Miller, BUF 4 (0-0-4)
2006-2007 Jack Adams Award Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd
1. Alain Vigneault, VAN 134 (18-12-8)
2. Lindy Ruff, BUF 126 (11-18-17)
2006-2007 Calder Trophy Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th
1. Evgeni Malkin, PIT 1357 (120-21-2-0-0)
13. Drew Stafford, BUF 1 (0-0-0-0-1)
2006-2007 Lady Byng Trophy Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th
1. Pavel Datsyuk, DET 705 (38-26-18-15-8)
11. Chris Drury, BUF 105 (2-5-5-7-4)
17. Thomas Vanek, BUF 43 (2-1-1-3-2)
37. Daniel Briere, BUF 12 (0-1-0-1-2)
2006-2007 Frank Selke Trophy Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th
1. Rod Brind’Amour, CAR 420 (16-21-7-23-9)
4. Chris Drury, BUF 300 (18-6-9-10-3)
14. Thomas Vanek, BUF 77 (3-3-3-3-2)
17. Derek Roy, BUF 47 (2-2-1-2-2)
24. Jochen Hecht, BUF 11 (0-1-0-1-1)
37. Jason Pominville, BUF 7 (0-0-0-2-1)
In other NHL Awards news, no one really came home a winner, but there were many Sabres who recieved votes. The following are the winners, and what Sabres received votes:
2006-2007 NHL ALL-STAR TEAM VOTING RESULTS
CENTER
Pts. (1st-2nd-3rd) Career All-Star Selections
1. SIDNEY CROSBY, PIT 683 (130-10-3) 1 First Team, 0 Second Team
2. Vincent Lecavalier, TB 292 (8-63-63) 0 First Team, 1 Second Team
5. Daniel Briere, BUF 5 (0-1-2)
7. Chris Drury, BUF 2 (0-0-2)
LEFT WING
Pts. (1st-2nd-3rd) Career All-Star Selections
1. ALEX OVECHKIN, WSH 479 (75-29-17) 2 First Team, 0 Second Team
2. Thomas Vanek, BUF 306 (26-47-35) 0 First Team, 1 Second Team
DEFENSE
Pts. (1st-2nd-3rd) Career All-Star Selections
1. NICKLAS LIDSTROM, DET 678 (130-8-4) 8 First Team, 0 Second Team
2. SCOTT NIEDERMAYER, ANA 622 (107-28-3) 3 First Team, 1 Second Team
3. Chris Pronger, ANA 407 (31-79-15)
4. Dan Boyle, T.B. 198 (6-46-30)
9. Brian Campbell, BUF 47 (0-10-17)
GOALTENDER
Pts. (1st-2nd-3rd) Career All-Star Selections
1. MARTIN BRODEUR, N.J. 607 (91-50-2) 3 First Team, 3 Second Team
2. Roberto Luongo, VAN 521 (52-86-3) 0 First Team, 2 Second Team
6. Ryan Miller, BUF 17 (0-0-17)
2006-2007 Hart Trophy Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th
1. Sidney Crosby, PIT 1225 (91-34-14-2-1)
11. Daniel Briere, BUF 33 (0-2-0-5-4)
13. Chris Drury, BUF 14 (0-0-1-2-3)
20. Ryan Miller, BUF 2 (0-0-0-0-2)
22. Thomas Vanek, BUF 1 (0-0-0-0-1)
2006-2007 Norris Trophy Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th
1. Nicklas Lidstrom, DET 1217 (87-44-5-4-2)
10. Brian Campbell, BUF 42 (0-0-3-4-15)
2006-2007 Vezina Trophy Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd
1. Martin Brodeur, N.J. 122 (16-14-0)
7. Ryan Miller, BUF 4 (0-0-4)
2006-2007 Jack Adams Award Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd
1. Alain Vigneault, VAN 134 (18-12-8)
2. Lindy Ruff, BUF 126 (11-18-17)
2006-2007 Calder Trophy Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th
1. Evgeni Malkin, PIT 1357 (120-21-2-0-0)
13. Drew Stafford, BUF 1 (0-0-0-0-1)
2006-2007 Lady Byng Trophy Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th
1. Pavel Datsyuk, DET 705 (38-26-18-15-8)
11. Chris Drury, BUF 105 (2-5-5-7-4)
17. Thomas Vanek, BUF 43 (2-1-1-3-2)
37. Daniel Briere, BUF 12 (0-1-0-1-2)
2006-2007 Frank Selke Trophy Voting
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th
1. Rod Brind’Amour, CAR 420 (16-21-7-23-9)
4. Chris Drury, BUF 300 (18-6-9-10-3)
14. Thomas Vanek, BUF 77 (3-3-3-3-2)
17. Derek Roy, BUF 47 (2-2-1-2-2)
24. Jochen Hecht, BUF 11 (0-1-0-1-1)
37. Jason Pominville, BUF 7 (0-0-0-2-1)
Labels: chris drury, daniel briere, darcy regier, free agency, sabres, thomas vanek
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