GM Francois Giguere (in a refreshingly frank interview) told us yesterday that four of our UFAs would likely be moving on today. And, in a span of less than two hours, they did just that.
First up, around 2:15 eastern time, was Andrew Brunette. It was clear that Bruno would be leaving this summer, and there was talk that he’d be going back to Minnesota. Sure enough, he signed a 3-year, $7 million contract with the Wild. $2.33 million per year is less than the $3 million+ I thought Bruno might land on the open market and, honestly, I would have really loved to see Bruno stay. But, it was clear that one (or both) parties was not interested in continuing the relationship and now Brunette is gone. Of the four losses today, this is the one I am the most upset about.
About 45 minutes later, Kurt Sauer signed a 4-year deal with the Coyotes for $1.75 million per year. That’s about where I was thinking. With the core group we had, this wasn’t much of a shock. Sauer wasn’t going to stick around as a 7th defenseman. I’m glad to see him get a chance to play in Phoenix.
And then, just minutes later, the big news of the day: Jose Theodore was headed to Washington. Theodore signed a 2-year deal at $4.5 million a year. I’m happy to see him get a nice deal, but I’m even happier that it won’t be the Avs paying that salary.
Finally, around 3:45 eastern time, news hit that Jeff Finger had been signed by the Leafs. We had known that Giguere wanted to re-sign Finger, but that he, like Sauer, wanted a chance to play. So, Finger moves on and what a nice little signing by the Leafs…wait a minute…he’s going to be making how much? $3.5 million dollars a year? Wow. I like Jeff Finger and think he’ll be missed by the Avs. Most of all, though, I look forward to seeing him back with Colorado in two years when the Leafs buy him out.
mid day today I got completely stoned by Websense here at work and I can no longer go to Jibble, Mile High hockey or any blogspot site. Yeesh. What a day to get carpet bombed by the admins.
Anyway, I think Finger has a ton of potential but that’s a lot of money. I hope he goes in to Toronto and earns every penny. I’m really happy to see Theo go and with the signing of Rycroft it’s clear that Budaj is now the defacto # 1. Budaj has never, ever had a starting job with no one waiting over his shoulder. Going way back to the Hershey Bears he was the “other” prospect behind Sauve. Then Abby gets traded, he carries the team in to the playoffs and steps aside for Theo. I hope Budaj responds well.
I’ve got mixed feelings on Tucker. With Ledin, Tucker, Guite and Lappy you got a lot of gritty guys on the 4th. That’s not a lot of room for the McCodys. Bruno wasn’t worth Tucker money? I’m curious as to what Bruno did to basically get run out of town.
Wow Brian Campbell gets over 7 million for EIGHT years. EIGHT YEARS!! Not that I’m counting but Campbell had eight goals last year, the same number as Jeff Finger. Does that make Finger a bargin? Damn, Liles is looking like a steal at this point. Holy cow.
Campbell’s contract is unbelievable.
Campbell’s an assist machine, but that’s about it. Even his +/- isn’t out of this world. He certainly isn’t Lidstrom. Seems way over paid to me for sure.
He’s an assist machine, but he’s also not very good in his own end. I think Liles’ deal looks better and better as FA goes on…