Interesting tidbits in the N&O......

[SouthernHockeyChick]

http://newsobserver.com/hurricanes/story/2387983p-2225125c.html

The parts I found particularly interesting:
The one player the Canes couldn't trade away, Arturs Irbe, is due $5.2 million of Karmanos' money over the next two seasons even though he may not play a single game for Carolina.

No regrets there, either, Karmanos said.

"We're big boys. We made the deal," he said. "He didn't think it was that good a deal. He thought he had gotten screwed. Sometimes, you get a great deal and things really break that way. Sometimes, you don't."

Karmanos remains steadfast in his belief that Paul Maurice is the best coach for his team. In his conversations with Rutherford, he said replacing Maurice was never an option.

Maurice, Karmanos and Rutherford have been together for 19 years, since Maurice was a junior player and long before Maurice became the head coach of the Karmanos-owned Detroit Junior Red Wings in 1993.

"We both agree there isn't anybody who could have done much about what went on," Karmanos said. "Paul may tell you he made a few mistakes when we were over .500, but he's his toughest critic. You see those big, dark circles starting to form under his eyes, and that's when I usually pick up the phone and give Paul a call."



So Irbe thought he'd gotten screwed, huh? Interesting.
And, again, looks like we're all stuck with Mo whether we like it or not. I figured as much....but it was nice to hope.

And this:
While September 15, 2004, when the collective bargaining agreement expires, is still a season away, the threat of labor strife will have one tangible effect this summer. Karmanos all but ruled out any courting of Sergei Fedorov -- the Detroit center who Karmanos and Rutherford tried to sign as a restricted free agent in 1998.

Fedorov has yet to agree on a new contract with the Red Wings, and he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.

But without mentioning Fedorov by name, Karmanos said he isn't interested in any contracts going beyond the 2003-04 season. Only Rod Brind'Amour, Hedican, Aaron Ward and Irbe have contracts that extend beyond that now.

"I want to make sure if there's a significant change in the CBA that we haven't tied our hands going forward," Karmanos said. "We have to be pretty careful. For example, there's a star center who may become a free agent who wants a five- or six-year contract, a multimillion-dollar contract. As much as we'd like to, we're not going to do that."



Yay! No Fedorov!
Is he saying IF there's a star center.....or there IS one?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

http://newsobserver.com/hurricanes/story/2387983p-2225125c.html

The parts I found particularly interesting:
The one player the Canes couldn't trade away, Arturs Irbe, is due $5.2 million of Karmanos' money over the next two seasons even though he may not play a single game for Carolina.

No regrets there, either, Karmanos said.

"We're big boys. We made the deal," he said. "He didn't think it was that good a deal. He thought he had gotten screwed. Sometimes, you get a great deal and things really break that way. Sometimes, you don't."

Karmanos remains steadfast in his belief that Paul Maurice is the best coach for his team. In his conversations with Rutherford, he said replacing Maurice was never an option.

Maurice, Karmanos and Rutherford have been together for 19 years, since Maurice was a junior player and long before Maurice became the head coach of the Karmanos-owned Detroit Junior Red Wings in 1993.

"We both agree there isn't anybody who could have done much about what went on," Karmanos said. "Paul may tell you he made a few mistakes when we were over .500, but he's his toughest critic. You see those big, dark circles starting to form under his eyes, and that's when I usually pick up the phone and give Paul a call."



So Irbe thought he'd gotten screwed, huh? Interesting.
And, again, looks like we're all stuck with Mo whether we like it or not. I figured as much....but it was nice to hope.

And this:
While September 15, 2004, when the collective bargaining agreement expires, is still a season away, the threat of labor strife will have one tangible effect this summer. Karmanos all but ruled out any courting of Sergei Fedorov -- the Detroit center who Karmanos and Rutherford tried to sign as a restricted free agent in 1998.

Fedorov has yet to agree on a new contract with the Red Wings, and he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.

But without mentioning Fedorov by name, Karmanos said he isn't interested in any contracts going beyond the 2003-04 season. Only Rod Brind'Amour, Hedican, Aaron Ward and Irbe have contracts that extend beyond that now.

"I want to make sure if there's a significant change in the CBA that we haven't tied our hands going forward," Karmanos said. "We have to be pretty careful. For example, there's a star center who may become a free agent who wants a five- or six-year contract, a multimillion-dollar contract. As much as we'd like to, we're not going to do that."



Yay! No Fedorov!
Is he saying IF there's a star center.....or there IS one?

[MoBigRed]

So Irbe thought he'd gotten screwed, huh? Interesting.


Poor guy. I wish i could find an employer who would screw me in such a fashion. $5.2 million over 2 years. The humanity. He has my deepest sympathy. Yeah, right.


And, again, looks like we're all stuck with Mo whether we like it or not. I figured as much....but it was nice to hope.


Crap.


Yay! No Fedorov!
Is he saying IF there's a star center.....or there IS one?


I believe he's saying there is one. Either way, good for him. As awesome a player as Fedorov is, i really wouldn't want to see him on the Canes. Call me crazy.

[MoBigRed]

So Irbe thought he'd gotten screwed, huh? Interesting.


Poor guy. I wish i could find an employer who would screw me in such a fashion. $5.2 million over 2 years. The humanity. He has my deepest sympathy. Yeah, right.


And, again, looks like we're all stuck with Mo whether we like it or not. I figured as much....but it was nice to hope.


Crap.


Yay! No Fedorov!
Is he saying IF there's a star center.....or there IS one?


I believe he's saying there is one. Either way, good for him. As awesome a player as Fedorov is, i really wouldn't want to see him on the Canes. Call me crazy.

[talkingcanes]

I thought that if/is was confusing too. Fedorov is still an IF at this point since Detroit can't seem to offer him enough money. Wonder what Sergei thinks he's worth? Players who want multi-year, multi-million $ contracts may find themselves out of luck going into next season. Most teams won't be able to take on that expense with the possiblity of a lock out coming up in 2004.

It did sound like the Irbe problems may have started with an "insulting" cntract. Of course, that is Karmonos' take and the truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

[talkingcanes]

I thought that if/is was confusing too. Fedorov is still an IF at this point since Detroit can't seem to offer him enough money. Wonder what Sergei thinks he's worth? Players who want multi-year, multi-million $ contracts may find themselves out of luck going into next season. Most teams won't be able to take on that expense with the possiblity of a lock out coming up in 2004.

It did sound like the Irbe problems may have started with an "insulting" cntract. Of course, that is Karmonos' take and the truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

As awesome a player as Fedorov is, i really wouldn't want to see him on the Canes. Call me crazy.



I won't 'cause I agree....which probably means you are crazy. :crazy: Honestly I think he's a bit overrated. Though any scoring would help us right now I'm willing to bet we could find similar production elsewhere much, much cheaper.....and without the over-inflated ego. And come on, drop him in Mo's old system (if we keep it) and he'll rot like everyone else....'cept he'll be getting paid a lot more.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

As awesome a player as Fedorov is, i really wouldn't want to see him on the Canes. Call me crazy.



I won't 'cause I agree....which probably means you are crazy. :crazy: Honestly I think he's a bit overrated. Though any scoring would help us right now I'm willing to bet we could find similar production elsewhere much, much cheaper.....and without the over-inflated ego. And come on, drop him in Mo's old system (if we keep it) and he'll rot like everyone else....'cept he'll be getting paid a lot more.

[StormShaman]

*casts sidelong glances as Karmanos' comments about Irbe*

I smell a Primeau-ization in progress. Pardon me while I reach for the salt.

[StormShaman]

*casts sidelong glances as Karmanos' comments about Irbe*

I smell a Primeau-ization in progress. Pardon me while I reach for the salt.

[talkingcanes]

I don't think you're crazy either. I happen to think Detroit and Federov should probably stay together for the sake of ego. Other than Detroit, Dallas or Rangers, who could house (or pay) Federov's ego?

He's not right for this team for many reasons IMO.

[talkingcanes]

I don't think you're crazy either. I happen to think Detroit and Federov should probably stay together for the sake of ego. Other than Detroit, Dallas or Rangers, who could house (or pay) Federov's ego?

He's not right for this team for many reasons IMO.

[Jeff O Rocks]

It does sound like we stuck with Mo forever...since he seems to be a "butt buddy" with the folks in the big house!! :mad:

and I am glad we won't have to worry about Federov...he is too much into himself to fit in with the Canes..he is all about the paycheck... :sick:

[Jeff O Rocks]

It does sound like we stuck with Mo forever...since he seems to be a "butt buddy" with the folks in the big house!! :mad:

and I am glad we won't have to worry about Federov...he is too much into himself to fit in with the Canes..he is all about the paycheck... :sick:

[nccanes]

About the Karmanos comments about Irbe. They seemed benign to me, but maybe I'm just dumb. Is Primeau-ization the same thing as demonization?

I pretty much agree with what PK said.

[nccanes]

About the Karmanos comments about Irbe. They seemed benign to me, but maybe I'm just dumb. Is Primeau-ization the same thing as demonization?

I pretty much agree with what PK said.

[Stormbringer]

My two cents...

Coach Mo: No surprise that he is staying, and unlike quite a few, I don't care. As a matter of fact, I find myself agreeing that he is currently the best coach for the team because the team gets along with him for the most part. I can only recall one complaint about Mo from a Cane this entire season, and that was when they caught O in a sour mood AND tired as hell right after a practice.

Fedorov: DEFINITELY am glad to hear that he more than likely won't come here. The Canes can never afford his paycheck OR his attitude, and certainly don't want to risk such expenses.

[Stormbringer]

My two cents...

Coach Mo: No surprise that he is staying, and unlike quite a few, I don't care. As a matter of fact, I find myself agreeing that he is currently the best coach for the team because the team gets along with him for the most part. I can only recall one complaint about Mo from a Cane this entire season, and that was when they caught O in a sour mood AND tired as hell right after a practice.

Fedorov: DEFINITELY am glad to hear that he more than likely won't come here. The Canes can never afford his paycheck OR his attitude, and certainly don't want to risk such expenses.

[Shell]

Wonder what Sergei thinks he's worth?

It appears unlikely a deal will get done with potential unrestricted free agent Sergei Fedorov before the start of the playoffs, when general manager Ken Holland declines to negotiate. "I talk to my agent maybe once or twice a week, and nothing is happening right now," Fedorov said. "I'd like to get it done, but if something does not happen, I'll still feel fine. Loyalties are there. I don't see myself anywhere else." Holland offered $50 million over five years before Fedorov changed agents in January, and $10 million annually remains the starting point. Fedorov, however, said, "It's not so much money this time. It's more how many years -- hopefully five or six."

umm, sounds like he should have taken the 50 over 5 then? :roll:

[Shell]

Wonder what Sergei thinks he's worth?

It appears unlikely a deal will get done with potential unrestricted free agent Sergei Fedorov before the start of the playoffs, when general manager Ken Holland declines to negotiate. "I talk to my agent maybe once or twice a week, and nothing is happening right now," Fedorov said. "I'd like to get it done, but if something does not happen, I'll still feel fine. Loyalties are there. I don't see myself anywhere else." Holland offered $50 million over five years before Fedorov changed agents in January, and $10 million annually remains the starting point. Fedorov, however, said, "It's not so much money this time. It's more how many years -- hopefully five or six."

umm, sounds like he should have taken the 50 over 5 then? :roll:

[Lady J]

Ahhh, I don't think Feds is so bad. I mean, a frightening majority of NHL players have an ego to feed, so I don't think he's any better or worse, to be honest. It may be all about the money, but I think it's that way for most of the players to some degree.

As to Carolina,I feel dubious at the moment, but I'll reserve judgment on the coaching until we get our old players back from IR and into the line-up next season, and see how they look then.

[Lady J]

Ahhh, I don't think Feds is so bad. I mean, a frightening majority of NHL players have an ego to feed, so I don't think he's any better or worse, to be honest. It may be all about the money, but I think it's that way for most of the players to some degree.

As to Carolina,I feel dubious at the moment, but I'll reserve judgment on the coaching until we get our old players back from IR and into the line-up next season, and see how they look then.

[StormShaman]

About the Karmanos comments about Irbe. They seemed benign to me, but maybe I'm just dumb. Is Primeau-ization the same thing as demonization?

Pretty much.

I mean, I'm not at all thrilled with some of the things that Archie has said and done this season--but at the same time, there's no reason at all for Karmanos to have added more poison to the well by saying that stuff (especially since Archie has--to my knowledge--only said that he wants to be played or traded and that he's not willing to take a pay cut at this time).

It's like the Primeau Situation--there was fault on both sides in that whole tawdry affair, but Keith Primeau was made by manglement to look like the Axis of Evil (and Keith didn't do himself any favors by being dragged into a war of words, either).

I just hope Archie decides to take the high road and not respond, because I'd hate to see the fans turn ugly on him they way they have with Primeau.

[StormShaman]

About the Karmanos comments about Irbe. They seemed benign to me, but maybe I'm just dumb. Is Primeau-ization the same thing as demonization?

Pretty much.

I mean, I'm not at all thrilled with some of the things that Archie has said and done this season--but at the same time, there's no reason at all for Karmanos to have added more poison to the well by saying that stuff (especially since Archie has--to my knowledge--only said that he wants to be played or traded and that he's not willing to take a pay cut at this time).

It's like the Primeau Situation--there was fault on both sides in that whole tawdry affair, but Keith Primeau was made by manglement to look like the Axis of Evil (and Keith didn't do himself any favors by being dragged into a war of words, either).

I just hope Archie decides to take the high road and not respond, because I'd hate to see the fans turn ugly on him they way they have with Primeau.

[nccanes]

Oh well. I guess I just don't see it that way. Perhaps my tolerance for comments to the media is pretty high. Reading Archie's comments to a Latvian journalist didn't freak me out like it did some people and reading these didn't bother me either. If PK had said "see, Archie was pissed off at his offer and we are still the ones getting screwed", then I might feel differently I suppose. I mean, it became pretty clear how they felt about his play when they put him on waivers.

I'm glad we got to hear some comments from PK on these topics, it's something we rarely get. No surprise that he was asked about the Irbe situation and I prefer to hear the response rather than a bs or no comment-like answer. :)

[nccanes]

Oh well. I guess I just don't see it that way. Perhaps my tolerance for comments to the media is pretty high. Reading Archie's comments to a Latvian journalist didn't freak me out like it did some people and reading these didn't bother me either. If PK had said "see, Archie was pissed off at his offer and we are still the ones getting screwed", then I might feel differently I suppose. I mean, it became pretty clear how they felt about his play when they put him on waivers.

I'm glad we got to hear some comments from PK on these topics, it's something we rarely get. No surprise that he was asked about the Irbe situation and I prefer to hear the response rather than a bs or no comment-like answer. :)

[guinevere]

Just to put my meanlingless two cents here regarding the Archie comment...
in hindsite- yeah it does look rather bad that Archie was less than happy with his contract but looking at a golatender who basically took you to the finals of the Stanley cup (no slam to the contribution by Weekes) was the most winning goaltender in your francise history and got through the playoffs wiht less than 2.0 GAA... 2.5 mil a year really wasn't in line with what other goaltenders of that level were making. Who was to know what was going to happen later .. regardless of what contributed to it.. which is a whoooooollllllle other post....

Guin

[guinevere]

Just to put my meanlingless two cents here regarding the Archie comment...
in hindsite- yeah it does look rather bad that Archie was less than happy with his contract but looking at a golatender who basically took you to the finals of the Stanley cup (no slam to the contribution by Weekes) was the most winning goaltender in your francise history and got through the playoffs wiht less than 2.0 GAA... 2.5 mil a year really wasn't in line with what other goaltenders of that level were making. Who was to know what was going to happen later .. regardless of what contributed to it.. which is a whoooooollllllle other post....

Guin

[talkingcanes]

I am glad PK answers questions honestly, but there are reasons why he owns a software company and a hockey team and is not a diplomat ;)

I also think any other kind of answer would have been recognized as obviously not truthful based on what has happened with the team and Archie. I also hope things work out well for both sides. Archie has done too much for this team for him to ever be treated by fans the way Primeau is when he comes to town. I can't stand Primeau myself, but booing his every breath is a waste of time and energy.

[talkingcanes]

I am glad PK answers questions honestly, but there are reasons why he owns a software company and a hockey team and is not a diplomat ;)

I also think any other kind of answer would have been recognized as obviously not truthful based on what has happened with the team and Archie. I also hope things work out well for both sides. Archie has done too much for this team for him to ever be treated by fans the way Primeau is when he comes to town. I can't stand Primeau myself, but booing his every breath is a waste of time and energy.

[nccanes]

Just to put my meanlingless two cents here regarding the Archie comment...
in hindsite- yeah it does look rather bad that Archie was less than happy with his contract but looking at a golatender who basically took you to the finals of the Stanley cup (no slam to the contribution by Weekes) was the most winning goaltender in your francise history and got through the playoffs wiht less than 2.0 GAA... 2.5 mil a year really wasn't in line with what other goaltenders of that level were making. Who was to know what was going to happen later .. regardless of what contributed to it.. which is a whoooooollllllle other post....

Guin

I agree completely Guin. I think PK was acknowledging that contract negotiations are tricky indeed. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you don't:

"Sometimes, you get a great deal and things really break that way. Sometimes, you don't."

I think his statement applies to both sides of the negotiations here - player and team.

[nccanes]

Just to put my meanlingless two cents here regarding the Archie comment...
in hindsite- yeah it does look rather bad that Archie was less than happy with his contract but looking at a golatender who basically took you to the finals of the Stanley cup (no slam to the contribution by Weekes) was the most winning goaltender in your francise history and got through the playoffs wiht less than 2.0 GAA... 2.5 mil a year really wasn't in line with what other goaltenders of that level were making. Who was to know what was going to happen later .. regardless of what contributed to it.. which is a whoooooollllllle other post....

Guin

I agree completely Guin. I think PK was acknowledging that contract negotiations are tricky indeed. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you don't:

"Sometimes, you get a great deal and things really break that way. Sometimes, you don't."

I think his statement applies to both sides of the negotiations here - player and team.