Wings offer Federov $40mil [Archive]

crazy4canes

05-20-2003, 10:41 AM

From tsn.ca

Report: Wings offer Fedorov $40-million

TSN.ca Staff

5/20/2003

The Detroit Red Wings and forward Sergei Fedorov are reportedly close to signing a new deal said to be worth $40-million over the next four years.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland would not comment on the report but Fedorov's agent Pat Brisson says he's optimistic a deal can be reached before the July 1 free agency deadline.

"We aren't close, but we aren't far apart, either," Brisson tells the Detroit Free Press. "It's like if we were going from Los Angeles to Paris. We aren't in New York. We're somewhere over the ocean."

Sources tell the newspaper that Brisson is looking for a longer term deal and that incentives and option years have yet to be finalized.

"There's still a lot of time left, and Sergei likes it there," said Brisson. "It's not like he's leveraging to leave. He's spent 13 years there."

Fedorov turned down a five year, $50-million offer during the regular season.

The current offer would put Fedorov inline with defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom, who is the highest paid player on the Red Wings at $10.5-million a season.

Jeff O Rocks

05-20-2003, 11:50 AM

Dang...do they have money to burn or what???? :eek2: He didn't even have a good season!! :eek:

folgersnyourcup

05-20-2003, 11:53 AM

Yeah, that's just insane. Whatever. Here's hoping silently for another postseason burn-out.... Imagine if all of these players were spread out evenly over the other NHL teams! I'm thinking Fedorov to Colombus and Hull back to the Flames. Ah well, I guess the Wings will always be the Wings.

Jeff O Rocks

05-20-2003, 11:54 AM

I know the "old timers" look at these salaries and go into shock!! :eek2: :eek: I wonder what Hull Sr. and Orr think of this???

Caniac

05-20-2003, 12:13 PM

Good lord he's not worth that kind of money. but then I'd argue that no one is...

talkingcanes

05-20-2003, 01:07 PM

how is 4 years at $40 million different from 5 years at $50 million which wasn't enough? It IS $10 million a year either way. Thought the problem with the initial offer was that he wanted a longer contract. Sergei appears to have some problems with math :roll:

Jeff O Rocks

05-20-2003, 01:09 PM

Turbulence

05-20-2003, 02:19 PM

crazy4canes

05-20-2003, 02:29 PM

Is he really that good? I'd almost rather have Fedor Federov...
Anywho, this is only an offer. Will he take it? I would find it hard to believe that any other team would or could offer that kind of money...

I don't think he's worth it. But if they have money to spend, they can have at it. I'm not sure money will be the biggest obstacle with other teams. He's also asking for a multi-year contract. That's quite an investment considering his production could drop off next year or the year after. Then they're stuck. Unless of course, he has to have a certain number of goals to get that money......

Jeff O Rocks

05-20-2003, 02:30 PM

I think I might be able to live off of $10 mil a year...

Is he really that good? I'd almost rather have Fedor Federov...
Anywho, this is only an offer. Will he take it? I would find it hard to believe that any other team would or could offer that kind of money...

Me too Turby!! I don't think he was that good..he had a bad enough season where they pretty much "benched" him for a time..I can't imagine ANY team paying anything near that for him!!

drwFischerFan2

05-20-2003, 05:43 PM

He's definately not worth 10 million. Maybe 8 mil at the most but not 10. He's the type of person that plays well when he wants to, and only then. He was completly invisible in the playoffs. And he is nowhere near worth the same amount of money as Nicklas Lidstrom, who makes 10.5 million.

Shell

06-19-2003, 09:05 AM

Wings shouldn't offer Fedorov a penny more
June 19, 2003
BY MICHAEL ROSENBERG
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST

Is Sergei Fedorov worth $10 million a year? Is he worth more than $10 million a year?

Maybe -- today. But not in two years.

Twelve days from now, unless somebody blinks, Fedorov will no longer be a Red Wing. He will be a free agent, allowed to sign with anybody -- including, but not limited to, the Wings.

The Wings have offered Fedorov a four-year, $40-million deal, after originally offering a five-year, $50-million deal. Maybe Fedorov and agent Pat Brisson think he can get a better deal somewhere else. (I have no idea where, but maybe they know something I don't.)

Should the Red Wings budge?

No.

Here's the problem: A year from now, the NHL will shut down. A labor dispute could wipe out the entire 2004-05 season. The league wants a radically altered economic structure, and so many teams are losing money that they will likely get it.

Let's take a brief class in economics. (Don't worry. It won't be hard. I'm teaching, for Pete's sake.)

The Wings' payroll this season was approximately $65 million. The median NHL payroll was around $40 million, and most teams say they can't even afford to spend that.

When the NHL shuts down next September, the league will do everything it can to keep teams from spending $65 million. The NHL wants competitive balance, or at least competitive payrolls -- no more $30 million disparities.

To keep teams like the Wings from spending so much, the next labor agreement could feature a dollar-for-dollar luxury tax on payrolls above, say, $50 million. In other words, a $52 million payroll would require a luxury-tax payment of $2 million.

The Wings' $65 million payroll would really cost $80 million, so the Wings would likely cut payroll severely, maybe all the way down to $50 million. (I'm guessing on the numbers and speculating on the response, but these are reasonable guesses.)

Now, if you have a $50 million payroll, or even if you have a $55 million payroll, do you want $10 million of it going to Sergei Fedorov?

In December, Fedorov will turn 34. The following December, unless my math is off, he will turn 35. If he signs a five-year deal, he will be 38 when it expires. Who knows how good he'll be then?

It's a risk. And that's if Fedorov accepts the offer on the table right now, which he hasn't done.

On a personal level, I think it would be wonderful if the Wings re-signed Sergei. The man is a walking news generator. Think of all the stories he's created over the years: Sergei And Anna Forever; Sergei And Anna No More; Sergei And Anna Again; Sergei Isn't Playing Hard Enough; Sergei Wants More Ice Time; Sergei's Dad Tells Russian Newspaper the Red Wings Can Eat His Shoes.

Without Sergei, what will we write about during the 47-month NHL season? The NHL season is like a Joyce novel -- it starts and ends in mid-sentence, creating a never-ending cycle. The New Jersey Devils just won the Stanley Cup, and do you know where they took it first? Training camp.

So yeah, it would be fun to have Sergei Fedorov around. But the Wings' goal is to win the Stanley Cup, not entertain people like me.

Amazingly, the Wings are in a position where re-signing their leading scorer might hinder their chances of winning the Stanley Cup. The price might be too high to make sense.

The Wings know their world will change next year, but they don't know exactly how. They have tried to prepare for it by structuring some of their biggest contracts to expire after next season. But they couldn't do that with Fedorov.

Now the Red Wings are 12 days away from possibly losing their leading scorer. Maybe you can hold your breath for 12 days. Can the team hold its breath for five years?

nccanes

06-19-2003, 09:17 AM

Great article Shell! It should be interesting how that ends up. :eek:

Jeff O Rocks

06-19-2003, 09:34 AM

Is Sergei Fedorov worth $10 million a year? Is he worth more than $10 million a year?

For someone that was benched for a few games this season for not playing well...my answer would be NO!! :roll: But then again I would be hard pressed to name any pro athlete in any sport that deserved that kind of money.

drwFischerFan2

06-19-2003, 10:39 AM

For someone that was benched for a few games this season for not playing well...my answer would be NO!! :roll: But then again I would be hard pressed to name any pro athlete in any sport that deserved that kind of money.

I agree. He was actually never benched, although at one point his ice time was decreased and then he whined and cried to the media, but that's really besides the point. The fact that no athlete is worth $10 million a season, let alone someone who doesn't show up unless he feels like. The highest paid player on the Wings is Nicklas Lidstrom. Now I can somewhat justify the fact that he makes $10 million a season since he is a phenomenal player that plays to his potential. Fedorov on the other hand, isn't even in that category. But like the article said, no other team is going to want his salary.

SouthernHockeyChick

06-19-2003, 10:57 AM

I think the Wings ought to leave him out in the cold on his ass. Let him turn down the $10 mill per year, go free agent and hope no one tops the offer. Then lower their offer to him so he either takes a reasonable amount of money or sits around on his tushie (I have no idea how contract talks work so that may not even be possible). It will never happen but wouldn't it be nice if owners had the balls to do this to the overly-large egos? I guess if they did the league wouldn't be in the mess it currently is in.

I think Sergei is over-estimating his market value. But then.....I'm usually wrong about these things. There is always some moron willing to fork out the cash. :roll:

Stormbringer

06-19-2003, 11:14 AM

I think Sergei is over-estimating his market value. But then.....I'm usually wrong about these things. There is always some moron willing to fork out the cash. :roll:

If the Red Wings don't sign Feds, I'm very willing to bet that the Rangers will have no problem matching his price...figures. Feds is the type those nuts wholeheartedly go after. :roll:

Shell

06-20-2003, 02:06 PM

Red Wings free agent C Fedorov walks away from car crash
June 20, 2003

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) - Detroit Red Wings free agent center Sergei Fedorov, a former Hart Trophy winner as the NHL's most valuable player, reportedly has been involved in a car accident.

WDFN radio in Detroit reported Friday that Fedorov walked away from the crash but did not know the severity of it or when it took place.

The team was unavailable for comment. A spokesman from the Bloomfield Hills Police Department said early Friday afternoon that no information was available but a press release was expected later in the day.

Any crash comes at a bad time, especially when you're an unrestricted free agent like Fedorov, who reportedly has turned down a four-year, $40 million offer from the only team for which he has played.

Car wrecks also are especially frightening to the Red Wings. On June 13, 1997, defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov and a team masseur were seriously injured in a limousine accident. The crash ended Kontantinov's career.

A 33-year-old Russian who briefly was married to tennis beauty Anna Kournikova, Fedorov had 36 goals - his highest total in six years - and 47 assists in 80 games last season to lead the team in scoring.

Fedorov has helped the Wings to three Stanley Cup titles in his 13 NHL seasons, totaling 400 goals and 554 assists in 908 games. He won the Hart Trophy in 1994 after recording career highs of 56 goals and 64 assists with a plus-48 rating.

Jeff O Rocks

06-20-2003, 02:34 PM

He ain't one of my favorite people, but I am glad he is ok... :roll:

Shell

06-20-2003, 02:36 PM

yep, me too Mona.. I don't think his Ferarri is though.. he may need $12 million a year now :roll:

Shell

06-20-2003, 02:44 PM

doubt many in Detroit will feel too badly for him either since the following article was in this mornings paper:

Fedorov: I'm unemployed

Angered by contract stalemate, Wings center prepares for a future with another team
By Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

DETROIT -- With contract talks at a stalemate, Red Wings center Sergei Fedorov is preparing to play for another team.

"It would be sad for me (to leave Detroit), it would be very tough," said Fedorov, who after 13 seasons in Detroit can become an unrestricted free-agent July 1. "I'm a hockey player. It's what I do. I don't want to leave Detroit. But it's a business."

Fedorov and his agent, Pat Brisson, are unhappy with the Wings' four-year, $40 million offer. Fedorov is seeking a five-year deal for more than $50 million. Wings General Manager Ken Holland has said the cash-strapped team isn't prepared to offer more money.

"I'm disappointed and angry, but it's the way hockey is now, it's a business," the 33-year-old Fedorov said.

"This is the last contract of my career. I just want to play hockey. Right now, I'm an unemployed hockey player with no contract."

Fedorov is facing an uncertain free-agent market. Most teams claim they are losing money. The Wings are holding the line on payroll after being ousted in the first round of the playoffs and losing expected playoff revenue. Also, the NHL is in the final year of its collective bargaining agreement with the players, and most experts believe there will be a lengthy strike or lockout after next season.

"The CBA (bargaining agreement) is everything right now," Fedorov said. "It's going to make it very tough for the players and the teams. I'm sure it's making it very tough for Kenny (Holland)."

Brisson said Thursday that he hasn't spoken to Holland in two weeks.

"I find that curious, being Sergei is such a valuable asset," Brisson said.

One team that could afford Fedorov is the free-spending New York Rangers, who repeatedly have said they want to cut salaries this off-season. Among teams that might be interested in Fedorov are Toronto, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

Holland has said that if the Wings lose Fedorov, they will work aggressively to replace him. They would use the money they would have given Fedorov to lure free-agent defenseman Derian Hatcher from Dallas. Hatcher, from Sterling Heights, would give the Wings the physical presence they have been lacking on defense.

The team also would try to sign either Vaclav Prospal (Tampa Bay) or Todd Marchant (Edmonton), both free-agent centers.

Fedorov, centers Steve Yzerman and Igor Larionov, and forward Darren McCarty all can become unrestricted free agents July 1. It's unlikely all will return under the Wings' present salary constraints.

"It's too bad," Fedorov said. "This team has been like a family."

Brisson took exception to reports that Fedorov declined the Wings' original five-year offer worth $50 million.

Fedorov was in the midst of a divorce from Anna Kournikova, Brisson said, and was terminating his relationship with previous agents Mike Liut and Brian Lawton.

Brisson said Fedorov simply wanted more time to think about the offer, while also finding new representation.

"It's disappointing that Sergei is being portrayed as a greedy athlete by some, when that's not true at all," Brisson said.

Fedorov held out for most of the 1997-98 season because of another contract stalemate, before returning to play 21 games and helping the Wings to a second consecutive Stanley Cup. Fedorov believes those negotiations were hampered because the league had a shortened the 1995 season when its collective bargaining agreement expired without a settlement.

"This is kind of the same thing," Fedorov said. "The owners around the league are making it very difficult. It's not an easy time."

Fedorov even hinted he, and some other elite free-agent players, might be forced to retire because of the league's effort to cut down salaries.

"I've thought about it (retirement)," Fedorov said. "You just never know what's going to happen."

drwFischerFan2

06-20-2003, 02:48 PM

Can he be a little more dramatic? :roll:
Because $10 million a year is so difficult to live on. Honestly, he makes me so sick. :sick:

Jeff O Rocks

06-20-2003, 02:59 PM

Can he be a little more dramatic? :roll:
Because $10 million a year is so difficult to live on. Honestly, he makes me so sick. :sick:

Ain't that the truth??? Let him live on what I make a year!! :mad:

moonstomper

06-20-2003, 03:09 PM

not tryong to make light of anything, but what is it with Red Wings and car accidents?

Fedorov crashes Ferrari into a tree

Sports Ticker

6/20/2003

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) - Detroit Red Wings free
agent center Sergei Fedorov, a former Hart Trophy winner as the NHL's most valuable player, drove his red Ferrari into a tree early Friday morning but was not believed to be injured.

According to the Bloomfield Hills Police Department, Fedorov's car struck a tree adjacent to Woodward Avenue just north of Bloomfield Parkway in the Detroit suburb.

Fedorov was in the car with Vladimire Mirkovich, believed to be a friend. There was no report of injuries or indication that alcohol was involved, police said.

The team was unavailable for comment.

It could have been much worse for Fedorov, who reportedly turned down a four-year, $40 million offer from the only team for which he has played. He is free to sign with any club.

Car wrecks also are especially frightening to the Red Wings. On June 13, 1997, defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov and a team masseur were seriously injured in a limousine accident. The crash ended Kontantinov's career.

Earlier this year, top prospect Igor Grigorenko was severly injured in a one-car crash in Russia.

A 33-year-old Russian who briefly was married to tennis beauty Anna Kournikova, Fedorov had 36 goals - his highest total in six years - and 47 assists in 80 games last season to lead the team in scoring.

Fedorov has helped the Wings to three Stanley Cup titles in his 13 NHL seasons, totaling 400 goals and 554 assists in 908 games. He won the Hart Trophy in 1994 after recording career highs of 56 goals and 64 assists with a plus-48 rating

drwFischerFan2

06-20-2003, 03:14 PM

Exactly. There are people with families that don't make $1 million a year let alone $10 million, that live financially comfortable lives. He's not married, he has no kids but still can't live on $10 million a year.
I am really glad that the Wings organization is finally standing ground, and basically saying take it or leave it. And for once not giving into his whiny, spoiled little rich kid antics.

Shell

06-20-2003, 03:19 PM

no kidding! I like the big byline sportsnet.ca has: "You'd be upset too if your boss was 'only' offering you $40 million over four years."

talkingcanes

06-20-2003, 03:23 PM

no kidding! I like the big byline sportsnet.ca has: "You'd be upset too if your boss was 'only' offering you $40 million over four years."

I think if I were Sergei and tried really, really hard I could get over that insult :D :roll:

Shell

06-23-2003, 02:42 PM

He really is so silly.. you love it there, you love the team, you love playing.. yet you are gonna sit if you don't make $10 million plus a year??? frickin ass! He and I think of "simple guy" in different terms I suppose :roll:

Fedorov torn over contract
June 21, 2003
BY HELENE ST. JAMES
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

Sergei Fedorov doesn't mope. He is approaching unemployment, but Friday evening he flew to Los Angeles, first class, of course, to spend a few days hanging out with two old friends.

The night before he threw his mother a big birthday bash, and a month ago he shelled out $650,000 for a Ferrari Enzo. Later this month he plans to leave for Europe, going first to Spain for a vacation and then on to his homeland, Russia.

While he is gone, other men will decide his future. Fedorov's contract with the only NHL team for which he has ever played, the Red Wings, expires at midnight June 30. The next day Fedorov, 33, likely will wake up as an unrestricted free agent.

"I've always said I want to stay here because I live here for 13 years and I play my best hockey here and I love it here," Fedorov said Friday. "But in order to stay here, it comes back to the business side."

The business side isn't always pleasant. This week general manager Ken Holland said that "it certainly appears that we're going to July 1."

The Wings made a five-year, $50-million offer, reduced it to $40 million over four years, then this week withdrew the latter offer after Holland said it provoked little discussion.

Communication isn't at a standstill, though; Holland and Fedorov's agent, Pat Brisson, spoke for an hour and a half Thursday night as Fedorov celebrated his mother's 65th birthday by taking her for a whirl on the dance floor.

"Unless you just give people what they want, they are going to be unhappy," Holland said. "Sergei is one of the most talented players in the world, and I am going to see if I can work out a deal with him. But we've got a new collective bargaining agreement coming in 15 months and nobody knows what the world is going to be. I want to have flexibility.

"I am confident that the team we ice in October is going to be a team that is by Red Wings standard a Red Wings team."

That team has included Fedorov for so many years that neither side is eager to part. Six years ago, when Fedorov's last contract expired, it took nine months, two continents and a rogue offer from the Carolina Hurricanes to get him back in a Wings uniform.

The Wings started working on this deal with him in November. Owner Mike Ilitch personally has talked about a new contract with Fedorov, and Fedorov described the Ilitches as "being like family to me. We've talked about everything."

Fedorov describes himself as a free spirit, but he is also a practical person. He knows not many teams can afford the five- to six-year deal he desires. The New York Rangers, maybe. Toronto, perhaps. Colorado, should Peter Forsberg return to Sweden. The Wings, he hopes.

"My thinking is, I might not be playing still in October, November," Fedorov said.
He paused for a few seconds, and then continued.

"At some point, we will all look at reality and say, 'This is what we have to live with.' I'm a simple guy. I didn't change much since I become famous. I like what I like, and so far, it's been Detroit."

Fedorov has lived in the area ever since he defected at age 21. He owns two houses here. His mother, father and brother live here. He has friends and fans here. He bought the yellow Enzo from the Ferrari dealership in West Bloomfield, and at the request of the dealership, he sometimes leaves it there on display. Only 399 of the cars exist.

"People come by and take pictures," Fedorov said. "I like to share it with everybody."

He gets along well with his teammates. Before they broke up for the summer following the first-round playoff loss to Anaheim, Brendan Shanahan pulled him aside and told him to please stay. So did Chris Chelios.

He likes his captain, Steve Yzerman. Back when Fedorov was married to Anna Kournikova -- the two were divorced in December -- he and Kournikova used to visit the Yzermans.

"He is a pretty funny guy and a great leader," Fedorov said. "That's not BS. I did not ever have one problem with him. We've worked so hard together for so many years. I always like him. Always."

He likes where he lives, in Bloomfield Hills, so much that even if he ends up playing elsewhere, he said he'll live here when he can.

"If I ever have a family, I want to raise them here," Fedorov said. "Schools here are very good; there are sports opportunities. I love lakes, nature. No question, I want to stay. Am I upset we don't have a deal yet? No. Just disappointed."

drwFischerFan2

06-23-2003, 06:15 PM

Fedorov just needs to keep his mouth shut. Every other article he contradicts himself. I hope the door doesn't hit him on the way out.

Jeff O Rocks

06-23-2003, 10:37 PM

Poor Sergei...if he doesn't get the money he is asking for..what will he do??? Maybe we should take up a collection for him....I can send him some of those tuna kits so he doesn't starve.... :mad:

I agree Fisherfan2... :mad:

Shell

06-30-2003, 08:25 AM

Mon, June 30, 2003
Tough times in Hockeytown
By AL STRACHAN, Toronto Sun

With the Detroit Red Wings in disarray and facing a number of key personnel decisions, only a last-minute reprieve by owner Mike Ilitch can keep Sergei Fedorov in the organization. At the beginning of the season, the Wings offered Fedorov a four-year deal at $10 million US annually.

But at the time, Fedorov was miffed at his agent and didn't want him to get the commission from such a large contract. By the time the new agent, Pat Brisson, arrived on the scene Fedorov had decided he was worth $12 million a year.

The longer the haggling continued, the more the Wings management team became convinced that Fedorov was not worth the money.

In fact, they went even further. They decided that they no longer wanted him in their organization.

Fedorov has long been a problem child for the Wings. On occasions, he plays brilliantly. On others he's invisible.

In the 1999 playoffs, goaltender Chris Osgood spoke out about Fedorov's lackadaisical play. At other times, his teammates have tried to provide him with an excuse by hinting that he was injured.

It was standard knowledge around Detroit that if the Wings wanted Fedorov to play well, they had to find a way to get Anna Kournikova, later Fedorov's wife, into the building.

But because he can be such a superb player when he applies himself, the Wings never wanted to let Fedorov go. Even when the Carolina Hurricanes gave him a $22-million offer sheet in February 1998, the Wings decided to match it.

FAILINGS

They knew Fedorov's failings. He's often late for practices. His discipline is so lacking that he can't be trusted on key penalty-killing situations. His father interferes and is a distraction.

And when your highest-paid player has flaws of that nature, he creates problems throughout the entire team. When players get together, they say to each other, "What's going on here? I'm giving everything I've got, but they're paying this guy a hell of a lot more than they're paying me. It's not right. The coaches want me to work hard in games and practices, but why should I? Sergei doesn't."

Despite all this, the discussions regarding Fedorov's contracts invariably boiled down to one crucial question: If we let him go, how are we going to find a replacement?

Now, with the current economic climate in the NHL, times have changed. A replacement won't be hard to find. Almost every elite player in the league is available if you're willing to assume his salary.

It could be Jaromir Jagr. It could be Bill Guerin. It could be Doug Weight.

If the Wings want to divert the money they would have paid Fedorov to another high-quality forward, the acquisition of that forward won't be at all difficult.

But do the Wings have the financial commitment? And if so, how do they want to spend? Those are among the decisions that Ilitch will pass along to management today.

Because public opinion demands that they exercise the option on Dominik Hasek, they're facing the prospect of having a $16-million expense for goaltending.

They've offered the incumbent, Curtis Joseph, to every team in the league, but while many would like to have his services, not one wants his contract.

So now, the Wings must decide how much of it they will eat. They certainly can move Joseph if they pay more than half of his salary. But there's another problem.

Joseph can decide where he plays. The Wings could work out a deal, only to find out that, utilizing his no-trade clause, Joseph has vetoed it.

And what about Steve Yzerman? The Wings have suggested a contract that is heavily weighted towards games played, along the lines of the deal Eric Lindros signed with the New York Rangers.

Yzerman is not the kind of person to talk publicly about such a thing, but if he isn't outraged, it would be a surprise. His teammates certainly are.

They say that there's not a more conscientious player in the league than Yzerman. If he can't play, he'd retire and walk out on the contract, thereby freeing the Wings of their obligation. The insertion of a games-played clause is seen as an insult to a heart-and-soul player, a man of character.

And let's not forget that the much-loved winger on the Grind Line, Darren McCarty, is about to become a free agent and wants $3 million a year, an amount the Wings say they can't pay.

Jeff O Rocks

06-30-2003, 08:28 AM

Considering paying Federov all that money and treat Yzerman like that!!! What a bunch of crap!! :mad:

nccanes

06-30-2003, 08:57 AM

Fascinating article Shell! :eek2: Thanks for posting it.

guinevere

06-30-2003, 09:02 AM

It does make one wonder the effect of paying Federov so much for what he contributes has on the rest of the team. He only scored 6 more goals than ONeil last season - that would be about 1mil per. Worth it?

Guin

nccanes

06-30-2003, 09:12 AM

Shell

06-30-2003, 11:46 PM

Fedorov done in Detroit

The Russian superstar couldn't come to an agreement with the Red Wings before the midnight deadline and is now free to the highest bidder.

(posted Jul. 1, 12:36AM EDT)
Failing a sudden change of heart, it appears Sergei Fedorov's days with the Detroit Red Wings are about to end.

NHL moves before the deadline

Fedorov's agent, Pat Brisson tells Sportsnet talks with Detroit have stalled.

"We know we have a great asset and we're not expecting a crazy deal. Something can be structured and will even wait if it takes a month or two months...we'll do the right deal. I just highly doubt he'll re-sign in Detroit," Brisson said.

The two sides spent an hour on the Phone Sunday discussing the potential of a new agreement, however it became clear late Monday afternoon Detroit was in no hurry to rush a deal through. A lack of interest that pushed Fedorov to make a decision.

"Over the past 30-45 days we felt that there was something not right, that signing Sergei wasn't a priority. It became a matter of principle," Brisson added.

"They never really wanted to sign him. They have the money, I know they have the money. They'll replace him, maybe by trading Joseph."

Brisson wouldn't discuss the terms of any contract discussions with Detroit. However, it is believed the Red Wings backtracked on an original offer of 4 years, $40 million dollars.

The Fedorov camp has responded to Detroit's reluctance by distributing packages to several NHL teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, Chicago Blackhawks and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

talkingcanes

07-01-2003, 06:51 AM

The Fedorov camp has responded to Detroit's reluctance by distributing packages to several NHL teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, Chicago Blackhawks and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

maybe that's where Kariya's $10 million will go :roll:

nccanes

07-01-2003, 06:55 AM

Or Federov in Leaf Blue?

Fedorov `interested' in Leafs
Wings star an unrestricted free agent

Svehla's status hurting team's dealing

KEN CAMPBELL
SPORTS REPORTER

As the Maple Leafs' new board of directors takes control of the team this morning, it is already faced with a monumental decision.

Does it make a pitch for Sergei Fedorov, who became an unrestricted free agent when the clock struck midnight? Fedorov's agent, Pat Brisson, said last night that his client has put the Leafs high on his list of preferred teams.

"The closer we got to the deadline, we started to talk about other teams and Toronto is definitely one that would interest Sergei," Brisson said. "He is good friends with Mats Sundin and just last week he was talking to Alexander Mogilny and Tie Domi in Los Angeles. I can tell you that if they want to be a contender, Sergei would be very interested in the Toronto Maple Leafs."

Whether the Leafs would be willing to tear apart their salary structure and their prudent approach to the new collective bargaining agreement is another matter. The Wings reportedly offered $40 million (all figures U.S.) over four years and were rebuffed. But Fedorov would bring a presence at both ends of the ice that the Leafs sorely lacked last year.

Captain Slack

07-01-2003, 11:03 AM

Good article from TSN.ca. Be interesting to see how this plays out.

Miller: All Eyes on Detroit

TSN.ca Staff

7/1/2003

By Gord Miller, TSN - With the NHL's free agent season now in full swing, the Detroit Red Wings figure to be the central figure - as both a buyer and seller.

First, the selling. Having exercised Dominik Hasek's option for 2003-04, the Wings now now have two goaltenders under contract for $8 million dollars next season, and both Hasek and Curtis Joseph have no-trade clauses.

In addition,the Red Wings have allowed former league MVP Sergei Fedorov to become an unrestricted free agent. While Fedorov's agent Pat Brisson says the chances of Fedorov re-signing in Detroit are "very slim", Wings G.M. Ken Holland takes a different view.

"We made a $40 million offer for four years," Holland said, referring to the multi-year deal Detroit has now taken off the table. "Let's see what goes on. My sense is, the marketplace has changed."

But while Joseph and Fedorov are likely on their way out, the Red Wings could also be in the hunt for one of the biggest free agent prizes available: Dallas defenceman and Norris trophy finalist Derian Hatcher.

Born and raised in the Detroit area, the 31 year old Hatcher would be a perfect fit for the Wings. The question is: will Detroit give Hatcher a long term deal, something Dallas has thus far been unwilling to do?

Here are the most likely Detroit scenarios being discussed by NHL General Managers:

The Wings trade Curtis Joseph: The market for big money goaltenders is not that large, but there are possibilities. The New York Rangers could make room for Joseph by trading Mike Dunham to the Boston Bruins, who are actively seeking help in goal. Joseph would then wind up with the Rangers, who would finally address their biggest problem in recent years.

Another posible destination is St. Louis, which is where Joseph's NHL career began, and where he remains immensely popular. A trade to the Blues might be Detroit's best shot at getting Joseph to waive his no-trade clause, as his family would likely prefer living in St. Louis than New York, and he would no doubt relish the chance to play in the same division as the team that got rid of him.

But getting Joseph to waive the no-trade clause may not be that easy. "Our reaction is, he (Detroit GM Ken Holland) is entitled to do whatever he wants," Joesph's agent, Don Meehan, told TSN. "We have a contract, we know what our rights are, and we expect Detroit to honour that contract."

Meehan also told TSN that if the Red Wings do wish to trade Joseph, he will "deal with the request at that time."

The Wings let Sergei Fedorov walk: Fedorov's moodiness and inconsistent play haven't always endeared him to his teammates, and there may be other, less expensive alternatives for Detroit. Centre Joe Nieuwendyk - a three time Stanley Cup winner - could fit the bill, and would not likely demand a long term deal.

Nieuwendyk would have built in incentive to play well for the Wings, a chance to become the first player in history to win the Stanley Cup with four different teams.

Detroit signs Derian Hatcher: He would command a salary in the $7-8 million range, and would likely be looking for at least a four year deal. But beyond this season, the Wings have very few long-term salary commitments. The impending departures of Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull, Brendan Shanahan, Chris Chelios and Dominik Hasek (assuming he comes back) would shave more than $40 million off the payroll in the blink of an eye.

Detroit is well positioned for next year, with a strong veteran core primed to take a run at a fourth Stanley Cup in eight years. But with the contracts of most of those veterans due to expire at the end of the coming season, the Wings are also in good shape for whatever the NHL looks like post-2004.

Detroit always bears watching during the season. It's also the team everyone in the NHL will be watching very closely this summer.

Personally, I can't see Cujo going to St. Louis. They just signed Chris Osgood earlier this spring. How many ex-Red Wings goalies does one team need?

Shell

07-02-2003, 06:16 PM

Fedorov done with Detroit
TSN.ca Staff
7/2/2003

Veteran star Sergei Fedorov won’t sign with the Detroit Red Wings under any circumstances, the player’s agent, Pat Brisson, told TSN Wednesday.

"I’ve spoken with Sergei several times over the past few days," said Brisson, "and he has indicated to me that it’s time to move on."

Under previous representation, Fedorov declined a 5-year/$50 million contract. The Red Wings later rescinded an offer at 4 years/$40 million.

Fedorov, 33, held out for most of the 1997-98 season because of a contract squabble. He returned to play 21 games and helped the Wings to a second consecutive Stanley Cup after the Detroit matched a five-year contract offer by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Jeff O Rocks

07-02-2003, 08:50 PM

Can we all say in unison.......GREEDY ASS *******???? :mad:

The Wings and the fans need to say...don't let the door hit ya on the way out!!

Stormbringer

07-02-2003, 09:03 PM

Can we all say in unison.......GREEDY ASS *******???? :mad:

The Wings and the fans need to say...don't let the door hit ya on the way out!!

Yes we can. :mad: Still can't believe JR and Peter K even considered wanting that egotistical a** on the Canes a few years ago. :roll:

http://www.greensborohockey.com/pages/510536/index.htm

(Go down to the part titled "91% Cane")

drwFischerFan2

07-02-2003, 09:07 PM

Can we all say in unison.......GREEDY ASS *******???? :mad:

The Wings and the fans need to say...don't let the door hit ya on the way out!!

I wish Fedorov would come out and make a comment, rather then having his jackass for an agent do all the talking. Supposedly, Fedorov is as happy now that he isn't a Wing as he was when he defected from Russia. That comment makes me sick, because he was treated great by the Wings organization. I'm glad he's gone, it makes more room for someone who actually wants to be on the team. :mad:

Shell

07-02-2003, 09:41 PM

Jeff O Rocks

07-02-2003, 11:15 PM

nccanes

07-03-2003, 06:33 AM

I wish Fedorov would come out and make a comment, rather then having his jackass for an agent do all the talking. Supposedly, Fedorov is as happy now that he isn't a Wing as he was when he defected from Russia. That comment makes me sick, because he was treated great by the Wings organization. I'm glad he's gone, it makes more room for someone who actually wants to be on the team. :mad:

I read that in the paper this morning, his agent saying how he felt free when he defected and now feels the same freedom.

"But he's moved on. Thirteen years ago, when he defected, he felt free. He feels the same way right now. He's ready for a challenge."

Okey-dokey. Comparing defection from the USSR to being "free" of the millions upon millions of dollars you've earned from Detroit.

I'm not saying highly paid athletes shouldn't have control over their careers and where they work - that's what free agency is all about, but please shut up about it being a similar freedom. :roll: :p

talkingcanes

07-03-2003, 06:55 AM

If the world turns out to be a just place, he'll wind up having to sign a 1 year, $1 million dollar contract somewhere. If the GMs truly want to make a point, he is the prime player to do it with.
(no, I don't think the GMs have enough self restraint for such a situation to happen)

I agree 100% Shell....let a team bust his chops and pay him $1 mil a year...I hope he holds out and has NO takers...let him sit out for a year and watch hockey being played by those that want to because they love the game!! :mad:

well, he does have actual experience in sitting out most of a season. here's hoping he has to sit out an entire season because no team can possibly pay him what he thinks he's worth :roll: and comparing leaving Detroit to defecting just confirms what a self absorbed ass he really is :mad:

Shell

07-09-2003, 09:44 AM

strange how Carolina seems to be mentioned in every article about every free agent... I certainly don't think we have an interest in him..

DUCKS LIKELY TO GET SERGEI
By LARRY BROOKS

July 9, 2003 -- As sands through the free agent hour glass:
While the Rangers are keeping their pulse on the situation, it's probably more accurate to depict the Blueshirts as bystanders in the pursuit of Sergei Fedorov. While a report out of Russia that had Fedorov having signed with the Mighty Ducks is incorrect, it does appear that Anaheim is the onetime Hart winner's most likely destination - unless, somehow, St. Louis is able to clear a substantial amount of money in order to extend No. 91 a bona fide offer. Los Angeles and Carolina are also believed to have interest in Fedorov.

Sources indicate that the Blues are trying desperately to find a taker for either Keith Tkachuk, owed $10M next season, or Doug Weight, owed $8.5M, in order to clear payroll to sign Fedorov. Tkachuk and Weight both have no-trade clauses in their contracts. The Blues are also going to be faced with the prospect of paying Pavol Demitra up to as much as $7M out of salary arbitration.

It's believed that the Blues have spoken to the Rangers about Weight - who has an unwieldy three years at $23M remaining on the five-year, $40.5M deal to which he was signed by Larry Pleau two summers ago - as well as to the Red Wings in discussions concerning Curtis Joseph. Cujo, who began his career in St. Louis, has two years at $16M remaining on his contract. Though the Red Wings are seeking to move Joseph as quickly as possible in order to avoid the possibility of having him on the training camp roster - not to mention the ice - with Dominik Hasek, there's no guarantee they'd be willing to send him to a Western Conference rival.

The Rangers remain the most likely landing spot for Cujo via a three-way that would presumably send Eric Lindros to Detroit and incumbent No. 1 Mike Dunham to Boston - if the Red Wings prefer No. 88 to Devil free agent pivot Joe Nieuwendyk, and if the Bruins are willing to sufficiently ante up for Dunham, whom the Blueshirts have no intention of giving away.

Jeff O Rocks

07-09-2003, 09:46 AM

What a saga....the next time we read a post about him, we should have soap opera music playing!! :D I saw an article recently about Federov and it looked like at one point PK really had a lot of interest, but now I think he is tired of messing with him..and of course there is no way to meet his $$ demands!!

Guyute

07-09-2003, 09:51 AM

I have an easy solution:

Irbe goes to the Blues.
Demitra and Tkachuk come here, freeing up some salary so they can get Sergei.
Blues cover half salary on each player, we cover half salary on Irbe.

all JR needs to do is come up with about $8 mil to lock these players down.
then we could move a forward or two (not naming names right now) in a trade for DeVries or Tverdosky. Oh yeah, and sign Markov.

see how easy that is? :beatup:

cmw00

07-09-2003, 09:59 AM

I wouldn't mind Federov here. For his 13 NHL seasons all with Detroit he has an average of 30 goals a season. Take out 2 fluke seasons and the Average goes up to 34 a season. Not to mention over 500 assists and a plus/minus of +276. He had 36 goals last season where the secondhalf of that season saw alot less Ice time for him and lots of lockeroom controversy etc.

I think he would be good for the canes in so many ways!

Shell

07-09-2003, 10:19 AM

Guyute

07-09-2003, 10:23 AM

well said Shell.
I agree 100%.

Plus.. Federov wouldn't be the same player in this system (or Eastern Conf. in general). He'd get used and abused... and wouldn't put up $10 million worth of points. (not that he does in the WC.. personally I don't think anyone is worth that money, but that's just me).

If we were going to spend Serious money on a player... I'd take Pavol Demitra over Federov ANY day of the week.

Stormbringer

07-09-2003, 10:25 AM

I have no interest in Fedorov. He is a selfish guy and the team never comes first. He shows up late to practices, if at all.. and doesn't even put forth any effort on many nights. When he is the highest paid player on your team, that behavior can really irk those making many millions less and playing their heart out every single night. If he can get his attention focused, and his priorities straight, I might reconsider, even though I personally dislike the guy.

What Shell said...plus the fact that Feds' off-ice problems have always been very well known, even before they were somewhat made public/obvious during the latter half of last season. The guy may be one of the best shooters in the NHL, but I sure as heck never want to see him adorned with the Sightless Eye. As I said before, I still cannot believe PK and JR even considered having Feds as a Cane... :eek2:

cmw00

07-09-2003, 10:34 AM

Well yeah all that would make sense if what happens off the ice would seem to effect his onice play, but it doesn't really seem to? He's been very solid reliable and consistent.

I still cannot believe PK and JR even considered having Feds as a Cane...

You should look at his stats then you'd know.

As long as off the ice he stays, out of jail, healthy and alive, what does it matter what happens off the ice? Especially since it didn't effect him last season?

Guyute

07-09-2003, 10:36 AM

what does it matter what happens off the ice?

Because the locker room isn't 'on the ice'.

cmw00

07-09-2003, 10:41 AM

Because the locker room isn't 'on the ice'.

Yep? I don't really follow what you are saying?

nccanes

07-09-2003, 10:46 AM

Because the locker room isn't 'on the ice'.

Yep? I don't really follow what you are saying?

I'm not Guyute's translator, but I'll take a stab.

If Federov disrupts the locker room climate (the locker room is "off the ice"), then it it "does matter".

Fedorov making 10 mil (not that he'd make that here) would be twice what any other player on the roster makes and 5 or more times more than most. If people say that he doesn't work hard (as Shell mentioned) and he's making that kind of jack - I don't think it's a stretch to think that some players would have some issues with thim.

There is a huge risk in spending that money for that player. I hope the Canes don't take the chance.

drwFischerFan2

07-09-2003, 10:47 AM

Because the locker room isn't 'on the ice'.

Yep? I don't really follow what you are saying?

What goes on in the locker room is about as important as what goes on, on the ice. If a team has no chemistry, or their chemistry is tampered with it can affect how a team plays. The NY Rangers are a perfect example. They have the talent, but they can't check their egos at the door to work as a team. Even though Fedorov is a great hockey player and can put up numbers, if he affects the morale of the rest of the team then he's not worth having.

cmw00

07-09-2003, 11:11 AM

I understand what you guys are saying. But that hasn't happend in detroit. Sure they got swept inthe 1st round this year, but they still had a good season, not to mention the season before, and the last few seasons were good as well.

I think all the off ice stuff is the reason he wants out of detroit so badly and make a fresh start somwhere else. I"ll guarantee that where ever he plays at next year he will take a pay cut.

Its just naturally wrong to assume that where ever he goes he's gonna come in and start raising hell. How do we really know what goes on in a locker room? How do we know what ever it is that went on in detroit was automatically sergeis fault simply because he is the one who left? How do we know the canes are all best friends? Maybe the canes managment is just better at keeping things quiet?

Whatever happend in detroit didn't bother their game play to much, and as long as that doesn't happen what happens off the ice simply doesn't matter!

Guyute

07-09-2003, 12:02 PM

But that hasn't happend in detroit.
Sure it has. He's late for practice, when he bothers to show at all. What does that say to your team?

How do we know the canes are all best friends?
We don't for sure. But, if you watched the cup run, you'll surely recognize that the ONE thing we had going for us during that run was TEAMWORK. You throw someone into the mix that has a holier-than-thou attitude, and doesn't believe he needs to practice... and that is shot to sh.t. ask the rangers.

Whatever happend in detroit didn't bother their game play to much, and as long as that doesn't happen what happens off the ice simply doesn't matter!
The reason it didn't bother detroit is they had plenty of other egos to go around too... Sergei wasn't the only "big dog" in the room. Put Sergei in our room and I don't think the result would be the same.

When it's all said and done.... I have a whole list of players I'd take before I took him for my team. Hopefully JR does too.

PS- thanks nccanes... I left for lunch. :) your translation was spot-on. As well as Fischer's post.

cmw00

07-09-2003, 12:24 PM

Sure it has. He's late for practice, when he bothers to show at all. What does that say to your team?

Yeah thats a the fault of the detroit management. If they would have gotten tough with him they wouldn't have those problems. But being a canes fan I can overlook stuff like that for the out put and play he can give.

We don't for sure. But, if you watched the cup run, you'll surely recognize that the ONE thing we had going for us during that run was TEAMWORK. You throw someone into the mix that has a holier-than-thou attitude, and doesn't believe he needs to practice... and that is shot to sh.t. ask the rangers.

And that one player on that one team beat us pretty good and won the cup didn't they?

The Rangers and Sergei Federov aren't the same situation. There is alo fof other factors involved with the rangers.

The reason it didn't bother detroit is they had plenty of other egos to go around too... Sergei wasn't the only "big dog" in the room. Put Sergei in our room and I don't think the result would be the same.

Did his level of play drop off last season? No if anything He had a pretty good season on the ice. It wouldn't be the same here because we dont' have alot of big heads and egos for him to try to get on top of. He doesn't have anybody that is going to try to steal his spotlight because we do have good team work. I think he got involved here, he would realize that he is probaly the biggest name on the team, and would be happy to work with the others instead of trying to get ahead of them. I think that was the whole problem in detroit to many egos their. The hurricanes really don't have many egos so I think that would be a good situation for Fedorov.

cmw00

07-09-2003, 12:29 PM

lvscolencanes

07-09-2003, 12:41 PM

Well just curious, and I might have missed something, but who is your fav. team....

And I think what everyone is trying to say is that you bring someone in who is slightly bigheaded that he might disrupt some of our teamwork.

Not to mention, most of our main scorer's (well alot) of them, got hit with the injury bug last year....we need a scorer, I just dont know if he would fit in with the Canes...I might be wrong...I just dont know..

Guyute

07-09-2003, 12:44 PM

But being a canes fan I can overlook stuff like that for the out put and play he can give. omg. are you serious? have you ever played a sport where you had one person on the team that was SURE they were better than everyone else? So much so that practice didn't matter ("I"m already the best, why do I need to practice?").. forget the fact that one of the reasons you DO practice is to gel chemistry with your teammates. I think if you've been in this situation you'd feel differently. I've been in that situation a few times... and can honestly say that it doesn't matter What a person does on the ice (court, floor, field, etc) if that is their attitude. It WILL destroy a team.

And that one player on that one team beat us pretty good and won the cup didn't they?

The Rangers and Sergei Federov aren't the same situation. There is alo fof other factors involved with the rangers.

that one player beat us? ok. It wasn't Hasek. Or Larionov's CRUSHING triple-ot goal. Or Lidstrom. Robitaille. Hull. Draper. McCarty. Holmstrom... etc
THE most talented team ever assembled. Bar None. Of course they were winning the cup. Would've happened with or without Sergei.

yes, there are other factors with the rangers. like too many leaders, nobody is listening. (canes already have a few great leaders... with insane work ethics). too many big heads and egos (sergei would fit in well). The rangers are an enigma. They should be doing as well as anyone else in the league with the roster they have... yet year after year, then end the first week of April. Why is that? no chemistry. I firmly believe that putting Fedorov on a team like the canes (which has great chemistry) will drop it like a stick of dynamite.

I think he got involved here, he would realize that he is probaly the biggest name on the team, and would be happy to work with the others instead of trying to get ahead of them.

hmm... that's one way to look at it. Although the other way, which I'd bet money is closer to the truth.... would be more like----
I'm the star here. I am the biggest name on the team. I am the best player. I have the biggest contract. Me me me me me me me.

The reason people like Fedorov is because he gets points. Hell yes he does, in a big way. BUT... many people have said for a long time, that he is not nearly as good for the chemistry and kinship of the team.

For the kind of price that he's "demanding".... you can give that attitude to the Leafs for all I care. He'd fit in great up there.

Shell

07-09-2003, 12:45 PM

Guyute

07-09-2003, 12:49 PM

Forgot to mention the fact that i find it odd that fans of a team such as the canes, a team being last in the league, a team where the fans want more goals scored, woudl turn down the chance to get a proven player like Fedorov. Like I've said earlier untill the off ice things start to show up effecting the on ice play I don't see a problem?

Who wants more goals scored? I want to WIN. I'm not one of the suckers screaming hockey is boring if it ends at 1-0 or 2-1. If that's how people feel... I tell them to go find another sport, because this one's not for them.

Us finishing in last place has nothing to do with not having players who can put the puck in the net. It just so happened that half of them went out on injury... the other half gave up when that happened.

And as for wanting a player until you see things happening... if that was YOUR money, and YOUR team... Would you risk $10 millon (per season on a multi year deal) that you don't have on the fact that you haven't seen anything Yet? Very few teams have that kind of money to throw around.

Why do you think Fedorov hasn't been signed somewhere yet? hmmm.

And I sure hope I'm misreading those phrases about "being a canes fan"... cuz it sure sounds like you're taking a shot at those of us that disagree with you. I'm pretending that's not the case.

cmw00

07-09-2003, 01:14 PM

omg. are you serious? have you ever played a sport where you had one person on the team that was SURE they were better than everyone else? So much so that practice didn't matter ("I"m already the best, why do I need to practice?")..

I didn't mean that if he didn't practice at all that was fine. But if he shows up late from time to time, I wouldn't cut him over it or trade him because of it. the managment in detroit seem to have a problem with being able to disipline their players. If he shows up late make him stay later to make up for it, or bench his ass for a period or 2 or an entire game. Get tough with him!

that one player beat us? ok. It wasn't Hasek. Or Larionov's CRUSHING triple-ot goal. Or Lidstrom. Robitaille. Hull. Draper. McCarty. Holmstrom... etc
THE most talented team ever assembled. Bar None. Of course they were winning the cup. Would've happened with or without Sergei.

I guess I'mnot wording my stuff to clearly today :D I mean he just happend to be on that team that beat us.

I firmly believe that putting Fedorov on a team like the canes (which has great chemistry) will drop it like a stick of dynamite.
Why do you beleive this? He didn't apparently destroy on on ice chemistry in detroit so why would he do it here? If anything I think he'd realize he is capable of being a team leader and would step up to it. Not just here but probaly most anywhere he goes, unless he goes to Colorado, or New York.

I beleive he left detroit because of all the crap that was happening. To many egos to many people fighting to be at the top of the pile. Detroit was offering him the money he wanted, 10 milliona year for 4-5 years. He lefty detroit to get away from all of that I beleive. Seems like the noble thing to do. He wants to pay hockey, he'll play hockey, it will not be for 10 millon a year and it will not be in detroit. In carolina we don't have an egotistcall team. We don't have a pile of fighting to be the top dog. I credit this to our coaches and office people, not to mention our captains. Hockey is a team sport and you simply can not do as good as he has done and as godo as detroit has done with out good team work. Detroit had good team work for the most part, Carolina probaly has just as good if not better.

I'm the star here. I am the biggest name on the team. I am the best player. I have the biggest contract

Its really hard to beleive that since he left Detroit when they were offering him exactly what he wanted. He left knowing he'll take a more then likely huge pay cut.

The reason people like Fedorov is because he gets points. Hell yes he does, in a big way.

And thats what wins hockey games, thats what puts fans in the seats, thats what rolls the money in and thats what wins cups!

BUT... many people have said for a long time, that he is not nearly as good for the chemistry and kinship of the team.

And thats not the fairest statement considering he has only played for one team his whole career, also considering the other egos he has played with. But like I said above hockey is a team sport. Hockey takes alot of team work to be consistently good at. Detroit has been pretty darn good for a while and he has been a good on the ice player his whole career so I don't know what kind of team work everybody wants. In this situation you can look at the the Rangers. They had lots of talent, some of the best players in the league, but they didn't have team work, thus that haven't done much lately. But they have done alittle house cleaning, so maybe they will take Fedorv and Cujo?

But detriot was giving him what he wanted and he still left showing that its not allways all about the money. [/quote]

Jeff O Rocks

07-09-2003, 01:16 PM

I want the Canes to win more than anybody, but I don't want to throw away good chemistry and have some ******* come here thinking he is "all that"..............we are blessed with level-headed individuals that play for the love of the sport..and yes some have hefty salaries, but all is well in Canesville and I personally don't want Federov to "F" it up!!

There are other good players out there that don't require a limo to drive them out on the ice or make the locker room a living hell for everyone!!!!!! :mad:

cmw00

07-09-2003, 01:34 PM

Who wants more goals scored? I want to WIN. I'm not one of the suckers screaming hockey is boring if it ends at 1-0 or 2-1. If that's how people feel... I tell them to go find another sport, because this one's not for them.

Us finishing in last place has nothing to do with not having players who can put the puck in the net. It just so happened that half of them went out on injury... the other half gave up when that happened

Well alot of caniacs (not so much on this site but others), seem to think our defense is fine and we need to score more goals. I think more the other way around. I think we have guys who can put the puck in the net but they didn't stay healthy last year as you've said. I think the defensive zone needs more work including the goalies than the offensive.

But hockey is the most exciting sport on earth!

And as for wanting a player until you see things happening... if that was YOUR money, and YOUR team... Would you risk $10 millon (per season on a multi year deal) that you don't have on the fact that you haven't seen anything Yet? Very few teams have that kind of money to throw around.

Well detroit was offering him 10 milliona year, and he still left to get out of the situations there. He will take a large pay cutt more than likey next season. Unless he goes to the rangers, but there isnt' much talk about any rumors involving them suprisinly, even with the house cleaning that they've allready done. As far as I've read the only teams that pop up in rumors are the kings, the ducks, the canes, the leafs, the rangers. Now the only reason the rangers are mentioned is because of there supposed deep pockets, but they have done some house cleanings with no talks of doing any adding. The kings are supposed to be in very poor shape finacially and aren't looking to pick up much of anybody right now. The ducks owners, have dumped salary and are wanting to sell the team and isn't wanting to spend money it seems. Toronto, can't seem to get anything together and from things Quinn has said it doesn't seem like they are looking ot do much right now. The canes are about the only one of the teams that are in every Fedorov rumor that has spent money and seems like they are looking to improve.

Why do you think Fedorov hasn't been signed somewhere yet? hmmm.

Only he knows the answer to that, maybe the right team hasn't come along yet?

And I sure hope I'm misreading those phrases about "being a canes fan"... cuz it sure sounds like you're taking a shot at those of us that disagree with you. I'm pretending that's not the case.

I assure you I am 100% caniac! I don't really see where I'm taking a shot at anybody, I just don't see if given a reasonable chance to get him why alot of us would be upset at it?

Although I realize that a very small minority of fans are represented here. I'm sure most fans will look at stats and past perfromances and be happy to have the chance for him to play and see what he can do here. Most fans who aren't as "diehard" as us here will probaly like me not care what happens off the ice untill it effects the events on the ice, and history has shown that it hasn't happend yet very much.

Shell

07-09-2003, 02:11 PM

nccanes

07-09-2003, 02:11 PM

Just to put his production to a comparison. He scored 6 more goals than O'Neill last season. That wasn't O'Neill's best season either. So, 6 more goals for 6 million more dollars?

Sure he's talented, can score goals, and will draw a crowd. But he comes at a big price tag and a lot of risk. He's never lived nor played with any other club than Detroit and it's ownership.

I'll repeat my personal opinion on the matter:

There is a huge risk in spending that money for that player. I hope the Canes don't take the chance.

guinevere

07-09-2003, 02:18 PM

I debated whether to post this here or in the Cujo thread as it covers both... oh well.

DUCKS LIKELY TO GET SERGEI

By LARRY BROOKS

July 9, 2003 -- As sands through the free agent hour glass:
While the Rangers are keeping their pulse on the situation, it's
probably more accurate to depict the Blueshirts as bystanders in the
pursuit of Sergei Fedorov. While a report out of Russia that had
Fedorov having signed with the Mighty Ducks is incorrect, it does
appear that Anaheim is the onetime Hart winner's most likely
destination - unless, somehow, St. Louis is able to clear a
substantial amount of money in order to extend No. 91 a bona fide
offer. Los Angeles and Carolina are also believed to have interest in
Fedorov.

Sources indicate that the Blues are trying desperately to find a
taker for either Keith Tkachuk, owed $10M next season, or Doug
Weight, owed $8.5M, in order to clear payroll to sign Fedorov.
Tkachuk and Weight both have no-trade clauses in their contracts. The
Blues are also going to be faced with the prospect of paying Pavol
Demitra up to as much as $7M out of salary arbitration.

It's believed that the Blues have spoken to the Rangers about Weight -
who has an unwieldy three years at $23M remaining on the five-year,
$40.5M deal to which he was signed by Larry Pleau two summers ago -
as well as to the Red Wings in discussions concerning Curtis Joseph.
Cujo, who began his career in St. Louis, has two years at $16M
remaining on his contract. Though the Red Wings are seeking to move
Joseph as quickly as possible in order to avoid the possibility of
having him on the training camp roster - not to mention the ice -
with Dominik Hasek, there's no guarantee they'd be willing to send
him to a Western Conference rival.

The Rangers remain the most likely landing spot for Cujo via a three-
way that would presumably send Eric Lindros to Detroit and incumbent
No. 1 Mike Dunham to Boston - if the Red Wings prefer No. 88 to Devil
free agent pivot Joe Nieuwendyk, and if the Bruins are willing to
sufficiently ante up for Dunham, whom the Blueshirts have no
intention of giving away.

Guin

Shell

07-09-2003, 02:20 PM

I thought Detroit already out and out said that they have NO interest in Lindros?

cmw00

07-09-2003, 03:02 PM

Incidentally, the reason why Fedorov rejected the 5 year/$50 million is because at that time he still had the same agent as ex-wife Anna and didn't want that chump getting the commision. By the time he got a new agent and told Detroit he wanted the offer, they had pulled it off the table.

I haven't heard that theory before but from everything I've read it states that he simply does not want to play in detroit anymore:

TSN:
"Veteran star Sergei Fedorov won’t sign with the Detroit Red Wings under any circumstances, [said] the player's agent, Pat Brisson.

'I’ve spoken with Sergei several times over the past few days,' said Brisson, 'and he has indicated to me that it’s time to move on.'"

"Sergei wants to make it clear today that he won't be back with Detroit next season," Fedorov's agent Pat Brisson said Wednesday evening from Los Angeles. "He has great memories from his 13 years in Detroit and will really miss the fans greatly but he feels like now is the time for a new challenge."

As well as several other articles I can't put my finger on right now.

talkingcanes

07-09-2003, 03:09 PM

Why do you beleive this? He didn't apparently destroy on on ice chemistry in detroit so why would he do it here?

because they are two different teams. a person who doesn't spoil the chemistry of one team, even though he may contribute nothing to the chemistry, can completely destroy the chemistry of another team. it doesn't just apply to sports, but to all professions where people work in teams. Fedorov would never be a good fit on this team. He would be a prima dona on a team of hard workers. but then again, I loathe him and NEVER want to see him in a Canes' uniform so I am not to be considered objective on this matter.

Shell

07-09-2003, 03:24 PM

crazy4canes

07-09-2003, 04:00 PM

Seems I missed all the fun. :eek2: This is all moot anyway because I think we can all agree that the Canes would never.......repeat......NEVER pay the kind of salary that Federov wants. And let's face it, he doesn't want to come here. He wants to go somewhere like New York or LA where he can hang out with the beautiful people. :roll:

ok, that last part was pure speculation but most likely true. :beatup:

drwFischerFan2

07-09-2003, 04:36 PM

well, there are plenty of high dollar players out there that I would prefer that are great on And off the ice.. I'd be happy to take Demitra off the Blues hands for example. Also, has Sergei played anything but center? we have enough centers, we need help elsewhere!!

He can play defense, but if you make him play it he'll go cry to the press. His dad will also throw a fit and ***** to the press about it too. :roll:

Jeff O Rocks

07-09-2003, 11:06 PM

Lady J

07-10-2003, 12:37 AM

I was under the impression that he wasmn't taking the Detroit offers until he offloaded his agent ( also the agent of his former wife ) ~ that he didn't want this guy to get a commission from the signing. At least that's what I was told.

Captain Slack

07-14-2003, 06:59 PM

Oh no! I hope the part pertaining to us isn't true! :eek:

Fedorov, Joseph hot topics in midsummer rumor mill

Murmurs from around the air conditioner:

Two Red Wings are the hottest topics in free-agent and trade rumors. It appears the Blues have interest in both center Sergei Fedorov, an unrestricted free agent, and Curtis Joseph, the goalie-non-grata in Detroit.

Published reports say Blues GM Larry Pleau has spoken to the Wings about a deal for Joseph, who started his career with the Blues. Bait in the deal is believed to be center Doug Weight. Weight, a Michigan native is due $8.5 million next season; Joseph will make $8 million. Both players must waive no-trade clauses.

Fedorov's name continues to be bantered about in connection with several teams, including the Blues and Mighty Ducks. Earlier reports had Fedorov headed to Anaheim, but those proved false. The Kings and Hurricanes also are snooping around Fedorov's camp -- remember, the Hurricanes signed Fedorov to a mega-deal a few years back when he was a restricted free agent, only to see the Wings match it.

Joseph's name pops up in talk around the Rangers environs, and there are rumblings of a three-way deal that would have Joseph land in Manhattan, the Rangers sending goalie Mike Dunham to the Bruins and forward Martin Lapointe, a bust in Boston, returning to the Wings. Or, the Bruins and Wings could skip talks with the Rangers and pull the Joseph-for-Lapointe deal.

Rangers center Eric Lindros and Devils center Joe Nieuwendyk are mentioned as possible targets for the Red Wings as well, and the Blues also are mentioned in the hunt for Nieuwendyk.

But if the Bruins want a goalie, would they be interested in Joseph?

"Obviously they (the Red Wings) have a goalie dilemma and there'd be a few teams with some room if they choose to go a certain way, and we'd be one of them," Bruins GM Mike O'Connell told the Boston Herald.

Still more reports have the Canucks and Avalanche in the sniffing stage as well, but it is believed the Wings would rather send Joseph to the Blues than to either of those Western contenders. . . .

NHL rules would permit Avs goalie Patrick Roy to back out of his voluntary retirement and return to Colorado, if he so chooses. Avs GM Pierre Lacroix, always the cagey sort, dismisses suggestions that Roy might change his mind. So does Roy's agent.

The real rub: To return, Roy would need not only the written consent of the Avalanche, but the other 29 teams as well -- something that would be unlikely, according to the Denver Post. It's a good bet the Wings would object to that move. . . .

Defenseman Don Sweeney is the latest old soldier to leave Boston, but the former Bruins defensive stalwart appears to have landed in Dallas. Reports from Boston and Dallas say Sweeney, who spent his entire 15-year career in Beantown, has come to a long-term deal with the Stars, where he would help fill the void left by the departure of Derian Hatcher.

The Bruins dumped Sweeney after the season and plan to replace him with younger (read it: cheaper) talent -- Jonathan Girard, Shaone Morrisonn or Jeff Jillson. Sweeney had spoken with Bruins brass about staying with the team and moving into a coaching role, the Herald reports, but the team plucked former NHL defenseman Norm Maciver as an assistant to new coach Mike Sullivan.

Announcement of Sweeney's Dallas deal is expected soon, according to the Dallas Morning News. Terms are expected to be one year at $550,000 -- a considerable slash in salary from the $1.8 million he made with the Bruins. Talks with other former Bruins convinced him the Stars were the right fit.

"It wasn't about money, it was about the opportunity t go after the ring," Sweeney told the Morning News. "I know Robbie DiMaio and Bill Guerin, and both spoke very highly of the organization." . . .

Fare thee well to Ken Daneyko, a warrior who enjoyed the success of three Stanley Cups with the Devils. He spent 1,283 games with the Devils, fourth all-time among players who spent the careers with one team. The three in front of him are Alex Delvechio, who played 1,549 games with the Red Wings; Stan Mikita, 1,394 with the Blackhawks, and Steve Yzerman, at 1,378 and probably counting with the Wings.

Ray Slover is an associate editor for Sporting News.

Shell

07-14-2003, 07:02 PM

I think the media is assuming we're interested in him, because we were last time. I definitely don't believe that it is true. PK probably just did it to piss off his adversary in Detroit last time. I would be beyond shocked if it were true (and as you probably know, not happy)

Jeff O Rocks

07-15-2003, 12:56 AM

With all the losses of revenue from last season and with the payroll situation being what it is, I think it is impossible for the Canes to sign Federov! Of course I don't know...but I don't think it is very likely... :roll:

Jillsdad

07-15-2003, 07:50 AM

How many of us thought that Kariya would sign for 1.2 million? Just a thought but do you think Sergei would possibly sign with us or someone else for a paltry sum like that just to stick it to the Red Wings? I know PK would love to do something like that just to make IIlitch's blood boil. Is it so far fetched to think that something like the Kariyz thing could happen again? just some questions to ponder.

Shell

07-15-2003, 08:06 AM

Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Door still open for Fedorov
Center's representative reverses position, isn't ruling out free agent's return to Wings
By Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

DETROIT -- The Red Wings haven't shut the door on Sergei Fedorov's career in Detroit, and it appears Fedorov hasn't, either.

Fedorov's agent, Pat Brisson, said July 2 that Fedorov was leaving the Wings and would begin entertaining offers from other NHL teams.

But on Tuesday, Brisson left open the possibility of Fedorov's returning to the Wings.

"You never say never," Brisson said. "My position on July 2 was based on nothing having happened in June, and after conversations with Sergei, the decision was made to move on.

"We're narrowing the list of teams. I would say a decision (on Fedorov's future) will be made fairly soon."

The tight NHL financial market is leading many analysts to speculate that Fedorov could return to the Wings.

The Wings have been keeping the lines of communication open with Fedorov.

"He's a player who we'd really, really like to keep," senior vice president Jimmy Devellano said.

Owner Mike Ilitch contacted Fedorov late last week, as he said he might at the news conference announcing the signing of defenseman Derian Hatcher.

General Manager Ken Holland has spoken with Brisson in an effort to show the Wings remain interested.

The Wings reportedly have offers of one to four years, all averaging $8 million a season.

Coach Dave Lewis, who is headed to Russia on Saturday for a fantasy camp, said he will attempt to talk to Fedorov informally.

"Nothing professional, nothing from a business sense at all," Lewis said. "I just want to talk to him, see how's he's doing, wish him the best."

In other news:

Defenseman Mathieu Dandenault, a restricted free agent, faces a deadline today, either selecting salary arbitration or accepting the Wings' qualifying offer, which is a 10 percent raise on the $1.26 million he earned last season.

Dandenault, 27, could become an unrestricted free agent in two years because of earning less than the average league salary (Martin Lapointe left the Wings the same way two years ago).

The Wings hope to sign Dandenault to a four-year deal.

"Kenny and I are muddling through on a few things," said Michael Gillis, Dandenault's agent. "We're going to keep talking."

*Defenseman Niklas Kronvall, the Wings' first-round draft choice in 2000, also faces a deadline.

*Kronvall must sign today or play another season in Sweden. He would provide depth on an already stacked blue line.

Guyute

07-15-2003, 08:11 AM

good, let the Wings take him back... they already have a couple of 8mil goalies, why not add Fed's 8mil in there too?

lol

Shell

07-15-2003, 08:15 AM

No kidding.. 24 million in 3 players.. that is more than Minnesota's entire payroll for last season.

cmw00

07-15-2003, 09:37 AM

Well Cujo allready has his bags packed just waiting to find out where he goes.

I don't see how you can trade Cujo for a goalie that hasn't played in over a year. Even though it is Hasek.....

Shell

07-15-2003, 09:52 AM

while it is true that Cujo will probably not be with them next year, there is a good chance they will still be paying a large chunk of that salary.. unless they trade for someone else who is equally overpaid, ala Holik.

talkingcanes

07-15-2003, 12:14 PM

Well Cujo allready has his bags packed just waiting to find out where he goes.

I don't see how you can trade Cujo for a goalie that hasn't played in over a year. Even though it is Hasek.....

Well Cujo will have the decision of where to go in his own hands. Detroit can't do a thing unless he waives that no trade clause. That sort of puts him in the driver's seat. What a payroll Detroit is going to have next year :eek:

crazy4canes

07-15-2003, 12:19 PM

talkingcanes

07-15-2003, 01:21 PM

Did he waive it for just any team? I thought he waived it IF they could trade him to a team he wanted to play for, but otherwise he wouldn't agree to the trade.

crazy4canes

07-15-2003, 01:47 PM

Did he waive it for just any team? I thought he waived it IF they could trade him to a team he wanted to play for, but otherwise he wouldn't agree to the trade.

It sounds like he only wants to be traded to a certain team by the article posted here (http://www.letsgocanes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=857). But (and I'm no expert) I didn't think you could just waive it under certain circumstances (ie. getting traded to the team of your choice).

Someone with a better understanding of no-trade clauses can chime in here. ;)

talkingcanes

07-15-2003, 02:19 PM

Didn't Wesley agree to waive his only if he was traded to Toronto? I don't know if it's an all or nothing waiver either. I can't see Cujo (or any player with a no trade) risking being traded to a team they do not want to play for and having no say in the matter, but I've been wrong once or twice before ;)

Shell

07-15-2003, 02:30 PM

You can indeed agree to waive your no-trade clause only for certain teams.

crazy4canes

07-15-2003, 02:36 PM

Thank you! I knew someone with more knowledge than me would have the answer. :D

Edited to say: I forgot to add that I wonder which teams are on his list...

<going back to re-read article now> :angel:

It doesn't say and now I'm curious. :crazy:

Lady J

07-15-2003, 04:34 PM

The only team I heard mentioned specifically was the Rangers ( although I have NO idea why he would want to be traded there ) .

Shell

07-23-2003, 10:56 PM

Summer roundup: Fedorov in for a few surprises
Ted Montgomery, USA Today

It's been a while since I checked in with you, but the recent spate of player movement and other NHL activity has triggered my reactionary reflex, so I must chime in. By the way, I hope you are all enjoying your summer.
• Months ago, I wrote that Sergei Fedorov was on his way to the left coast. He had told a good friend of his that he desperately wanted a change of venue and fancied the West Coast lifestyle. I believe that Sergei knew before the season even started that he would be leaving Detroit. I wrote that Los Angeles was a likely destination, and judging by the reaction of many readers and several of my hockey-writing brethren, you would have thought I slandered the pope. The hand-wringing and incredulity that followed the posting of that column on this site was incredible. I spent the next several days defending my assertion on sports talk radio.

It now looks like my claim was spot on. Sergei knew he was leaving, told a confidant just that and, as it turned out, also told a few other people. The Wings didn't have a chance to sign him, despite the requisite initial posturing doled out to the media by Fedorov and his agent. And he ended up in Anaheim, a stone's throw from L.A.

I've lived in Detroit for the entire 13 years of Sergei's tenure with the Red Wings, and I can tell you this much: Sergei needs love, and lots of it. He was constantly massaged and coddled by Wings management and, to a lesser degree, his teammates. If it wasn't lack of ice time, it was the fans. If it wasn't communication problems with the coach, it was his inability to be as beloved as Steve Yzerman.

Fedorov still talks about that glorious 1993-94 season, when he had 120 points and won the Hart Trophy, as if given the chance and the ice time he could easily duplicate those numbers. In fact, he wistfully mentioned that season in the teleconference call announcing his signing with Anaheim. I can promise you, Sergei thinks he's going to put up those kinds of numbers for the Mighty Ducks next year. And he just might. But it's more likely he won't.

For what Fedorov failed to learned in his baker's dozen years in Hockeytown is that stardom requires humility and a whole lot of help from talented teammates. He's going to a team that lacks the talent of his former team. That will be an eye-opener for Fedorov. Sure, he'll get loads of ice time, but he'll also have to perform some of his patented magic unaided by his teammates.

Moreover, the Anaheim fans and media will be far less tolerant of his bouts of brooding and pouting. He'll have to be a great actor to come away unscathed from the animus that will result if he steps out of line. But then, he's so close to Hollywood now, so in a lot of ways, he's right where he belongs.

So long, Sergei, and thanks for the 13 tremendous seasons you gave us in Detroit. We really did love you all along.