sidney crosby contract?

Question

as a pens fan, i was hoping for a longer contract than the one given to crosby. 5 yrs. 45 million, I believe. does anyone else feel the same way?

Answer 1

There is too much uncertainty in the current CBA. One of the reason a lot of the 'big' contracts were front loaded is that nobody knows the future. Everybody knows what this year's salary cap is.............but nobody knows the future caps. Unfortunately while watching teams dole out contracts this year, it seems that a lot of GMs don't care.

Crosby admitted to not being greedy and realizing that his teammates need to be taken care of too. Mario also spoke to him about the importance of fiscal prudence in Pittsurgh as well. So, thoise two ideals bode well for Pittsburgh IFF the salary cap continues to increase.

If the salary cap decreases, Pittsburgh will pay a price in the sense that not all of Staal, Fleury, Malkin, Armstrong, Whitney, and Esposito will be able to stay.

The problem with the salary cap is that teams that have drafted talent like Pittsburgh has, may end up being a farm team for the rest of the league if they get handcuffed by big salaries.

Don't believe me? Look at Tampa Bay. Three players tied up with big contracts, two of whom have no trade clauses, and the third one the club is currently deeming untouchable. Their issues with the big three are well publicized.

Answer 2

Crosby I am sure took a little heat for his deal from the NHLPA as it is. He doesn't want to give away his FA status, even if he does stay, it can be used as a bargaining chip-although he will get the max on his next contract anyway.
I agree with "Like I am Telling You" about the uncertainty of the CBA and the salary cap however I think the front loaded contracts are a way of big market teams using a loop-hole in the CBA to lure more elite FA's and that is the main and probably only reason for the front loading.
You see, if Team A offers a 5 year deal worth 50 million at 10 million per season and a bigger market Team B offers 5 years for 50 million with 40 million in the 1st year and 2.5 million per for the last 4 years then the players chooses Team B because the value is much higher to spite them both being 50 million contracts. The smaller markets can't afford to frontload 40 million to one player but rich teams can. Both contracts also count as 10 million vs. the cap per season.
I suppose it is not the only reason for front-loading. I also see it as insurance for buy-outs. Take for instance, the Kimmo Timmonen and Daniel Briere front loaded contracts with Philly. Alot of money for them both but Briere gets 3M and 2M his last 2 years when he is over 35 years old and gets 5M and 3M when he is over 36 years old. Therefore, if they are no longer performing well at that age, they can be bought out for much less money or they are tradeable to smaller market teams because they can afford them.

Answer 3

Oh, don't worry. This gives us, in Allegheny County, time to round up everyone's first borns to offer him in exchange for a lifetime contract. Mwahaha!

Bob, Sid did admit somewhere that when they were discussing a new contract, they came really close to $8.7 million so he suggested it or something. I think it was in an interview the night he accepted the Art Ross (and Lecavalier accepted the Rocket Richard). Once again, what a dork. Lol.

Answer 4

You should hate that. Demand he be traded to Toronto, right now!!
Five years works out pretty good for both the player and team. He would still be too young for unrestricted free agency, and the team should be in a better situation, financially in 5 years. If the cap increases substantially in 5 years you may be able to keep all the young talent Pittsburg has stored up. Good Luck.

Answer 5

I would not worry too much- I dont think Crosby is ever going to leave Pittsburg. It would be like Yzerman leaving the Wings.