Well Bettman says that the revenues are way up (record in fact) and that the cap will look something like 44 million next year. At that pace, I would not be surpised to see cap of about 48 million 2 years from now. The question I have is this: Will George Gillette move up with the cap or will he tie Gainey's hands? If he is not willing to move the payroll up with the cap, does this not put a sense of urgency in Bob Gainey's plan? It appears that we could be once again heading to a system of the "haves and have nots" and that Montreal could once again, be unable to sign high priced free agents. What do you guys think?
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I'm as confused as a starving baby in a topless bar!
Well Bettman says that the revenues are way up (record in fact) and that the cap will look something like 44 million next year. At that pace, I would not be surpised to see cap of about 48 million 2 years from now. The question I have is this: Will George Gillette move up with the cap or will he tie Gainey's hands? If he is not willing to move the payroll up with the cap, does this not put a sense of urgency in Bob Gainey's plan? It appears that we could be once again heading to a system of the "haves and have nots" and that Montreal could once again, be unable to sign high priced free agents. What do you guys think?
One big advantage the Habs have at the present point in time (subject to change of course) is the movement in the Canadian dollar. Two years ago, a Canadian dollar below 0.70 cents put all Canadian teams at a huge disadvantage, at present with a 0.90 cent dollar versus the US dollar that represents a huge improvement to the clubs bottom line. Hopefully the team is hedging some of its funds and converting into US dollars to maintain an advantage on currency payout. The other issue which Canadiens management is trying to do is work out a lower tax rate on the Bell Center which is also eating into the clubs bottom line. We could be going back to a rapidly escalating payroll system, but at present the Canadiens are in a better position than they were a couple of years ago.
I think the Habs made a ton of cash last year and Gilette will allow Gainey to spend the 44 million. The only thing is I was checking TSN out and we already have 10 players locked in for about $24 million. This does not include Huet. Assuming Huet gets around 2 million a year and a backup for about 1 million we are up to $27 million and need another 10 players. Not going to be an easy offseason...
I think the Habs made a ton of cash last year and Gilette will allow Gainey to spend the 44 million. The only thing is I was checking TSN out and we already have 10 players locked in for about $24 million. This does not include Huet. Assuming Huet gets around 2 million a year and a backup for about 1 million we are up to $27 million and need another 10 players. Not going to be an easy offseason...
Johnny- exactly. certainly not insurmountable but a formidable task for BG (assuming Gillette openes teh vault for 44 million). I am not as worried about this year as I am the next year. I also wonder whether we can get away with 3 million for our 2 goalies next year? Anyways..could be worse.,.could be Tampa or Trawna.
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I'm as confused as a starving baby in a topless bar!
barry , the cap is going up this year but i bet it goes back down next year , the numbers will not increase again like they did this year , this was-is an annomily , the league will max out after next year and there will be a regular cap at around 42 mil.
Key Lime wrote: Wonder how much Edmonton, Carolina...and Buffalo spent on salaries this season....
Good point... our problem has never been willingness to spend, as we always have a healthy payroll, it's been wasting the money on nonsense like bonk, or handing out ridiculous contracts like Theo's.
Just ask Neil "What a crap GM" Smith how far spending buckets of cash will get you...