Pens about to receive 'Bobby Clarke' Treatment?

[halfmoonyote 0]

What I think is funny about what is now being called the 'Bobby Clarke Treatment' (the act of offering RFA offer sheets), is that Clarkie acted well within the new rules of the CBA when he offered Kesler a deal. It's silly to talk about a gentlemen's agreement, or good old boys network. A GM has one job - to make his team better.

As a footnote, this was a priceless quote from Clarkie over the Kesler situation: "What's this 'unwritten rule' BS? Well it's in the rules, and it's written. I see a young player who I think can really help us, I gave him an offer sheet. I did nothing wrong. If Vancouver thinks it's an unfair deal, well then, they won't match it. It's in the damn rules"

Back on topic, it will be interesting to see who poaches which RFA's this year.

http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_hear...by_clarke_trea/

Pens may get 'Bobby Clarke' treatment

They share the same first name, and come this summer their respective GMs may share the experience of matching an exorbitant offer sheets.

Ryan Whitney, like Ryan Kesler last year, might attract the interest of teams looking to prey on Pittburgh's payroll by offering multi-million dollar contracts to a player coming off his best year.

Whitney is 24 and coming off a season in which he finished sixth among NHL defenseman in scoring with 59 points.

"I've heard rumors that there are offer sheets that might be thrown around," Whitney said. "In my case, I'm more than happy where I am. At the same time, you have to listen and think about your future. You just hope Pittsburgh would match it if an offer comes."

The Penguins probably would raise the stakes to keep Whitney -- even if a competitor offered him a considerable raise on his 2006-07 salary of $900,600.

"I can't speak for what other teams may do, but I do know that Ryan Whitney is a guy we want to keep -- hopefully long term," Penguins general manager Ray Shero said. "We've got plenty of payroll room next year. To me it's a nonfactor."

The value of Whitney is not known. But if another club made an offer between $2 million and $3 million, the Penguins would be forced with to either match it within seven days or part with a cornerstone player for only a first- and third-round pick.

11:26 AM | Permanent link | Comments (27)

[chippa13 1844]

It is frowned upon because GM's force a team to overpay in order to keep a player. The GM that signs the guy to an offer sheet isn't helping his own team but hurting another, as well as screwing up the salary structure in the league.

[TheBert 0]

It's clear that what needs to be done is to have a Bobby Clarke amendment to the CBA. Compensation for RFA poaching needs to be must more severe.

[Chadd 916]

It's clear that what needs to be done is to have a Bobby Clarke amendment to the CBA. Compensation for RFA poaching needs to be must more severe.

It's already pretty significant, that's why it has only happened a couple times. Fedorov, Sakic, Kesler, Gratton(?).

[halfmoonyote 0]

It's already pretty significant, that's why it has only happened a couple times. Fedorov, Sakic, Kesler, Gratton(?).

I agree with Chadd.

It's heavily being rumored that Paul Holmgren is going to offer sheet Vanek at 4 million. If Buffalo doesn't match, the Flyers will have to forfeit up to 3 - 1st Round picks to Buffalo.

Is Thomas Vanek worth 3 1st Rdrs?? He's an awesome young talent - but I say NO, he is not. That's a pretty steep price to pay for a guy.

Next year's draft class is AS strong if not stronger than the stud class of '03. If the Flyers tank again this season, it would be disappointing for them to miss out on a shot at Tavares or Stamkos.

[Eazy_b97 1]

It's clear that what needs to be done is to have a Bobby Clarke amendment to the CBA. Compensation for RFA poaching needs to be must more severe.

It's already pretty significant, that's why it has only happened a couple times. Fedorov, Sakic, Kesler, Gratton(?).

Ohlund as well.

The thing is, signing Kesler wouldn't have helped much. He's a good young player, but he's not a superstar and doesn't have that potential. He is heavily overpaid now and would've been in Philly. It didn't make sense for anyone.

[JR Boucicaut 3801]

Kesler just reupped with Vancouver.

[Eazy_b97 1]

He actually took a paycut on the 3 year extension.