CBA

[awill29]

I know you find it hard to believe, but I think they did exactly that.

Paille probably would have taken a 3-year deal, but he wasn't going any farther than that because then he is giving up years of unrestricted free agency. Like you, i am sure he believes he is going to be a heckuva hockey player, and 3 years from now at $3 million a year he would be underpaid. So the most they were getting was 3 years, but in doing so the Sabres would give up their only leverage, which is that even if he does breakout, he is an RFA and they get the right to match. So the Sabres either want 4+ or a contract that ends with him still a RFA. No one wants a 1 year deal ... it gives Paille no security and only 1 chance to prove his worth, and it puts the Sabres in a position of having to pay him right away if he breaks out ... so they met in the middle ... 2 years, Paille gets some security, gets 2 years to prove he is worth that long-term deal, and the Sabres still get first crack at him because he is still RFA at that point. Worst thing that happens is he plays well, they go to arbitration that last year (like Vermette) and he gets to be a UFA as early as possible.

I really like Paille too but young guys like him are about the only place the system works for teams like the Sabres who are not going to throw money around at every big name that hits the market ... they need to use it to their advantage when they can. They took care of Roy, they took care of Miller, they took care of Gaustad, they probably will with Pommer ... they have plenty of time to do right by Paille too.

 

Good post. You actually convinced me that they know what they're doing. :rolleyes:

[BetweenThePipes00]

Good post. You actually convinced me that they know what they're doing. :rolleyes:

 

hey, I didn't say THAT ;)

Seriously, I am just saying that if Paille's agent knows what HE is doing they were going to have a hard time locking him up for so long ... the deal they did is a good compromise.

[slapshot1619]

Paille just broke out and had a 19 goal season last year. 3M in today's NHL gets you about 25 goals, if you're lucky. I don't think that Paille, his agent, or anybody thinks that Paille will level off soon and have a mediocre career. He's not just going to sign his career away for that low a sum.

 

Adding to that, everyone has to remember it takes 2 to Tango. The Sabres can offer ridiculous 10 yr contracts till they're blue in the face, but if the player wants to move away from the team or try for a shorter term huge pay day they'll(the player) scoff at the offer and be on their merry way. I see a lot of arguments(not just on this board) which say the Sabres need to sign X player to a long term deal. Thats nice and all, but if the player doesn't want that long of a contract, the sabres only choice may be to sign that player short term and hope player X changes his mind and signs an extension in the future.

[stenbaro]

Adding to that, everyone has to remember it takes 2 to Tango. The Sabres can offer ridiculous 10 yr contracts till they're blue in the face, but if the player wants to move away from the team or try for a shorter term huge pay day they'll(the player) scoff at the offer and be on their merry way. I see a lot of arguments(not just on this board) which say the Sabres need to sign X player to a long term deal. Thats nice and all, but if the player doesn't want that long of a contract, the sabres only choice may be to sign that player short term and hope player X changes his mind and signs an extension in the future.

I agree with you ..However on the flip side I think a 2 yr contract for a kid just coming into his own is as ridiculous to sign as a 10 yr is for the player to sign...

[X. Benedict]

I agree with you ..However on the flip side I think a 2 yr contract for a kid just coming into his own is as ridiculous to sign as a 10 yr is for the player to sign...

 

10 years is an awfully long time.

 

Rick DiPietro has had two hip surguries in the first 2 years of his 15 yr. contract.

 

Paille even without the multi-year he has a concussion, a broken hand from that slash, and he was struggling with bruised ribs that he played through.

 

It takes a lot of talent and luck to play 8 years in the NHL.

[carpandean]

I agree with you ..However on the flip side I think a 2 yr contract for a kid just coming into his own is as ridiculous to sign as a 10 yr is for the player to sign...

It's not ridiculous when he has had one decent season and will be an UFA in three years. It makes sense under those circumstances. Right now, he's replaceable and has two years to prove he is not. At that point, we still have his rights. It may cost a little more in year 3 on, should he really break out, but even in that case, he won't be hitting the UFA market. Throwing around extremely long contracts is irresponsible and, yes, ridiculous. A two-year contract for Paille, if anything, is a little on the conservative, safe side.