Realistic acquisition a few years down the road?

by Joe Bagazinski on Feb 13, 2012 9:08 AM CST

This guy.

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My reasons after the jump.

By now you're wondering "Joe, what on earth are you thinking? We couldn't possibly take on that contract, or want a player like that on the team!"

To that I say...

You are completely right. Let me clearify my point.

Ovechkin has a contract that has him signed through 2021. That's nine long years down the road. Chances are, he will want to opt out of the last few years of his deal (based on the fact that I predict the Caps won't do anything in the playoffs on the years they actually do make the playoffs).

Secondly, he will want to etch his name on the cup, and judging on the fact that he is good friends with Pasha (linemates on the Russian hockey team), he probably feels Detroit is a place he can do that. He could be willing to take a pay cut to put on the winged wheel jersey.

All of this is based on assumptions, but Ovi is one player I have always enjoyed watching (his skill with the puck as well as his hitting ability).

Everyone is talking about trade acquisitions right now, and Alex Ovechkin's name popped into my head as a guy we could use if Holland wanted to pick up a top six forward and someone who can forecheck. He definitely won't be on the trading block (this year), and if we don't find that player, Ovi might be a guy we look to.

Feel free to tell me I'm an idiot below.

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So let me get this straight...

This guy, who has been trending majorly downward for the past 2 years, who is signed till 2021, scheduled to rake in a cool 80-90ish million between now and then would ASK to be released from that contract so he can come to Detroit to play with Datsyuk and “win a cup”?

Ovi does not seem the type to walk away from 50 million to earn 20 million and a could-be might-be Cup. I think very few players would be like that.

by AndroBE on Feb 13, 2012 10:07 AM CST reply actions

No thanks.

He has a cap hit of just over 9.5M until 2021. Unless things change in the new CBA, it’s illegal to renegotiate contracts, so he cannot take a pay cut. I’d rather have 2-4 players for the same cost. The Wings have top players already. Depth and defense wins championships. Ovechkin doesn’t provide either.

Brendan Smith fan

by JeffHancock41 on Feb 13, 2012 10:29 AM CST reply actions

I see what you guys are saying

And I didn’t know about that CBA rule about renegotiation. It may be that I just like the way he plays.

Detroit native deep in the heart of Texas.

by Joe Bagazinski on Feb 13, 2012 11:48 AM CST reply actions

Yuck, pass.

I don’t want anyone who’s willing to put himself ahead of the team or the organizations philosophies. he plays selfish hockey, no thanks, unless he has some epiphany later in life.

Goalies are enforcers too.
Twitter- @nkehagias

by AppState on Feb 13, 2012 12:24 PM CST reply actions

There is absolutely no basis for this

Ovechkin cannot simply ‘opt-out’ of his contract. There is no opt-out clause. That will be his contract until he is 35 no matter what. There are no re-negotiations unless a player fails a physical between the signing of the contract and the start of the first scheduled game.

Additionally, you cannot simply release a player of Ovechkin’s stature and contract. Hell, just look at the Islanders and Yashin. They bought him out in 2007 and he is still being paid. $2 million each year until 2015. Buying a player out, especially one on a contract like Ovechkin is both unfeasible, expensive, and an easy way to get your team on the bad side of the NHLPA

He can be traded, but that’s it. There is no way he can possibly come to us at a reduced rate. And I know the first idea popping in your head is, “CBA ends in September! It’ll be in the next CBA!” Think again. The players will win this round of negotiations. Donald Fehr is one of the best negotiators in the world.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Feb 13, 2012 1:18 PM CST reply actions