I still say sports salaries are a disgrace, but anyway... until he gets them to the Cup or has 3 or more consecutive 50+ goal seasons, no reason for 8.7/yr.

I'm very excited though about what the Flyers will look like this fall.

Crosby is a play maker, so 50+ goals a year is irrelevant. (Can you name the last guy to do that three years in a row?) One player does not take you to the cup... It's a team sport. The Pittsburgh organization needs to add better players to the roster to support him. I agree with you on the salaries though.

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Yes, Sid is a playmaker so I'd be concerned that his large salary might tie up valuable salary room from acquiring a strong handful of "support" players. I haven't followed the Pens too much and I don't know if Malkin will be another catalyst. I also understand that if Pittsburg didn't lock him up some big money team (Rangers? Wings? ) would sign him.

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Such is the case for most teams in the NHL. Never before has a GM become so important. Cups are gonna be won through good trades and excellent scouting. Gone are the days where you can pull a Steinbrenner and try to buy the championship.(Rangers) The Pens are well on their way with guys like Crosby and Malkin. With Mario in the background to guide them, the future looks good. Yes, Sid is taking lots of room on the cap, but that's who the public is paying to see play at home and on the road. Lets not forget the new arena!$$$$ #1 point leader in the league in only his second season and playoffs.... did they really have a choice?

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No, they had to sign him. He is very much the future of that club and some would say he is also the future of the NHL. Luckily, he is a very affable and humble young man. He's well spoken and doesn't reek of ego or seem like the attention has affected him. He just seems like a kid who is really good at hockey and gets paid very well to play a game. I am very impressed with him on and off the ice. Hell, I'll admit I bought Reebok gloves and skates just to be like Sid. (No, that's not why. They felt good and are just re-branded Jofa and CCM, respectively.)

You're absolutely right that it's all about building a team through good trades and prospects. All the talk seems focused on the draft and the farm system. Teams that want to win The Cup will have to rely on some youngster stepping up.

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So in the new NHL, "marquee" players get $8.7/per. What are his "supporting" players going to get? Not much - there's a cap to ensure that.

So how long will it be before there's another league, for all the "supporting" players that aren't happy with the new system where they get screwed?

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2010 528Xi
I demand justice.
Or, if there must be injustice, let it be in my favor.

Reynold's Wrap: it's not just for hats anymore.