The Svehla Situation
Aug 29, 2003 11:09:59 GMT -5
Post by blny on Aug 29, 2003 11:09:59 GMT -5
I just read TSN's story on the official hiring of Ferguson as GM (good move), and in it the writer makes reference to Robert Svehla. I don't recall seeing much banter about this and am curious about people's thoughts. I myself think his actions are deplorable. He is essentially ham stringing the team. I'm sure he'd just love for the Leafs to decline his option, make him a UFA, so he can sign with whom ever he likes. While it is the Leafs, and I don't mind bad things happening to them, this is a case where the league needs to re-evaluate some rules. I think it's obvious that Svehla is still interested in playing in the NHL, but for selfish reasons is again waiting till camp (or later) to make up his mind. I think this is case where the league has to implement a rule whereby a player can't unofficially retire. If they say they're quitting they automatically get filed as such.
The agent should also be held accountable. I think this tactic should be grounds for firing of the player, without compensation, and fines levied to the agent. It's essentially a hold out, only Svehla has no interest in renegotiating his contract. This dirty dealing needs to be run out of the league before it becomes an epidemic.
Can you imagine if Naslund decides to "retire", but won't file? Burke doesn't pick up his option and Markus decides to sign with Colorado (or some other 'Nucks rival). I'm not comparing Svehla to Naslund talent-wise, but this is the position the Leafs are in. Robert is a valuable commodity. If they let him go, and he signs with Ottawa or something, not on do the Leafs have egg on their face, but they now have to face Svehla 5 times during the season.
I can tell you one thing, he wouldn't want to be a teammate of mine.
The agent should also be held accountable. I think this tactic should be grounds for firing of the player, without compensation, and fines levied to the agent. It's essentially a hold out, only Svehla has no interest in renegotiating his contract. This dirty dealing needs to be run out of the league before it becomes an epidemic.
Can you imagine if Naslund decides to "retire", but won't file? Burke doesn't pick up his option and Markus decides to sign with Colorado (or some other 'Nucks rival). I'm not comparing Svehla to Naslund talent-wise, but this is the position the Leafs are in. Robert is a valuable commodity. If they let him go, and he signs with Ottawa or something, not on do the Leafs have egg on their face, but they now have to face Svehla 5 times during the season.
I can tell you one thing, he wouldn't want to be a teammate of mine.
