Bill Guerin

[Deleted]

Listening to the Satellite Hotstove in the second intermission of last night's game, there was mention that it's possible that Bill Guerin could be moving to the Florida Panthers, and perhaps Jason Arnott may go there as well (as a free agent), though of course, none of this is certain.

Apparently the Stars are very interested in eating up part of Guerin's salary in order to move him, and since Florida's revenue isn't particularly high, that could be beneficial for them.

Looks like the Panthers are looking to make moves right away. Getting Guerin would be a big boost to their offense if they can get the deal done. Any thoughts or extensions to this rumour?

[blny]

I saw that too. I was shocked to hear that Hicks may be willing to eat upwards of $4 million per year in a deal. If that is the case, I'm envisioning a draft day deal. Guerin at $5 million, while still expensive, is a lot more attractive. Keenan has been known to move prospects for vets before. He'll want to put his mark on this team before long, and maybe he'd consider a package of Guerin and Dallas's first for Florida's first pick in the upcoming draft.

Moreover, I think this willingness of Hicks to potentially pay almost half of Guerin's contract shows his market value at this point (and what it should have been two years ago). If a deal of this magnitude goes down before AK is signed, it could help the signer. Both players are basically on the same level, and Guerin at $5 million (for the buying team) could send the message to AK that that is what he's worth.

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

BLNY said:

I saw that too. I was shocked to hear that Hicks may be willing to eat upwards of $4 million per year in a deal. If that is the case, I'm envisioning a draft day deal. Guerin at $5 million, while still expensive, is a lot more attractive. Keenan has been known to move prospects for vets before. He'll want to put his mark on this team before long, and maybe he'd consider a package of Guerin and Dallas's first for Florida's first pick in the upcoming draft.

While his salary is a key issue, this decision makes me wonder exactly how big a locker-room cancer this guy is.

Moreover, I think this willingness of Hicks to potentially pay almost half of Guerin's contract shows his market value at this point (and what it should have been two years ago). If a deal of this magnitude goes down before AK is signed, it could help the signer. Both players are basically on the same level, and Guerin at $5 million (for the buying team) could send the message to AK that that is what he's worth.

Interesting take. However:

Guerin 2001-04 $22.7M
100-85-185
$123,000 per point

15 playoff games, 4-3-7, -4
(9 playoff games with Dallas, 0-1-1, -2; move on over Mickey Ribs )

Kovalev 2001-04 $15.45M
83-115-198
$78,000 per point

11 playoff games, 6-4-10, +2

[Bob]

M. said:

While his salary is a key issue, this decision makes me wonder exactly how big a locker-room cancer this guy is.

I would pass on this guy. As you alluded to, I think he would be a big distraction in the locker room.

We also need to keep in mind the salary issue. The league may be entering an era of fiscal responsibility whether it is through a new CBA or simply common sense.

If that is the case and Montreal wants to keep its salary level between $40 and $45 million, then maybe we would have room for one more marquee player... and my vote would go to Kovalev.