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Signings
Schenn: The priority with Schenn’s deal was to keep it a three year deal, a two year extension would come expire the same time as Voracek and Couturier’s creating a difficult offseason woes. A 4 year deal would also take Schenn to unrestricted free agency, so 3 was the prime target. Luckily, Schenn was asking for $8.04M over 3 years. After a little bit of bargaining Podein dropped it down to $7.45M over 3, securing Schenn until he turns 24 and will be entering the prime of his career.
Gustafsson: With Schenn’s contract ready for the fax, 24 year old offensive defensemen Erik Gustafsson is next. As was discussed that morning, Shjon really values speed on the backend, and Gus was top three in blueliner skating ability within the organization. As a smaller, less defensively gifted defender Gus will likely come at a bargain price as he continues to develop into a well rounded NHLer. Contract talks start at $2,180,000 for two years but Shjon quickly counters with a better prorated 5 year deal to lock up Gus until his 29th year. The back ended deal will create a hit of $1.9M, but if Gus grows as the team expects he could be a steal at that value in just two years.
MacDonald: Unfortunately, MacDonald expressed an interest in testing the market and will not be listening to any contract offers yet. Podein plans to try again at a later date, but if this persists ice-time could become part of negotiation tactics.
Podein ended his day on the phone with Pheonix's GM, Don Maloney. Don had put up 37 year old centre Jeff Halpern's (6.5d/6.5d) 1 year $600,000 contract on the block. Willing to offer two low level AHL player's Shjon floated out the names Johnston (5.0a/6.0a) and Alderson (5.0a/6.0a). If the trade goes through Halpern would challange Adam Hall (6.5a/6.5a) for the 4th line centre role and a roster spot would clear up to sign Eric Wellwood (6.5c/6.5c).
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