
In this photo taken on Feb. 1, 2010, Calgary Flames’ Olli Jokinen, from Finland, skates during third period NHL hockey action against the Philadelphia Flyers in Calgary, Alberta. The New York Rangers acquired forwards Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust from the Calgary Flames for forwards Christopher Higgins and Ales Kotalik late Monday night. The trade was announced by both teams shortly after the Flames were beaten 3-0 by the visiting Philadelphia Flyers. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)
AP
After years of NHL teams seemingly gorging themselves at the buffet table that is unrestricted free agency, it seems like the league is starting to exercise a little “portion control.” Jamie Fitzpatrick did a nice breakdown of the growing trend of players taking pay cuts for About.com.
20 Forwards Signed
- Based on average annual salary, nine get a raise over last season, eight take a pay cut, and one guy signs for the same money (two salaries not available).
16 Defensemen Signed
- Eight players increase salary over 2009-10, while five take a chop, and one guy holds the line (one not available).
It turns out that Zbynek Michalek (166 percent increase) and Dan Hamhuis ($2.5 million per year to $4.5) will probably be the most excited to see their brand new pay checks in October. Fitzpatrick points out that Pavel Kubina will make $1.15 million less per year, but I think that’s more aboout the market correcting an inflated salary than him being “the biggest loser.”
8 Goaltenders Signed
- Three get a raise, four get a rollback, and one salary is unchanged.
Is this the “Summer of the Pay Cut”? I’m not sure if I’d go that far, but it’s been a season of lateral moves for players and their sad panda agents. We’ll see if the many unrestricted free agents waiting on the sidelines will up-end the less moneyed trend or confirm the fact that NHL owners might actually be watching their money a little bit this year.