Is Boston Talking Contract With Hossa?
Matt Bodenschatz | National Hockey League
Jun 23, 09:35 AM | Hype this story!
In the NHL, it is illegal for representatives of teams to talk to impending unrestricted free agents not on their roster. Doing so is considered tampering with the system and is punishable.
But that may not be a deterrent to Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli, who is suspected of courting Pittsburgh Penguins forward Marian Hossa, an unrestricted free agent as of July 1.
When asked through email if he’s had talks with Hossa’s camp, Chiarelli had the following to say: “Very good question. But can’t comment. Cheers.”
While that certainly isn’t a confession statement, it clearly isn’t a denial, either.
With that being said, it is possible Penguins general manager Ray Shero has granted permission for Hossa’s agent to hold discussions with other teams prior to July 1, though this seems unlikely, as Shero has said it is his number one priority this summer to retain Hossa.
Hossa has stated that his priority is not money and that he wants to win. But, his actions to this point have indicated otherwise, as he has refused to accept what is being reported as a very fair contract, both in terms of dollars and years.
The Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont added the following:
“The Penguins recently offered Hossa, 29, a long-term deal reportedly worth $50 million over seven years. The Bruins likely would not top that, but given that Chara is a good friend, and Chiarelli was Ottawa’s assistant GM when Hossa played for the Senators, it’s conceivable he could find Boston more to his liking than Pittsburgh.”
The next week is going to be a crazy one in terms of rumors and speculation regarding Hossa, as he clearly is the prize of the free agent market this summer.
When July 1 arrives, Hossa will be offered a significant amount of money from numerous teams, and likely will be offered contracts by other teams that would put him in a “good situation.” Then, and only then, will we find out of Hossa truly wants to win the Cup or if he merely wants to win the lottery, so to speak.
Comments
Dabich
Jun 23, 11:33 AM
I’m tired of it already.
If he stays, he stays, if he walks, so be it.
The Pens will be fine either way.
Pens1967
Jun 23, 11:42 AM
Here’s Boston’s problem. Right now they are 6.6M under the cap. If they buy out BOTH Murray and Fernandez, that gives them 5.9M more in 08/09 for this year and adds 2.96M for 09/10.
Suart and Wideman are both RFAs and Boston is reportedly negotiating a 3M extention with Wideman. There goes all the savings and more from buying out Murry. If so, that leaves 9.5M to do the following:
- Sign Hossa – Sign Stuart – Extend Nokalainen – Extend Kessel and Krejci in 09/10
Boston won’t be able to match what Pgh offered and if Hossa is all about the money, then he won’t sign with them.
And wasn’t Shero in Ottawa also when Hossa was there?
Chad
Jun 23, 11:59 AM
In sports, TAMPERING refers to a practice, usually prohibited, of a team negotiating for the services of an athlete or coach contracted to another team without that team’s permission.
The One and only surge
Jun 23, 01:11 PM
I don’t think lossing Hossa would be that dramatic, except for the fact we gave up a lot to obtain Hossa. Granted he did give us a long run through the playoffs but he also cost us 4 significant depth players. Army wasn’t the best player but he could play with Sid, add a high scoring forward to that line and you have a better top line than we did with Dupuis and Hossa. Christensen, he probably was the expendable one as he only contributed in shootouts. Esposito is still to be seen in the NHL but could prove to be a good talent and that still leaves the first round draft pick. So if Hossa is not retained that is the loss and it is a big one. Everyone says that depth is more important than that high powered top line, well we gave away depth to obtain just that, a high powered top line.
I still look down on Hossa, a little bit now. If July 1 comes and he signs with us, all will be forgotten but until then all I see is someone looking for the money and not the prize.
Dave
Jun 23, 03:32 PM
If he’s really looking to go play for a Stanley Cup contender it won’t be Boston!
Brian Metzer
Jun 23, 05:05 PM
I could see Ray giving the permission…that allows Hoss to get his potential comparison offers ahead of 7/1, which in turn allows him to get back to RS prior to the beginning of the UFA period. It gets a lot of wasted time out of the way and RS can truly move forward with alternative plans on 7/1…there may even be some kind of unspoken trade arrangement if a deal is worked out with another team…sign him and we get a 2nd rounder?
All speculation of course, but food for thought…
Brian
Pens1967
Jun 23, 05:43 PM
This is certainly a reasonable scenario.
I really don’t believe the Pens offer to Hossa is going to change, though. They made their best offer and aren’t going to “match” whatever “better” numbers Hossa gets.
My sense is that Shero has a much better idea of what the market for Hossa is than Winter does. IMHO, Winter is taking Hossa in UFA to try and pry more money out of the Pens, but it’s not going to work.
Brandon
Jun 25, 01:45 PM
Hi!
I built an online petition for Pens fans to sign that want Hossa to stay! The website is directed at Marian Hossa.
I am trying to get the word out about it!
It’s http://www.pleasestayhossa.com
Any help would be appreciated! Thanks
Brandon
PS. HHHHOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSAAAA!
Commenting is closed for this article.