One of the reasons that Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello held his conference call at 11:15 this morning was to get it out of the way before the free agent market opened at noon.
"At 12 o' clock we just want to focus all of our time on the free agency situation," he said.
When asked how active he planned to be today, Lamoriello replied, "It will be very interesting. We’re going to be just like everybody else, trying to better our team. We have to keep some sanity into what we’re doing. Whatever decisions are for today and tomorrow, but we’ll certainly see what’s available to make ourselves better and we’ll do that if we can.”
Lamoriello said the decision to re-sign Salvador doesn't mean he won't look to upgrade the defense through free agency or via trade.
“This does not mean anything we have is status quo," he said. "This does not in any way say that. This is a foundation as far as getting better.”
Salvador's agent, Carlos Sosa, said the although they did not get a no-movement clause or even a limited one, they still believe they have stability in their four-year deal.
"We didn't get (the no-movement), but we got four years at $2.9 (million)," Sosa said. "That acts as a no-trade clause because either he'll be great and it will be a good deal or if he's not playing so well, he'll be a tough guy to trade. It's a good deal."
Sosa said the sides agreed on the deal late Monday night.
***
Those hoping that the Devils would acquire the RFA rights to Joni Pitkanen will be interested to learn that Edmonton just traded him to Carolina for Erik Cole.
Even his agent thinks he's grossly overpaid and will be hard to move if the Devils wanted to. This deal looks even worse now....
Posted by: Devilswede | July 01, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I read 3 years $7.5M for Pandolfo, by the way.
Posted by: Just some guy | July 01, 2008 at 12:33 PM
It's a bad deal if he plays bad, but if he turns out to be great, then it's a steal for us.
I'm sure it'll be fine.
Posted by: DiscordantLight | July 01, 2008 at 12:34 PM
where did you hear that? I don't believe it.
Posted by: Devilswede | July 01, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Salvadore's agent made a stupid comment "if he's not playing so well, he'll be a tough guy to trade. It's a good deal".
That's a very nice thing to say about your client. I bet he says the same thing to his kids regarding school.
Posted by: Zavior | July 01, 2008 at 12:38 PM
From NJ.com.
My rough estimate puts us at about $46M, or about $10M under the cap. We can go over by 10% until the season approaches.
In other words, if we can trade Gionta and White we can sign Hossa AND Campbell.
Posted by: Just some guy | July 01, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Bryce will be an anchor for the team, Marty wanted him back. It's a good deal for the Devils.
Posted by: Mike from Elmwood Park | July 01, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Nice comment by his agent. Very strange. I would have been comfortable with 2 mil a year.
And the pando deal better not be over 2 mil.
Posted by: Rob | July 01, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Stupid comment by Sosa, i understand what he was getting at, that its a good deal on both ends but a bad way to putit.
I'm happy so far......but lets get out there and get us excited about this season!
Posted by: BF | July 01, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Gionta and White aren't going anywhere.
Posted by: Jeff O. | July 01, 2008 at 12:41 PM
I don't think there's much demand for one-eyed overpaid defenseman these days, just ask Bryan Berard
Posted by: mikeP | July 01, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Gionta and White for Campbell and Hossa.. How sick would that be. Parise-Elias-Hossa. wow. thats wicked. or..
even Zubrus-Zajac-Hossa. to keep langs with Elias. WOOSH i love free agency. .... now that Lou has signed Pandolfo and Salvador.
Posted by: modnarm | July 01, 2008 at 12:44 PM
omfg SIGN HOSSA OR CAMPBELL!
Posted by: LuziferDevs | July 01, 2008 at 12:44 PM
ZubEliHoss.....this is what we want.
Posted by: Vishal | July 01, 2008 at 12:46 PM
I have just confirmed. Pandolfo's deal is three years at $2.5 million per season. It's $2.5 mil straight across the board.
Posted by: TG | July 01, 2008 at 12:46 PM
we cant have langenbrunner on the first two lines......if we do we are done.....he is so slow and really looked bad last year
Posted by: amerz | July 01, 2008 at 12:47 PM
His agent did not say he was overpaid. He just said the money is enough that it would probably be difficult to move him.
Posted by: TG | July 01, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Good for Pando. Hope he's returning your calls now TG.
Posted by: JMH | July 01, 2008 at 12:48 PM
i still want a big name player...
Posted by: LuziferDevs | July 01, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Please stop interrupting my Campbell/Hossa fantasy.
Posted by: Just some guy | July 01, 2008 at 12:50 PM
i'm sorry to tell you we arent getting both.
Posted by: LuziferDevs | July 01, 2008 at 12:51 PM
If Im correct that takes down around 8.9 mil in cap space without clarksons hit. I like the guys but I hope this doesnt hurt us in the ufa hunt. the updated cap space is on Hockeybuzz.com under cap central.
Posted by: BF | July 01, 2008 at 12:51 PM
This is going to be an exciting day... hopefully :)
Posted by: JOhn | July 01, 2008 at 12:53 PM
we had like 18 mil, so 2.5 + 2.9 + 1.25 (clarkson) + 1 (tallackaon)
18 - 7.65 = 10 mil, im confused!
my clarkson and tallackson numbers are guesses!
Posted by: LuziferDevs | July 01, 2008 at 12:54 PM
we'll see. i don't know what may happen now.
Posted by: Jeff O. | July 01, 2008 at 12:55 PM