Over the Hill?

"Talk to my agent, I don't bring that stuff in the lockerroom", was assistant captain Sean Hill's only comment on his reported contract demands.




Iqaluit, NU (IFPW)

It's stretch time, and the playoffs are near. So what are we at Iqaluit Frozen Puck Weekly going to talk about? Money. That's where it is folks, and more specifically how much of it will the Rovers spend on retaining some key free agents. There are close to a dozen players who will be looking for new contracts in the offseason, but a few stand out to this writer, and most of those are on defense.

Sean Hill, assistant captain and the only original Rover remaining from the RHL11 expansion draft, has reportedly asked for major dollars to avoid free-agency. While we're not sure of the actual amount, we've been told that he's using Rob Blake and Adam Foote as comparables, so you do the math. Now we like Sean Hill and think he provides value to the club beyond his on-ice role, both as assistant captain and being a link to the first Rover club, but it sounds like he's trying to write a one-way ticket out of town. Maybe he just wants to test the waters and will re-sign with the club during free agency. That's a possibility, but when the floodgates are opened and the offers come in, it can get out of hand pretty quickly.

Two others that are of particular importance are Robyn Regehr and Danny Markov. If Hill is all but gone, resigning one or both of these guys will be very important. Stringer has shown a willingness to take care of his RFA defensemen in the past, signing Kim Johnsson and Eric Brewer to long-term deals, so it remains to be seen what will happen with these two. But you have to think that if the price is reasonable, they'll get a call.

Up front Jeff Halpern is a guy that the Rovers should look at keeping. He kills penalties, wins faceoffs, and can even score a goal or two when called upon. We were told that when Recchi and Stillman were acquired that they were rentals, but if they want to return to the club at a discount, then perhaps that might happen.

The three remaining guys have fewer options being young guys in the league. Look for Gerber and Hall to return while Montador, who has yet to see the ice as a Rover, may or may not be in the plans. Overall you have to wonder how much money the Rovers will actually have to spend if they plan to retain any of these guys. Signing bonuses cost money, and they've been spending like drunken sailors this season, amassing the payroll that is second only to the Thundercats. But payroll be damned; it's about winning, and if this team wins this year then they'll be proven right. If not, there will be a lot of questions to be asked.

I.C. Stair for Iqaluit Frozen Puck Weekly