Tuesday's Daily Dosage - PMac, Bieksa, Varlamov...

by Cam Collingwood on Jun 28, 2011 9:25 AM EDT

There is a god... and it's pretty clear he's Canadian as Pierre McGuire is heading to NBC/Versus and will hopefully just make brief appearances on TSN. It will be nice to not have to use the mute button anymore. Sorry to our readers south of the border as you're inheriting our pain.

Kevin Bieksa re-signed with the Canucks for big money... he's a nice all-round fantasy option when he's healthy but that's been a challenge for him as he's averaged 57 games per season over the last four. He could be in line for more PP time this coming year if the Canucks are unable to re-sign/replace Ehrhoff & Salo.

The Flyers have given Andreas Nodl a two-year extension... given the Flyers depth up-front, he's not likely to see much time on a scoring line or the PP and, quite frankly, hasn't lived up to the potential that he showed in college.

Steve Yzerman likes to have lots of depth options on defense so I wouldn't get your hopes up but he's signed dman Bruno Gervais after picking him up in a trade at the draft.

The Panthers have acquired the rights to soon-to-be UFA Tomas Kopecky from the Hawks... never been a fan of this guy as his career high is the 42 points he had last year as a 29-year-old. Pass on him, you'll be glad you did.

Sidney Crosby is working out... if this is news to you then welcome to two weeks ago.

WaPo reports that Semyon Varlamov is "unlikely" to resign with the Caps as a RFA as he's received some significant offers from KHL clubs. I like Varlamov and wish he could stay healthy for a stretch but the Caps are in a good situation here with both Neuvirth and Holtby providing a fallback position if Varlamov plays hardball.

Alexander Vasyunov has signed to play in the KHL next season... dude couldn't cut it in the AHL so you're not missing much.

Here's a list of note-worthy RFAs that are set to become UFAs on July 1st after not receiving qualifying offers (some of them unconfirmed):

Tyler Kennedy, Matt D`Agostini, Sergei Shirokov, Brian Elliott, Anton Stralman, Sami Lepisto, Anthony Stewart, Rob Schremp, Jiri Tlusty & Christian Hanson.

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Comments

Brooks Laich takes a hometown "discount"

That everyone thinks is an overpayment at 6 years and 4.5 per. Would’ve been happier in the 4 years 4 mil range but it’s not too bad IMO. He probably could’ve gotten more elsewhere as there were a few teams that seemed to be interested. Not sure if the Caps could’ve replaced the production considering who’s left out there.

On Varly, sounds like if he’s not convinced that he’s gonna be a #1 then he’ll bolt. Maybe the Caps can sign and trade, or trade his rights before it’s too late.

by Edanger6 on Jun 28, 2011 4:27 PM EDT reply actions

4.5 per sounds like a lot for a guy w/ Laich’s production, or lack thereof
that said, w/ the $ available in free agency w/ the cap going up so much AND the floor, too AND it being a very weak forward class, he laichly would have gotten more after 7.1

Varley to PHX for a 2nd rounder in 2012

by Diomedes7 on Jun 28, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions

ANYTHING for Varly at this point.

Perhaps Colorado could be a partner. If he does go, the Caps may need a seasoned back-up (JT60 2.0?) as Holtby probably could use another year in Hershey.

4.5/6 for Laich just a bit more money and years than he probably gets in a vacuum, but I guess it’s about market rate this offseason. It kind of handcuff’s the Caps in other areas though – resigning Hannon or other FA’s.

by Edanger6 on Jun 28, 2011 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions