Bozak signs 1 year deal at 750k

[Robb_K]

I really like this signing, and I hope Tarasenko plays very well, The Blues are winning, he becomes happy again, and it is Sanford who is traded, instead.

 

[Majorityof1]

Good deal. Great call by @Brian39 to nail the contract structure and AAV. This is very nice to provide us some flexibility as Bozak can play C or RW almost anywhere in the line up. Now we can shift Schenn.Thomas, or or Barby to wing if necessary to make whatever line combos work. Its very nice to have a potential 40 point middle 6 player in your bottom 6.

 

[Ranksu]

I really like this signing, and I hope Tarasenko plays very well, The Blues are winning, he becomes happy again, and it is Sanford who is traded, instead.

I would realistically view us as Cup Contender if Krug and Scandella would be upgraded.

At this stage Faulk is fine, I will give him nodge on that part. Overpaid and term too long, but it's almost impossible to move him and get something reasonable back who could play better.

Krug and Scandella out and upgrade them and we are legit Cup Contender again.

 

[Meatball]

Excellent. Having him back in the "steen role" on the 4th line makes this forward group as deep, and maybe even deeper than the cup squad.

 

[67Blues]

His bonuses are probably pretty easily obtainable.
1) Doesn't leave sock tape on the floor
2) Keeps his shower shoes clean
3) Doesn't hit the goalie in the nuts during warmups
4) Takes the practice pinnies home once a month for laundry

 

[Brian39]

Salary Cap Update! The $781k listed on capfriendly is with a full 23 man roster right now (that has 8 D men). Adding Thomas to that roster requires removing a player, so the roster on capfriendly isn't going to be the roster. Let's look at the possibilities. All of these calculations assume that ROR, Tarasenko, Perron, Schenn, Buch, Saad, Kyrou, Sunny, Sanford, Barby, Bozak, Parayko, Faulk, Krug, Scandella, Bortz, Binner and Husso have all locked in spots on the roster. That's 18 guys I think we can all say are near-locks on the roster if they aren't traded. We need 2 more D and I believe that Walman and Mikkola have the inside track right now. Let's add them to get up to 20. Those 20 guys on the roster leave us with $3,431,151 to fill out the rest of the forwards.

A 23 man roster with Clifford and Mac give us $1,531,151 for Thomas

A 23 man roster with Clifford and Kostin gives us $1,567,818 for Thomas

A 23 man roster with Mac and Kostin gives us $1,667,818 for Thomas

A 22 man roster with Clifford gives us $2,431,151 for Thomas

A 22 man roster with Mac gives us $2,531,151 for Thomas

A 22 man roster with Kostin gives us $2,567,818 for Thomas

The variables get out of control if you start swapping D, so I'm not going to list each individually. Remove $137,500 of cap space to whichever forward outcome you choose if you think Perunovich makes the roster over Mikkola. Remove $200,000 of space if you think Perunovich makes the roster over Walman.

Taking all of that together, the most expensive 22 guys out of camp would leave $1,331,151 for Thomas in order to run a 23 man roster. The cheapest 21 guys out of camp would leave $2,567,818 for Thomas in order to run a 22 man roster. That's your range. Barring an offer sheet or a trade, Thomas will sign somewhere between $1.33M and $2.56M. He shouldn't take any less and Army shouldn't back himself into a corner with more. There is absolutely no reason that a deal can't be found in that range.

I think it makes sense for Army to keep exploring the trade market with a cavalier "I can make the cap work without you" attitude toward low ball offers. And it makes sense for Thomas not to break while that process could yield a move that nets him a Kyrou-like contract. But I don't think a trade is there and I don't think an offer sheet is coming for Thomas. If neither happens, Thomas has more to lose with a holdout than the Blues do and he should come to the table to get a deal done. When he comes to the table, Army should present him a 1 year offer around $1.5M and a 2 year offer around $2.5M. Give Thomas more agency than a simple "take this or get out" offer and hopefully prevent as many hard feelings as possible. The 1 year deal sets him up for a potential big payday in arbitration and the 2 year deal gives us certainty for 2022/23 while having to juggle some stuff this year. I'm fine with either.

We're close to being done with the offseason. We've got a game in a week and a half and only one more piece of business in order to ice a pretty damn good forward group. Starting to feel like hockey season.

 

[Ranksu]

I have to say is Clifford really worth of keeping around? No matter he is just 1mill.$.

 

[542365]

I really didn’t expect him back with the tight cap constraints we’re under, but I’m glad they found a deal that works for both sides. He’s still a solid player on the ice and seems like a good role model for the younger players to follow. Very happy to have him back.

 

[Mike Liut]

I have to say is Clifford really worth of keeping around? No matter he is just 1mill.$.

We need the toughness IMO

 

[Linkens Mastery]

Clifford is good depth. Easily buried in the minors if needed to be. I don't truly understand the hate he gets. He wasn't brought in to be a top 6 forward scoring 20 goals a year. He does he job well. Imho.

 

[542365]

Clifford is good depth. Easily buried in the minors if needed to be. I don't truly understand the hate he gets. He wasn't brought in to be a top 6 forward scoring 20 goals a year. He does he job well. Imho.

I’m not really much for using a player simply for toughness, and I thought that’s all Clifford was prior to last year, but he was a surprisingly decent hockey player. He’s fine as a depth piece.

 

[Celtic Note]

We need the toughness IMO

What toughness?

 

[Stupendous Yappi]

Kudos to Brian for calling this contract a long time coming. He read the tea leaves perfectly, and brought our attention to the over 35 bonus options.

I'm not worried about Thomas. It would be stupid for him to hold out over a few hundred thousand on a 1-2 year contract. I would think his biggest interest now is in the term of the next contract, favoring a 1 year deal so that arbitration becomes his friend next time around. But its the NEXT contract where he starts selling some UFA years that is the one where holding out makes sense. All he can do now is sabotage his preparation and hurt his value for the next contract. I just don't see how its worth it for a player to scrap and fight over what will amount to a tiny difference in his career earnings.

I don't see Tarasenko being traded until mid-season most likely, but if/when he IS traded, I wonder if a top 4 LD is the preferred asset to receive.

 

[Mike Liut]

What toughness?

Clifford isn’t tough?

 

[Celtic Note]

Clifford isn’t tough?

Not all that much. It certainly doesn’t seem like useful toughness.

He might have been at one point, but last year he was very underwhelming in that department.

 

[Brian39]

Not all that much. It certainly doesn’t seem like useful toughness.

He might have been at one point, but last year he was very underwhelming in that department.

Hard disagree. He had 4 fights through 50 games, which was tied for 12th in the league. He overwhelmingly won two of those fights, lost a close fight and got worked over by Reaves. Fighting is way down league wide from what it used to be. The league leader had 7 fights last year. Fighting once every 12 games isn't a lack of toughness in today's NHL. His 69 hits were tied for 5th on the team and he accumulated those playing less than 10 minutes a night. I think there is a great argument that he plays a role that is increasingly less valuable in the NHL and that having a guy around for toughness isn't needed. But he absolutely provided the toughness he was expected to bring.

I would like to have him as a 14th forward, but I wouldn't rate that preference high enough to let it impact other decisions. I wouldn't drag out a Thomas contract in order to have enough space for Clifford and I don't think he would be claimed on waivers. If he did get claimed then so be it. But if we can make the roster work with him on it, I like him as a guy who is scratched 75% of the time but can be inserted onto the 4th line occasionally. I'd rather have him sitting in the press box than Kostin, so if the battle for 14th forward comes down to those 2 then I'd give it to Clifford.

 

[67Blues]

Hard disagree. He had 4 fights through 50 games, which was tied for 12th in the league. He overwhelmingly won two of those fights, lost a close fight and got worked over by Reaves. Fighting is way down league wide from what it used to be. The league leader had 7 fights last year. Fighting once every 12 games isn't a lack of toughness in today's NHL. His 69 hits were tied for 5th on the team and he accumulated those playing less than 10 minutes a night. I think there is a great argument that he plays a role that is increasingly less valuable in the NHL and that having a guy around for toughness isn't needed. But he absolutely provided the toughness he was expected to bring.

I would like to have him as a 14th forward, but I wouldn't rate that preference high enough to let it impact other decisions. I wouldn't drag out a Thomas contract in order to have enough space for Clifford and I don't think he would be claimed on waivers. If he did get claimed then so be it. But if we can make the roster work with him on it, I like him as a guy who is scratched 75% of the time but can be inserted onto the 4th line occasionally. I'd rather have him sitting in the press box than Kostin, so if the battle for 14th forward comes down to those 2 then I'd give it to Clifford.

The key point is that we can't have Kostin sitting in the press box. He needs ice time wherever that may be. Clifford knows and accepts the role of the 14th forward.

 

[Majorityof1]

Hard disagree. He had 4 fights through 50 games, which was tied for 12th in the league. He overwhelmingly won two of those fights, lost a close fight and got worked over by Reaves. Fighting is way down league wide from what it used to be. The league leader had 7 fights last year. Fighting once every 12 games isn't a lack of toughness in today's NHL. His 69 hits were tied for 5th on the team and he accumulated those playing less than 10 minutes a night. I think there is a great argument that he plays a role that is increasingly less valuable in the NHL and that having a guy around for toughness isn't needed. But he absolutely provided the toughness he was expected to bring.

I would like to have him as a 14th forward, but I wouldn't rate that preference high enough to let it impact other decisions. I wouldn't drag out a Thomas contract in order to have enough space for Clifford and I don't think he would be claimed on waivers. If he did get claimed then so be it. But if we can make the roster work with him on it, I like him as a guy who is scratched 75% of the time but can be inserted onto the 4th line occasionally. I'd rather have him sitting in the press box than Kostin, so if the battle for 14th forward comes down to those 2 then I'd give it to Clifford.

What are your thoughts on Clifford vs MacMac? If we are ever without injuries and need to carry 13 forwards, one of them has to be sent down. MacMac doesn't fight but he had half as many hits playing less than half as many games at less ATOI. He produced less points per game, but he is a bit younger and a bit cheaper. I think he is better defensively and on the cycle, but don't really have proof of that. That's just a hazy memory of the eye test.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

What are your thoughts on Clifford vs MacMac? If we are ever without injuries and need to carry 13 forwards, one of them has to be sent down. MacMac doesn't fight but he had half as many hits playing less than half as many games at less ATOI. He produced less points per game, but he is a bit younger and a bit cheaper. I think he is better defensively and on the cycle, but don't really have proof of that. That's just a hazy memory of the eye test.

I much prefer MacMac. He is good on forecheck, defensively responsible, skates well. Lacking skill (but so is Clifford) but I trust him as fill in; he seems like ideal spare forward to me.

 

[Brian39]

What are your thoughts on Clifford vs MacMac? If we are ever without injuries and need to carry 13 forwards, one of them has to be sent down. MacMac doesn't fight but he had half as many hits playing less than half as many games at less ATOI. He produced less points per game, but he is a bit younger and a bit cheaper. I think he is better defensively and on the cycle, but don't really have proof of that. That's just a hazy memory of the eye test.

MacMac is my choice for 13th forward at the moment (behind ROR, Tarasenko, Schenn, Perron, Buch, Saad, Kyrou, Thomas, Bozak, Sunny, Sanford, and Barby). If Sunny starts the year on LTIR, then Kostin is my current pick for the 12th forward with Mac as forward #13. Either way, Clifford is my choice for forward #14 if we run 23 guys. I want Kostin to either be in the lineup or in the AHL unless he looks absolutely incredible in camp. If he shows out at camp then get him on the roster to practice with the team and be ready for any injury.

My preference is to get Thomas on the team with a 2 year deal around $2.4M and run 22 forwards if/when we don't have anyone on LTIR.

My medium-term view is still a trade of either Tarasenko, Sanford, or Barby mid-season to create breathing room under the cap and give Kostin a spot in the everyday lineup.

Occasionally inserting Clifford is a fine option to have, but I prioritize Thomas, not risking Mac to waivers, and the development of Kostin over that option. If we can accomplish all 3 with Clifford still around then that is great. If not, then thank Clifford for his time with the organization and move on.

 

[StLewis11]

I'm very glad Bozak is back

 

[CaliforniaBlues310]

Here’s my guess at what’s going on here.

I think Sanford is going to be the guy that gets moved to create cap space to get Thomas locked in. However, I don’t think it happens until either Kostin comes in and demands a full time role, or until the time Sundqvist gets back.

I don’t think Army wants to give up LW depth just yet, because we know there’s a chance of injuries during camp.

Personally though, I’d be on the phone with Arizona for a Sanford for Fischer swap. It saves us a million in space(more if we can pay a little extra to get them to retain), and he’s a much better fit for a 4th line role.

As far as Tarasenko goes, my gut is telling me he’s gonna be here for a bit until we get an offer for a Lindholm-esque guy for the left side.

It’s obviously going to sting losing his offense if he is back to himself, but I think the trade off on having a MUCH improved top 4 would be super beneficial to our chances at contending. I also think we’d still have enough offensive depth to take that loss up front if things go to plan.


Pre-Vladi trade:
Perron-O’Reilly-Tarasenko
Buchnevich-Schenn-Kyrou
Saad-Thomas-Bozak
Barbashev-Sundqvist-Kostin
Fischer, Clifford

Krug-Parayko
Scandella-Faulk
Mikkola/Walman-Bortuzzo


Post-Vladi trade:
Perron-O’Reilly-Buchnevich
Saad-Schenn-Kyrou
Kostin-Thomas-Bozak
Barbashev-Sundqvist-Fischer
Clifford, Joshua/Mac

Lindholm/TBA-Parayko
Krug-Faulk
Scandella-Bortuzzo
Mikkola/Walman

 

[Stupendous Yappi]

Barring a Tarasenko trade mid-season, I’m starting to think Sanford may be moved when Sundqvist returns from LTIR. The price will be cheap. Also, even though Bozak’s bonuses can slide to next season, I’m sure Armstrong would prefer to find a way to fit it under the cap this year.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

Barring a Tarasenko trade mid-season, I’m starting to think Sanford may be moved when Sundqvist returns from LTIR. The price will be cheap. Also, even though Bozak’s bonuses can slide to next season, I’m sure Armstrong would prefer to find a way to fit it under the cap this year.

Our Cap situation next year is potentially even tighter than this if we want to resign Perron. This is why Tarasenko ultimately needs to be dealt to get $ off books.

 

[MissouriMook]

Our Cap situation next year is potentially even tighter than this if we want to resign Perron. This is why Tarasenko ultimately needs to be dealt to get $ off books.

I'm probably less concerned about Perron than most. I think his number will be exceptionally team friendly, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it worked out before camp breaks. I think his next deal will start with a 5.