They say they do, but for a team that was oh-so-unconcerned, they apparently went at great lengths to cover it up for several weeks.

With all their other mistakes, if that front office says to you "Trust us, we knew what we were doing," would you believe them? I wouldn't.

I don't understand what Boston is doing. They traded Ward (2.5 million) to Carolina for Eaves (1.4 million, who they intend to buy out so that number will drop) and a 4th in order to free up some cap space (they would be at just about the salary cap). They then go and sign Morris to a 1 year, 3.3 million deal which puts them 3+ million over the cap, with Kessel, their leading goal scorer last season, still unsigned.

Does this mean that Kessel is on his way out? Or is someone like Bergeron and/or Kobasew on the way out? I know if I was any other team with cap space, I'd give him a 3.9 million dollar offersheet for 3-5 years, which would only cost a 1st and a 3rd if Boston doesn't match, or if they do - they're in cap hell. A no lose situation, in my mind.

Canucks re-up Wellwood for 1 year, 1.2 million. He played decent when he was recalled on waivers, but blew chunks in the 2nd half of the season. He did play very well in the playoffs, especially on a line with Raymond and Bernier. http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=286227

Zubov has signed in the KHL. He was a great defenseman, but injuries brought a quicker end to his career. I'm surprised that no teams gave him a 1 year deal with bonuses......but I suppose he got offered some big dough from the KHL, and it wouldn't have mattered anyways. http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=286236

Chicago under investigation for Hossa's contract, with regards to intent to circumvent the cap (due to a verbal agreement which would state that he retires before the last 4 years of his contract (which combined would pay him $3.5 million). http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=286333

Wait... what? So they signed a 12 year contract... but they want him to retire in 8... WTF DIDN'T THEY JUST SIGN AN 8 YEAR CONTRACT?!

My sister was partying with Lucic yesterday. True story. Also she was in the Okanagon last week and partied with Blake Comeau, Josh Georges, Shea Weber and others guys who she doesn't remember the names of, lol.

They would have to pay him higher yearly if they did that, if true this is effectivly spreading out the pay of an 8 years contract over 12 years so as to have more space on the salary cap during these 8 years, which make sense considering the Blackhawk situation. Pretty smart move even if this probably not legal.

Ok, lets use simple numbers...

If they signed him for 12 years and for 1 million a year. They have to pay 12 million... till he retires at year 8... then they pay 8 million.

What I am saying is why dind't they pay for 1 million a year for 8 years... it seems the same to me.

I got the impression that what they want to do is in fact pay him 1.5 million per years for 8 years while spreading out the salary for 12 years so as to only add 1 million on the salary cap during these 12 years. Why, because Hossa probably demanded more money per years but they either didn't have enough place under the cap or wanted more space to sign other player.

That is freaking awesome......I wish I could meet him.