prediction Versteeg

[ml_cow]

Will be signed before his arbitration tomorrow.

So far no one has gone the distance.

[bondon]

I think they would be wise to come to an agreement with Versteeg before the arbitration hearing. The Panthers have close to $21M in cap space and only Kulikov and Versteeg as notable guys left to sign

[TK12555]

It'll be interesting to see what he gets.

[Fast Tony DeNiro]

He'll be horribly overpaid, the offense won't come at as high a level, and everyone will realize he's really just not that good of a hockey player. He can score, but that's really about all he does right.

[Axeman33]

I can see him getting around 4.5m/season. I am not a big Versteeg fan per say but you sure have to like the situation he has found himself in in Florida. If he can stay healthy he should easily get 60+ points playing on the top line.

[kevinsrangers]

4.5m-- overpayment.

[Axeman33]

4.5m-- overpayment.

Compared to who? Go take a look at the players who are getting right around 60-65pts per season and check out their salaries. I would say 4.5 is actually right on target and may even be a bit of a bargain compared to some of the other "over-paid" players who score at that pace. *cough* Ovechkin *cough* to simply name one. If others in that point range arent making that much, I am willing to bet you they havent signed a contract recently, or are having their current contract expiring in the next year.

Dont get me wrong, is it an over payment?? Probably, but as I say when you compare to the other players in that point range, 4.5m is pretty much right on track. Versteeg is in a position to score 60+ (he had 54pts in 71g last season) and will be playing top line minutes. The opportunity is there.

[JHM]

Versteeg - $4.0 to $4.5M from the arbitrator.

His 49 points last year (on pace for about 56 points) put him in a good position.

I'd project him for 52 points this coming year, based on 82 games. 22 goals. He's an awesome third liner, that is receiving extra top 6 forward responsibilities in Florida. The first line is truly a second line, and possibly the third line, on a Stanley Cup winner.

[Axeman33]

Versteeg - $4.0 to $4.5M from the arbitrator.

His 49 points last year (on pace for about 56 points) put him in a good position.

I'd project him for 52 points this coming year, based on 82 games. 22 goals. He's an awesome third liner, that is receiving extra top 6 forward responsibilities in Florida. The first line is truly a second line, and possibly the third line, on a Stanley Cup winner.

He had 54 pts last year and played in 71 games. Thats actually a 62 pt pace if he played in all 82 games.

[TK12555]

Well i'm impressed here!

[JHM]

My apologies. He had 49PM. I referenced one column too far over in the stats.

[ross10019]

He's an awesome third liner, that is receiving extra top 6 forward responsibilities in Florida. The first line is truly a second line, and possibly the third line, on a Stanley Cup winner.

Wow, that's quite the statement, I have to disagree. Sure White/Fleischmann/Versteeg isn't among the top 10 of no 1 lines in the NHL, but they are no slouches and would be an excellent 2nd line even on a Stanley Cup winning team. Can you name a 2nd line in the league that is better than them? I can't think of many that come close, maybe these:

- Pens simply because you'd talk Malkin with any two pylons in a second, perhaps.
- Boston because either of Seguin/Bergeron + Marchand is a damn good combo.
- StLouis, Perron/Berglund and maybe Oshie, now that's a hell of a 2nd line.
- Chicago, if you split Toews/Hossa and Sharp/Kane or some combo.
- Dallas, Roy/Ryder/Whitney will be pretty solid.
- San Jose, Couture/Clowe/Havlat.
- LA, Penner/Richards and Carter or Williams, maybe.
- Perhaps the Flyers 2nd line but that's a major stretch in my mind.

I'd still take the Panthers top line over most of these, primarily because Stephen Weiss is one of the most underrated centermen in the entire league and a great two-way player, a Mike Richards-lite, and Fleischmann and Versteeg are very skilled players.

Anyway, thought i'd comment JHM as that statement was too difficult to read past!