Ryane Clowe?

Question

Ryane Clowe signed a 1 year contract worth 1.6 million...DIRT CHEAP FOR HIM!

Okay, this is what I've heard over the past 1 1/2 months

1. Ryane Clowe and Doug Wilson had a 'verbal' agreement in which they agreed the dollar amount but were not certain about the # of years. (That was in February during Clowe's injury)

2. Clowe said in mid June that it was a 'sure thing' coming back to San Jose next season.

3. It's mid July and there's still no contract between Clowe and the Sharks. Wilson said, "yes, there’s an agreement in place, and both sides seemed happy with the situation." David Pollack wrote, "One detail — and it can be a significant one — remained and that was the length of the contract. Clowe had the option of adding an additional season or seasons. He knew what the salary would be either way."

Continuing on what David Pollack wrote,

According to the G.M., he and Clowe sat down and talked about the future during the big left wing’s rehab period from that serious knee injury. The conversation took place before Clowe returned to action and at that time, they shook hands on a two-year deal at a mutually agreed-upon salary.

Wilson thought the handshake settled things, but apparently not. Which, of course, raises questions about what advice Clowe may now be getting from his agent. I tried to find that out today, but the agent, Paul Cobeil, chose not to comment — because “we don’t have a deal right now.”

Wilson seemed a little miffed, but he went out of his way to say any frustration wasn’t directed at his player.

“I have tremendous respect for Ryane Clowe and look forward to him having a productive and healthy year with us,” Wilson said. “He’s a player of great integrity and work ethic.”

“San Jose is where I want to be,” Clowe said at the time, “and it’s just a matter of how many years fit me best.”

So here's the REAL question:

Does it sound like at the end of this year he will be back wit San Jose for the 2009-2010 season?

Yes it's another one of those PREDICTION questions...but I'm wondering on what you think.

Answer 1

That is pretty cheap for a player his calibre.

Answer 2

I think he will be back if the sharks increase his pay. i don't see him play much since i'm a leafs fan and live in toronto but when i do, it's obvious he's an amazing talent with great potential. i think he'll definitely get a pay raise wherever he signs at the end of the 08-09 season, likely the sharks. however, the new nhl is so surprising, u never know what could happen.

Answer 3

He's signed next year for 1.6 mil.

Answer 4

I actually thought he was going to be signed for more than one year...and that is a cheap deal...but about him being with S.J. for the 09-10 season, i hope so.

Answer 5

It does sound like the agent is changing things.  I don't think the Sharks can afford to lose a grit guy like Clowe though, DW will definitely try to bring him back next season and I think a more sensible contract in terms of years will be agreed upon, especially if he has a "productive and healthy year."

I'm not entirely sure, but doesn't his age and contract status also keep him as a restricted free agent for next season?  Maybe the length of the contract was a Pavelski sorta thing where they sign him long enough to see how he blossoms and then when that contract is done he'll still be a restricted free agent and they have a better chance of giving him a more reasonable contract.

Answer 6

What CLOWE did was this... The Sharks werent willing to give him the long term deal he thought he deserved. SO, he took a one year deal and is willing to prove to them that they need to pay up next summer. If they dont, he will hit the market. It was really smart on both sides considering last season and the injuries.