Madferret
7-18-05, 11:57 AM
Oilers ready to compete
TheFourthPeriod.com (TheFourthPeriod.com)
Once the new collective bargaining agreement is ratified and teams officially begin to organize their rosters, the Oilers are expected to be in a position to be major players this August. According to the Edmonton Sun, the Oilers are going to enter the free-agent frenzy with money to spend in an attempt to add a big name or two to the marquee.
With just under $13 million already committed to a dozen players, Oilers GM Kevin Lowe will have room to move on unrestricted free agents - even after working out deals with the likes of restricted free agents Ryan Smyth, Eric Brewer and Mike York.
"We'll have every opportunity to compete for the $7.8-million player," Oilers chairman Cal Nichols told the Sun, referring to the maximum salary under the cap. "I'm not suggesting we jump to $39 million right away because there are risks with going too close, like getting caught with something unexpected like an injury or something."
The Sun claims the Oilers will have a player budget of $33-35 million next season. "Having imposed our own salary cap in the past has conditioned us to keep the wiggle room you need," Nichols said. "I think that'll pay dividends for us.
"When you look at our commitment for salaries, we'll probably have no trouble staying in the mid-range of the salary grid and still be able to compete for front-line players."
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/tfp_pic120.jpg
TheFourthPeriod.com (TheFourthPeriod.com)
Once the new collective bargaining agreement is ratified and teams officially begin to organize their rosters, the Oilers are expected to be in a position to be major players this August. According to the Edmonton Sun, the Oilers are going to enter the free-agent frenzy with money to spend in an attempt to add a big name or two to the marquee.
With just under $13 million already committed to a dozen players, Oilers GM Kevin Lowe will have room to move on unrestricted free agents - even after working out deals with the likes of restricted free agents Ryan Smyth, Eric Brewer and Mike York.
"We'll have every opportunity to compete for the $7.8-million player," Oilers chairman Cal Nichols told the Sun, referring to the maximum salary under the cap. "I'm not suggesting we jump to $39 million right away because there are risks with going too close, like getting caught with something unexpected like an injury or something."
The Sun claims the Oilers will have a player budget of $33-35 million next season. "Having imposed our own salary cap in the past has conditioned us to keep the wiggle room you need," Nichols said. "I think that'll pay dividends for us.
"When you look at our commitment for salaries, we'll probably have no trouble staying in the mid-range of the salary grid and still be able to compete for front-line players."
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/tfp_pic120.jpg