In Order to Build A Contender Michael Ferland May Be a Luxury the Carolina Hurricanes Can't Afford.

                       

Let me start off first by saying I love Michael Ferland the player. I love his tenacity and he brings the net front presence this team has been sorely lacking.

Now as we all know Michael Ferland and the Carolina Hurricanes have been in negotiations for a contract, with reports coming out that Michael Ferland is asking for "Tom Wilson money", which is a 5 million dollar a year deal for 6 years. If the Carolina Hurricanes kowtow to these demands, it would be the equivalency of buying a Lamborghini while you still live in a trailer. The Washington Capitals we're able to sign Tom Wilson to that contract based on the fact that they already possesses established players such as Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Nicklas Backstrom, John Carlson and Braden Holtby in the crease. Meaning they already had established players at key positions prior to signing Tom Wilson. A team such as Carolina who is not fortunate to have such talent on the ice yet can simply not afford to over pay for a player that on a good year will only give you 20 goals and 45 points.

Another thing I have heard mentioned as for justification of giving Ferland that amount of money is "He is needed to protect the likes of Sebastian Aho, and Andrei Svechnikov." That is an archaic viewpoint in itself. With the league cracking down on fighting and player safety the league is evolving past the mentality that every star needs a bodyguard on the ice. Hence the fact that Goons are a dying breed.

Goaltending, and a number one Center being high on the want list of the Carolina Hurricanes, paired with the fact that Sebastian Aho still needs resigned, and Svechnikov, Necas, and many other players chances and contracts will be on the horizon before we know it. Paired with the fact they will likely resign Petr Mrazek to a long term deal this off-season. Paying that much for Michael Ferland is not feasible.

Now I know someone reading this is probably screaming about the amount of cap space the team has. However, based on Dundon's negotiations with potential incoming coaches and General Managers there is a good chance that him and General Manager Don Waddell are not planning on spending to the cap. Not only that spending to the salary cap does not always guarantee success on the ice the Detroit Red Wings,Edmonton Oilers, and St Louis Blues are among the top ten in salary cap this year and all three currently sit outside the playoffs. Meanwhile teams such as Nashville and Colorado remain at the bottom of the league and sit comfortably in playoffs position meaning simply spending money doesn't guarantee success. Spending money wisely and in the right places in this case Goaltending and a true Center does.

I love Michael Ferland and appreciate the impact he has made in Raleigh and sometimes love hurts. However, if the Carolina Hurricanes can sign him without overpaying he will remain a great asset in Raleigh for years to come. However, if they over pay for him he will become the pariah and whipping boy of Complaniacs for years to come ala Victor Rask.

Thanks for reading and Redvolution

The Caniac Collector