THN.com Blog: Preds' Poile deserves praise for early off-season moves
Dan Ellis' .924 save percentage in the regular season was tops in the NHL. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
Edward Fraser
2008-06-26 10:15:05
I don’t know what kind of incriminating photos David Poile has of Dan Ellis, but whatever it is, it has to be nasty.
Because, quite frankly, there’s no other explanation for Ellis putting his John Hancock on a deal worth far less than he could have snagged on the open market after July 1.
This is a goalie who, despite only having one NHL game on his resume prior to this season, posted the top save percentage – the stat most, including myself, believe is the best measure of a goalie’s overall ability – in both the regular season and playoffs.
When I first heard about Ellis’ new deal, I assumed the $3.5 million was his annual salary, not the two-year total. Even at $3.5 per, Ellis wouldn’t have been overpaid as a starting goalie.
So, in other words, at $1.5 million next season and $2 million in 2009-10, Ellis is a steal. And Poile, the only GM the Preds have ever known, should be applauded for the move.
The Ellis inking wasn’t the lone notch on Poile’s bedpost this off-season, either.
The 58-year-old also managed to get young blueline studs Shea Weber (selected No. 1 among THN’s top 50 free agents of 2008 in the latest issue) and Ryan Suter (another potential offer-sheet candidate) to sign extensions before July 1.
This trio of signings more than makes up for the somewhat questionable contracts – in terms of length – given to Martin Erat ($31.5 million over seven years) and David Legwand ($27.5 over six) earlier this campaign.
And let’s give Poile credit for the hard work by his scouts, too. Nashville was one of THN’s first-round winners, grabbing Boston U center Colin Wilson, who showed exactly what he’s made of at the combine, and a goalie for the future in Tri-City’s Chet Pickard.
Mix all of Poile’s off-season ingredients, stick ‘em in the oven and out pops a cake worthy of (very) early 2008-09 THN Executive of the Year consideration.
Edward Fraser is the editor of thehockeynews.com. His blog normally appears Thursdays.
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Troy Martinson (Posted 2008-06-27 07:05:50)
DP's one of the best GM's in the league. He continues to ice an exceptional squad in an area full of football, Nascar & college hoops. If only he could become a hypnotist to "force" these same people to become interested in hockey for more than just the playoffs.
maxime (Posted 2008-06-26 16:25:06)
To Kimberly : You know Dan Ellis? Then you tell him how incredibly wonderful it is to see that some players are still in it for the game. That some players still have the integrity not to ask for the moon because they are good at pushing a puck. Don't get me wrong, owners and GM's ruined the player's love of the game with these multi million dollar deals. I never witnessed those days, but I know that when the Rocket used to play, he (and every other player) had to work in the summer because hockey didn't pay much, if it did at all. And God, was the game good back then. Players of Dan Ellis' ilk are what's missing today. Guys with big hearts, not with big wallets to fill. I could go on all day long with praises, but I think Dan will catch what i'm trying to say :P
Gary (Posted 2008-06-26 15:26:10)
Dan wanted to be in a place where he would likely be the starting goalie. His condition was that one of the remaining guys, Mason or Rinne, be moved. Mason was. Tennessee has no state income tax. His actual takehome will be greater than you might have realized because of this fact. In another year, if he has been successful, I would look for David to wrap Ellis up on a long term deal. David has been masterful.
Caz (Posted 2008-06-26 13:20:32)
I agree it's a good deal for a starting goalie if Ellis can keep up those numbers. His stats were almost identical to Chris Mason's 06-07 stats. Ellis went 23-10-3 with a 2.34 gaa and .924 sp. Mason was 24-11-4 with a 2.38 and .925 sp in 06-07 but didn't live up to those numbers this season. Too often, GMs make the mistake of offering bigger contracts based on short term success which leads to salary inflation. Just look at the contract Ottawa gave Emery after a good season last year. Do you think they regret paying him over $3 million now? If Ellis can keep it up, he'll earn the money he deserves in 2 years.
Kimberly (Posted 2008-06-26 11:32:29)
Being familliar with Danny though, you have to understand he just wants to play hockey. That's it. He has a starting position, which he's always wanted in the NHL and is a team guy. He had a shut out against his former team (my Stars) and when I was congratulating him after, he deflected any praise toward the team in front of him.
That's part of who he is. So beaucoup bucks are good but he's making a decent and fair salary, especially for someone just now with a full year (singular) of NHL experience under his belt.
IMO both Poile and Ellis are to be commended for their poise.
Jeff (Posted 2008-06-26 10:34:40)
You're right that Ellis probably would have fetched much more on the open-market, but those GMs willing to give a huge contract to a guy with 24 career wins are pretty ridiculous.
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