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Older Players On Tryouts
by Paul on 09/24/09 at 05:48 AM ET
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from Craig Custance of the Sporting News,
Right now, there are at least 15 veterans in NHL camps on tryouts, and (Brad) May is proof that all it takes is one phone call for that number to grow.
“We certainly had a lot more phone calls this year about guys,” Thrashers GM Don Waddell said. “With many more young players breaking in the league, it’s harder and harder for some of these players with experience to get contracts.”
NHL general managers can construct their rosters from a pool of elite players from all over the world, so the competition for roster spots is more intense then ever.
Teams also have learned the value of salary cap flexibility, which means a younger player on an entry-level contract is more likely to get a serious look than a longtime veteran making good money.
Plus, for small-market teams on a budget, one or two bad contracts can sink any chance of contending.
“There is a squeeze on the salary cap so you don’t want to commit to a veteran player. You can’t move a player like you used to,” Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz said. “Smaller market … you have to live with your choices. If you sign a guy on a one-way deal making money, you know you can’t get rid of him.”
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