After winning the Northeast division with 100 points, the Vancouver Canucks lost in the Conference Semifinals to the Chicago Blackhawks. Fans were upset. But after the lose sunk in, uncertainty and nervousness blanketed the organization. Their 2 star forwards, the Sedin’s, may walk for nothing, signing as unrestricted free agents elsewhere. Their all-world goalie, Roberto Luongo, could be traded as his contract expired after the 2009-10 season.
Fast-forward a few moments. The uneasiness is gone, and optimism of a very successful is growing by the day. The Sedin twins were locked up to long term deals, Mikael Samuelsson was signed to put the puck in the net, Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich were brought in through trade to add depth and stability to the point, and there are know reports that Luongo is close to signing a contract extension. Canucks fans, breathe easy.
But in this NHL when a star play signs a new contract, that news tends to play second fiddle to “what is the cap hit”. This my friends is unknown at the moment.