So it’s been reported here and everywhere that Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane (5 years) and Duncan Keith (up to 13 years) are about to re-sign with the Blackhawks. There has been so much talk about the inevitable signings and cap issues that the Blackhawks have, that I didn’t really want to bring them up again. Pretty much every sports site and blog dating back to last July have touched on their issues on numerous instances (from mynhltraderumors - Capoligist needed in Chicago July 8th, and Hossa’s Contract Investigation July 31st). We all know that they are going to have to make a trade or 2 to free up cap room for next season, and that Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet are 2 contracts that they’d probably like to remove, rather than a Patrick Sharp or Kris Versteeg.
But why am I writing about them then? This blame lies with Tab Bamford of the BleacherReport commenting on an ESPN article. Before the Blackhawks are able to officially sign the big 3, they must makes some moves that effects next years salary cap, the ‘Tagging’ rule.
“Tagging” is a rule in the CBA that prohibits a team from having more money committed to the following season than the current year’s salary cap. Essentially, if this year’s salary cap is roughly $56 million, the Hawks wouldn’t be allowed to have the projected $61 million committed to next year’s payroll after these three deals were completed.
I had never heard of this rule before, and it raises a few questions. Were the ‘Hawks aware of this ‘tagging’ rule? Will the Hawks’ become more active in trying to dump salary so they can announce the 3 signings asap, or will they hold on to the signed contracts and file them later on in the season? At what cost will the ‘Hawks go to, to move out salary (packaging a contract and a good draft pick/prospect for a lower salary)?
#1 by Jeff at November 19th, 2009
I knew about this, and have no doubt that the Bowman’s are aware. They can hold off signing these deals as long as they like — I imagine they are actually trying to move Huet and his terrible $5.65m annual salary. Are you 100% sure they will be over the cap? Is someone reporting the annual amounts for these players?
#2 by Mark at November 19th, 2009
Cap number of $43.732 for 14 players. Toews, Kane, and Keith will get over $13 million combined, which would put the team over this years cap number. All 3 will be close to $17 million cap number
#3 by ChiTownHustle at November 19th, 2009
So you have a blog promoted as “your source for NHL news and trade rumours”, yet you have never heard of the tagging rule? If your going to be a “source” you need to brush up. Man anyone can get a blog these days.
read section 2 and beyond…
From Article 50.5(e)(iv)(C):
For a Club that wishes to sign an Unrestricted Free Agent following the commencement of a season (i.e., after the first day of the NHL Regular Season), if the Club signs such a Player to an SPC after December 1, then the following rules shall apply:
(1) In order for the Club to sign such a Player to a one-year SPC after December 1 of a season, the Club must have Payroll Room equal to or in excess of the remaining Player Salary and Bonuses to be earned by the Player under the SPC in that League Year; and
(2) In order for a Club to sign such a Player to a multi-year SPC after December 1 of a season, the Club must have Payroll Room equal to or in excess of the Averaged Amount of the Player Salary and Bonuses for the remainder of such season. If, however, the Averaged Amount of the SPC exceeds the Club’s Payroll Room for the then-current League Year, the Club may still sign such SPC, provided that it has Payroll Room and, if such Payroll Room is insufficient to acquire the SPC, it has an amount equal to one or more SPCs that will expire at the end of such League Year, in an amount equal to or in excess of the amount by which the Averaged Amount exceeds the Club’s Payroll Room (the “Tagged Payroll Room”). Until such time as the Club has or makes Payroll Room in the current year in excess of such Tagged Payroll Room, the Club may not engage in any Player transactions requiring Payroll Room, including but not limited to, acquiring an SPC or “extending” or entering into a new SPC (the “Tagging Rule”). In the event the Club does have or creates such excess Payroll Room, it may use such excess Payroll Room in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
#4 by Rick at November 19th, 2009
Am I reading the “Tagging” Rule properly as posted by ChiTownHustle? If the Hawks sign these guys prior to December 1, then as it reads the rule does not apply. Perhaps they will/can get this done prior to December 1.
#5 by Mark at November 19th, 2009
I don’t classify myself as an ‘expert’ so I’m allowed a mulligan every once in awhile.
#6 by Mark at November 19th, 2009
I was thinking the same thing Rick. Also
“From Article 50.5(e)(iv)(C):
For a Club that wishes to sign an Unrestricted Free Agent ”
These players are Restricted Free Agents, do the same rules apply?