I hope all what is going on is just Negotiation
& Sather still has somewhat of a brain

I think it’s quite silly that the two sides are basically off by 1.5 mil per year. Mr. Sather, are you aware of the current US inflation rate and the short-term prospectus for ‘09? Are you also aware of the weak dollar that is eroding the real value of these players salaries vis-a-vis the Euro, CSD, and the Russian Rouble?

Of course you do, or else you wouldn’t have signed Wade Redden for 6.5 million per year, or Rozy at 5 million. From Jagr’s 07-08 salary of 8.4 million (? not 100% sure), try deducting exactly 4.18%, which is the official US inflation rate derived from April’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). It comes to $8,048,880. Now you tell me Mr. Sather, has Jagr digressed enough that he should eat up the cost of inflation (nevermind the Euro/USD exchange rate, or the grossly understated ‘official’ rate of inflation) and take a wage cut of another 1.5 million while at it?

It doesn’t sound like you want him back, sir; are you worried that Jagr’s reign of 70 points-plus statistics are a thing of the past? Are you worried that you have stripped Jagr of all his Czech buddies and so would not arrive to that consistent result we witnessed in the past two years?

Whatever that’s irking you, you better make decisions fast sir. Sit on your hand complaining ala Brian Burke and all it does is reveal what a buffoon you’ve become. Burke still thinks the Oilers are the culprit of these sudden ‘wage-pulls’ when clearly, all signals point toward something else: the real economy and exchange rates. I suppose in Burke’s ideal world, Edmonton will never have enough revenues and profits and therefore should never spend their money to attract a player they like, and should instead pile up on spare parts that big cities like New York dump when convenient. Clearly, he’s not aware how well Alberta is doing lately with their oil pumps.

This is a new world sir. I suggest you snap to action because if you signal that Jagr is not worth the price, you better also have a good plan B.

Sincerely,

The Heterodox Economist

Also if He gets 6mill and a few people are making more, what are the higher paid people going to do piss on his leg? Shanny made 2 million last year to help us out and no one pissed on his leg, he was well respected. Shanahan, now that is a leader to teach these kids. Sorry folks but its the truth.

I love Jagr, been a fan of his for a long long time, but you can’t handcuff a team that you are the Captain of and “leader” of because you have to be the highest paid. Take the 6mill show your committed to winning and i’m sorry the guy has made a ton of money over the years he can afford to take 6mill. I’m sure all of us would settle for 6 mill. Is Jagr an important part? No doubt about it, but if he leaves it is very clear that he was not serious about winning here.