Today the defending CCHL Champion Denver Spurs re-signed checking forward Ian Laperriere to a 3 year contract worth $3.3M usd.
At the news conference GM Poelker said, "We are happy to bring Lappy back as he was an integral part of our club last year in winning the CCHL Cup. Ian, I and the entire management team of the Spurs congratulate you and are extremely pleased we were able to offer you a contract that brought you back to the Spurs. We hated to release you to free agency but you were a true professional in understanding the business side of our great sport. We've decided to sew the 'C' on your sweater! Thanks for re-signing and welcome back Captain Laperriere!"
Ian exclaimed, "Wow! Thanks so much! Captain! Iam honored. I will do my best to fill Joe's shoes, but it will be tough. I hope to finish my career with the Spurs and will do my best to represent our club in a professional manner on and off the ice."
As far as this writer is concerned, that won't be a problem, as Ian has been known for his charity work throughout the Rocky Mountain Region in the short time he's been here. As far as on the ice, he always goes above and beyond and also stands up for his 'mates. Everyone around the CCHL knows that Ian doesn't back down from anyone.
Sports journalist Terry Frei of the Rocky Mountain News asked,
"So, I take it that this means you won't be offering Captain Joe Sakic a contract that would bring him back for his final year or two? How can you do that?!?! He's the heart and soul of this club! You had him signed for another year and dumped his contract. You've talked about player loyalty in the past. Where's management's?!?!"
To this GM Poelker replied, "Now Terry, calm down. We've had this discussion before. What are you trying to stir up? We met at length with Joe and being the professional he is, he fully understood why we released him and his $10 million usd contract. We certainly know Joe was a great leader for us and primary to winning the Cup this past May. However, Joe understands the financial landscape being what it is and that when the league offered every club the opportunity to cut one contract this off season, that we simply had to cut his for the future financial health of the organization. We understand that Joe has received a top UFA offer from the Hamilton Predators. We wish him well and can tell the Preds they'll be getting one of the classiest players in the CCHL. But hey, everyone knows that about Joe....eh! We do hope that when the time comes that Joe will enter the CCHL Hall of Fame as a Spur. But that, of course, is entirely up to him."
Dasher Notes
The Spurs had made offers to 7 other unrestricted free agents but it appears at press time that those 7 will be signing elsewhere for much higher contracts than what management was willing to offer.
With the release of Joe Sakic, it's obvious that youngster Paul Stastny will be given the job of pivoting the 2nd line. His linemates project to be Ryan Smyth & Marek Svatos at this time. It is hoped that Svatos will adequately replace the departed Teemu Selanne (ufa). The 1st line of Lecavalier-Tkachuk-Hossa is back intact for the upcoming season while the 3rd line shakes out to be Peca-Guite-Laperriere at this time.
The defense corps looks like Liles, McCabe, Finger, Staios, Malik and Sauer. Bergeron, Paetsch & Skrastins will most likely play secondary roles. Between the goal posts will be all world netminder Martin Brodeur who was re-signed to a hefty $5mil+ per year contract for the league minimum raise. Management couldn't pass up that deal. But you never know what may happen between now and the drop of the puck on opening day!
