Opening Night
The Nylander Saga Claims One
Written by Reed Albers   
Wednesday, 30 September 2009 12:32

alt

Perhaps no scene from a movie better explains the Michael Nylander situation than this not-so-memorable-but-yet-I-know-it quote from the movie "Sgt. Bilko."

Private: "I think the guys don't like me."

Bilko: "Why would you think that?"

Private: "They wrote me a note. 'Rodney, we don't like you.' "

At the beginning of training camp, Bruce Boudreau hoped the rumors swirling around Michael Nylander wouldn't become a distraction for his club.

It's official, he is a distraction. And it's affecting players who outright deserved a spot on the roster. By now you've probably heard the news: Chris Bourque was claimed by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Bourque, who was a key part of the Hershey Bears' Calder Cup runs, secured a roster spot after a nail-biting training camp that featured an injury and roster-clinching goal in the final preseason game. Of course it helped that Tomas Fleischmann and Eric Fehr were hurt but, still, Bourque earned his spot.

Now his "Welcome to the NHL" dinner date with Bruce and his father, NHL legend Ray Bourque, is cancelled.

It sucks. On one hand, you have a kid who's given his heart-and-soul in camp and in the AHL to make the NHL roster, and on the other, a veteran who just doesn't get the message.

The team couldn't be any clearer about Nylander's role with the team.

He doesn't have one. Yet he remains and enforces his no-movement clause.

But can you really blame Nylander?

Why shouldn't he wait until the best opportunity arises? Why should he accept a trade to any team when he's nearing the end of his career and would want to go to a team that a) appreciates what he can bring to the team and b) actually wants to play him for more than 10 minutes a game.

Nylander produced 33 points in 72 games last year, a far-cry from his usual production, but George McPhee can't seem to find a trade that an opposing team would accept or that Nylander would accept.

Some might argue that Nylander selfishly caused Bourque's exit from the team. But considering that Bourque made the team by the pure fact that Fehr and Fleischmann were injured, most are just mad that of all teams, the very last team on the waiver wire, the hated Penguins, picked the young Bostonian up.

A day away from the puck drop, Caps fans can either continue to moan about the Nylander saga or accept the truth.

The Nylander situation is no longer "Where can we trade him?" but "How can we use him?"

Making Nylander the highest-paid person in the Verizon Center press box is not an ideal solution.

Comments (2)Add Comment
Trades
written by PRC, September 30, 2009
It's highly doubtful that anyone is willing to make a trade for Nylander at all, precisely for that salary. Perhaps some team would take him on at reduced, but that's not an option. So I find it very hard to believe that Nyls is blocking a trade- as it's even harder to believe that any kind of offer is being made at all.
hard to believe
written by Richard, October 01, 2009
it's hard to believe that there is NO team that wants a solid center that is good for 30 points, which he got last season while hurt...dany heatly got shipped from ottawa for 2 draft picks, and 2 players(one being cheechoo, a good chunk of cash) but still make 8 mil a year, nylander is only making 1.22 mil. Bourque played well for us and hope him the best but can't be a fan anymore

Write comment

security code
Write the displayed characters


busy
< Prev   Next >
 

Follow Capitals Kremlin

Caps Kremlin Twitter Feed

About Bloguin

Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics.

Advertisers

The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.

Bloggers Wanted

The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site.. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.

The Bloguin Login

The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account!