| 27 May 2010
For sure, Tomas Holmstrom had an absolutely surprising season in terms of production. People (including myself, admittedly) thought that we had seen the best days of Tomas Holmstrom, for sure, before this season had started. For sure, he plays the game in such a way that is taxing on his body. For sure, he isn't getting any younger. For sure, he told us all to STFU this year...for sure.
He was not without injury, like most of the team. Holmer needs to seriously invest in those skate protectors...especially when Brett Lebda is firing the puck. Holmstrom missed 14 games with various bumps and bruises but still managed to reach 25 goals...for sure.
What I expected: 15 G 25 A 40 Pts
What we got: 25 G 20 A 45 Pts
Holmstrom was the 5th highest paid player on the team at a $2,250,000 Cap hit this year and finished 4th overall on the team in terms of production...sound reasonable? The 37 year old "Demolition Man" is set to enter Unrestricted Free Agency if we don't sign him before July 1st. I hear his agent is playing the whole "well, he wants to finish his career here but..." card. Come on, dude. For once, be a friend first and an agent second on this one. Don't play hardball with Holland...we don't like that.
For the record, other players who scored 45 points this season:
Bill Guerin - Pittsburgh Penguins, $2,000,000 Cap hit, 39 years old
J.P. Dumont - Nashville Predators, $4,000,000 Cap hit, 32 years old
Lubomir Visnovski-Edmonton Oilers / Anaheim Ducks, $5,600,000 Cap hit, 33 years old
So that's an average age of around 35 years old and an average salary of $3,867,000. I'm really hoping that Holmstrom is looking to make four million dollars to play next year. Honestly, I think that the Bill Guerin contract, considering the similarity in age would be fair. I wouldn't even mind equalling the contract that he has right now. But what if Holmstrom wants a raise? What price are we willing to pay?
I think we're getting a little off-topic, so let's just get to the crux of this post...
Final Grade: A-
Holmstrom is still clutch. If goes anywhere else, I'll be heartbroken...and my mother sure as hell will. He's her favorite. Holmstrom is another life-long Red Wing who should spend his entire career with this franchise. And he obviously has proved he has more good hockey left to play.
