As we creep closer and closer to training camp with multiple high-end restricted free agents not yet signed and many of their teams in challenging situations trying match up what they have for salary cap remaining, not breaking their budget for their future and being pushed for fair value from star players, the Sebastian Aho offer sheet increasingly looks like a hockey blessing.
The Hurricanes do still have Roland McKeown, Saku Maenalanen and Justin Williams unsigned with Williams being the big question mark.
But with or without Justin Williams, the window is always open for a late August trade to try to further improve the team. On that front, one interesting name being bandied around right now is Jesse Puljujarvi. On NHL Network today, Elliotte Friedman named the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning as two possible destinations for Puljujarvi.
Jesse Puljujarvi’s history
Puljujarvi was part of a dominant Finnish line that included Patrik Laine and was centered by Sebastian Aho at the World Junior tournament during the 2015-16 season. That tournament propelled Laine and Puljujarvi up the draft rankings with Laine ultimately drafted second overall and Puljujarvi fourth in the 2016 NHL Draft. (Aho has a bit earlier birthday, so we was already drafted in 2015 with the Hurricanes scooping him up in the second round before he too caught attention.) Laine and Puljujarvi headed to the NHL with high expectations. Laine met those expectations instantly with 36 goals in his rookie season. Puljujarvi had some growing pains adjusting the NHL and ultimately headed to the AHL after a short not particularly productive stint in the NHL. Now three years into his professional career, Puljujarvi has yet to really gain his footing at the NHL level, seems disgruntled with the Oilers and could return to Finland rather than re-signing if the Oilers do not trade him. He is only 21 years old and an interesting case. Is Puljujarvi just a draft bust? Or is he a player whose was mishandled to the point of destroying his confidence such that he just needs a change of scenery? The answer to those questions make for a wildly different answer to what his value could be to the Hurricanes.
The case for bust
Puljujarvi has logged a decent amount of ice time on a team that despite its struggles has higher-end offensive talent but has yet to produce offensively. His meager 22 point pace per 82 games looks more like a fourth line grinder than a high pedigree young scorer. Further, the trend is not good. Rather than building from a low base, Puljujarvi has mostly flat-lined with only nine points in 46 games at the NHL level in 2018-19. And especially on a team with young offensive stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, one might argue that if he cannot produce offensively at the NHL level in Edmonton, he just will not produce anywhere. Finally, he had surgery on both hips at the end of the off-season which I guess could be interpreted as early injury problems for a young player or possibly a reason to think he has a higher gear. Players drafted as high as Puljujarvi always get a second and even third chance, but that does not mean that they will ultimately rebound. Rough math suggests that 15-20 percent of even top 5 draft picks end of being depth NHLers or less. So while a rebound is definitely possible for a 21-year old, suggesting that Puljujarvi will automatically rebound become what he was originally projected to be ignores history.
The case for a rebound
Jesse Puljujarvi is only 21 years old. Maybe more significantly, he is pretty clearly a player who lost his confidence along the way. The combination of youth and a change of scenery that offers a fresh start and potentially a boost in confidence is definitely a dice roll with decent chance of netting a turnaround. In doing research for this article, I happened upon a short scouting report from his 2016 draft year at Elite Prospects.
The short snippet reads:
Puljujärvi is a big winger who combines size, skating and skill. A strong skater who can blast past the opposition in full speed. Able to use his size, reach and stickhandling skills to retain the puck in speed. A smart player at both ends of the ice, both on and off the puck. Great work ethic and positive attitude. More of a playmaker than a scorer and could improve his shooting skills, although already equipped with an accurate release. Doesn’t shy away from physical play, but could use his size more to his benefit. (EP 2016)
“Great work ethic and positive attitude” jump out as does mention of being “a smart player at both ends of the ice, both on and off the puck.” And he had an NHL skill set for the NHL.
As noted above, none of this is a guarantee, and the possibility of him just being a bust is a real one. But at 21 years old, the potential for a high ceiling as a scorer is also there especially if one considers the possibility that his current stage of (lack of) development is largely due to Edmonton’s mishandling of him.
In terms of just wiping the slate clean and trying to start with a fresh burst of positivity, the heavy Finnish contingent on the Hurricanes roster would figure to help.
Where he could fit considering also Justin Williams
Because the Hurricanes added a couple forwards this summer, some seem to think there is no room for another forward. I think that misses the actual math. Not counting Justin Williams, my count says that the Hurricanes have 11 certain NHL forwards (Aho, Teravainen, Niederreiter, Svechnikov, Staal, McGinn, Dzingel, Haula, Wallmark, Foegele, Martinook). Martin Necas who is waiver exempt is expected to compete for a roster spot but has to earn it. If Williams does not return, Puljujarvi would make 13 NHL forwards even if everyone is healthy. The team does have one too many at 14 forwards if Williams also returns, but that assumes that everyone is healthy to start the season. If that was the case, maybe Necas starts the season in Charlotte with the expectation that he returns to the NHL as soon as there is room.
If the Hurricanes did add Puljujarvi, many seem to want to jump to playing him with Aho and/or Teravainen. I think that ignores where is as a hockey player right now. The Hurricanes are fortunate to have a fourth-line center with decent offensive ability in Lucas Wallmark and a lineup that has decent balance down at the bottom. Rather, than immediately starting where he already failed trying to be a young NHL superstar, I think much better would be to just let him build a new base in a role without pressure to produce at some level. Then obviously if he gets his feet underneath him and plays well, he can climb the depth chart later.
So is this instead of Justin Williams?
The roster and salary cap math is easier if Puljujarvi is instead of Justin Williams, but I do not see them as being an either/or choice. Without much to show for his entry-level contract in terms of production, Puljujarvi would probably be looking at a one or two-year ‘show me’ contract still at or below $1 million per year. That pretty neatly swaps in for Clark Bishop or Brian Gibbons who currently show on the roster on CapFriendly without spending significantly more money. And as I said above, Necas could be the odd man out only short-term if the Hurricanes get through training camp with all forwards healthy. So if you add Puljujarvi at $900,000 and bump Gibbons, Bishop and Necas to the AHL, that still leaves $3.9 million to re-sign Williams also with the possibility to put some of that or even a bit more into bonuses that could be charged against the 2020-21 salary cap.
So while Williams’ situation is also in play, I first do not view Puljujarvi as a replacement for Williams in the top half of the lineup, and I do not view them as necessarily being an either/or choice financially.
What would the trade be?
Edmonton supposedly wants a comparable top prospect back for trading Puljujarvi. They can want all they want, but that does not mean they will get that. With Puljujarvi having already signed a contract to play in Finland, Edmonton has no leverage. Further, with his play through three seasons, Puljujarvi no longer qualifies as a top prospect. From a Hurricanes standpoint, I think the trade is a second-tier prospect possibly plus a mid-round draft pick. The Hurricanes could have numbers issues on the blue line not having room for all of Fleury, Forsling and McKeown who must clear waivers on the blue line not counting Bean who ideally sees NHL ice time too but is waivers exempt. Could something like McKeown plus a third-round draft pick be enough? If the Oilers instead want a forward, a question is how high the Hurricanes are on Julien Gauthier after making strides during the 2018-19 season. Gauthier’s story as more of a “slow rise” is significantly different than Puljujarvi’s “crash and burn upon entry,” but interestingly both players are 2016 first-round draft picks with physical skill sets that are NHL-capable who have yet to establish themselves in the NHL. Personally, I feel like Gauthier is a slight overpayment just because his trajectory is more positive right now and he is an unknown at the NHL level. But if the Hurricanes see Gauthier as a physically skilled forward who has a ways to go in rounding out his game, maybe that is a trade the team would make. Any talk of a first-round pick or a higher-end prospect like Bean, Necas, Suzuki, etc. from the Oilers side is just the typical case of fans greatly overvaluing a player who has very nearly zero value in an Oilers uniform at this point.
Would I do it?
In a word, yes. I actually am not that high on Puljujarvi. Players who are mature enough as a player to be drafted that highly can usually step in at the NHL level and produce offensively and more so have to round out other areas of their game. As such, I think the chance that Puljujarvi is just a bust is higher than most think. But that said, I do think the combination of a low cost, a high potential ceiling and a low cost makes him a good risk/reward play. McKeown plus a third gives up a player who I project as having a third pairing ceiling that they really do not have room for right now anyway. Further, McKeown has the potential to be lost for nothing on waivers. Then, even if the Canes have to upgrade to a second-round pick, the team has extra draft picks again next year. I do not like trading Gauthier as much just because I think his ceiling is as high as Puljujarvi’s in terms of raw physical skill set. But if the Hurricanes management and scouting staff’s read on Gauthier is that he is unlikely to reach that ceiling, I defer to them to rank Puljujarvi as a better dice roll.
If that type of deal becomes available, I do it. The risk is low and the upside high such that the risk/reward dice roll is worth it. I then slot Puljujarvi in a low-pressure role on Wallmark’s line and tell him to forget about the numbers and just focus on getting his game and confidence back. And this changes nothing with hoping Williams returns expect possibly trying to push a tiny bit more of his salary into the bonus category that could be deferred to 2020-21 if necessary. The only downside if the potential need to push Martin Necas to the AHL to start the year to make the roster math work.
What say you Canes fans?
1) Given his struggles in Edmonton, how highly would you value Puljujarvi, and what do you see as his chances for a rebound with a change of scenery?
2) Do you buy my roster and salary cap math that suggests that Puljujarvi and Williams are not an either/or choice?
3) To what degree would you be concerned about taking a roster spot that might be better spent on Martin Necas or another prospect already in the organization?
4) What would be your maximum offer for a trade package?
Go Canes!
1. As we talked about it the other day regarding Fleury, Puljujarvi’s issues have to do a lot with confidence I think, rather than skill set. I think he is worth a gamble and I expect he will see NHL ice and eventually do well. Playing in Finland should help him – and it should show what he can do (note – he will be playing on Aho’s old team for Aho’s father). I think there is a good chance of a rebound into a solid NHL player.
I do think that 2016 tournament overstated his value and potential – but it is not yet time to give up on “Pool-Party”.
2. Without a doubt – Gibbons and Bishop are both starting in CLT so we already have $4M+ cap space.
3. The impact on Necas is something I don’t like – Necas has a much higher ceiling than Puljujarvi and I wouldn’t take on Puljujarvi to Necas’ detriment. But I don’t think it is necessarily Puljujarvi or Necas in play.
4. McKeown and a pick for Puljujarvi seems reasonable – even consider Fleury as another player who may need a change in scenery to switch gears. But McKeown is ready to step into a third pairing RHD and be a good one – and what team wouldn’t embrace that?
In researching Edmonton’s reputation for mis-handling high first round draft picks I ran into this recent on topic article on Jesse and the Oilers. https://sports.yahoo.com/the-oilers-really-blew-it-with-the-jesse-puljujarvi-fiasco-154715381.html
I’m betting that none of us have actually seen Puljujarvi play all that much – I certainly haven’t – but when I have seen him, he reminds me a little of Pierre Luc Dubois. If we remember, it took PLD a few years to put it together and look at him now – he’s an excellent player that is still getting much better. CBJ was patient, to their credit, and it’s paying off in spades now.
I also read somewhere that one of the things that has held Puljujarvi back a little was English – it’s been a struggle for him to learn English. Not being able to communicate effectively is one of the more frustrating experiences in life – I can’t help but think this has materially affected his confidence. There are some other Finns in EDM but having Aho and TT around to talk Finnish would be super helpful (if it doesn’t become a crutch).
I’ve been an advocate of a move for him for a while now. That hasn’t changed. At one point I suggested even-up for Fleury but that seems like too much to give up now – I’m actually higher on Fleury than most readers here are – so McKeown + (one of our 3) 3rd seems reasonable. If it means more competition for playing time for everyone else – that’s good !!!
Have there been any reports or sightings of JW working out on the ice anywhere? My hunch is that JW isn’t coming back. There’s probably another slot open for someone.
I live right around the corner from RCI – I haven’t made it there (yet?) for the ongoing informal skates.
I expect we will find out tn the next few days.
Not sure JW comes back, and that’s a hunch I’ve had all summer. I think his head and heart are not connecting. Could be his heart wants to play, but his head is suggesting otherwise.
The other issue(s) with Puljujarvi is he will need to sign a contract wherever he goes. He clearly wants out of Edmonton, willing to play for pennies on the dollar in Finland rather than Edmonton. We would need to have some cap space entering the season simply to have some maneuverability for contingencies. Thus we would need to send at least equal dollars to Edmonton in any trade deal. Edmonton is slightly closer to the cap than the Canes, they can’t take on much salary either. Like dmiller, I’m comfortable with Fleury at this stage of his development, expecting a good 3rd NHL season from him. (That assumes he works out his trust issues with RBA. One look at his TOI in the Boston series convinces me there are issues there.) The trade of Fleury, an underachieving 7th overall pick for Puljujarvi, an underachieving 4th overall pick in the same draft has enough symmetry to be plausible for both teams. Both players have not met expectations, have had trust issues with coaches, have been given inconsistent development opportunities by their respective teams and do not leave unfillable gaps for either team. Has all the makings of a classic “change of scenery” trade with similar dollars going each way.
I lean more against the move, especially after already adding Dzingel and Haula, and Saku showing flashes of offensive upside and having shown he score in Finland too. I’d rather make room for Necas and Saku unless they can add a player who’s a sure thing or who fills a specific role (PP or PK specialist).
The Canes could sign Puljujarvi to a 2 way deal that pays $200,000 dollars at the AHL level, same as his Finland deal. (Chase Priskie received a $185,000 signing bonus and $70,000/yr in the AHL. As a comp he will receive a total of $255,000 this season.) He would be expected to “prove himself” there, not given a direct ticket to the NHL. He would enter the queue for the NHL with Necas, Saku and others, not be put at the head of the line. His strategy of going to Finland does not free him from Edmonton, but actually works to Edmonton’s advantage. Edmonton retains his rights no matter what happens there.
Puljujarvi would would need to clear waivers, so a 2-way deal does not really help. I guess it gives you an out if you just want to abandon the tryout and give him away for nothing but that is all. He cannot go to the AHL to work things out because someone else would likely claim him for free to take the same flyer that Canes would be trading for.
What makes anybody think that we should be the answer to Jesse Puljujarvi’s problems?
Okay. We have Finnish speaking players. The hockey atmosphere here is quieter and more laid back than it is in a Canadian city.
But is that all he needs in order to instill self confidence in the young man?
Might he expect to be favored or coddled by Roddy and his staff? Perhaps singled out for encouragement?
I think not.
I believe he can expect to be viewed as one of many superbly talented young players who are playing as hard as they can to win jobs. He will be viewed that way by the staff and from a different perspective by the players.
The overall expectation will be for him to fit in with the team culture. It would not be reasonable for him to be expecting the team culture to fit in with him.
What makes us think we are the answer to the needs of a high ranking first round pick? How are we doing with our Haydn? How did we do with Ryan Murphy? Look at our overall record with our first round picks. Not very good.
Maybe he is a bust. Or maybe he has a rotten attitude.
Is it too much for us to expect Jesse to shake off three years of mishandling and land on his feet with us? Too much for him to learn and buy into Roddy’s system, trusting his teammates along the way?
Yes, it is too much to expect.
There is no escaping the fact that he is a project. Whoever takes a chance on him is in for a long process of Jesse’s enormous ego and his profound emotional immaturity.
Maybe a straight up trade for our Haydn?
Our Haydn looks pretty, skates well and isn’t horrible. Their Jesse is big, strong, physical, and has talent. He does come with emotional baggage.
Hmmm. Maybe we should send a draft pick or two.
Haydn isn’t terrible? Are you warming up to him?
Might I add that the Canes do not have just any Finnish speaking players but they have Sebastian Aho who is a good friend of Jesse Puljujärvi. Aho and Puljujärvi are from the same Kärpät organisation and know each other inside out. Aho could be the answer to Puljujärvi’s problems.
No. But recently two people on this site answered my challenge. Between the two of them, they came up with skates well and isn’t horrible. I put in that he looks pretty.
Selective perception. My first wife only heard what she wanted to hear. If all you got out of the challenge responses was skates well and isn’t horrible you missed a lot of what was said.
The challenge was to tell me what he does well. Unnamed sources saying nice things about him don’t count in my book. Playing with confidence in the AHL is not the same as the NHL. Trouble with confidence and focus doesn’t count as something he does well.
What did I miss?
Weren’t you going to overwhelm me with specifics?
I soon figured out it was unproductive to try to reason with my ex-wife.
LOL!
I remember Pavel Brendl and others of this ilk. None have panned out and taking on this player for anything more than a McKeon and a mid-round draft pick is a waste. He has shown nothing in his NHL experience. He is living off of old scouting reports based upon his play in leagues far below the NHL level.
On the other side of the same coin is Jonathon Drouin, now with Montreal. He created a messy situation with Tampa to get out of Dodge. He has been a useful part in the re-tooling in Montreal, manipulating the system to get where he wanted to be.
Put me in the “hard no” category for Puljujarvi. It’s time the Canes advance from cheap reclamation projects to a team that wants good hockey players.
Can’t play? Go figure it out on someone else’s dime. We’re here to win and can’t afford roster spots for guys that can’t cut it.
Haydn played a full season as a 3rd pair in the NHL. Than played long stretches in the AHL last under Vellucci. I think he has been handled well. The last 3-4 years the canes have been developing young players with success.
Puljujarvi has more potential than Hayden. Edm used him inconsistently under many coaches. If RBA and our Finns are on board then OK, they know better than anyone.
I think there are better options with Necas, Saku, Geekie. and no room at all if JWilly comes back. Let him play in Finland for a year.
The fact that Harri Aho signed him to Karpat means a little more than Puljujarvi signing with any Finnish team. Maybe some sentiment, but he doesn’t strike me that way.
Holland is not giving this kid away. In fact, probably in his best interest that he plays there and plays well. Holland knows the kid will never sign in Edmonton and they own his right for I think I read 5 more years. He can only hope he starts lights out and boosts the value closer to what he’s initially asking for.
If we could steal him for something inexpensive, I’d do it. If there’s not a Rask for Nino type trade that can happen for Puljujarvi, no heartache on my end.
I would take a shot on Puljujarvi, though it would be at Saku’s expense of not re-signing him. Perhaps this is leverage the Canes front office is testing on both sides.
If a deal goes through, it likely involves McKweon or Gauthier. Edmonton is smart in waiting as they know the Canes will lose a young defenseman if forced to send one of McKweon or Forsling to the AHL. I do not see the team unloading Forsberg in a trade as goalie depth is paramount regardless if he needs to clear waivers.
And no, I do not think Williams is returning. If head and heart still don’t connect come September 1st, waiting longer to decide would just be kicking the can down the road. But I could be wrong.
The real issue isn’t should any team try to buy Puljujarvi while his price is down, why would Edmonton sell while his price is down. His decision to go to Finland is likely the very best case for Edmonton. Were the player to excel in Finland his price rises, were he to falter he can be put on the list of failed draft picks like Nail Yakupov. Either way Edmonton owns his rights when he decides to return to the NHL. As importantly, a message is sent to entry level players that there is no easy way out of entry level contracts, other than excel and reach free agency. My guess is many of the GMs and owners want the RFAs to get this message anyway.
I read that EDM was all in with getting Puljujarvi to Lilpat(??) for just that reason and facilitated it, even. Pool-party (which I can spell!) gets to rebuild his reputation and confidence as a player – if he is strong, and he should be (imagine Aho going back to that league), he makes himself a more valuable trade chit for the Oilers. And if he doesn’t the Oilers continue to hold the rights of a player who now has little leverage. I am really surprised that Pulj didn’t re-up with EDM inspite of his travails. He gave anway any control over his career – and he did so at a time when there is a new coach and a new GM and both reached out to his camp to see what could happen to keep him with the franchise. This just looks like a dumb decision on his part – and it only works if he excels, as you say, and another NHL club wants to take a chance on him, as we have been talking about here.
I think my mind has changed since I first responded to this post.
This is really a tough one.
First of all, Jess Puljujarvi has scored 3 points in two games playing in Champions League games in Finland (I’m assuming this is some sort of pre-season type of deal). He scored his 1st goal barely 2 minutes into play.
When you talk about trades, it is important to consider the other team’s needs as well. Historically, Edmonton has had a steaming turd for a defense, but their farm system is now pretty ripe with prospects on the back end. Caleb Jones and Ethan Bear are likely ready to make the jump. Evan Bouchard and Dmitri Samorukov are two other high end defensive prospects. And they took Philip Broberg in the 1st round at this last draft. Trading McKeown or Fleury doesn’t fill a need for Edmonton.
Edmonton does have a few higher end forwards in their system, but no where near the quality and quantity that they have on the back end. So any trade we pull off with them likely includes either a current forward or a forward prospect (and potentially a draft pick). I’m higher on Julien Gauthier than most and, frankly, I feel like he’s our version of Puljujarvi, except without the bad attitude and NHL disappointment. From a prospect standpoint (and considering what Edmonton might actually accept), that probably leaves Janne Kuokkanen. And as much as I like him, I’d easily move him for JP (probably adding something like a 2021 2nd round pick). The only two guys on our current NHL roster that likely get Edmonton’s notice are McGinn and Foegele, both favorites of Brind’Amour. So it is doubtful that either of them get moved. I’d certainly consider McGinn, but his salary might be too high for the Oilers cap space comfort.
In the end, however, if Williams comes back, I think we owe Necas a shot at making the team. If he fails, then maybe you go after JP in October. Still, if Williams comes back, it is going to be really, really interesting at camp. The top 6 is likely some combination of Nino, Svech, Aho, Turbo, Staal, and Willy. Then you’ve got Dzingel and Haula, most likely with Necas (assuming he makes the big squad). Foegele, Wallmark, Martinook, and McGinn are then battling it out for 4th line roles. It’s a good problem to have, but it still is a logjam.
I like your thoughts here – I don’t track other teams’ prospects; I just remember EDM was looking for blueline help a year or two ago. But I would take a JK for JP trade, recognizing that for us JK is most like AHL but he could well me a NHL contributor for EDM. I doubt EDM will try to move JP until he has shown himself a success back in Finland.
The CHL tournament represents some serious competition on the European stage – and Pulj is looking like a beast already European pros.
To surgalt: I was always taught that when someone is losing an argument and has nothing left to offer, they personally attack their opponent. By comparing me to your ex-wife you have done just that.
Your reason is obvious. You had offered to answer my challenge about our Haydn with overwhelming specifics as to what he does well.
Since then i have heard nothing from you, but this attack.
Your attack is also baseless. If you will please refer to the August 21st entry by Matt entitled “Handicapping……”, you will find where red and less than answer my challenge as best anyone could. You will also find my comprehensive acknowledgement of each point they made.
My response to your personal attack is this, “Put up or shut up.”
I will likely not hear from you. This is because you remind me of my first wife. She would happily sever both arms rather than ever admit she was wrong.
To reiterate,: my defense for Fleury has been simple. He is young, he has played relatively few NHL hockey games, and his development has been stunted by a lot of games spent in the press box as a healthy scratch with many games with very limited TOI. He has the skills needed to be an NHL defenseman, and has shown those skills in the AHL and in spurts in the NHL. There are issues. For me the primary issue is that RBA doesn’t trust him. (That may be as likely due to off ice preparation as on ice performance.) He has had a half dozen conspicuous TO’s that have ended up behind our goalie. (In his defense those errors have been greatly reduced in the second half of last season.) He has to translate his AHL achievements to the NHL. (While success in the AHL doesn’t always translate to NHL success, it is the best indicator available.) In a nutshell, while he may never live up to the expectations that came with his position in the draft, it is way too early to give up on him as a workable 3rd pairing defenseman.
Please forgive me if you felt I was comparing you in any way to my first wife. I was trying to explain why I wasn’t going to discuss Fleury with you anymore. Simply, it seemed like a waste of both our times.
So Willy is quitting? His statement is odd. I guess we’ll see what is going on soon enough.
So, for the last time, I will quickly list the things our Haydn does not do well:
Shooting? No.
Scoring? No.
Passing? No.
Skating? Maybe.
Speed? No.
Hockey vision? No.
Hockey IQ? No.
Winning puck battles? No.
Keeping the slot, the crease, and the area behind our net clear of enemy skaters? No.
Hitting? No way!
Fighting? No.
Intensity? No way.
What have I missed?
There are those who question Roddy’s lack of trust?
I would question Roddy’s sanity if he did trust our Haydn.
All of the Canes coaching and management involved in personnel have seen enough potential in Fleury to give him the 6/7th position on the NHL teams depth chart all last season, all through the playoffs. That job seems to be his to win or lose for the upcoming season. For your view to be completely right they must be as wrong as me, clearly rating his skill set differently than you. Luckily this will likely be moot in just a month when on ice evaluations in September will resolve our disagreement. Worse yet, this is feeling personal, something I really don’t want. I’m not going to respond on Fleury again, unless he get’s waived, no other team picks him up, he makes it back to the Checkers and I get done eating crow.
For fun, let’s convert this into a discussion of ex-wives. I’m assuming your first wife didn’t cut off both arms before leaving. (The expected difficulty in cutting off the remaining arm kept me from considering it.) I’ve always been confused about why mine left. Money or horses? Probably the lack of money to buy enough horses.