I'm not an expert on the rookie salary cap, but I do know that Joe
Thornton is guarenteed over $900,000 per year so there is quite a bit of
flexibility. I've heard of quite a few offers to college players the past few
years and Crowley's offer appears to be almost insulting to a player who has
proven so much over his three years in college. Chris O'Sullivan from BU
signed a two year deal worth $900,000 and Mike Grier signed a 3 year deal
worth 1.3 million. Both received $250,000 bonuses (albeit they were in
Candian dollars). Even Jeff Libby from Maine just signed a deal with the
Islanders that is much better than Crowley's offer. I think I can say in
confidence that Crowley is a better college player than any of the others
mentioned were.
    The real question that should be asked is whether or not he's a better
pro prospect? Crowley's lack of size is one reason the Ducks are lowballing
him. He's a risky proposition as a pro because he's so small by NHL
standards. Usually with a two way contract, there is little risk for the team
because if the player ends up in the minors, he's paid much less (about
$62,000 is the average) and if he makes the parent club, the Ducks would be
happy to pay him. Anyone who knows anything about the Ducks prospects
realizes that Crowley is probably the best defenseman prospect they have
(Ruslen Salei included) and has a very good shot at making the team, but that
does not mean he's an NHL ready product. It's more of a reflection on the
teams lack of quality defensemen in their system. There are many factors
involved here (more than have been discussed) but the bottom line is
this.....
1)The Ducks don't want to pay alot of money for a smallish defenseman who has
a good shot of making their team for the simple reason that their prospects
are horrible on D-they'd rather lowball him because he's not expected to
dramatically improve their defense next season. I think if Crowley was 6'2"
and 210 pounds with his skills we'd be talking about quite a bit more
money-Disney certainly has it to give.
2) The Ducks still have over a year left to sign Crowley. Their backs are not
up against the wall yet so there is no pressure to sign him right now. They'd
like to sign him for the offer given, but still have next year to get it
done.
3) Crowley certainly has a "family advisor" (agent) that has looked at this
offer and similar ones given out in the past couple years. He would have to
find this offer almost insulting and certainly not enough incentive for Mike
to give up his last year of college and a shot at a National Championship and
Hobey Baker Award.
4) A great season by Crowley this season raises the bar on negotiations and
the fact that the Ducks will be pressured to sign him (because he can't go
back to college and they could lose his rights if they don't) after his
senior is another good reason to return.
5) Finally, maybe Crowley just likes college and wants to enjoy his time
there. Maybe the Ducks told him he'd have to play in the minors next year and
didn't want to. Maybe he felt he could develop his game just as much in
college and have more fun his last year than traveling on a bus to exotic
locations like Hershey, PA and Lexington, KY. Maybe we're all reading too
much into this, but I think Crowley will be back next year, I think he'll
have a great season, I don't think he'll grow an inch or even gain more than
five pounds, and I think the Ducks will sign him next year to a better deal
and he'll be a good pro.
Thanks for listening
 
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