No matter who shows up on the transactions page now, Komets General Manager David Franke isn't guaranteeing anyone a roster spot.
``We're going to have more good kids in training camp so there will be genuine competition for jobs this year,'' Franke said. ``Just because you have signed, there are going to be people looking for your job so you have to be ready to go. That makes for competition in training camp and brings out the best in everybody.''
The one thing we have to have is scoring on all three lines. We can't get it done with two line scoring and a checking line. Everybody has to chip in whether in a big way or a litle way. When we've been successful in the past, we've had offense from all three lines.''
Quick hits:
On Franke DeAngelis: Should know something by early next week.
Nothing new on Simon Mangos
Not talking with Brent Henley.
Hope to have the schedule ready to go mid-week next week.
Not sure on Apod right now. He's vacationing in Turkey. Sounds like Komets ahve cooled on
Offer out to both Molle and his brother.
``We probably are talking to at least two dozen players right now minimum that we're going to know something one way or the other in a week or two.''
Comments
Snuff,
yes I sort of lashed out in my last post directed at you. I apologize for that. But lets be honest with everyone, I had no credibilty with you in the first place because I was talking positively about Mathieu. I was not implying that you are trying to sell on the blog. I was referring to your many comments over the last year about you being an advertiser with the Komets, and wishing they played better so more people would come out to see your advertisement, therefore spending money with you. In the heat of the moment I was pressed to think of one positive post you made regarding last years team. A lot was different last year from the first two years, but I am not going to personally attack anyone in the Komet organization. Mathieu was not the only player to complain to me about lack of coaching. You can say what you want about him mailing it in, but I am hard pressed to list more than a few players that had good years.
KometKrazy
I double checked what you said about the pinched nerve, and I admit I was wrong. What he was told was a compressed Vertebrae. I am sorry for that.
Skate,
Ok.... I am willing to have a calm discussion with you.
I do of course want as many butts in the seats as possible but I have not in all my years of advertising ever complained about the attendance numbers.
Honestly I think that the attendance numbers are at their max. They could have an undefeated regular season right now and I am not sure you would see a significant increase.
Regarding Curadeau and attacking you, I am sorry. I kind of shot the message deliverer with the frustration I had over his play last year. I think he is an above average AA player who last year played like he was coasting through the season. It is the same complaint I had about a few of the comfy vets.
Look I wish no ill on the guy. I hope his health is good and he gets the most out of his hockey career that he can. I do think a fresh start for him elsewhere would be good for the Komets and for him. You mentioned that players did not have good years last year. I agree. But I do not put blame the coach. I believe that too many guys got too comfortable and lazy in their situation. Where I DO blame Sims and David Franke is for getting to comfortable themselves with certain guys. Guys who had "been there and done that" several times in Fort Wayne and didn't have anything left to prove. But some of those guys did not fit well into the CHL style. Sims and David Franke were wrong thinking they could adapt and remotivate.
I think if Sims is given a fresh and decently talented roster this year you'll see a nice change in attitude. Especially the first half of the year where the "Komfy Krew" have traditionally sleepwalked.
Skate, no need to apologize. I was just stating I hoped Curadeau didn't get bad advice or treatment for something he may not have had. As far as the compressed vertebrae I can relate to that also. I am currently going through that right now myself in my neck. No fun. I just wished as I am sure most Komet fans do that Curadeau could have had a better year. I for one was thrilled to see him have the kind of playoffs that he had after his rough regular season. He came through when it counted most. I may get bashed for that comment but oh well.
hint= #14 :)
Brett Smith will wear #41
Krazy you shouldn't get bashed. You are correct. And for a fan like me that kind of was salt in a wound. It's like, "where the heck has this been all year, especially for the money he was getting paid?"
I was not trying to start a war on here. Like I said in one of my previous post, we fans(myself included) sometimes jump to conclusions without knowing the facts about players. with the way Mathieu was trashed on here last season and now some would like to see him back, I had to speak up. I am not saying those who trashed are now wanting him back. Every fan has their favorite and will stick up for them right or wrong. Warner, PC, Mathieu, Mirasty.... Mathieu had an AWFUL year we can all agree on that. Just being closer to him than most I cut him a small amount of slack for his dismal performance.
The only problem I have with bringing Curadeau back is his lack of defense. From what we saw last year, you can't just be an offensive guy and succeed in the league. You have to really be a 2 way type player and I just don't see that with Curadeau, even when he did have a great season a couple years ago on the AHL deal he wasn't great on D.
Danny Stewart wearing #14 and Smith in 41? Thats acceptable.
I disagree totally with Zanderson84. Curdy was billed as a defensive first forward when he started here and the offense sort of came out of no where. He was always on the PK his first year here.
#14 is Frankie D.
Glad he is coming back....but this isn't any earth shattering or shocking signing.
When do they announce a couple of point scoring studs up front?
Am I too late for the love fest????
Skate-
Don't apologize for coming on here, giving some reasons for Matty's poor performance last year and defending your friend. That is one of the cool things about being a fan of a team like the komets... sometimes you get lucky enough to have some sort of personal connection with the players.
If you are who I think you are, we had this same conversation this winter/early spring at one of our son's games or practices. You have every right to defend Matty and you should not feel bad about cuting him some slack. You tried to give some "inside" information about a player that was being discussed to some fans who did not have access to that information.
Results are what matters in professional sports but supporting your friend is admirable.
Apparently skate has risen from the dead. It makes sense though with who has taken over the name. Curdy should just go back to K-zoo. The fans up there wanted him back even during last year when he was playing bad. I would have liked to see him back especially he is finally healthy and with something to prove.
Charlie I,
I have no idea what you are talking about=) My name is Skate 1241, the original was skate 1240. Just an fyi i told mathieu that the original Skate would not have been a fan of hislack of playing the body and hustle at times last year.
There was actually a time last season when Mathieu was resting his back that a person from the k-wing team was texting him during intermission of their game to see why he wasnt playing and see if he was ready to come back.
Oh. DeAngelis... Not Danny.. lol.
That was interesting reading, for sure.
Curadeau is a player that could be a real asset for a hockey team. I hate to see a player, with all that talent, just given away. I have no reason to doubt skate's posts and thank him for being so up front and honest.
Sometimes I wonder what would have been if Curadeau and the K's got off to a better start last season. Would his, and the K's brass, attitudes be different? There were a lot of players who didn't perform all that well last year from the Opening Night roster. Was Curadeau going to be the messiah last year? Well it was kind of portrayed that way, wasn't it? And, for the most part, we believed he was going to be the missing piece with Chaulk gone. The problem is even a messiah needs disciples.
I am left wondering why Curadeau is the whipping boy when there were SO many others who played below their expectations.
Attitude, injury, equipment, coaching all can lead to a drop in performance. I don't have the answer but I think I am willing to give a proven player the benefit of the doubt one time.
I have no problem with anyone who doesn't agree with my thinking. Everyone who posted above shared their thoughts in a informed, intelligent manner.
I would just like to see Curadeau up front on a line where all he has to do is play. I think he's worth another try.
Alan, the problem is, for what Curadeau made last season, he would probably have to take nearly a 40-50% pay cut. The Komets overpaid for a player who they believed could carry a team and fill Chaulks shoes. Problem is, he has never proven to be that guy, and I think it was too much to expect of a player only coming into his FOURTH season as a pro. Sure you need guys to follow your lead; IF you were leading in the first place. I doubt there is any likelihood of Matt coming back at that kind of pay cut. Same goes for OC and Leo...
Andy makes some very great points. My issue last year with Mathieu being compared to the second coming of Chaulk was they play two very different styles. Last year aside, I feel Mathieu could out score Chaulk with no problem. I told Mathieu before the season started that I didnt see him doing the little things Chaulk did as a player (in the corners, along the boards), the difference makers. The only place I saw them as the same was in the position they played. I think had Mathieu been put on a wing with Chaulk things could have been very different, but Lardner sort of worked out ok =) I dont get paid to make those decisions.
I'm not sure how you could know that he would take a 40%-50% cut in pay. Are you on the inside of salary negotiations? These guys don't make as much money as some would think. And, of course, as one of the higher paid Komets last year, we all realize that his next contract would have to be in line with the other player contracts. Still, saying all that, I would think that his next contract ( to whomever ) will be below last season's numbers.
I won't even begin to speculate on OC and Thomas. I believe mightbite when he posts his upcoming signings, but without the "official" announcements of their signings, I don't see the point in quibbling over their pay cut. Since they were not protected by the Komets it would seem to me that the K's can offer any contract amount they feel comfortable with. By the same token, OC and Thomas have the right to accept or reject the offer as they see fit.
Personally I'm not that hot on OC or Thomas. Take the money you would spend on them and get me a quality sniper.
One more thing, and maybe skate1241 can answer this. When speaking to Curadeau, did he mention a pay cut as one of the reasons he would not come back? I remember the other things mentioned but do not recall a lower contract being part of it. Any help on that question, skate1241?
Alan,
Since he has not spoken to the Komets since end of season, no contract specifics have been discussed. I think he realizes his pay would be affected by last years play. I just dont know where that falls on his list of "will I come back or not".
No #94 ,No #44, No #29 these guys will NOT be on the Komets
I would guess mostly all of the returnees from last season that had to re-sign (with the exception of DeAngelis maybe) will be taking paycuts based on their performance from last season (this is excluding 2 year contracted guys). I know on Kent Horman's radio show Boucher mentioned taking a paycut to come back and I would assume it would be pretty much the same across the board given the team's overall results last season
What have you done for me lately? I'd walk if my boss asked me to take a paycut after 5 years of hard work based on his inability to forcast the competition of a new project. We're also assuming that guys like OC, Thomas, and Curdy WANT to come back to FW. Would you want to play here if you were a player?
I think it's been established that Fort Wayne is a good place to play minor league hockey. And sure the team might have underestimated the CHL, but ultimately it's the players on the ice that failed as a group to consistently perform.
the pay is not going to differ much from team to team.. you need to remember there is a salary cap and if you do the math involving that.. not alot of money to go around. the so called "premier AA " players on each team will be reasonably close in salaries and the rest will fall where their demand puts them . why wouldnt you want to play here? lets face it.. most these guys are playing for the love of the game. would you rather play here in front of 7000 fans or in dayton in front of 500 (on a good night). yes.. money does matter to them , but lets face it there are alot of intangibles here!
While I agree on the intangibles and benefits on playing with the Komets, we as fans can be as critical as we are complimentary toward the players as major league rs are in New York. I think the history of minor league hockey here in Fort Wayne has lent itself very well and the passion of the fans has shown that. But minor league hockey players should know that coming here will receive criticism if they don't play well and praise if they do. Its up to each player to decide if he lets it effect him or not and not let it hurt his play. A strong player won't even bother with it and a weak player will let it bother him if he gets caught too much into it. But I also think the positives of player for the Komets far outweigh the negatives and playing in front of 7500 fans each night would be a great sell if I was trying to chose where I could play.
OK, if the Komets supposedly underestimated the CHL, why did the team play its best games of the year against the best CHL teams, Colorado, Wichita, Bossier-Shreveport and Missouri? They didn't underestimate anything, the players underachieved for the most part. Period. There's no excuse that they lost four of five home games to Bloomington. That's on them.
Blake don't forget that they did beat Bloomington 3 straight in playoffs and the 2 great games against Rapid City also. Based on how they played the first half of the season compared to the second half that is why I am under the belief that the Komets didn't need a 75% roster overhaul. I thought 50% would be enough and it looks like that might happen. When are they going to announce any more signings? I looked and its about every Wednesday or so that they have announced who they have signed so far. And has anyone heard on any updates on APod? Is he even remotely interested in coming back to the Komets?
Why did the Frankes themselves say they underestimated the talent of the CHL last year after the season was over if the Komets "didn't underestimate anything"? I think the ones making the decisions would know if they did or not, especially to the point that they would publicly come out and say they did.
There were mistakes made all around last year, be it recruiting, effort level, coaching, etc. Hopefully the same mistakes arent made and proper changes are implemented.
Because the Franke wouldn't come out and say everyone on the team is under preforming, otherwise they would have tanked the second half of the season too.
Hoss, I think that's pretty unfair to assume that the team had no pride whatsoever and that they'd tank the second half. The leadership was non-existent the first half and when Chaulk came back there started to be accountability that was not there previous. Obviously players had probably tuned out the coaching as well...