He's already in Fort Wayne, but don't expect to see him in a Komets uniform this weekend. He and his agent are hoping to hear from some other ECHL teams before they make a decision. They have already heard from some Central Hockey League teams.
"I'm trying to keep my options open," he said. "It was a good situation last year for me to come here and play. I got an awful lot out of the season. There's such a veteran core group here that it was a great experience. The possiblity is exciting. It's always exciting to have options when you are out of a job."
O'Connor said he's not going to rush into a decision, but hopes to have something finalized by early next week.
"One thing Fort Wayne has over everybody else, I konw the coaching staff and the ownership and I know what they expect from me," he said. "That's a huge plus when when you know you can feel comfortable someplace."
Comments
is he playing hard to get?
I don't think so HIT! I believe he is just looking out for himself and his future. He has to do what s best for him. I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt anyway.
Just spent about 45 minutes talking with Terry Pembroke in Ohare, what a great guy, really enjoyed the stories.
COME BACK OC!! Ok, I'm going to bed, see everyone tomorrow!
Hearing from an ECHL team is probably a long shot since he cleared waivers.
Article on Mathieu Curadeau:
http://www.mlive.com/kwings/index.ssf/2009/10/mathieu_cue_curadeau_provides.html
Love the fact that the pic is in a Ks jersey.
I guess I can understand Sean O'Conners reasoning. He has been let go and now once again he has the power to decide his ultimate destination. I'm going to try to use some logic here ( heaven help us). The article mentions that some CHL teams have contacted him. I guess the first thing I'd want to know is what is he looking for? If he wants to get noticed by NHL scouts then he probably needs to take any offer that would get him back in the ECHL. It is interesting, though, that every ECHL team passed on his waivers. Why wouldn't at least one put a claim on him. If it were me and every team had a chance to pick me up and none did-well, that fact alone would tell me something. If he wants more money than I would explore the European leagues. Going there, however, negates any chance of higher level exposure this season. The opportunity for him to go to the CHL exists but what advantage would he have there over staying with Fort Wayne? Absolutely none. Playing here in Fort Wayne affords him the opportunity to continue to grow as a hockey player, learning from the best Coach in the minors (Al Sims), learning from some of the real solid veteran players on this roster, playing systems he already knows, playing in a great building in front of the most supportive fans in all minor league hockey, and for an organization that is well known, respected, are two-time Champions, with absolutely no fear of missing a paycheck. It just makes so much sense that he would want to play here that he probably won't.
Alan
If the Waiver wire rules are the same as other profesional sports leagues, There is a reason why the other teams passed on Sean. When Sean was on the active roster,he was signed to play for a curtain amount. when he was released, he was still signed to that contract. If another team in the echl claim Sean,they have to pay him what Kalamazoo was paying him. so when he cleared waivers,he became fair game so to speak. Now teams may sign him to a contract that pays him at a lower pay scale,if he chooses to sign. hope that explains that. lol
Disclaimer: I could be wrong about my last post. I am not a sports ageny nor am I a GM. lol
Bigjohn, I read your post and the claiming team (ECHL) would have to take over the contract. But look, realistically O'conner's contract couldn't be the reason another team would pass. The ECHL salary cap is lower than the IHL's. Even if it were the reason, how much more money would they save and why would they take a chance on O'Conner turning it down. As it stands now, O'Conner and whichever team he comes to terms with will have to negotiate a new deal. I'm pretty sure he will get at least the same amount no matter where he goes. Remember he is essentially a free agent and can take his pick of offers that are presented to him.....the end of my last post presented reasons other than money that should make Fort Wayne an attractive choice for him.
Alan-I am not disagreeing with you here. In fact you and Bigjohn have made some very valid points. There are other things players can have in their contracts. Just a couple that come to my mind that are not salary. #1 Housing #2 perdiems #3 insurance just to mentions a few. Some guys have had transportation or autos. I have know knowledge if any of those things are in O'Connors deal or anything else for that matter. Just trying to give you some "food for thought".