Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Counting Pennies
While googling for information regarding the NHL's salary cap, I came across an interesting article that appeared in yesterday's Delco Times. The article talks about the Philadelphia Flyers' recent rash of injuries to Keith Primeau, Sami Kapanen and Turner Stevenson, and the subsequent call-ups of former Canucks prospect R.J. Umberger.
He started with the Phantoms, was called up by the Flyers Sunday, and a day later was back with the Phantoms. Rather than practicing with the Flyers Tuesday, he practiced with the Phantoms.This explains why the Canucks didn't (officially) recall goalie Rob McVicar until today. McVicar, of course, was recalled because of the injury to Dan Cloutier. Except Cloutier was injured on Saturday night, and since then, assistant equipment manager Jamie Hendricks has been the team's no. 2 goalie in practice - a stint which, I'm guessing, falls under "other related duties" on Hendricks' job description.
But that’s not where the story ends.
Umberger’s up-and-down season will continue today when he is recalled by the Flyers again. Which begs the question, why didn’t Umberger just stay with the Flyers and practice with the big club Tuesday?
"When you’re called up, the money from his contract goes against the salary cap," said Flyers G.M. Bob Clarke. "Even though one day may not seem to make a whole lot of difference, but if it’s 20 days, or five different players in a month, it (adds up)."
By sending Umberger right back to the Phantoms and not allowing him to practice with the Flyers, the organization saved approximately $4,600 - or one day of Umberger’s pay - against the salary cap.
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