St. Manny, the Benevolent
by Matthew_Taylor on Sep 23, 2009 7:41 PM PDT
in Coaching From The Couch
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I have heard this tale before. The mythical center who rides into town, takes 1/2 pay to play for your team.
He of the penalty kill acumen. He of the defensive prowess. He of the offensive talents.
Oh, holy is that man.
Joking aside, Manny Malhotra is an absolute saint. He took a one year deal at a cap hit of $700,000 (turning down a four year offer from Atlanta for $8MM in the process), to play with San Jose. He wants to be on a winner.
He's exactly what the lower lines needed.
We've jumped in to his stats before, but here's the bare bones. He's coming off his best career season, in which he scored 35 points. He tallied 11 goals and 24 assists, and 3 of his goals were game winners. He's a great penalty killer and a solid defensive forward.
I was a big supporter of bringing Goc back, but if you gave me the choice between the two, I would pick Malhotra every day of the week and twice on Sunday. I'm not trying to make the signing sound like it's on the same level as bringing Heatley in (I've ran into trouble with not clarifying before). He's not a world beater, but he's a good fit. I was excited when he was signed, but now that the contract is finalized, I couldn't love the guy more. It's an amazing steal.
All in all, you usually don't sign a player in his prime who just had his best year to a 50% discount, but that's exactly what the Doug Wilson just did.
Praise be to Doug.
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This is a steal
I’m super-psyched about Malhotra. Apparently the plan is to have him center the 3rd line and have Mitchell play RW when he’s healthy.
McGinn/Malhotra/Mitchell sounds like a great 3rd line.
My vote for the name of their line? The Mmm… line!
3M
I like the 3M line better…
They’re abrasive
by Evilducks on Sep 23, 2009 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
AWESOME!!!
Fear the Fin: If you're a Fin, you're family.
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Sep 23, 2009 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Wooooooo!!!!1111!!!!!
Saw this on ESPN while watching baseball; simultaneously my friend back east texted me the news. When he told me the figure, my jaw dropped.
If only that contract of his gave him a percentage of his merchandise sales, then we could show our appreciation by buying Malhotra jerseys by the dozen.
Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself there, but MAN am I excited about this acquisition – and what it says about our squad, that a former first liner fits most conveniently on our THIRD line.
Fear the Fin: If you're a Fin, you're family.
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Sep 23, 2009 8:24 PM PDT reply actions
Athletics Nation
would consider that picture blasphemy.
by idunno723 on Sep 23, 2009 8:29 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Ho so
Fear the Fin: Where... IMA TAKING UR BLOGZ FRUM U!!
by Matthew_Taylor on Sep 23, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I was going to ask why he's riding Ellis?
At AN Ellis=Unicorn
PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves
Ah.
Fear the Fin: Where... IMA TAKING UR BLOGZ FRUM U!!
by Matthew_Taylor on Sep 26, 2009 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions
This is an absolutely fantastic deal.
And a free agent turning down big money to play here? Unbelievable.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
Haha
I’m not trying to make the signing sound like it’s on the same level as bringing Heatley in (I’ve ran into trouble with not clarifying before).
I’m pretty excited about NPH…I mean Manny. This is going to be a great year.
Proud father of Juan Carlos Perez. Think Albert Pujols at a position to be determined.
Minor thing, TCY
Was it Florida or Atlanta that offered him the $8 mil?
Fear the Fin: If you're a Fin, you're family.
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Sep 23, 2009 8:37 PM PDT reply actions
oopsies.
Fear the Fin: Where... IMA TAKING UR BLOGZ FRUM U!!
by Matthew_Taylor on Sep 23, 2009 8:45 PM PDT up reply actions
I know this isn’t the nicest thing to say, but I honestly don’t blame him.
Also, it makes me feel all nice and warm and fuzzy inside that a free agent not only wants to play here, but also will take a serious discount.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Class Act
It is awesome seeing a pro athlete turn down millions of dollars to come here and try to win a cup. That is so rare these days and it really shows that he wants to be here and is a class act. He is he perfect 3rd liner for us. Welcome to SJ Manny!!!!
Now we need to make sure he get's his Cup!!!
New battle cry, “Win one for the gipper Manny”
PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves
so wait … he’s a class act for wanting to play for a winning team … but Hossa wasn’t when he left the Penguins for the Red Wings to do the same (nevermind that it didn’t work out exactly as planned) … granted we are being homers here cause this is our team we are talking bout … but still … I just recall Hossa getting loads of shit from too many over wanting to play for a winning team
yes, I realize situation isn’t exactly the same … but their reasons for choosing the team is … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Sep 25, 2009 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Hossa didnt take a pay cut
at least not half of what he was scheduled to make, and he didnt turn down triple the amount to play for less.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
what I am saying he received shit for wanting to be with a winnable team … not exactly apple for apple … but still … he wanted to be with a winnable team. one is a class act for doing so … the other gets shit throw in his face. just funny.
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Sep 25, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Hossa is a whole different story though
He was already on a winning team and the grass appeared differently hued in Detroit.
Malhotra wouldnt of even had any grass in Atlanta!
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
He didn't receive the shit because of the winning team aspect
He received shit for going after the money, just like he did this time around when he signed long term in Chicago.
People forget that Hossa is only 30 – it’s not like he’s Roenick or Nolan’s age, trying to get a Cup before he skates off into retirement.
Playing those years in Atlanta fucked with his head a little, if you ask me.
Fear the Fin: If you're a Fin, you're family.
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Sep 26, 2009 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Another thing
Hossa played just one season in Pittsburgh before jumping ship. Pretty short sighted, and impatient. Malhotra’s been in Columbus since before the lockout.
Not at ALL the same thing.
Fear the Fin: If you're a Fin, you're family.
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Sep 26, 2009 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Shiromori!
You live!
Fear the Fin: If you're a Fin, you're family.
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Sep 23, 2009 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions
He's been dropping in about as much as I have lately.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
by Lurker Shark on Sep 23, 2009 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions
True
But we’ve talked recently on the phone, which means that I, at the least, know you’re alive.
Fear the Fin: If you're a Fin, you're family.
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Sep 23, 2009 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Haha yeah, I’ve been around lurking, as much as Lurker here.
Lack of gameday threads and photoshop threads means that I’m not sure what else I can do to contribute.
you can look pretty :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
by ang6666 on Sep 24, 2009 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Manny is also a beast in the faceoff circle
Check out his stats.
Fear the Fin: If you're a Fin, you're family.
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Sep 23, 2009 9:47 PM PDT reply actions
Here's the full list
Here. Pavelski makes it to the 8th spot, and Joe Thornton to the 10 spot. Marcel Goc nowhere to be found.
Fear the Fin: If you're a Fin, you're family.
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Sep 23, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m pretty sure goc didn’t qualify because of games missed due to injury. Goc was top 4 if you ignored gp… I think.
Fear the Fin: Where... IMA TAKING UR BLOGZ FRUM U!!
by Matthew_Taylor on Sep 23, 2009 10:12 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I was thinking that too
I didn’t mention his omission to be disparaging, for the record.
Fear the Fin: If you're a Fin, you're family.
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Sep 23, 2009 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Point Totals
For the record, I love this signing. But to play devil’s advocate for just a second:
Are we sure his numbers aren’t inflated from being Rick Nash’s centerman?
I’d like to see this guy succeed and have a great season and resign next season. I just hope we aren’t over-hyping him.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I’m more excited about what he’ll bring to the PK and defensive end of the ice, but I definitely see what you’re saying.
His career totals indicate 30 points is roughly what we can expect- also consider that McGinn has shown goal scoring promise and their line won’t be playing against very good competition. That line will be a threat in the offensive zone with the top six taking up the majority of attention.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
He did play with Nash
Actually, once Brassard went out of the line up for a season ending injury last year, Manny took over 1st line. He won’t score many points for you but this guy is genuine. He’s not a slacker…he gives 100% and his face off percentage is in the top 5 of the league. He isn’t a fighter, though I’ve witnessed one of his two 10 minute-major misconduct penalties for standing up for his teammate. He has been and always will be adored by his fans in Columbus and it was disappointing that his agent turned down the contract we extended in Columbus in order to test the FA market. His agent, unfortunately, mislead him in this current economy and Manny wanted nothing to do with the Thrashers. By the time Manny realized the error of his agent, Columbus had already acquired Sammy Pahllson. Many of us would love to see him in our line up and I personally look forward to watching the Sharks, with him, this season. Will be good to reunite him with another former Jacket, Jody Shelley. Good luck to you guys this season. (except against CBJ :) )
I’m sooooooooooooooooooooo excited for this season, as I’m sure everyone here is as well. I thought last year’s team could’ve taken it all, even with our crappy 3rd/4th liners. This year though, our top line is the best top line in hockey. Our second line could be a top line on a lot of NHL teams, and will probably be the team’s first official shutdown line (with Marleau and Pavelski being extremely effective two-way forwards). Our 3rd line is starting to round out into a great energy line with some pretty good scoring potential, and our 4th line is going to bug the shit out of many teams. Special teams??? Don’t get me started… easily top 5 in both PK and PP. Gonna be a great year
"Chocolate?! This is doo-doo baby!"
Eklund's report
Sharks Sign Malhotra…per sources
With what cap money?
wow. Sources? Mainstream print newspaper. People give this guy money? I don’t pay him anything and he’s worth every penny. Good enough for a laugh I guess.
one of the better signings of the year for the sharks
Now DW just needs a vet backup for Nabby
Manny's signing
Makes me forget Marcel…what’s his name?
And that Torrey Mitchell won’t be ready for the season opener.
Great signing. I love it.
Where hockey injuries in San Diego are thumb blisters from playing too much NHL 09
by Will Bulldozer on Sep 24, 2009 11:14 AM PDT reply actions
Restores my faith in athletes
You always hear that “hockey players are different” and that the game means more to them. As Sharks and Bay Area sports fans, Manny’s signing has really restored my faith in that childhood belief that playing sports is not about the money. Welcome to the Sharks Manny! I think his signing is just the right character change we need!
We are all familiar with that wide receiver who is “supposed” to be playing for the 49ers right now. Crabtree could learn something or two from Manny Malhotra. Manny is the type of athlete that I want on our team! Go Sharks!
by Ronnibily on Sep 24, 2009 12:18 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Manny and Crabtree are in ridiculously different situations. Manny has already made millions of dollars and is, if he’s been smart with his money, set for life. Crabtree has the very real possibility of this being the only contract he ever gets, no shit he wants to maximize it.
I’ll never understand how the owners played this trick. Somehow, the people with billions of dollars have convinced the average fan that they’re the ones being taken advantage of. It’s absurd.
All that said, the Niners are playing this the right way. I just don’t understand why people only think Crabtree is being greedy.
Proud father of Juan Carlos Perez. Think Albert Pujols at a position to be determined.
Different situations... same principle
Crabtree is deciding NOT to play, while Manny is deciding to take a pay cut to play for a winner. Let’s be honest here, Crabtree’s initial contract will probably pay him more than Manny will make in his whole career. I’m sorry, but Crabtree is being selfish. He is asking for money that isn’t deserved (based on his perceived value, not where he was actually drafted)… either get on the field and prove to people you are worth more, or sit at home and watch the team you are playing for win without you.
Go Sharks!
Mark my words
It’s going to be said a LOT this season.
Fear the Fin: If you're a Fin, you're family.
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Sep 26, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I hate to be that guy but...
It is in Mannys best interest to sign here…. taking a pay cut to play on a winning team will allow him to ask for more (read ALOT) next UFA season. Exhibit A: Rob Scuderi
Yeah, but to turn down $8MM guaranteed for the possibility of making more the next year in a sport where one injury can end your career…
Fear the Fin: Where... IMA TAKING UR BLOGZ FRUM U!!
by Matthew_Taylor on Sep 25, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions
I would take $700K to live in the Bay Area over 2 million a year to live in Atlanta. Who am I kidding… when’s the next Southwest flight to Atlanta? Wait, I make 2 mil a year now, I’ll fly United!
I agree with you TCY- nothing is guaranteed in the NHL.
A Good Addition but...
Mitchell’s injury has me concerned. All last year he was delayed from returning until the end of the season and now he apparently still has lingering problems. I expect a much slower start this year as Heatley and the other new additions are integrated into the system. Anaheim fortunately looks weaker though that may be offset by a much improved Vancouver and a Los Angeles team beginning to assemble the talent to challenge. Patrecki was sent down but I’d expect an early call up when a blue line injury dictates because he’s clearly a player able to contribute at this level.
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