Returning to the team that helped elevate him to the player that he is, Radim Vrbata has joined the Arizona Coyotes for one-year for just $1 million. The transaction was first reported by Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports. The deal is an absolute steal and shows how fantastic a wait-and-see approach can be during the NHL offseason. Coming off of a down year with the Canucks where he only scored 27 points, Vrbata was always going to be an August signing due to his reputation and perceived decline.
Where does Vrbata’s career go from here?
https://twitter.com/JDylanBurke/status/765234159975411712
Teams continually sign bottom-six players to long-term deals at money they don’t deserve. They believe they are hedging their bets if the player ever improves into something more, but the problem with this theory is that you are signing these players during their UFA years. At that point you should realize what the player is and should know if he is going to only put up 20-30 points a year.
In steps someone like Radim Vrbata who has the potential to score like one of those players for a fraction of the cost. These are the types of players that are available in August, yet no one wants to wait or admit that these are the real value signings.
While the optics of a 27-point season following a 63-point season isn’t great, I want to see where exactly Vrbata fell off by taking a deeper look at the numbers.
Comparing his 2014-15 season and 2015-16 season, you can see how little the drop off really was. In 2015-16, he played significantly less time with the Sedin twins and played with a revolving door of players. It makes sense that his assist rate stats would drop significantly because as a result. The possession drops are startling, but overall the team’s possession dropped as well. Making an impact on a below average Canucks team was very tough to do last year.
League source says deal could be worth up to $3 million w/bonuses for games played, goals, points + playoff bonuses. https://t.co/fEwBGGO2ZX
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) August 15, 2016
The deal is a risk for the Coyotes and Vrbata as they both believe they are taking a chance on one another. Vrbata probably could’ve recieved a better contract, while a younger player could occupy a slot on one of the Coyotes’ lines. It will end up being a mutually beneficial partnership since both will have options if the player performs well beyond his capabilities.
The greatest risk in life is not taking one, right?
