Mystery Disease Kills Thousands
Gay Marriage Vote Puts Heat On Christie
The Canucks signed Raymond to a two-year, $5.1 million deal just five minutes before his arbitration hearing in Toronto on Monday morning. He was the only returning veteran who required a new deal heading into the next NHL season.
The Canucks have, essentially, established cost certainty, save for some trimming still needed for salary cap purposes.
Raymond, a 24-year-old Cochrane, Alta., native, will receive $2.5 million in 2010-11 and $2.6 million in 2011-12 -- big raises from the $800,000 and change, including bonuses, that he earned last season. His base salary was $760,000.
The salary hike was inevitable after he had a breakout season with 25 goals and 28 assists -- both career highs. He also played for Canada at the world championships after the Canucks were eliminated by Stanley Cup-champion Chicago in the second round.
Raymond, Vancouver's second-round draft choice (51st overall), is entrenched on Vancouver's second line. His ice time and point production placed him in a distinct place among players in his contract range and the Canucks had little choice to sign him or trade him.
Although his departure was rumoured around the time of this year's draft, it was unlikely considering that the Canucks depend more than usual on their top two lines, and Alex Burrows is recuperating from shoulder surgery that may lead to some juggling of top-six forwards early in the season.
According to TSN, Canucks' general manager Mike Gillis met with Raymond and his agent J.P. Barry over dinner on Sunday.
However, the deal was not completed until the arbitration hearing was about to begin on Monday.
Bieksa might still wind up being dealt if rookie Kevin Connauton; second-year pro Evan Oberg, who played in the minors last season while being called up a coupe of times due to injuries; or another defenceman can make the NHL grade.
Another fringe forward, such as Darcy Hordichuk or Rick Rypien, is also likely to move on so that the Canucks have additional cap space to deal with short-term injuries during the season. (Long-term injuries are exempt from the cap.)
In 2009-10, some minor-leaguers were promoted and demoted on a daily basis to make the salary cap numbers work. It's a situation that Gillis will not want to repeat.
Defiant GOP Candidate Could Face Problems Ahead
Washington Gay Marriage Legislation Signed Into Law By Governor Chris Gregoire
House GOP Offers Deal In Big Fight
Obama Raises Pressure On GOP To Extend Payroll Tax Cut, Jobless Benefits
How Long Will Santorum's Surge Last?
Feds Recover Record Number Of Health Care Fraud Judgments
Officials Confirm: Prescription Drugs Found In Whitney Houston's Room
1 In 8 Voter Registrations Contain Errors
U.S. Green-Lights Google's Massive $12.5 Billion Purchase
Rick Santorum Calls Protesters 'Radical Element'
WATCH: Fox News Pundit's Disturbing Comments About Rape
Topless Protesters Target 'Gas Gangsters'
Obama Budget Signals Shift From Austerity Measures To Campaign Promises
WATCH: Anderson Cooper's Hilarious Adventures With Adele
WATCH: 25 Million Tons Of Japan Tsunami Debris Headed Directly Our Way
Monsanto Guilty Of Chemical Poisoning Of French Farmer
WATCH: Bill Maher Rips GOP Concept Of 'Elites'
Syrian Rebels Fight Off Attack On Key Town
Wall Street Fears Volcker Rule Will Force Testosterone Monitoring
Republicans Slam Obama Birth Control Rule, Ignoring State Contraception Mandates
Huff TV: WATCH: Arianna Weighs In On Tony Bennett's Call To Legalize Drugs
Pressure Mounts On Mortgage Giants To Pursue Principal Reductions
Downgraded: Moody's Cuts Credit Ratings Of Italy, Portugal And Spain
