Jay Feaster interested in Avalanche GM job

It certainly makes sense that former Lightning general manager Jay Feaster would be interested in the job that opened up in Colorado Monday when general manager Francois Giguere was fired. Feaster was president of the AHL Hershey Bears in the mid 1990s, when the team was an Avalanche affiliate and current Colorado president Pierre Lacroix was Avalanche general manager. Feaster also has said Lacroix was responsible for getting him the assistant general manager job with the Lightning in 1998 after Lacroix recommended him to then-Tampa Bay general manager and coach Jacques Demers.

"He was my main mentor in hockey and we have been close through the years," Feaster said Wednesday of Lacroix. "I have known Pierre Lacroix for a long time ... and certainly let him know of my interest in managing again in the National Hockey League and that I would truly enjoy working with him."

Comments

[PD]

Patrick, I used Ajax's prime mentor, Puck Daddy, for one source and the sporting news for the other.

But you're right, as is Zero ..its too big a percentage of total cap.

Bolts are trying to unload the big contracts..V4, VP, Malone, Mezsaros.

[PD]

Don, absolutely good for Torts to get in ZHerd's face. Interestingly a win this aft puts him up two going home.

Damian Cox on what he thinks is going on between Leafs/Bolts.
highly rated source.

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/620613

[ZERO]

Everything I've seen says 6 for Malone. Either way, a lot of money. A payroll of 45 million sounds retarded. However, I believe they want these guys on the team next year. Instead of cutting guys and hoping the cheaper options work out, they need to focus on the future: building a team from the ground up around the core...and working their tails off to get these guys competitive, bringing in more fans and ultimately increasing that payroll for the future. From everything they've recently said, that sounds like the plan. It's risky, but better than the shot in the dark of constant player turnover. Player chemistry can be more valuable than player talent sometimes.

[Don in St. Pete]

PD, Did you see where Torts demoted Zherdev to the 3rd line? He's sick and tired of the no backcheck, no defense, lackluster effort he's produced. Might be similar to his tactics with V4 back in the day. Play a complete game and you'll get time on the PP and more minutes.

[Don in St. Pete]

PD, I agree on the Gilroy signing. He may never be more than a #6 defenseman. The Rags are up tight to the cap and will have to find a way to dump salary. Thanks for the link and I agree a definite possibility. Payroll hit for Malone should be $6 mil as someome said. Still makes V4 and Buggsy 30% of the payroll at $45 mil. I think the only way they do a deal with Toronto for the pick is if they can move V4 to the sHABS first or as part of the deal with Toronto for the pick.

[Patrick]

nhlnumbers.com shows malone made 6 mil this year and will make 4.25 mil each year of his remaining contract. This same spreadsheet shows Vinny is going to make 10 mil the next 7 years, so these are salary numbers, not cap numbers:

http://nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=TBL&season=0809&expand=y

PD padding the numbers as always...

Regardless, with the payroll at 45 mil next year, it makes of course way more sense to keep the guy making 4.25 mil over the guy making 10 mil.

Dream on, PD. Thou shalt not covet...

[PD]

That I did Flasher, but not at that crazy #. Kaberle makes 4 and he's a multi all star.

Leafs offer was big but laden with incentives to fit in a cap scenario.
Rangers guaranteed it all..they will have to move a big contract to stay under..apparently it will be Gomez's

Burke signed the top 2 UFA Collegian forwards in Bozack (20 offers and Hanson from Notre Dame).

Now if he can sign Gustavvson this weekend it will be a rather great start to 09.

[PD]

Between 7-8 front loaded 1st two years and a lifetime scouting position for his father Steve..nice.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Deep-breaths-people-Ryan-Malone-s-deal-isn-t-t?urn=nhl,91012

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=429313

[Boltflasher]

ESPN reporting Boston University free agent defenseman Matt Gilroy has signed a multiyear contract with the New York Rangers.

The contract is worth $3.5 million for two years, sources told ESPN's John Buccigross.

PD, didn't you say Leafs would sign him?

[ZERO]

PD - hockeybuzz says 6 mil for salary.

[PD]

Steve O that's the cap #4.5

Same as Vinny's situation,his cap is 7.5 and he gets 10.

[Steve-O]

The following link shows Malone at $4.25 next year. Where is the $7 you keep reporting? http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=TBL&season=0809

[PD]

Zero, 7 million cash for Malone front ended. 10 for Vinny.

Don: some good background on Leafs/Tampa making a trading match.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/04/16/kelley_burke_tavares/

[brendan]

If anybody is interested, the interview with Koules is up at Dan Sileo's website to listen to. This was the interview from this morning.

[Lady Bolts 22]

John (Tort's) made his mark, and he's in the cup run.. I wish Jay a lot of luck too.

So far.. many of the Bolts are in the cup.. except for the team Tampa Bay Lightning..
;- (

[Don in St. Pete]

I think it's the economy, plain and simple. Plenty of teams have struggled to get fans to the Arena this season. He's a Businessman and as such doesn't enjoy losing money. Not only is attendance down, in most areas advertising revenue and corporate sponsorships have also taken a hit. My guess is they will do anything they can not to trade V4, but the alternatives may be losing bushels of money or icing an inferior team.

[brendan]

Koules was on the sports animal this morning. I remember the first time he was on the Sports Animal (in late summer) with Dan Sileo after he bought the team, he asked Koules what made the team so attractive to buy and without hestitation he said Vinny4. It seemed like Koules was really high on Vinny back then. Not sure how much Koules has changed his mindset since then.

[Don in St. Pete]

Ajax, At the bloggers meeting with Koule he said they would be targeting the teams that sign one of the top UFA defenseman to trade for their extra top 2 guys. The problem with that is that all the other small market teams that need help on d will be doing the same thing. There will be a lot of competition all around to improve on the cheap this off season.

[ZERO]

PD - How much is Malone making?

Anyway, yes, both of them would take up a big chunk. That's why I'm not so sure it's completely true. Has anyone officially said this? Or is it just speculated? They can't keep hyping Vinny, Malone, Marty, and Stammer in public and then do the 45 mil payroll. Doesn't make sense. And if it's true and everyone stays, this will be another 1 and a half line team with slightly better D.

[PD]

If it is 45 mill team cash budget for 09, almost 40% of that goes to Malone and Lecavalier.

That ole dog won't hunt.

[ZERO]

ajax - Are we positive that the 45 mil payroll limit is true?

I heard the first half of that interview, and I listened closely as well. I think they're keeping Vinny. Koules almost sounded offended when Sileo asked about it. OK said Vinny is the captain and a part of this team. And that Canada doesn't think the Lightning deserve him. Did he say "No, he won't be traded"? No, but he wasn't flat out asked if he would be traded...the question was basically assuming Vinny was traded...and again, OK sounded annoyed/offended.

I know they have a "plan" in place, but I'm sure that's going to constantly change as the other teams start calling more often about potential deals. Plans are good, but it takes 2 to tango.

If the 45 mil limit is true, then yes it's suicide whether Vinny is here or not. If it's not true, that's a different story. Maybe it's true and is only for one year, and they're taking the risk of keeping Vinny and building through the draft. That's what I got out of his comments.

If the fans come back and payroll can be increased, they can afford to keep Vinny. The cap potentially means nothing now, but his cap hit is only 900k more starting next year. So if the payroll increases and they can spend to the cap, this is doable.

Big IF, though, I know.

[cnw]

Will the trade rumors never stop on V4! I believe we are all in agreement that several teams will be interested in acquiring Vinny. However, trading Vinny after the uproar in Dec/Jan and the statements made by Lawton "never, never trade Vinny" and Oren and Barrie, in interviews, stating Vinny would be here next year, I do not believe this PR nightmare could be solved by even the "talented" Mrs. Lawton. We are reading what is taking place in the community over the house cleaning (really getting rid of salary). The outrage now and the Dec/Jan's uproar will be considered mild if the news breaks that Vinny has been traded.

I heard an interesting comment made by a sports guru the other day. Whenever a team trades its superstar, the winner is always the acquiring team. Is Ok willing to take the chance of trading the face of the franchise? Only time will tell, but I can't believe they will make that terrible business deal.

All of us are interested in a better team, and that means defense. OK may want to keep the cap at $45M, but they probably won't if they are going to solve their defense problems. I do not believe the fans will put up with trading the franchise and rebuilding the team, which will take two or three more years. Better get another equity partner in here pdq and put all these rumors to rest so fans will purchase their season tickets.

What is the May 11th deal shown on the Lightning site?

Leo must be in mourning today! Tough Leo, but keep the faith.

[ajax]

Koules was on the sports animal this morning....
When asked yes or no about trading Vinny...I listened real closely..and he never answered...his answer was "a month after he retires they still will say he is being traded" Sometimes the answer they don't give, will give you some insite to the real answer...My gut is he won't be traded..He should be...but won't be....Koules has repeated on at least three times when I heard him talk the past two weeks the the building blocks are in place and we aren't that far away....that ties into the question he was asked about this summer and Free Agency...his answer was....er....look at the Hawks and Pittsburgh...they built thru the draft....I interpreted that as "We will not be making a splash in free agency" which is the exact opposite of the meeting with the Wallbangers.....
I only know this...45 mil is a death sentence....Keeping Vinny with an ultra thin depth chart is suicide...If the season was 20 games long...with everyone healthy, GREAT I see us competing for a top 16 spot....Without 2 Dmen that are "players" we are a couple bumps and bruises into a repeat of the last two years....If that happens...I do not know if my KEYPAD CAN TAKE ANOTHER YEAR OF POUNDING IT INTO SUBMISSION EVERY BOLT GAME!!!!!

[ZERO]

Brian - Maybe another Town Hall meeting? Announcing Tocc's contract? Koules basically said this morning on the radio he'd be the official coach, and there is a contract in place...kind of just waiting for him to sign it.

But who knows...pep rally or something I'm sure.

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

Hockeytalkie

Good to have you back

I though i saw some *Polish* in you lately.

How was your easter ?

[hockeytalkie]

totally agree on modin/denis being the biggest mistake jay made and was the beginning of the end. i do happen to know that they tried to package feds and draft picks but CLB insisted on modin all along. real problem is that what they got was a waste of crease space in return. yes that falls on jay, but he's also the guy that got mike smith here. which if he stays healthy may be the most important positive trade of tbl's post cup era. to potray him as a bumbling donut eating fool that could do no right is not only wrong, but ignorant.

[BrianB23]

has anyone been to the official team website lately? I noticed they've redesigned the site, but I also saw this graphic on there:

http://cdn.nhl.com/lightning/images/upload/2009/04/may112009_qa320x400.jpg

What's going on May 11?

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

*but I believe some teams will be interested in V4, for no other reason that energizing their fan base.

I did not Read this, must be a mistake
let me refresh the browser hold on

....beep....beep....beep

hmmm the same post i Did read this

O well... about those Rays would they make the playoff this year ?

[Don in St. Pete]

PD, You know I'd love Kaberle.....I just don't see how we can afford him. We'll see how everything shakes out but I believe some teams will be interested in V4, for no other reason that energizing their fan base. Of course it would tick off our fans.

[olin]

...but it is long gone, over the hill, everything past, and we move on to today and tomorrow. Was good to see Freddy skating last nite though.

[olin]

....EXACTLY Brendan, I feel the same way and always maintained that.

[brendan]

How can we forget Uncle Fester trading Modin to Columbus for Denis? Just a terrible trade,one that I feel started this franchise on a decline.

[PD]

Don the Leafs /Bolts make sense at one level because the Leafs can solve a lot of the Bolts financial problems by taking some bad contracts, giving them a lifeline.
Burke already helped Tampa get their 16 million revenue share by making that bulk trade at the deadline for a pick.

What I don't see in Leafs plans anywhere is V4 or moving Schenn.

I do think that Leafs would like the 2 pick and likely would offer Kaberle as part of the deal. Multi All Star puckmoving D man signed for 2 more years at 4 mill..a steal.

Bolts could then draft a key player at 7 and have an All Star D man ready to go.

[hockeytalkie]

ey gang i'm back. probably will be a few days before i get fully up to speed here.

re: feaster looking for work and these other recent layoffs
do all of you on both sides of these issues not see the consistent thread in all of this? in addition to all of them having rings, feaster campbell cole and all the rest were not only classy guys the were GENUINELY nice people. that is why they were so easy to be not just liked but LOVED. in 2004 they proved nice guys (tom wilson not withstanding) can finish first. but that was 5 years ago. we need to move on.

to those of you who only care about W's and L's you need to look at places like philly, buff and mtl who almost always compete (yes they've all had some down time) but have failed to cash in for a long time. is that what you want? maybe you want njd. they compete and DO win, but the only excitement they bring is the ACTUAL cup, b/c that system beats the life out of the fans too. to those of you who want it to be the 2004 lovefest every season, if you fail to run your business AS A BUSINESS ultimately it WILL catch up to you.

finding the balance is the tricky thing for every team. since the bolts first year in the league the only team that has stayed at or near the top regularly AND cashed in regularly AND put out an exciting product was DET. (15 cups to 8 dif teams in that span). my point is it's harder than you realize. and harder than maybe OK realized as well. so take 2004 and remember it fondly and how everything came together over 2.5 seasons. also remember that one season turn arounds are rarer than you realize so quit expecting that (you too oren).

for what it's worth i AM a fan of feaster, torts, campbell...
...the professor and mary ann...
so i wish all of them well, but for various reasons (some b/c of the actions of each other, some b/c of reasons beyond their control) their time here in tampa was over. that doesn't make them worthless or even worth less. it just makes them not part of tbl's present or future.

sorry if i rambled here. blame it on the jet lag.

[Tom M]

Not likely that Krispy Kreme will get the Avalanche job but I heard that he's going to take a position with rival Dunkin Donuts as a taste-tester for the 2009-2010 season.

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

Don

Here’s the thing
I saw the delay live chat Replay on the blog tonight
And a lot of good questions from you guys at Damian

Damian did a Great job on reply on post from Bloggers
In his capability and knowledge for the present moment

It is obvious that the Management of the bolts got major
Problem with the team, I think no one, can’t deny that.

I do understand the frustration of many of you in wanting
To cheer for your favorite team and have to deal with this
Nonsense with money, trading, rebuilt the team after 2004

Well I am anyway, but it’s part of the game and
If you like hockey you will stick around fersure.

There is rainy days and Sunshine days this management
Don’t really cut it and Damian knows it and was,
I think, very polite to answer questions on management.

If the bolts do spend between 45 and 48 mil, TB need
To unload Salary no matter how you look at it to try to
Be competitive next year.

Hockey is not all about one player it’s about team work.
No need to panic its only hockey sunshine will come up
Tomorrow

Kings or Montreal would be the best option in deal return
For the lightning in ready playing and prospect,
Especially on D and forward ready for NHL

Just my beat Don

[Don in St. Pete]

If we did a deal with the sHabs instead it would consist of more prospects and less NHL ready players IMHO, of course they cost less and you could addd a top 2 d maybe....

[Don in St. Pete]

PD, The deal would also have to include Stempniak and Grabovski, otherwise management would fairlt take it on the chin for giving up "the Franchise". A tough deal to make from either side but I expect V4 to move this summer regardless.

[Don in St. Pete]

PD, I see the wisdom in your post and I agree. It would seem that the Leafs would be the Bolts best trading partner, though based upon our needs I'm not sure we could work out a deal that would be beneficial to both. The deal would have to include V4 and our #2 and bring back Schenn, White, Ponikarovsky plus others and the #7 to make it work for the Bolt's payroll cap and desire to compete. If I'm Burke I'd really have to think twice or more about unloading Schenn, he could be the shutdown guy you build around. On the other hand there's no way the Isles will deal the #1 unless they know they could at least get Hedman plus talent.

[Geografer]

According to Denver Post blog Feaster has inquired with Minnesota about their GM position. Best of luck to Jay whevever he lands.
http://blogs.denverpost.com/avs/2009/04/16/feaster-contacts-wild/

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

PD

I understand but i don't see Burky make a move on taking any 1st or 2st
with what they have to offer PD

I could be wrong but really not the end of the world if leafs stay in 7 position to draft this year get a cowen.

trading schenn would be
a big mistake i think

The only wild card right now Burky has is money they have cap space.
but again i don't see it my brother

Will see i guess but not looking good for this season unless burky go get Help in foward and Goalies at least a 2

Big big hold in center for The Leafs

Game Night Tonight
Molson is on the ice from this morning

hehe

[PD]

Don you got to ask your question to Damian in two flavors and both were quickly addressed, clearly there will be no team dollars for free agency.

For sure Bolts trade down for defensive help now and still get a good prospect..maybe even Cowan..

They need players that can play now.

[PD]

Nice to see Koolaid rat pack out...a little late boys, your gig's been a disaster, again.

Tampa may never win another cup for decades because of it, (not that they will necessarily be in Tampa)>

Marki glad you are enjoying Oncle Burkee...these guys are big boys Marki..if they stink on the ice and can be better,they get called on it. its their job to get max performance. Gainey did the same with Kovalev when he asked him to stay home for a few days. It works or they get moved out.

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

Patrick

He he not much more i can add to this,

But i am trying to see the good side in all human's

Bad or Good, it's very objectif in posting comments and ideal on a blog
sometimes.

I am no man to juge anyone my good friend.

i am just here to exchange comments on hockey and have a little fun ;)

[Geografer]

Feaster now has two opportunites available. Minnesota just canned their GM - the only one in the history of their franchise.

Good luck to Jay wherever he may land.

[Patrick]

Marki,

Nice guys don't root for others to fail, or spread propaganda. Nice guys don't have to bring others down to feel better themselves.

To summarize your analysis - sounds like a case of misery loves company.

[Boltflasher]

I wish Feaster well in his job hunt...his post CBA record will haunt him and the Lightning....

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

Ajax

Speeking of Flip Flop Summer is comming here in montreal, not like you guys , lucky people you are.

On PD Case hmmmm I think PD Deep Down he's a real nice Guy,

His leafs are not Doing good for the past 5 years so i think he just want's to get his frustration out of his system and Hit the bolts situation.

So when that Happen he dosen't need to think about the sorry Leafs Bottom Standing year after year after year

So i think that's why ajax

on the other hand i agree with you no need to beat a Down horse indeed

[ajax]

What politicians do is this:
In 2007 and 2008 they grandstand and say one thing....then in 2009 they flipflop completely on the same subjects...that is why people don't trust or respect what they say....that is why they are seen as snakes...that is PD....He consistently bashed everything about the Lightning in 2007 and 2008 especially Richards and "puppet" Feaster...now that they are gone..he pulls a fast one (to some) and touts them as the cure and present management made a huge mistake by getting rid of these men...never forgetting he constantly bashed them right here on our blog in 07-08....but there is one positive in PD and I must give him credit, he doesn't flip flop on one thing...Mr. PD is remarkably consistent and true on one subject for sure.....gotta give him credit....he hates everything to do with our team....He does it so very well....the names on the jerseys change...the nameplates on the exec's change...but year to year...he hates them all...Of course until they leave and then he magically loves them...trying to pass his magical elixer on to every sap who will listen on our blog...I will refer to him as FF from now on FLIP FLOP....Look in the dictionary for horses hinny and you will see a picture of FF. A Hinny is a creation of horse and donkey...yes, I am proud of my analysis...Hinny fits well...

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

PD

I saw Burky yesterday on TV yep Again
that guy Make's me Laugh so much i am begining to like him.

This guy should have a shoot at Comedy central stand up comic really.

He is unique i give you that and mostly entertaining with his comment
at his players for next year.

You better play because Oncle Burky would give you a wooping.

Looking foward really next season to see how's his players react to his Message on TV Network

I think player when they sing a contract for the leafs to play in the team they give them a Free Cable Subcription sports network pakage so all the meeting with the team GM can be View.