Post by Deleted on May 26, 2015 10:49:38 GMT -5
Bill Skinner here with news out of Edmonton that Alexander Semin has been released. I caught up briefly with Chris Mitchell to get the details.
Bill Skinner: "Chris, news broke today stating you have used your compliance buyout on Semin, and he will become a free agent. Care to elaborate?"
Chris Mitchell: "Sure Bill, and thanks for sitting down with me today. Yes, I have used our compliance buyout on Alexander Semin, and he will be free to sign with any team. Rather than hold on to him, in hopes of getting a return, I felt it was in the best interest of the team going forward that we just release him. As I continue trying to build this team, and especially with the salary cap, the value of his production really doesnt come close to what we were paying him. Yes he played in all 82 games for us, and averaged just over 17 mintues per game, but the fact that he only scored 19 goals, and had 36 points really does not justify his $7,000,000 per year contract. His ratings for next season will take a hit, and in order to build a contending franchise in this league, we will need financial flexibility, which this will definately help give us that. With the draft coming up, and also the free agency period beginning here soon, Im looking forward to improving this team over last year. I definately plan on spending money on players that will help us not only in the coming season, but also in the future. There is a good core group of guys in which I plan on building around, now its just a matter of getting better in all areas of our game. I wish nothing but the best for Alexander, and he took the news pretty well. He understands that its time to move on, and that is what we are doing."
Bill Skinner: "Thanks for your time Chris, I appreciate it."
Chris Mitchell: "Anytime Bill, always a pleasure."
So the end of the Alexander Semin era in Edmonton has come to an end. Now with an extra $7,000,000 to spend, it will be interesting to see all the new faces here for the Oilers next season. Reporting from Edmonton, this is Bill Skinner.
Bill Skinner: "Chris, news broke today stating you have used your compliance buyout on Semin, and he will become a free agent. Care to elaborate?"
Chris Mitchell: "Sure Bill, and thanks for sitting down with me today. Yes, I have used our compliance buyout on Alexander Semin, and he will be free to sign with any team. Rather than hold on to him, in hopes of getting a return, I felt it was in the best interest of the team going forward that we just release him. As I continue trying to build this team, and especially with the salary cap, the value of his production really doesnt come close to what we were paying him. Yes he played in all 82 games for us, and averaged just over 17 mintues per game, but the fact that he only scored 19 goals, and had 36 points really does not justify his $7,000,000 per year contract. His ratings for next season will take a hit, and in order to build a contending franchise in this league, we will need financial flexibility, which this will definately help give us that. With the draft coming up, and also the free agency period beginning here soon, Im looking forward to improving this team over last year. I definately plan on spending money on players that will help us not only in the coming season, but also in the future. There is a good core group of guys in which I plan on building around, now its just a matter of getting better in all areas of our game. I wish nothing but the best for Alexander, and he took the news pretty well. He understands that its time to move on, and that is what we are doing."
Bill Skinner: "Thanks for your time Chris, I appreciate it."
Chris Mitchell: "Anytime Bill, always a pleasure."
So the end of the Alexander Semin era in Edmonton has come to an end. Now with an extra $7,000,000 to spend, it will be interesting to see all the new faces here for the Oilers next season. Reporting from Edmonton, this is Bill Skinner.
