There’s something great about the Senators of Ottawa City (official team of IWBYB.) Marquee players Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley recently renewed long term contracts, millions of dollars below what they would make on the free agent market. Why? Because they want to confirm their commitment to the organization and continue playing quality hockey on a team with a future. They love Ottawa and Ottawa loves them.
Ottawa City defenceman Wade Redden, however, did them one better today when he did the unheard of, not just in the NHL, but in any industry, anywhere. He offered to work for LESS. Contracts and salary caps being what they are, it seemed likely that the Sens would not work out a new deal with an overpaid, inconsistent, but frequently terrific defenceman. With many other teams (Toronto, Atlanta, Boston, LA) struggling on the blueline, he could have waited it out and received a raise and a clean slate elsewhere. I mean, who asks for less money? Certainly not that jerk Ryan Smyth, who cries everytime he comes back to Edmonton but wouldn't consider staying.
The Players’ Union may take issue with this, but I think it’s admirable and shows a lot of heart. Ottawa fans (including this writer) haven’t always been kind to him. This offer shows such strong commitment, that you just know that, given the chance, he will be better. I hope he’s given the chance.
And, to make things more clear, this was announced on the same day that Eric Lindros announced that he would announce his retirement Thursday. Lindros, the league leader in concussions over the last decade, should serve as a cautionary tale to players who want to argue that there is a ‘me’ in team. But there’s not – only the makings of one. He refused to play for the team that drafted him (Quebec) due to limited endorsement opportunities, providing them enough star power in a trade that they won the cup (as the Colorado Avalanche), while he became one of the most maligned players of the 90’s.
Here’s to you, Wade.
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