Yashin to Concede

Sept. 9, 2000

Update:  Well it's official. He's back. But don't automatically think everything will be back to normal in Ottawa. Word from training camp has players seething at the possibility of Yashin being named captain. And we all thought it was over.... If Yashin doesn't mend fences with his teammates anytime soon, it could affect the chemistry of the entire team. Marshall Johnston has to be watching this situation carefully.

Sept. 8, 2000

If this situation gets any weirder, it will take over as a daytime soap. So let us get this straight: Yashin burned all his bridges, held out for a year (without pay), paid huge court costs, and generally made himself look foolish... for what? He now has to make up the final year of his contract before he can become a free agent. Word out of Ottawa has it that the Senators have called a news conference to announce that he will be returning to the team. All we can do is question the advice he's getting. It just doesn't make sense. It can't be a pride thing. If it was he wouldn't come back to Ottawa. 

So, how will he play? We think that he'll play extremely well. There will still be distractions, but Yashin is going to do everything in his power to force somebody to give him a significant raise next year. Will it be the Sens? Unlikely. In fact, don't be surprised if the team deals him. They have learned that there is life after Yashin, but they also know that he could bring them assets that would make them even better. Now the question becomes where would he go? Obviously the Rangers and Flyers have to be at the top of the list. But that's fodder for another article. Check the News and Rumors page for more Yashin stuff all through training camp.  

Revised Projection: 74 GP, 39 Goals, 45 Assists, +12, 21 PPP, 285 Shots

Yashin Appeal Turned Down

Sept 5, 2000

Another day, another loss in court for Alexi Yashin. We are of two minds on this latest development. It could finally prompt Yashin to come to his senses and report to the Senators' training camp. Or it could further strengthen is resolve to hold out. One thing is for sure, the Senators will not trade him until after he gives in and reports. 

Analysis: From a fantasy hockey perspective this adds way too much uncertainty into the mix. At least if the appeals court had sided with Yashin he could have become a restricted free agent and put himself in a much better position to demand a trade. As it stands now, the only way he's going to get out of Ottawa is if he concedes to Rod Bryden - something we're sure he never thought he would have to do. We think that this situation will drag on until November or December at which time the Senators will have a chance to see where they are going and what help they will need to make a push for the playoffs. 

2000/2001 Prediction: 44 GP  14 Goals, 22 Assists, +3, 120 Shots (based on a late December return)

Copyright 2000 Puckjunkie Inc.

All Rights Reserved

Photographs courtesy of BBS