Nov
Als face busy off-season
Courtesy Montreal Gazette:
The Montreal Alouettes traditionally don’t enter the winter with many free agents. That’s why this year, when the CFL club distributed a list to the media this week containing 17 names, eyebrows were raised.
“I think it’s a high number for what traditionally has been the case here, but that’s a function of the salary cap,” assistant general manager Marcel Desjardins said. “I think it’s a workable number . . . not knowing where the cap will come in (next season). But it is doable and it’s fair to say the majority of players, for various reasons, we would want back.”
In the days leading up to the 2006 Grey Cup game in Winnipeg, management was busy signing numerous players, despite the impending championship game. Signings even continued that night, after the Als lost to the B.C. Lions. That’s because any bonus money given then, before the end of the season, wasn’t applied against the $4.05-million salary cap that took effect in 2007. The cap was increased to $4.2 million this season, but the CFL has yet to indicate what the ceiling will become in ’09.
The majority of players who signed deals in Winnipeg are now eligible to become free agents next February. The Als exceeded the cap last year by such a margin as to be stripped of a first-round draft choice. But Desjardins is confident history won’t be repeated this season. Nonetheless, it will be difficult to re-sign all 17.
“It’s too early to say we don’t want someone back,” Desjardins said. “Some won’t want to be here. Money still talks at the end of the day. They’re all important to different degrees. If it’s a Canadian, they’re harder to find. We had success and know we can win with them.”
The majority of the list is made up of offensive players, including quarterback Anthony Calvillo, slotback Ben Cahoon, and offensive linemen Bryan Chiu and Scott Flory. The first three must initially establish whether they’re even going to continue playing before negotiations can begin, but it’s unlikely any of the trio would play elsewhere.
“I’ve worn one uniform. I’m not about to change it,” Chiu said. “I’d hang my cleats up first.”
The last time Flory was a free agent, the Regina native signed with Saskatchewan, only to have second thoughts after management, he claimed, reneged on some promised conditions. The Als were forced to trade a first-round draft choice to the Roughriders to retain Flory’s rights. The team now has different management personnel, but Flory doesn’t sound eager to leave.
“I’ll make the best decision for me and my family, based on my situation, my kids and our quality of life,” he explained. “Money’s always a factor. You never want to assume and I hope things go right. This is my home now. I’ve been here (year-round) three years.”
In an interview last month, Desjardins said re-signing safety Etienne Boulay was one of the top priorities. But Boulay wasn’t even starting by season’s end, replaced by Matthieu Proulx. Desjardins now said Boulay must re-establish himself.
Eskimos Re-Sign Kicker
For Noel Prefontaine it was admittedly a “no-brainer.”
It didn’t take long for the 11-year Canadian Football League kicker to agree to a new three-year deal with the Edmonton Eskimos.
