We are now several days into free agency and the first free agents have now signed with their new clubs. One team however that seemed all but certain to be big players in the free agent frenzy has all but back out of the signing game.
Anaheim Ducks GM, Rob Ives, has said that the team has cut off talks with a number of high-profile free agents. The list is said to include some of this year's top free agents such as Jaromir Jagr, Jozef Stumpel and Philippe Boucher.
[Interview clip plays...]
"We've talked to a number of players and negotiations seemed to be going well, but then these guys would turn around and ask for more money. I mean, guys are looking for eight or nine million a year and still expect you to challenge for the cup. It's just ridiculous."
[End of clip...]
Ives wouldn't go as far as saying the team was completely done with free agency, however, it does appear likely that there won't be any big name free agents coming to Anaheim this season.
For TSN, I'm Mick Johnston in Anaheim.
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2007-08 - missed playoffs (29th overall) 2008-09 - missed playoffs (26th overall) 2009-10 - 7th place in Western Conference (99 pts), Conference Semi-Finals 2010-11 - missed playoffs (19th overall) 2011-12