If you have read this feature before then you know what to expect. If this is your first time at Tape to Tape, welcome!
Contract Wars is a segment where we analyze similar contracts signed by similar players and let you the readers decide who you would rather have on your team.
Today's article pits defensemen Matt Carle of the Tampa Bay Lightning against Dennis Wideman of the Calgary Flames.
Full analysis after the jump.
Matt Carle, Tampa Bay Lightning
27 years old
Contract: 6 years, $33 million ($5.5 million average cap hit)
2009-2010 Stats: 80GP - 6G - 29A - 35Pts
2010-2011 Stats: 82GP - 1G - 39A - 40Pts
2011-2012 Stats: 82 GP - 4G - 34A - 38Pts
Matt Carle broke out into the NHL with his strong offensive play but altered his game to be a more sound defensive player that can chip in when needed.
During his first full season with the San Jose Sharks in 2006-2007, Carle played 77 games and contributed 42 points (11 goals and 31 assists) with a plus/minus of +9. That would be the height of Carle's offensive career for the foreseeable future as over the next two seasons he would be part of three organizations.
The next season after Carle's impressive rookie campaign saw his totals nose dive. He would only register 15 points (2G 13A) even though he only played in 15 less games. Carle's plus/minus would also take a hit as he regressed to a -8 rating.
As a result of faltering play, Carle's TOI (time on ice) dropped from 18:08 in 2006-2007 to 16:33 in 2007-2008.
There are many factors that could have effected Carle's offensive regression from his rookie season to his sophomore season. First, his shooting percentage came back down to Earth. During his rookie season Carle was scoring on 9.9% of his shots which was above average for all skaters in the NHL. During the 2006-2007 season the average shooting percentage for all skaters was 9.73% (via Quant Hockey).
Second, is the "Sophomore Slump" factor. Many young players are unable to follow up impressive rookie campaigns due to cockiness. They feel that their ice time will be handed to them after they played well for one season and do not work as hard as they did when they were initially trying to make the club.
Regardless, Carle's play took a hit and he was sent packing in a trade for Dan Boyle which sent the young blue liner to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He only played 12 games with the Lightning but averaged 21:58 of TOI in that stretch. Following his 12th game in Tampa Carle was traded again in a deal that sent Steve Downie to Tampa and Carle to Philadelphia.
Carle played 64 games during that season as a member of the Flyers and also improved on his point totals. While averaging 21:17 TOI, he scored 4 goals and 20 assists bringing his season total to 5 goals, 21 assists and 26 points. His output still may not have matched his rookie season but it was still an improvement. His line mate for the majority of that season was Brayden Coburn but would change during the following season.
During the off season, the Flyers acquired defenseman Chris Pronger who would be Carle's new partner on the blue line. From 2009-2012, Carle scored 35, 40, and 38 points respectively and averaged slightly over 22:30 of TOI over that span.
By his last year on the Flyers, Carle had become a staple to their blue line with an increased role after Pronger's season was cut short due to injury.
Now in his second stint with the Lightning, expect Carle to play in the top pairing with Victor Hedman. Hedman and Brewer were on the ice the most for Tampa with Hedman averaging 23:06 TOI and Brewer registering 23:16. Brewer is now 33 years old and will be better suited for second pairing duty.
If in fact Carle's partner is Hedman, look for Carle to be the more offensive of the two which could result in an increase in points for the new comer.
Dennis Wideman, Calgary Flames
29 years old
Contract: 5 years, $26.25 million ($5.25 million average cap hit)
2009-2010 Stats: 76GP - 6G - 24A - 30Pts
2010-2011 Stats: 75GP - 10G - 30A - 40Pts
2011-2012 Stats: 82 GP - 11G - 34A - 46 Pts
One of Calgary's biggest moves this off season was bringing in defenseman Dennis Wideman from the Washington Capitals. Known as an offensive defenseman, Wideman has put up very respectable numbers from the blue line while also being able to handle big minutes; over the span of his career he has averaged 23:16 TOI.
Wideman made a name for himself while playing for the Boston Bruins where he also registered his best statistical season in 2008-2009. During that season he scored 50 points, tallying 13 goals and chipping in 37 assists. That year Wideman would also have his best season in regards to his plus/minus with a +32.
Following the 2009-2010 NHL season, Wideman was traded to the Florida Panthers in the deal that sent Nathan Horton to the Bruins. In 61 games with the Florida Panthers, Wideman registered 9 goals and 24 assists for 33 points. During his brief stint in Florida he also registered his worst plus/minus with a -26 rating.
Wideman would be traded again; this time to the Washington Capitals. In the 14 regular season games he played that season with the Capitals, Wideman registered 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points. In that stretch, his plus/minus returned to being positive with a +7 rating while playing an average of 24:05 TOI.
In his first (and only) full season with the Capitals, Wideman had the second best statistical season of his career as he registered 11 goals and 34 assists for 45 points. His plus/minus dipped again to a -8 but his ice time remained relatively high at 23:54 TOI per game.
Following his impressive 2011-2012 season, Wideman was due for a hefty raise from the $3.97 million he was making per year. As an impending free agent, he was scheduled to be one of the top defenseman available but never hit free agency. Wideman's rights were traded to the Flames where he immediately signed his current contract.
Dennis Wideman's addition to the Flames blue line gives Calgary a top three of Wideman, Giordano and Bouwmeester. The fourth spot will be given to the player who impresses the most at training camp. Look for this spot to be filled by Chris Butler or Anton Babchuk. Derek Smith and T.J. Brodie may push Butler and Babchuk but appear to be set to battle for the bottom paring on Calgary's blue line. Veteran Cory Sarich will round out the defense corps.
By adding Wideman to this group, the Flames adding something they hoped they were adding when they signed Jay Bouwmeester; an offensive defenseman. With Bob Hartley as the new head coach, look for the Flames to rely on Wideman to quarterback the power play and start the rush.
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Now that you have a better idea what to expect with each player, who would you rather have on your blue line going into the 2012-2013 NHL season? Is it Carle, the once talented offensive defenseman who has altered his game into being a more sound two way player? Or is it Wideman, an offensive defenseman who can jump into the rush and chip in offensively even though it may sacrifice some defense?
Share your opinions in the comment section!
Thanks for reading!
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