From David Dye of the Detroit News:
The reason Darren McCarty’s contract hasn’t been signed yet is a little complicated, but here’s at least part of the explanation:
The Wings can only afford to offer him a two-way contract – $575,000 if he’s in the NHL, $100,000 if he goes to Grand Rapids to play in the minors.
McCarty would like some bonus money put into the deal in case he plays in the NHL.
In the past, a team could apply that bonus money to the next season’s payroll and salary cap.
However, teams aren’t allowed to do that this year because the players union has the option of re-opening the CBA (collective bargaining agreement) next summer.
Read the entire entry from Wings Blog here.
McCarty is handling the situation in a classy manner and it seems like the issue will get resolved with McCarty staying within the Wings organization. To be honest, it doesn’t seem right seeing McCarty in any colors but the red and white.