Page 70 of Deking at Love
“Still in shock.What do you have for me?”
“Let’s get to the simple stuff first.Made some calls, and your playoff share from your old club came through.You’re getting a partial.Looks to be about twenty-two grand before taxes.”
Maybe the bigger news of the trade overshadowed everything else, but Sam couldn’t muster joy or disappointment over the number.It wasn’t enough to pay off Dad’s debts, but it wasn’t chump change either.“That’s nice they included me.”
“Pretty generous, considering your skates never touched the ice during playoffs.Which brings me to your new team.”
“The Carolina Surge,” Sam deadpanned.
“Keep an open mind, son.This is a great opportunity.I know their record isn’t stellar, but they’re under new management, and they’re turning their ship around with a mix of veterans and young players.That’s where you come in.They specifically targetedyou.They like you.You’re a key piece of their future.You’ll be a starter in their top six, and the GM made it clear they didn’t trade just to flip you.They want to lock you up, and they want it done immediately.This gives us some leverage.”
Sam knew nothing about his new GM.Was the guy a bullshitter or a straight shooter?“So what are they willing to do?”
“I’ve already told them you’ll only sign a one-way contract, multi-year.You’re a proven NHLer, and they agree.No more minor leagues.That shows real commitment.They believe in you.”
A bubble of eager hope popped in Sam’s gut.“What about the ankle?”
“You’ve been cleared.They checked with the Blizzard medical staff.Of course, you’ll need to pass their physical, but that’s normal in a trade.”
“When do I do that?”
“In a few days, during your first visit.They want you there to meet staff, see the facilities, do your media intro.It would be a good time to get familiar with the city and find a place to live.”
Shit!Sam hadn’t considered that part of the equation.He needed to tell his landlord.He needed to move his shit.He needed to convince Angie that—
“Now that the table’s set, my goal is to get you the best term and AAV,” Herb continued.
Sam took a pull from his water bottle.“What’s reasonable for someone like me?”
“You’re a star, but you’re not established.Yet.That puts you anywhere from $1.2 mil to $2.4 mil.Two years, maybe three.You’re twenty-six, and your best earning years are ahead of you.Assuming you stay healthy, you can ask for a lot more when this contract is over.”Herb chuckled.“And will you look at that.The GM’s calling me now.Hang in there, son.I have a really good feeling about this.”
No sooner had they hung up than a different number lit up Sam’s screen.He didn’t recognize it but picked up the call.
“Durbin here.”
“Hey, Durby!This is your new captain.I hear you’re ours now, and I’m here to bust your ass.”
“Cam Blue?”Sam laughed.“When the hell did they make you captain of the Surge?”Blue was an elite defenseman—and a real hard-ass—who had played with Sam on the Blizzard before they tradedhim.Sam liked and respected the guy a hell of a lot.
“The boys voted on it at the end of the season.Not sure they made the right decision, but hey, I’m honored.You still in shock from the news?”
“Hell yeah.”
“I know the feeling.But you’ll get over it.The Blizzard did you a favor, dude.Welcome to the circus.”
Sam’s nerves had been jangling since The Call, but hearing Blue’s voice relaxed them a fraction or five.
“Where are you?”Blue asked, and Sam filled him in.“What the fuck are you doing there?Book a damn flight already.You got a place yet?”
“Hell no!I just found out about the trade a few hours ago.”
“Good.Don’t sign anything.One of the guys is leaving, and his house just hit the market.It’s a sweet place in the same neighborhood where most of the boys live.Seriously, you need to get here before someone else jumps on it.You got a girl who needs to see it?”
Did Sam have a girl?Who would move with him to North Carolina?“I’m not sure.”
“You’renot sure?Jesus Christ, Durby.If you’re not sure, then you need a fuck-ton of help.Get your ass up here and bring your-not-sure-girl with you.Seeing this place should convince her.”
Sam couldn’t hold back a grin.“I’m on it.”
