We are in full swing of the Unrestricted Free Agency period in the NHL and I must say that at this time, I’m very happy with the 2 signings, GM Pierre Gauthier made.
With several fans wanting Jagr or Semin in the mix, I for one am extremely happy that we got neither player. We are already paying Scott Gomez a shitload of money for doing absolutely nothing. So we didn’t need more players like that with the Habs.
Instead the Habs went out and got, IMO an excellent player in Erik Cole. Cole, whose 32 years old signed a 4 year deal worth $18 million. In my opinion, Cole will bring some leadership to the Habs and experience. He’s got great vision on the ice and for the net also. Last year, he was 4th in GWG with a total of 9, that means that he’s a clutch performer and a player you can count on in the last minutes of a game.
Some of you might say that his only success has been in Carolina, cause his short stint in Edmonton was a disaster. True, however he did not have his heart in Edmonton, while here he wants to come to Montreal. Captain Brian Gionta did a good job at selling Montreal to Cole, and I can easily see Cole playing on our top 2 lines.
With this signing, I can actually see the Habs having 3 very solid lines, that could really complement each other.
Habs also signed former Avalanche # 1 goalie Peter Budaj to a 2 year deal to back up Carey Price. Budaj is a player that IMO never lived up to expectations, and might be getting a second chance of life in the NHL with the Habs. Budaj, will be an excellent back up that can fill the roll if something happens to Price.
I for one would of loved someone a little older, to be able to continue and mentor Price, however Budaj is not a bad option between the pipes.
Habs are still trying finalize a deal with Josh Gorges. I would love nothing better , than having Josh signed a long term deal in Montreal. He’s really come on his own here, and has all the skills and poise to be an excellent leader and possibly future Captain of the Habs.
I hope that the Habs continue on the right path, and continue to improve, so we fans can have some great long post-season hockey like in years past.
5 comments:
Totally agree with the analysis. Very well-written.
Nicely written. I'm happy with the signings too, myself - ecstatic even that we did not push or offer up too much for Jagr or Richards. A little sad to see Hamrlik go, but it's for the best (I spent too much time yelling at him on TV anyway, haha).
In your opinion, what needs to happen next? Who needs to stay/go?
Thank you Laura and Svea.
To answer your question Svea, we would need to trade Gomez and his big salary, but we all know that it will be impossible with his contract,and we can't move him without having another top 2 center in the equation. Eller is not ready yet.
Also, need to sign Gorges and quick. They need to stop wasting time.
It's going to be interesting to see what they do.
Thank you for the feedback ladies.
Enjoyed reading your thoughts Serge.
Count me in as one who is quite happy that Montreal didn't go after Jagr. I usually don't mind going after reclamation projects, only if they are young. Case in point - right now the Oil are taking a cheap price to get Cam Barker into the fold, once one of the young defensive core members in Chicago, this may be a steal of a deal if he can get his career back on track.
In Jagrs case, he is IMO, not someone who would be a positive force in the dressing room, even if does reclaim a hint of scoring touch from years gone by. Not a fan of his style of play or on ice character (as I cant speak for off ice) at all.
As for Cole, he had very solid years in the Carolina's, and a forgettable stint in Edmonton. I did get to see enough of him out west here to know that he is someone who can score points when needed, and hope his stint with the Oil was based a sub par team at the time. I am happy with the signing and hope it works out. It isnt a killer contract if the numbers can be there, as well as the heart to play.
We are both on the same page on Gomez. He might be the nicest guy in the world but his contract is killer to the Habs, and he is getting paid as a first line center and at this point in his career not so. Unless things shake up dramatically, and Montreal is able to sneak his contract off to a team needing to meet the cap, Montreal will be stuck with a second or third line center getting paid number one bucks. As for that number one spot, unless another deal is out there that I dont know about, looks like the future number one spot, will have to develop from within. Time will tell.
I would love to see Montreal take a crack at Jason Arnott if the price is low enough. Decent size with some experience. Could add alot to the second line.
Get Georges signed. He and Subban are hopefully the Habs D core for years to come.
And on a closing note, Roman Hamrlik. I have followed his career close since he was drafted by Tampa Bay. Never the offensive force they said he would be, but put in a very decent career. When I lived in Edmonton, I saw him on a game night basis. He was most nights their best defensemen. He was by far, not the worst player on the ice during his time in Montreal. Wish him the best in Washington. He is the type of guy that can log big minutes, and play any role on the Caps team. The Caps are a far better team with him on it today then they were two weeks ago. Good luck Roman, playing with Ovechkin you will need it :D
Thanks bro!! I have to agree with your points also. Damn, you should do your own blog also..LOL
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