TSN.ca Staff
6/30/2009 4:05:41 PM
If the Montreal Canadiens want to retain Mike Komisarek’s services, they’ll have to compete with a handful of other teams starting at Noon et on Wednesday.
The agent for the veteran defenceman told the media Tuesday that his client will test the free agent market.
“After much discussion and thought, Mike Komisarek has decided to enter the free agent market tomorrow at noon,” said agent Matt Keator in a statement. “Should they desire, we intend to keep Montreal involved in the process as they have treated Mike so well during his time in the organization. He remains interested in resigning with them.”
The Canadiens reportedly made offers to two potential unrestricted free agents on Monday – Komisarek and winger Alex Kovalev. The club has 10 players who are set to hit the open market, including Alex Tanguay and captain Saku Koivu.
Komisarek, 27, had 11 points and 121 penalty minutes in 66 games with the Canadiens last season and was among the league leaders in blocked shots and hits over the last three years.
He was taken seventh overall by the Canadiens in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. In 361 career regular season games, the New York native has 12 goals and 46 assists for 58 points, all with the Canadiens.