Written by Kristina, AllHabs.net
MONTREAL, QC. — Hopeful optimism turned into ‘reality’ a little less than a week ago as the prospect of Andrei Markov returning to the line-up took off with the Canadiens flight to the Golden Coast. Of course, that ‘reality’ quickly dissipated and was replaced with the unfortunate news that Markov would be returning to the operating table rather than to the ice surface.
Now that his path has been established for the next three to five weeks and things should settle down with regards to the Markov speculation, let’s start talking about the other Andrei for a change.
At 26 years of age, Andrei Kostitsyn is the Canadiens most talented forward poised to hit free agency this summer. In 17 games played this season, Kostitsyn has amassed seven goals, including three game winning goals, and five assists for a total of twelve points. The streaky forward was drafted 10th overall in that all too famous 2003 draft by the Canadiens and has spent his entire NHL career with the club thus far.
So with a third of the NHL season in the books and without the benefit of foresight, should the Habs brass re-sign Andrei Kostitsyn to a new deal?
The Plus
- Size. At six feet and 214 pounds, Kostitsyn is one of the Canadiens bigger forwards and he isn’t afraid to use his size. AK46 led the team in hits in the 2010-2011 season with 140 and has averaged 117 hits over the last four seasons. His powerful lower core make him difficult to knock off the puck and players running into him often end up with the worst of contact.
- Shot. Kostitsyn owns one of the most lethal wrist shots in the league. His heavy slapshot is also something that should not go unnoticed, particular off the one-timer. The most impressive thing about Kostitysn’s shot is his quick release. When given the opportunity to strike, AK46 can certainly make opponents pay. Perhaps the most impressive display of his shot this season was his game winning goal against the Los Angeles Kings on December 3, 2011.
- Scoring. Over the last four seasons, Kostitsyn has averaged 0.59 points per game and has scored 20 plus goals in three of the last four seasons. Kostitsyn has ranked 6th, 4th, 7th and 5th in scoring on the Canadiens since the 2007-2008 season. A sure bet for at least 20 goals per year, Kostitsyn has the potential to be a 30 goal scorer and a 60 point player. Averaging 0.71 points per game in the 2011-2012 season, AK46 is on pace for 29 goals and 21 assists.
The Minus
- Streaky Play. As much as he is known for his wrist-shot, Kostitsyn is most commonly known for his streaky play. Often characterized as an inconsistent player, Kostitsyn has been known to lack effort and focus regularly. During the 2010-2011 season, Kostistyn did not collect any points in six consecutive games from October 29, 2010 to November 29, 2010 and followed it up with no points in eight games between December 30, 2010 to January 12, 2011. His longest zero point drought last year occurred between February 2nd to the 20th where nine games had elapsed. The “Kovalev” trait certainly does not play in Kostitysn’s favour.
- Injuries. Kostitysn has had a history of injuries throughout his tenure in a Montreal Canadiens uniform. He has never played the full 82 game schedule, Kostitsyn was one game shy of the 82 game mark in the 2010-2011 season. Most recently, Kostitsyn missed 10 games this year with a lower body injury and most notably AK46 missed 20 games during the 2009-2010 season to undergo surgery on his left knee. He has previously suffered a head injury and sustained significant back problems dating back to his days as a young prospect.
- Has time run out on potential? It is without question that Andrei Kostityn is a highly skilled winger with the potential to be a 60 point player. But the problem is, he has never reached that plateau. At 26 years of age, Kostitsyn is now considered a veteran in the league and he has yet to set himself apart in his draft class the way others have. The Montreal Canadiens have been patient with Kostitsyn throughout his career, but perhaps the $3.25 M clock will run out at the end of the season.
$3.25 million is a lot of money for someone who has never cracked the top-3 in scoring on a not-so-offensive team. Kostitsyn has a lot of attributes – his size being the most valuable – but his lack of drive has always bothered me. I know what will happen if the Canadiens move him: he’ll finally put in an effort, no longer in his cozy surroundings in Montreal. But I think the Habs should move him and get something in return, with potential to actually contribute and make this team successful, rather than just be content with someone who will probably net 20 goals. After all, AK46 only really shows up in contract years, and I doubt that he’d once again accept a one-year deal.
You raise some good points – but who could the Canadiens move or pick up to replace him? Here is a look at some players with approximately the same salary as AK46 with their highest career point totals and highest career goals.
Rich Peverley 3.25 M 55 PTS 22 G signed to 2015
Derick Brassard 3.2 M 47 PTS 17 G signed to 2014
Val Filppula 3.0 M 40 PTS 19 G signed to 2013
Stephen Weiss 3.1 M 61 PTS 28 G signed to 2013
Tomas Kopecky 3.0 M 42 PTS 15 G signed to 2015
Dustin Brown 3.175 M 60 PTS 33 G signed to 2014
Patric Hornqvist 3.083M 51 PTS 30 G signed to 2013 RFA
Michael Grabner 3.0 M 52 PTS 34 G signed to 2016
Radim Vrbata 3.0 M 56 PTS 27 G signed to 2014
James Neal 2.875 M 55 PTS 27G signed to 2012 RFA
Chris Stewart 2.875 M 64 PTS 28 G signed to 2012 RFA
Clarke MacArthur 3.25 M 62 PTS 21 G signed to 2013
Colby Armstrong 3.0 M 40 PTS 22 G signed to 2013
Joel Ward 3.0 M 35 PTS 17 G signed to 2015
Evander Kane 3.1 M 43 PTS 19 G signed to 2012 RFA
The average highest point total for the guys above is 51. Kostitysn’s highest point total has been 53 so far. All that to say, the going rate for about a 50 point player is in the $3.25 M range. The Canadiens are not overpaying or underpaying in that regard to have Kostitsyn in the lineup.
Would be wonderful if the Canadiens could pick up a guy like Dustin Brown, but we all know the likelihood of that happening is slim to none.
Appears that re-signing AK46 to the same salary is not a bad idea…
Was interesting to see the comparison of all these players with the average salary.
I have to admit though, I really like AK46 and would be sad to see him leave.
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