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.