by Chris G, Digital Radio Producer, All Habs Hockey Magazine
LAVAL, QC. -– The Canadiens management team is getting ready for the upcoming NHL draft and free agency. Until then, Habs fans have many questions, and I will answer all of them.
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We’ll feature you, and your question, in the All Habs Mailbag!
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Should the #Habs attempt to find a replacement for Andrei Markov sooner rather than later? If so, who?
— Matt Smith (@Snakebite350) June 4, 2016
Andrei Markov’s future with the Habs will be one of the major storylines heading into the 2016-17 season. Markov will be entering the final season of his contract. If I were Marc Bergevin, I would re-sign Markov to a one year extension to a cap hit no higher than his current $5.75 million. The Canadiens will need to be certain that Markov can still live up to his role and play out his entire contract. A reminder that any contract that is signed with a player over 35 years old will count on the salary cap for the entire length of the term, even if player retires before the end of contract.
That being said, Michel Therrien and his staff need to start grooming a replacement for the veteran left-handed defenceman. If we look at the Canadiens roster as it currently stands, Nathan Beaulieu should be the one that is on deck to replace Markov. One thing that I would like to make clear is that I think Beaulieu would do a good job, but I don’t think he will ever be able to be as good as Markov has been throughout his career. In fact, I don’t think that there are a lot of defensemen that can be as consistent as Markov has for his entire career.
Markov is solid both sides of the ice, and is a very intelligent hockey player. He has good vision of the game and can quarterback a good powerplay. Beaulieu can contribute offensively, but he has room to improve on his defensive play.
A Subban – Beaulieu pairing would be interesting. It would be a pairing of two defencemen with their strength being on offence. If the coaching staff can help Beaulieu improve his skills on defence, the pairing should work.
Thanks for the question Matt.
is it time that the Habs buy out DAVID DESHARNAIS? Or atleast try to trade him in a package deal?
— CareyPriceFan (@j2w4habs25) June 4, 2016
David Desharnais was at the centre of many discussions for Habs fans at the local coffee shop. Fans, including me, were upset about how he was used by Michel Therrien. I even read on Twitter that Desharnais’ usage was the reason that the Canadiens missed the playoffs. Talk about crazy talk!
One thing that is certain is that the Habs will not have success if Desharnais is the team’s number one or two centre.
Desharnais is entering the final year of his contract that earns him a cap hit of $3.5 million. If the coaching staff intends to use him on the third line, I’d be okay if Desharnais remains with the team.
When it comes to trading, I think that a GM’s job is to take calls for all of his players on his team. Is Desharnais an untouchable? I think we all know the answer to that question.
If the Habs decide to buy him out, it will cost them almost $1.2 million in cap space for the next two seasons. In my opinion, it’s not worth it as that cap space may be needed by the Habs.
Thank you for the question!
Do you think if Habs start the season with too many losses Muller will get head coaching job?Will he get blamed?
— Gigi4habs (@gigi4habs) June 4, 2016
Great question Gigi!
In my opinion, it was a great move to add Kirk Muller to the coaching staff. He will improve the lines of communication between the coaches and the players. Communication hasn’t been Therrien’s strength.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Kirk Muller was brought in as a plan B if the Canadiens are off to a bad start and Michel Therrien pays the price.
Kirk Muller will be seen as the hero if the Canadiens are successful, but will get no blame if they struggle. If the team struggles, all the blame will be directed once again to Michel Therrien and David Desharnais.
Will Muller's addition finally solve the Habs PP issues?
— Blain (@Potsy_70) June 4, 2016
One thing that is certain Blain, is that it can’t get worse than it’s been for the last 2 seasons. In Muller’s previous stint in the Canadiens coaching staff from 2006 to 2011, the team’s powerplay was amongst the best in the league. Last season, Muller was in charge of the Blues powerplay and it finished sixth in the league.
That being said, I think that the power-play will improve thanks to Kirk Muller but it’s lacking at least one goal scorer to make it a real threat.
Thanks for the question!
Dave, I’m not considering trading P.K. Subban. Are you? In all seriousness, we will know before July 1st if the Canadiens will actually trade Subban, it will happen before July 1st. Regarless of Subban’s relationship with Michel Therrien and Marc Bergevin, I strongly believe that Geoff Molson would never allow a trade involving Subban this summer.
You can listen to the discussion that Rick and I on this subject on episode #175 of the Habs360 podcast
You can follow Chris G on Twitter @chrisg1980