Habster:
Just heard an interesting and lively discussion during Pierre McGuire’s segment on The Team 990 with Mitch Melnick and Andie Bennett. He brought up many interesting issues and information.
McGuire stated that he has spoken to “numerous NHL general managers the past few days” who have told him that Bob Gainey is being very active in his pursuit of a powerplay specialist over the last few weeks. Now whether that means an offensively minded defenseman or a forward who can man the point on the PP is anyone’s guess. I would think it would be a solid defenseman who could be counted on to play solid #4 ice time.
He didn’t want to discuss any names that were being thrown around but said the Canadiens were very serious in their pursuit of certain players.
Needless to say, this information isn’t earth scattering by any means as the Canadiens haven’t been able to replace Mark Streit’s offensive production on the powerplay and will be looking to upgrade the PP.
When information comes from a very reliable, connected hockey person like Pierre McGuire, you can take it to the bank.
The other issue that was discussed during the segment was Bob Gainey’s archaic policy of not negotiating during the regular season, something I’ve never understood or agreed with (Gainey needs to “negotiate” a new approach).
McGuire seems to share the same view and has stated on numerous occasions his disbelief regarding Gainey’s reluctant to hold contract discussions with his key players (Komisarek comes to mind) prior to the off-season.
He also mentioned that he spoke to Komisarek’s agent two days ago at the WJC tournament in Ottawa and the agent stated that they (he and Mike) have not been approached by Canadiens management about a new contract. A huge tactical error on Gainey’s part since Komisarek will certainly be in line for a substantial salary increase with his solid play on the ice over the last few years.
Komy’s agent will also point to Carbonneau placing his client behind the Habs bench during his injury hiatus as an indicator of his importance to the team. You can also add to Komisarek’s resume an All-Star starting line-up berth which will certainly be used by his agent during the negotiation process, something Habs fans (including myself) weren’t thinking about when they voted him in as a starter.
McGuire went on to challenge Team 990 Canadiens beat writer, Andie Bennet to ask a member of the Canadiens management team if they had actually made Mark Streit a contract offer or at least exchanged figures. He also asked her to ask them if they had entered contract negotiation with Komisarek. Good luck on getting an answer on either count since Gainey is very tight lipped and hasn’t met with the media in a few months.
With all that being said, I have always admired Bob Gainey as an all out competitor on the ice during his playing days and a smart NHL general manager, but he needs to re-think his or the team’s policy of waiting until the off-season to negotiate player contract. It has hurt him in the past with players like Sheldon Souray and Mark Streit moving elsewhere without any compensation.
Here’s hoping a quality player on and off the ice like Mike Komisarek isn’t headed to another team after the season. Come on Bob, “show him the money”…………..between $27.5-$28.75 million over 5 years would be a nice gesture.