By Stevo, AllHabs.net
MONTREAL, QC. — Pierre Gauthier and the Montreal Canadiens made two moves on opening day of the free agency period this past Friday, by acquiring the services of both Erik Cole and Peter Budaj. Cole was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in 1998, and played there his entire career, with the exception of a short stay in Edmonton, while Peter Budaj who was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2001 and played there his entire career.
Erik Cole (33 years of age one month into the start of the season)
- four-year contract
- Contract Total: $18M
- Cap Hit: $4.5M per season.
Peter Budaj (29 years of age at the start of the season)
- Two-year contract
- Contract Total: $2.3M
- Cap Hit: $1.15M per season.
In the case of Cole, I really like the signing for multiple reasons. He’s a big size forward with good vision on the ice. He’s able to score goals down low in the paint, and he’s also able to show signs of finesse when setting up plays to his line-mates.
Nobody should get carried away and think he’s a tough guy however, although he has seven career fights, only three of his fights registered enough votes at hockeyfights.com to display a result, and he lost all three of those fights. That being said, I don’t think it will prevent him from providing a much needed physical presence at the forward position.
Last season with the Carolina Hurricanes, he picked up 26 goals and the same number of assists making him both dangerous in the goal and assist columns. He was fourth amongst Hurricane players in points, and third in goals with only Eric Staal and Jeff Skinner putting up more goals than him. In 620 career games, he has tallied 184 goals and 390 assists, for a total of 574 points. (0.93 points per game)
Oh and, he’s a Stanley Cup winner.
If I were to quickly throw some lines together, I could potentially have the following at hand:
- Erik Cole, Tomas Plekanec, Mike Cammalleri
- Max Pacioretty, Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta
- Andrei Kostitsyn, Lars Eller, David Desharnais
- ____________, Travis Moen, Mathieu Darche
- ____________ (13th forward if they choose)
If we do the same on defence, we could have the following:
- Markov/Spacek
- Subban/Gorges (RFA)
- Gill/Yemelin
- Weber
For now, I’m hoping Ryan White will end up being the guy on the fourth line of my mock scenario. His energy, competitiveness, and fiery play always provide some much needed spark, and we saw that on a few occasions last season. He just like Josh Gorges is a restricted free agent, and is still negotiating a new contract with the Canadiens.
In the case of Josh Gorges, I have no reason to believe anything other than this is a normal contract negotiating process, and I don’t believe anyone has any reason to believe this deal won’t get done. My gut is expecting the contract to get signed in and around $3M per season, for anywhere between three and four seasons.
In the case of Yemelin, many have pegged him “NHL ready” for as early as the start of next season, but should the Canadiens choose otherwise, and should he choose to go back to the KHL if that were the case, you would think Pierre Gauthier would want to have an insurance policy in place. It would therefore not surprise me if Gauthier were to go out and get a defenseman on the free agent market, possibly one who could accept a two-contract and could easily be shipped to Hamilton if required.
Going on the assumption that Gauthier is still shopping for a defenseman, a forward, and has Josh Gorges and Ryan White to sign, I see the cap situation as follows:
Salary Cap Situation:
- Salary Cap: $64,300,000
- Current Payroll: $55,995,510
- Cap Space: $8,304,490
Projected Signings:
- Josh Gorges – $3.3M/season?
- Ryan White – $1.0M/season?
- 13th forward – $700K?
- Insurance D – $700K?
Okay, granted, I’m throwing anything at the board right now but if we continue on this adventure, it would leave the Canadiens with $2.6M in cap space. Some might argue this would be best kept for a rainy, but it also begs to ask the question, could the Montreal Canadiens, for example, be trying to use this money, plus some of the other money they have left, to acquire another player that could fulfil a more prominent role on this team? Perhaps also via a trade? Many rumours have been flying but this is Montreal, what can we ever really believe when it comes to rumours? We are left to sit and wait.
Finally, let’s not forget Peter Budaj. When it comes to the signing of a backup goaltender, I often hear the phrases “who cares”, or “It’s only a backup goaltender”, or “there are more important positions than backup goaltender”. Although I might agree with the latter of the three, I strongly disagree with the first two. Maybe it has to do with the fact I played at the goaltender position for my entire minor/junior hockey career, but whatever the reason, I will dip into it and let me tell you, I am not a fan of this signing.
Although Alex Auld only played twelve games with the Canadiens last season, he was in nets for what was 14 points earned in the standings and just a few less could have meant missing the playoffs for the Habs.
As many are aware, I was one of those who strongly believed Auld had deserved the opportunity to have a new contract in Montreal, by the way he handled himself last season, both on and off the ice. Pierre Gauthier instead elected to sign Peter Budaj to a two-year contract, therefore more money and term than it would have cost to keep Auld who signed with the Ottawa Senators for one-year, $1M, the same contract he had with Montreal last season.
So if the Canadiens signed a backup goaltender to more money, and a longer term, he’s better, right? Well, not necessarily. Although both Auld and Budaj both do not have fabulous career stats, Alex Auld has a better career goals against average (GAA) and save percentage (Sv%). In Budaj’s case, he had his worst career totals last season, going 15-21-4 with the Colorado Avalanche, posting a GAA of 3.20, and a Sv% of 0.895%.
Considering Alex Auld perfectly accepted his role last season (not to say Peter Budaj won’t), I question why the Canadiens, who could have kept Alex Auld, who went on record as saying he would have liked to stay in Montreal, did not bother to offer him a new contract. Especially if you consider he only lost two regular season games in his twelve starts.
Overall, I’m satisfied with the acquisitions. My liking of the Erik Cole signing far outweighs my dislike of the Peter Budaj signing, and now I’m simply left to wonder what Gauthier will do with his remaning money.
*****
Erik Cole – LW
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | TP | PIM | Playoffs | GP | G | A | TP | PIM | |
| 1995-1996 | Oswego Admirals | USHS | 40 | 49 | 41 | 90 | – | | | ||||||
| 1996-1997 | Des Moines Buccaneers | USHL | 48 | 30 | 34 | 64 | 140 | | | Playoffs | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 1997-1998 | Clarkson Univ. | NCAA | 34 | 11 | 20 | 31 | 55 | | | ||||||
| 1998-1999 | Clarkson Univ. | NCAA | 36 | 22 | 40 | 42 | 50 | | | ||||||
| 1999-2000 | Clarkson Univ. | NCAA | 33 | 19 | 11 | 30 | 46 | | | ||||||
| Cincinnati Cyclones | IHL | 9 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 2 | | | Playoffs | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 2000-2001 | Cincinnati Cyclones | IHL | 69 | 23 | 20 | 43 | 28 | | | Playoffs | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2001-2002 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 81 | 16 | 24 | 40 | 35 | | | Playoffs | 23 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 30 |
| 2002-2003 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 53 | 14 | 13 | 27 | 72 | | | ||||||
| 2003-2004 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 80 | 18 | 24 | 42 | 93 | | | ||||||
| 2004-2005 | Eisbären Berlin | DEL | 39 | 6 | 21 | 27 | 76 | | | Playoffs | 8 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 37 |
| USA | WC | 7 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 6 | | | |||||||
| 2005-2006 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 60 | 30 | 29 | 59 | 54 | | | Playoffs | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| USA OG | OG | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | | | |||||||
| 2006-2007 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 71 | 29 | 32 | 61 | 76 | | | ||||||
| USA | WC | 7 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 2 | | | |||||||
| 2007-2008 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 73 | 22 | 29 | 51 | 76 | | | ||||||
| 2008-2009 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 63 | 16 | 11 | 27 | 63 | | | ||||||
| Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 17 | 2 | 13 | 15 | 10 | | | Playoffs | 18 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 22 | |
| 2009-2010 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 40 | 11 | 5 | 16 | 29 | | | ||||||
| 2010-2011 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 82 | 26 | 26 | 52 | 49 | | | ||||||
| 2011-2012 | Montréal Canadiens | NHL | – | – | – | – | – | | |
*****
Peter Budaj – G
| Season | Team | League | GP | GAA | SVS% | Playoffs | GP | GAA | SVS% | |
| 1999-2000 | Toronto St. Michael’s Majors | OHL | 34 | 4.01 | .882 | | | ||||
| Slovakia U18 | WJC-18 | 5 | 3.13 | .932 | | | |||||
| 2000-2001 | Toronto St. Michael’s Majors | OHL | 37 | 2.86 | .907 | | | Playoffs | 11 | 2.51 | – |
| Slovakia U20 | WJC-20 | 4 | 4.01 | .875 | | | |||||
| 2001-2002 | Toronto St. Michael’s Majors | OHL | 42 | 2.29 | .922 | | | Playoffs | 12 | 3.29 | .898 |
| Slovakia U20 | WJC-20 | 4 | 3.11 | .919 | | | |||||
| 2002-2003 | Hershey Bears | AHL | 28 | 2.66 | .911 | | | Playoffs | 1 | 20.81 | .333 |
| 2003-2004 | Hershey Bears | AHL | 46 | 2.80 | .916 | | | ||||
| Slovakia WCup | WCup | 0 | – | – | | | |||||
| 2004-2005 | Hershey Bears | AHL | 59 | 2.65 | .919 | | | ||||
| 2005-2006 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 34 | 2.86 | .900 | | | ||||
| Slovakia OG | OG | 3 | 2.01 | .924 | | | |||||
| 2006-2007 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 57 | 2.68 | .905 | | | ||||
| 2007-2008 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 35 | 2.57 | .903 | | | Playoffs | 3 | 3.33 | .908 |
| Slovakia | WC | 1 | 3.03 | .903 | | | |||||
| 2008-2009 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 56 | 2.86 | .899 | | | ||||
| 2009-2010 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 15 | 2.64 | .917 | | | Playoffs | 1 | 6.67 | .750 |
| Slovakia OG | OG | 0 | – | – | | | |||||
| Slovakia | WC | 6 | 2.76 | .913 | | | |||||
| 2010-2011 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 45 | 3.20 | .895 | | | ||||
| 2011-2012 | Montréal Canadiens | NHL | – | – | – | | |
*****
(Player statistics © www.eliteprospects.com)
(Player information, photos: canadiens.com)
(Video: nhl.com)
Stevo,
good write up as usual! I’m a big fan of the Cole signing, despite the fact that he will be 33 this year, and this contract will there fore take him to 36 years old. I think he’ll bring the size and skill required for the first line, which will allow JM to play Moen back on the bottom 6, something we can all agree he is best suited for.
Budaj is a different story, but I am slowly warming up to what he brings to Montreal. I think that between the injuries and illness, he has not performed to the level he is capable, and that has hit his numbers. I just don’t think he has found his groove. Furthermore, this guy used to be touted as a clear #1 in Colorado, but never reached quite that potential. I think he will be in the best position to improve and reach that potential with a dedicated goalie coach, who has done good work with a young phenom wearing #31, and a decent defense in a good defensive system, two key components to a goalie’s success that were sorely lacking in Colorado.
I liked Auld, liked his poise and dedication, his understanding of his role as #2. That said, Budaj might work out slightly better despite the fact that his stats were not as good as Auld’s. Give him the coaching, the system and talent in front of him, and I think he might work out just fine.
Good write up, i also see Gauthier did well to sign Cole, but thought Auld deserved another year. But that is without knowing the master plan and inner workings of the Habs business, so i assume those that should know better, think Budaj is a better fit? Still seems a glut of goalies and the top UFA went for only $1.5.
I had also thought Sanford or the other AHL goalie may get the back up spot and the other (Macintyre?)be starter with Bulldogs, but again Habs seems to have a different plan.
Who will fill Eler’s roster spot till healthy, Desharnais?, Engqvist?
Any odds on LeBlanc cracking lineup by Chritmas, or will shoulder really set back his progress and Habs should bring him along slowly anyways?
Hello Don. Sanford signed as a free agent with Columbus and MacIntyre was given a contract today by the Sabres. As far as Leblanc, he hasn’t played pro yet and really didn’t dazzle in junior. He needs one or two years in Hamilton before being ready to join the Canadiens. Keep in mind that many who watched him every game last season dialed down their expectations. He is now expected to be a 3rd line winger.
Thanks, i see Gauthier has signed a couple of goalies today.
I agree Habs will most likely keep Lelanc in AHL for full year (and probably best for him), but everyone who has lowered expectations (like myself when he did not dominate in the Q) did they know he had separated shoulder, even prior to World juniors they say?
Anyways, hope both he and Eller heal quickly and he does well with Bulldogs.
Well – I won’t beat a dead horse here. It seems that you and I are completely on the same page – at least most of the way through.
Cole: Great signing, good size, will bring scoring opps to the top line while making opposing teams re-think how they have to defend against the Habs.
Budaj: If coached well, could put up some serious numbers, but I don’t believe he will be any better than Auld was (for less money). I hope I’m wrong.
Your blank spot in the bottom 6 forwards? Ryan White please! With Cole and Pacioretty in the top 6, and a gritty sizeable hockey smart player like White in the bottom 6 … what a move that would be. AK46 and Darche will bring great depth to the bottom 6 as well.
Can’t wait till October Steve! Nice read.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Chris, I’ve come to the following conclusion: They went with Budaj because they did not have confidence in Auld. They went with a two-year contract to not have to worry about signing two goalies next year. (Carey Price will need to be signed)
Don, with regards to Eller injury, i’m not sure what the timeline is but I would assume that DD would get third line center should Eller not be in the lineup. Even Moen wouldn’t be that much of a surprise. Rumours are Gauthier is still going after a forward, if that were to be the case, it could mix up the cards as well.
Iain, I just wish there was hockey all year round because with this weather, yes I can’t wait for hockey, but October itself, not so much right now, I think you know what I mean.
Comments are closed.