Written by Habsterix, AllHabs.net
PENTICTON, BC. — After the excitement following Christmas, once the presents are opened and the garbage cans and recycle bins are full, after indulging on a few good meals and consuming a few beverages, it’s time to spend the hangover lining up at our favorite stores in hope to land that great deal. So why not make this exercise from a Hab’s point of view?
Habs as store owners: Items up for sale
If the Canadiens can’t come back and be in the thick of the playoffs’ race by trade deadline, what kind of deal would the other teams be interested in?
Andrei Kostitsyn (UFA): Enigmatic, but skilled big body who can, when motivated, put the puck in the net. He is somewhat affordable and would be a great depth addition on the second or third line for a contender.
Travis Moen (UFA): Many teams are looking for a grinding checking forward who can drop the gloves and contribute defensively while putting in the odd goal. He also has a Stanley Cup.
Chris Campoli (UFA): Veteran puck moving defenseman who can also help on the powerplay. Many teams are looking for depth on defense at the deadline.
Hal Gill (UFA): While Gill is happy in Montreal and he is well respected and appreciated on the team, it is not too farfetched to think that the phones will be ringing in Montreal for his services. A stable, experienced defensive defenseman who excels on the penalty kill is a high priority for many teams for a playoffs’ push.
If Markov’s situation improves and it looks like he can play the rest of the season, one would expect that Pierre Gauthier will be looking at moving some assets on defense. If they are not in a playoffs’ race, expect the UFA’s to be shopped but if they are in the thick of things, the name of Yannick Weber has surfaced in trade rumours for some time already.
Oh and the phone should be ringing off the hook for a certain Josh Gorges but I’m holding a slight ray of hope that the team will be able to sign him to a long term deal, something that they should have done this past summer.
Habs as shoppers: Looking for a deal
This would be my least favorite option as it seems like that’s what the team has been doing since 1994. If the Canadiens are in a playoffs’ position or in a tight race to make the playoffs, they might be tempted to go out and see what kind of deals are available. I just wish that he stops his patching job and finds a vision to continue rebuilding, and not give up a bunch of good picks for nothing, like he did for Wisniewski, Sopel, Mara, Moore. Not that those guys weren’t good players, but the Habs gave up second round picks (for most) for a few games of service, to patch a hole temporarily.
In addition, it looks like Gauthier has made a conscious effort to get bigger and grittier and with Randy Cunneyworth at the helm now, knowing his style, he will ask his GM for more of that. Here’s hoping that Gauthier (or whomever replaces him) continues to add grit and character to a team that needs it, guys in the mold of Iginla, Doan, Morrow, Brown, Kesler… players who will go to war and contribute at the same time. The team has a great base to build around, with young talents such as Price, Pacioretty, Eller, Desharnais, Leblanc, Gallagher, Subban, Emelin, Tinordi and company, as well as a good core of veterans like Gorges, Kaberle, Cole, Gionta and Plekanec amongst others. It’s time to re-tool, not rebuilt and especially not patch.
The team must put the emphasis on young players with character, whether it’s by trade or through the draft. As a matter of fact, the Canadiens should, in my opinion, do what the Philadelphia Flyers did in 2006-2007. Take advantage of an injury devastated season to unload their UFA’s and dead wood, while stack up on good draft picks and stacking up on quality youth and good picks.
In conclusion, it’s with a detailed list in hands, with a plan of guidelines that the Canadiens should be heading into Boxing Day in an attempt to sell high and buy low, knowing that if the right deal comes about, there should be no fear to put the money down as the next guy in line will buy it if you don’t!
Happy Holidays!
En français: Solde d’après-Noël des Canadiens