Habster:
If the Sundin situation doesn’t work out (it doesn’t look good considering he wanted to talk to the Rangers before the Habs), then I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Bob Gainey turned his attention to the trade route to upgrade the center position.
Yes , I realize Marian Hossa is still an option but he’s a winger not a center and from everything I’ve heard from very reliable sources (McKenzie and McGuire come to mind), the Bruins appear to have the inside track with Hossa so don’t hold your breath Habs fans.
Granted, Jarret Stoll would be a poorer man’s Mats Sundin but he would be a solid addition to the Habs roster. He won’t necessarily put up the same offensive numbers of Sundin and isn’t as big as Sundin (6’1″ 210lbs vs 6’5″ 230lbs). Stoll has some offensive punch as he showed in 2005-06 season when he had 68 points (GP- 82 G-22 A-46 +4).
He had an off-season last year as he played through a couple injuries and wasn’t as effective. Stoll can bring a physical element to his game and is a very good skater who can play on the PK, PP and is a strong face-off guy……..what’s there not to like………….especially his girlfriend, Rachel Hunter!!!
Other facts to consider about Jarret Stoll is that he recently turned 26 years old and is relatively cheap, having made $2.2 million last year.
Who would go the other way if a trade was made with the Oilers? Good question!!??……..It would probably cost the Habs a mid level roster player and/or a decent prospect or draft pick. If Gainey hasn’t inquired in the past then he should call Kevin Lowe and see what the asking price would be……what does he have to lose at this point.