Habster:
Getting Mark Streit’s signature on a contract should be a priority within the Habs four UFAs. The remaining three UFAs (Brisebois, Smolinski and Ryder) should be a faint memory when the Canadiens start training camp next September. The Canadiens have some young and upstart players like Kyle Chipchura, Ryan O’Byrne/Pavel Valentenko and Matt D’Agostini (or a good UFA) who could easily replace the above mentioned players.
Bob Gainey needs to re-sign Streit to a fair yet affordable contract, something resembling 3 years $6 million ($1.5, $2 and $2.5 million). If Gainey decides to throw another $500,000 – $1 million into the total package, then I wouldn’t be too disappointed as Mark Streit had a solid season but anything beyond that would be too steep a price to pay.
The length of the contract could also be another deterrent for Gainey to consider as the Habs do have some very offensively skilled, young defensemen within their system with the likes of Subban, Weber, Emelin, McDonagh and Carle waiting in the wings.
Needless to say, it will be an extremely interesting off season for the Canadiens with a lot of tough decision to make……..one of them being Mr. Streit!!!