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Canadiens Failed At Getting That Franchise Type Player
by Paul on 07/02/09 at 04:11 PM ET
Comments (4)
from Ryan Dixon of The Hockey News,
You could make a convincing – though not overwhelming – argument that Montreal upgraded its top-six forward supply by replacing Saku Koivu, Alex Kovalev and Alex Tanguay with Scott Gomez, Mike Cammalleri and Brian Gionta.
What can’t be argued is that the Habs chewed threw the one valuable resource they possessed – cap space – and failed to land the franchise-defining player they’ve lacked for years.
By the time they take care of their RFAs, the Canadiens will be pushing up against the cap, yet still without a big No. 1 center or stud defenseman in their midst.
The unknown element in all of this is what Gainey’s options were.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Montreal Canadiens | KK Hockey | Permalink
Comments
Ryan… The Habs chewed “through”, not “threw”! Does THN still have an editor?
Posted by Todd on 07/02/09 at 04:41 PM ET
What can’t be argued is that the Habs chewed threw the one valuable resource they possessed – cap space – and failed to land the franchise-defining player they’ve lacked for years.
I always thought you drafted your franchise players, not traded and/or signed them in free agency. Teams such as Detroit, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Carolina, New Jersey, Columbus..they all drafted their core franchise players. The smart teams only add puzzle pieces in free agency. Maybe that is the problem with Gainey and crew. They have their team building philosophy backasswords.
Posted by UMFan from Colorado on 07/02/09 at 07:10 PM ET
That #1 guy you’re looking for is called Andrei Markov, wears #79, and has been the Habs’ best player and one of the best defensemen in the NHL for a few years now. But he’s a quiet shot who doesn’t play a flashy game, so he goes under the radar.
He’s a big part of Komisarek’s shiny new 4.5 million contract.
Posted by MathMan from Gatineau on 07/02/09 at 09:45 PM ET
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I had originally intended to defend the habs, but after looking at nhlnumbers and scrolling down to the defense, it becomes really difficult to support Gainey.
There D is getting old, really old. And they are lacking that number 1 guy. Atleast they didnt give up any assets (besides $$$) to get those guys. If they were going after Vinny or Heater they would have lost some prospects or picks. I’ll give Gainey props for that. And they will be real glad they didnt sign Hossa. He’s a giant turd and his contract is ridiculous. They will be pissed when he’s 36, thats all I’m going to say. (with 4 yrs left at >5mil/yr)
Posted by drw on 07/02/09 at 03:29 PM ET