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Bolstering the Bottom Six; Darche & Trotter Return + Wisky Thoughts

June 12, 2011, 3:16 PM ET [ Comments]
Steven Hindle
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
HomeGrown Utility Man Gets Duly Deserved Raise


Back at the end of March, while the Montreal Canadiens were busy sorting out where they were going to finish in the standings, I penned this piece on Mathieu Darche and the inspirational story of how became a member of the club he grew up adoring.

The timing on the article could not have been better as it unleashed an onslaught of love for the hard-working hometown hero. And it was all very well deserved as Mathieu wound up compiling 26 point in 59 games, all for the NHL's minimum wage.

Earning $500,000.00 is nothing to scoff at, yet as far as NHL salaries go, the Montreal Canadiens got a ton out of Darche, all for a song and a dance.

His .40 points per game average, in under 11 minutes of ice-time per game, was a strong component in why he earned a new deal with the Canadiens, yet it also must be noted that his character, disposition and heart were the true catalysts in prompting Habs management to bring back the soon-to-be 35 year old grinder.

Of course, Darche's return comes with a nice raise for the St. Laurent native. A cool $200,000 to be exact, yet, once again, it seems that Gauthier is willing to wager that he'll get an awful lot more out Darche than the average $700K player.

Just like he did last year.

Right Where He BelongsDarche2


Although I did not include Darche in my original salary projection and outlook for the Habs this summer, I did state that "...Mathieu Darche, who I have left off the projected roster, still stands an excellent chance of returning as the team’s 13th forward."

His age and other options made his position on next year's roster slightly questionable, yet given the return on investment the Habs got out of Darche, there really was no reason for them not to bring back the heart & soul winger.

The upside of this deal is that, once again, the Canadiens utility spot or role of the "13th man" is now filled. And, although that doesn't sound like all that important, the truth is that having this important spot locked up is an integral part of balancing out a lineup. In fact, it's often a lot easier to build your roster from the bottom up, as Gauthier is proving through his actions thus far this summer.

Darche will face increased expectations next year because of how well he did last season, yet even if he doesn't produce the 26 points he did in 2011-12, there's no doubt he will be a positive influence and a timely provider for the team.

Interestingly enough, I speculated that Darche's return could be in jeopardy because of the return of Brock Trotter. Funny as it is, it is certainly a far more ingenious move on Montreal managements behalf to have both in the fray for next season.

Trotter's Return Spells Good Things for Habs Depth


Brock Trotter spent a year abroad. Learning, sampling culture and figuring out how to adapt in an unfamiliar environment.

So is often the case when North American players venture to the unknown realms of the Kontinental Hockey League. Russia is not always a kind place for a North American hockey player to craft his skills, yet where many have failed to absorb the experience and use it to make them better, it would appear that Brock Trotter is coming back to the Canadiens as a far more mature hockey player and one who is ready to begin his NHL career.

Although Trotter took a hit on the depth chart when he chose to depart for Russia last summer, his return signals a willingness to prove himself.

Considering that to be the case, and hearkening back to Trotter's final year with the Bulldogs, it's highly unlikely he will be destined to spend the entire season in Hamilton.

He boasts many intangibles that will quickly vault him back up the depth chart, to the point where, although I do foresee a start in Hamilton, I won't be surprised if he climbs to the top of the call-up sheet.

It's uncertain how he will "re-adjust," but considering how close Brock was to being considered for the big club last time around, it can only be assumed that a more mature and refined Trotter will be nothing short of a boost to the franchise's depth.

The final note on the return of Brock Trotter is how curious it will be to hear management's reaction and their intentions for Trotter, as well as what his own thoughts are returning to the Habs.


Here's a reminder of what Trotter can do:






UFA/RFA Related Thoughts...


With constant contract discussions, negotiations and finalized deals floating around the Bell Center these days, it's safe to say that Gauthier is getting the details out of the way first before he locks up the big fish.

With only a few more minor deals to reconcile, it would seem that it will only be a matter of days before news regarding all the Habs remaining high profile UFA's will come out.

And you know what that means...news on Wisniewski! And Markov! And, oh so much more!

Although the Markov and Gorges signings are a given, there are still some outstanding questions.

Namely, what will become of James Wisniewski...?

With talk of how interested so many teams are in signing the rock of a defender to a sweet deal, one has to wonder how long it will be before we hear about Gauthier shopping his rights?

While hopes still linger that the Habs will concede that they can never have enough talented puck-movers on their blue and that they will sign not only Markov but Wiz as well, it remains highly unlikely.

As much as I would prefer to see that option happen, and although the salary cap increase will likely make such a thing possible, there is always the matter of "role." And when it comes to the Habs blue line, there are only so many roles that players can take on before there are none left.

In the case of puck moving blue liners, it's kind of clear how deep the Habs are in that regard.

Markov, when healthy, is among the top defensemen in the NHL.

Subban, although having only completed his rookie season, is clearly showing signs that he also has intentions to be a top five defensemen in the league.

Weber, the work in progress, shy-but-talented Swiss puck mover is also another young blue chip prospect that is on the verge of filling an offensive role on the Habs blue line.

So where does Wisky fit in?

Wisky poster
Too talented to be the odd man out, something's gotta give...


If anything, he'd be great in a pairing with any of those three d-men, yet can this team afford to spend more on offensive blue-liners when there is a that truly drastic need to fill the hole on Plekanec and Cammalleri's line?

The truth is that, while time is running out on the period for exclusive negotiations, there are still a few things that have to be regulated.

First, before Wisniewski is considered, Markov and Gorges contracts(signed or not) must be finalized in terms of numbers.

Second, the NHL's salary cap for 2011-12 must be confirmed.

Once both of those items have been taken care of, then, and only then, can the Habs turn their serious attention to Wisky.

That said, the hole point of Gauthier's fastidious processing of contracts so early in June is that he is clearly concerned with making sure he leaves himself every available option. And that means not giving up Wisniewski without a fight. Or a return.

So, in that vein, expect more Habs news in the following week, especially once the Cup has been won, and for a lot of that news to provide insight into which direction the Habs plans for Wisniewski are progressing.



Back with more whens I gets it.




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