Markov:
Talks have gone on for the better part of a year and there is absolutely no chance of Markov walking. Whether announced before or after the draft, the Canadiens imminent signing of their best defenseman should not be in question.
Of all things to be considered, he is certainly not heading down the 401 to the home of a team that has been his arch-rival for well over a decade. Needless to say, the real reason behind there being no signing just yet is based on a couple of tell-tale factors;
a) A logjam of UFA blue liners still under consideration means that PG will have no problem building up an excellent defense corps, yet his challenge is to be cap conscious while retaining his top talent. In this regard, it's not unfathomable to think that a loyal veteran like Markov is not only being included on who potential contract offers should go out to, but also patiently waiting to sign his deal, allowing the Canadiens as much time as possible to negotiate with other players.
b) The salary cap. Once that is set it will spur not only the Habs but every other team in the league into action. Once the new limit is set, Gauthier and his group will have a much more realistic idea of where they can go with their cap space.
Although loyalty is considered to be a thing of the past in Montreal, I don't see it as being unreasonable to believe that Andrei Markov is putting the team first and allowing them the most time possible in negotiating with other UFA's to which the team has exclusive rights.
Not only is it in Markov's benefit to give the Habs every chance to keep Wisniewksi, Gorges and Weber on top of the currently signed blue liners, but it's in the entire team's best interest.
Much in the way that Lidstrom often helps out the Red Wings by accommodating his salary demands to fit within their structure and projected budget, is it really that hard to believe that Andrei Markov would consider doing the same thing for the Habs?
Worry over his signing will continue up until its announcement, but I have utter and complete confidence that he will remain in Montreal. Especially with the signing of Yemelin.
Wisniewski:
As I wrote yesterday, James Wisniewski - like Andrei Markov - is of far more benefit to the Habs on the team then off it.
To imagine Markov skating for another team, and playing a full healthy season, well, that would probably be the worst thing that could ever happen to the Canadiens as 29 other teams in the NHL would gladly welcome #79 into their locker room.
And if Andrei Markov were to hit the open market, there's no way he would not be considered as a "missing piece" for one of the many clubs close to contending for the Cup.
In a similar light, James Wisniewski, rumbled about as being a possible replacement for Brian Rafalski(not by me but others), has got to be considered as the "lite" version of a team's "missing piece."
He is by no means an Andrei Markov, but if an annual Cup contender would consider making room for Wisniewski on their blue line, why should the Canadiens be any different?
And the Red Wings will not be alone in pursuing Wisniewski's services if he hits the open market.
Arguably, keeping both top tier UFA defenders is Montreal's most difficult challenge this off-season. So while it may logistically be a financial handcuff, if one of the two(Markov or Wisniewski) is willing to make room for the other, then perhaps there is still, after all, a chance that the Canadiens can make it work.
I realize the difficulty in making it work, and although criticized for the suggestion, I really do have a hard time with people not believing that the Canadiens offense is driven by their blue line. First pass breakouts and the power play are what make Montreal dangerous offensively and, when considering the open market for forwards, it just doesn't make sense to think that they are certain to land that "missing piece" up front. The reality for the team, and for some fans, is to realize that clogging up the blue line and offering Carey Price as many talented defenders to protect him as possible, is not a terrible way to go.
Regardless of whether Wisniewski stays or goes, there's no way Pierre Gauthier is not exploring the possibility of keeping him. He's been a good general manager for the team thus far, there's no reason for him to stop now.
Jagr:
Speaking of being a good general manager, is it not starting to feel a little creepy that nearly everyone is pointing out that Montreal is the best fit for Jaromir Jagr?
While many people, including yours truly, think that this would be a worthwhile risk to take(at a reasonable rate, of course), could it actually be true that these two sides could work something out?
The facts are pretty simple:
- Jagr is quite unlikely to return to the KHL, one of the more certain pieces of information floating out there.
- He has spoken of the Habs in a positive light and mentioned Montreal as a place he has dreamed of playing.
- The Habs have not addressed this situation in any manner....
So while we worry about what can(and will) happen with the Canadiens plethora of defensemen, could it not also be conceivable that the Habs are extending the olive branch in double-J's direction?
You know the story, he's 39, is reported to be in possibly the best shape of his career(been quite dedicated to training, apparently), hasn't lost a beat on the world stage, showed great poise and chemistry with Plekanec and, although no longer a 21 minute-per-game player, could conceivably be a big difference maker in the NHL playing 17-18 minutes per game.
How much does he want? Would he push for a deal beyond next year's CBA?
Certainly there are a few hurdles in getting a deal done, namely some official indication that both sides are exploring the option, but if Jagr wants to play in the NHL there's really no reason for him to hold out on contract demands. His natural talent would demand a decent rate no matter what, yet his age and his absence from the league do not give him all that much leverage.
Ideally, it's going to come down to Jagr convincing the Habs that he is in shape, committed, not after the money and, above all else, simply wants to play hockey and win.
If he can prove those things to Montreal management, I see no reason why they shouldn't at least hear him out.
Again, like with the Markov and Wisniewski contracts, this is the kind of thing the Canadiens will be able to explore with much more certainty once a final cap number is set for 2011-12.
For those wondering if I would take him, yes I would. And worrying about him playing on the "3rd line" are rather unfounded as there's no reason to see why Jagr, Pacioretty and Kostitsyn cannot be interchanged until the right balance of chemistry is found. If anything, it provides Montreal with more talent to choose from.
Rightfully, were he to become a Montreal Canadien, I would expect Jagr to play with Plekanec, but would it be unreasonable to see possible chemistry with guys like Gomez and Gionta, or even with Eller?
The point is that an addition on the scale of a Jaromir Jagr would only lend the team more options.
Sure, Brooks Laich and other UFA's could fit the bill long term, but with a new CBA and a better crop of UFA's/RFA's up for contracts next summer, this seems like a better risk to take.
Trotter:
Is he coming back to the Habs? Is he staying in the KHL?
First off, the original information I received regarding Trotter was that he would be returning to the Habs. In what capacity, I did not know. Only that he would be coming back.
Then I was informed that nothing was set in stone and that it could simply be a negotiation ploy to get more interest in the KHL, namely from Riga, where he spent last season.
I believed that. As we often come to understand how former North American prospects using their AHL/NHL experience to get better deals, yet then came the "news" from Riga themselves that Brock would not be returning and that word was out that he would indeed be returning to the Montreal organization.
As it stands now, I would still believe that he is going to return to the Canadiens. It does not make much sense for the Habs to not add the depth, nor does it cost them much.
Much like how Jagr doesn't have much leverage in returning to the NHL, neither does Trotter.
He was given the Habs blessing last season, but that never meant that if he was ever to be welcomed back that he wasn't going to have to prove himself all over again.
So, while no official word has come out as to which way this situation will go, I will say that it only makes sense to return Trotter to the ranks of the Bulldogs as the departures of Boyd and Dawes opens up the ideal position for Trotter to prove himself.
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