To the surprise of very few, Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk finally signed his new contract yesterday, a 2 year bridge deal worth $5.6 million ($2.8 million AAV).
Galchenyuk two-year deal with Habs worth $2.8 million average per year
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) July 30, 2015All the signs were pointing to Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin signing his last restricted free agent before the end of July. Bergevin had already signed RFA’s Michael Bournival and Jarred Tinordi to one year two way contracts in the middle of July. With the signing of Alexander Semin last week and Galchenyuk being in town to visit the Canadiens hockey camp, it seemed like Bergevin would take care of his final piece of business sooner rather than later…
The 2 year bridge deal is the perfect for length for Galcehnyuk. While he is the leader in points from his 2012 draft class, he still hasn’t reached his full potential. The bridge will allow time for Galchenyuk to further develop and also continues the endless debate of if he is a better center or wing. It is also important for fans and the Canadiens themselves to remember that Galchenyuk is only 21 years old. What he has already accomplished in his short career is impressive, especially in the hotbed of Montreal. 2 years will be plenty of time for Galchenyuk to prove that he is worthy of a long term and richer contract and as we have already seen, Bergevin will reward players who deserve it. I would imagine a season of 50-60 points is a realistic expectation for Galchenyuk this season.
In other news, the logos for the 2016 Winter Classic between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens were announced this week. I for one love them. The Bruins and Canadiens represent one of the best rivalries in hockey and sports. The logos for the event hit just the right notes of nostalgia. What I will be looking forward to more than anything regarding the Winter Classic is the alumni game and finding out which former players will take part. There are so many greats to represent both teams. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the Habs could lure Saku Koivu out for the game? Who do you want to see playing?
From the NHL, 2016 Winter Classic logos (English, French, #Bruins, #Habs): pic.twitter.com/63n1OV61G2
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) July 29, 2015At the Winter Classic press conference, reporters had a chance to talk to Bergevin for the first time regarding the signing of Semin. Bergevin was quoted as saying:
"He's high-skilled. He brings something that not a lot of players do have, and obviously things didn't go his way in Carolina. He's going to have a chance to prove he is still the player he once was. He's still young, only 31 years of age. We hope he will bring his skill and compete level to Montreal.""That was the downside he had in Carolina. If you don't score -- and it is hard to score in today's game -- you have to bring something else to the table, whether it is backchecking or stripping pucks or playing solid hockey. That's what I expect if you don't score."
"I hope a year from now we are going to be talking to Alex about a new contract, but that is up to him."
Bergevin seems to have realistic expectations of Semin. He is well aware of Semin’s history but the positives to a one year deal was worth the risk for Bergevin and the Canadiens. Except when Bergevin mentions a new contract if Semin succeeds in Montreal, a short term would definitely be a must.
The biggest sports news in Montreal this week had nothing to with the Montreal Canadiens. The signing of Didier Drogba by the Montreal Impact created a real buzz in the city. I can’t remember the last time Montreal was this excited by a signing, be it any professional team. Even though Drogba is 37 years old, his elite talent will be a huge boost to the Impact, on and off the field. The closest comparable to hockey and the Habs would be, what if the Canadiens had signed forward Jaromir Jagr when he came back for his 2nd go around in the NHL? Jagr was similarly in his late 30’s but it was undeniable that he still had a lot of skill while playing in the KHL. There is no doubt that he would have been able to contribute to the Canadiens on and off the ice. However, we will never know what was in the minds of Habs management and why Jagr was not pursued…
Happy last day of July everyone!
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