It’s July 1st which means only one thing in the hockey world, free agent frenzy! It’s almost fitting that Canada Day is spent celebrating our national pastime. Everyone’s mobile alerts are set, eager for the latest news and rumours. Only for Montreal Canadiens fans, be prepared for a quieter July 1st. General Manager Marc Bergevin has already tempered fans expectations at the draft when he said that re-signing Jeff Petry and Torrey Mitchell were his UFA priorities. With an estimated $6.6 million of cap space to work with and still needing to re-sign restricted free agents Alex Galchenyuk and Jarred Tinordi, it will very difficult for Bergevin to sign an impact player today. Unless that is he has another move planned which is entirely possible....
So far the Habs have been linked to being interested in signing Joel Ward, Michael Frolik and/or Matt Beleskey as well as trading for Patrick Sharp. Joel Ward would be probably be a very good fit with the Canadiens, however he will be turning 35 during the 2015-2016 season. After two excellent seasons of scoring 24 and 19 goals respectively, does he have enough left in the tank to continue at this pace? Ward is also a proven playoff performer, something that the Canadiens desperately need. Ward is probably looking for a minimum 3 year term but at what cost? The Habs will have to tread carefully here.
By now we all know that Michael Frolik spends his Summers in Montreal and apparently loves it here, therefore the Canadiens are at the top of his list. Another right winger, he would certainly be an upgrade on the departed P.A. Parenteau. Frolik is an all around player and a good fit for the Canadiens in terms of speed and defensive responsibilities. He recorded 42 points in each of of past two seasons and scored 19 goals this past season. Of note he had 3 powerplay goals, 3 shorthanded goals and 4 game winners. One can easily imagine him on the right wing of fellow countryman Tomas Plekanec. As well, Frolik is only 27 years old but is a seasoned NHL veteran and a Stanley Cup winner. Can the Canadiens afford the term and salary Frolik will be looking for in a weakened NHL UFA class?
The Canadiens should avoid the temptation to sign Matt Beleskey. He exploded this season with 22 goals and followed it up with 8 goals in the playoffs. However, it is unproven if this was a fluke season or a case of a late bloomer. The Canadiens cannot afford to take that risk. I would much rather the Canadiens give an opportunity to one of their own prospects than sign Beleskey to a long term contract.
The biggest rumour swirling the Canadiens is that they are looking to trade for Patrick Sharp. While Sharp had a down year with 43 points in 68 games and an inconsistent playoffs, he still managed to pick up 15 points en route to the Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory. Even during the regular season he still scored 8 powerplay goals, an area in which the Habs could use all of the help they can get. While Sharp has 2 years left on his contract of $5.9 million per year, the risk for 2 years could be well worth the reward. There is history from Bergevin’s days with the Blackhawks and you cannot discount a 3 time Stanley Cup winner. His experience would be a big boost to the Canadiens. The question is, what would the cost be to acquire Sharp? Eklund today mentioned a possible return of Jacob de la Rose, Dalton Thrower and/or possibly a draft pick. That’s not much to acquire a player of Sharp’s quality, even if he is on the wrong side of 30. The biggest hurdle is the cap space that the Canadiens would have to clear in order to acquire Sharp. Alexei Emelin is the favorite target to go due to his $4.1 million AAV cap hit. Lars Eller and/or David Desharnais at $3.5 million AAV each would be the next in line to go. One thing is certain, Bergevin does not make the trade unless he has another one ready to go as the Blackhawks are in no position to accept a return with significant salary heading their way.
Less than hour to go! Stay tuned for ensuing craziness and Happy Canada Day :)
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