UFA Preview (D-men)

Mike Komisarek-a key member of the Habs defence corp, Komi is among the league leaders in hits and blocks shots every year. His defensive game has drastically improved from his early years in the NHL, and he has become the shut down guy the team hoped he would be when they made him their 1st round pick in 2001. Some have pegged him as the future captain of the Habs when Saku Koivu either retires or moves to another team. His offensive abilities are non existent and he never seemed to recover from a shoulder injury last season.

>The problem with Komi is that he will more than likely get top end dollars on the open market (some say $5 mill.+), despite the fact he is a one dimensional defensive player. I would love to see him come back, but not at $5 million. I would say $4 mill. would be the max. he should make for what he brings.

Mathieu Schneider-brought in late last season, the now 40 year old Schneider brought on instant boast to the Habs PP. As he did during his first tour of duty with the Habs, Mathieu provided a hard, accurate shot from the blueline, something the team dearly missed. He suffered a shoulder injury late in the year, but was still a big reason the Habs made the playoffs.

>At 40, I'm not sure how many more games he has in him. Bringing him back at a reduced salary as a PP specialist, if needed, would be fine. But expecting him to play 25 minutes a night would be a mistake.

Mathieu Dandenault-Dandy again this year proved to be a valuable player because of his versatility. He started the year playing forward, but dropped back to D to help with injuries. He was among the Habs top d-men before he suffered a broken arm mid way through the year. He is a guy that skates like the wind and works hard every shift.

>After asking for a trade at the deadline, I can' see Dandy being a Montreal Canadien next year. I would love to see him back, I'm not sure why other fans are so hard on him. Having a guy that can go from forward to defence during a game is a huge advantage.

Francis Boullion-Franky B., despite being one of the smallest defencemen in the league, plays like he's 6'6. He is among the Habs top hitters and fearless when it comes to dropping the gloves (example fighting Colton Orr). He is a good skater and possesses a good shot from the point. His one punch of Darcy Tucker will always be one of my favorite Habs moments.

>Franky is a guy that I doubt will be back. With the number of young defencemen in the system, I would guess his 5/6 spot will be given to a younger player. If he does move on, he will be missed as he was a great energy guy.....fearless.

Patrice Brisebois-after getting run of out town by the fans, Breezy returned to add experience to the blueline. He didn't play bad for the Habs, and was able to add some skill to the 2nd unit PP. But at times he was overused, playing too many minutes for the player he now is. His decison making in his own zone can be questionable at times, but it always has been.

>I would think that at age 39 his time in the NHL would be nearing the end. I would be surprised if he was offered another deal, but didn't think he would get one last year either.