Bob Gainey enters the off season with many decisions to make. 10 regulars are set to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, and with over $33 million in cap room, this could be a season of change in the organization. Some call it poor management for leaving so many of these players unsigned, others see it as a great move considering how many teams are up against the cap....only time will tell. This could be a great opportunity to drastically change the franchise after a disappointing year. Here is a run down of the Habs current UFA's.
Saku Koivu-for this first time in his career, it appears Saku Koivu may be putting on another teams jersey next year. He has spent his whole career as a member of the Habs, and team captain since 1999. The knock on Saks has always been his size, never his heart. His courageous battle with cancer touched every fan, whether you cheered for the Habs or not. He also suffered a serious eye injury and again came out on top. He's truly one of the good guys in hockey, raising funds for numerous charities around the Montreal area. His inability to speak French has led to constant criticism with the media around the city, something that is totally unwarrated.
>I would love to see Saks come back and centre the Habs second line. He has been forced to be a first line centre his whole career, despite the fact he is better suited as a second line guy. He leads by example and has the heart of a lion, it would be great to see him finish his career as a Hab.
Alex Kovalev-Kovy has become the most popular Hab as fans have fallen in love with dazzling moves with the puck and highlight reel goals. The knock on him, as has been the case his whole career, is his consistancy. In 2007/08 he put it all together and was the consensus team MVP as the Habs surprised the hockey world by finishing first in the East. Despite having an up and down year last year, he still is one of the most dangerous players on the PP, and forces the opposition to always pay attention to him when he's on the ice. He has publically stated he would like to remain a Hab and seems to have a bond with BG.
>Kovy is a guy you have to bring back, in my opinion. He's a guy that can win games, almost by himself. Obviously doing it night in and night out would be good, but guys with his skill aren't a dime a dozen. You have to take the good with the bad.
Alex Tanguay-Tanguay came to the Habs as a draft day deal last year. A French star, Tanguay had an injury plagued year in Montreal, but put up solid numbers when he did play. There is no doubting his speed and skill, but some question his heart along with his willingness to play a physical game. He's a guy who has a cup ring and should just be entering the prime of his career at age 29.
>I am on the fence on this one. I have nothing against his game, but for $5.75 million, which was his salary last year, I would pass. If he would take a discount, I would be open to him coming back. He is a guy that can play on your first line and put up points. But I don't think he is a star to build a team around.
Robert Lang-picked up in the offseason for a 2nd round pick, Lang was arguably one of the Habs top players until he suffered a season ending injury. He added size up the middle, something that was desperatley needed, and gave the PP a boast. Lang has never had a problem putting up points throughout his career and is a good teammate. The drawback is the injury (achilles tenden was severed) coupled with his age (38).
>I think bringing back the Robert Lang of last year would be a no brainer. But the jury is still out on how he will recover from the devastating injury. A reduced salary would be needed, regardless, as he made $4 million last year.
Tom Kostopoulos-an offseason signing a couple of years back, Kosto is a tireless worker perfectly suited to play on the 4th line. He's a guy who never stops skating and will stick up for his teammates regardless of the size of his opponent. In all my time watching the Habs, I have never seen a guy take so many beatings and keep coming back for more. The drawback on him is his skill, but no one can ever doubt his heart.
>He would be great to bring back, but his spot may be given to a younger player. If he is offered another contract, I am fine with that. He is a guy that gives 100% every night and will have a reasonable cap hit.
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