Incognito Unlimited's Montreal Canadiens Summer Game Plan

Having to watch your favorite team get knocked out of the playoffs is never easy. This year's version of the Montreal Canadiens was no different for me. On one hand, the team was VASTLY improved over last season finishing second in the Eastern Conference after finishing dead last the previous season. The Habs hired a new GM, a new Coach, and implemented a new attitude. The future is embarrassingly bright. On the other hand, the team lost in the first round, not just to injuries and questionable reffing, but because their remodeling plans started last summer isn't quite a finished product. So, with that said, here is what I would like to see going forward. (Salary 2012-13 in millions)

Let's start with the unrestricted free agents.

Michael Ryder - (3.5) - Goal scorer, twice a Hab, Newfoundlander. I love the guy, but the fact that he is too slow for our "pressure cooker" game plan, means it's time to move on and use the money elsewhere.

Colby Armstrong - (1.0) - Not going to lie, he grew on me over the year, and proved to be a great team player. However, he brings too much injury history, not enough production or physicality. He’d probably get a raise. I wouldn’t give it to him. Happy trails Colby - but I think Therrien brings him back.

Jeff Halpern - (0.7) - No brainer. If he is anywhere near this price tag, bring him back. Intensity, penalty killing, face offs. Awesome fourth line center.

Petteri Nokelainen - (0.575) - He is one-third as good as Halpern for practically the same money. He will find work somewhere.

Davis Drewiske* - (0.617) - I have no idea why the Habs brought him in, talking about his playoff experience to not play him ahead of Diaz who was brutal with pressure on him. Our defense will need some toughness, I would look elsewhere. UPDATE*: Habs re-sign Drewiske to a 2 year/$1.275 contract. My take: As a 6-7th D-man the price is right, however, as stated earlier, I would have gone after a more physical player. He should play spot-time until Emelin returns in December.

Now, let’s check out the restricted free agents.




Ryan White - (0.688) - Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde. When he controls himself, awesome fourth line banger - would be a 150+ hitter in a full season. When he doesn't control himself, it costs the team games. Id offer (0.800-0.850)

Mike Blunden - (0.575) - I really like this guys intensity as the spare/insurance forward type of guy. IF he could be re-signed for (0.60 or under) I'd bring him back.

Gabriel Dumont - (0.572 - Entry Level) - May have a future as a bottom six guy, but nothing special in my eyes. I'd rather use the spot on a more physical player.

Yannick Weber - (0.850) - This is a guy I would move for a draft pick. The Habs have enough small guys who are supposedly "puck moving defensemen" that really are not. Trade chip.

The 2 RFA goalies are so inconsequential, I won’t even mention it.

Turning to the regulars under contract who I would move: (note: I would move Brian Gionta for anything right now, and make the real captain Josh Gorges, the actual captain. However iota is hurt and the team will move forward with him). Salary (13/14 - years left - total dollars in millions).

Travis Moen - (1.850 - 3 - 5.55) - What happened? Did he forget how to skate? No offense, and is a 130+ hitter over a full season. We can get that for much less. Like Ryder, his skating doesn’t fit in. Trade chip #2.

David Desharnais - (3.5 - 4 - 14.0) - Where do I start? If he was English, he wouldn't be here or be stealing an unrealistic salary. He finally got called out by his coach and proceeded to actually show some effort. At that amount of money, shouldn't the team expect that every night? Too small, not a high enough level of compete. GM Bergevin's only big mistake in a magical first season. His encore? Finding a trade for DD. Wish Nieuwendyk still had his job. Trade chip #3.



Tomas Kaberle - (4.25 - 1 - 4.25) - His career is over. End of analysis. Buyout.

Raphael Diaz - (1.225 - 1 - 1.225) - Quickly becoming one of my least favorite Habs player ever. He doesn't hit, can't for the life of him clear the puck, often loses his man in the defensive zone. As soon as he was taken off the first power play, he wasn't even valuable for man advantage points. Apparently teams covet him. Let's find out how much. Trade chip #4.

And finally.......

Andrei Markov - (5.75 - 1 - 5.75) -  I will be the first to admit when I am wrong. I was SHOCKED that he actually played a full year......well, was in the lineup for the full year. His last twenty games or so (in a fifty-three game season and playoffs mind you) he was totally gassed and very ineffective with transition defense. I will take the under on games played in a full season and think that there will be teams desperate for a power play specialist and will probably overpay for it. I want the salary flexibility. Trade chip #5.

So, basically my summer plan would be to bring in another Prust type motor winger, a top 6 forward to replace Ryder, a big rugged veteran defenseman with the Markov money, and give Nathan Beaulieu a shot at making the team as the power play partner for PK Subban. Lars Eller would get the second line and power play center minutes that were wasted on Desharnais. The plan is bigger, faster, more physical. My recipe for success!

I know that many of you will disagree and that’s cool, just please keep the comments civil. Countdown to the Entry Draft is on! :)