Who Will They Keep??
The big question for all habs fans is, wich defencemen will the keep, Markov , Souray , Rivet, or Ninnimaa who are all unrestricted free-agent at the end of the season . One of them says puts himself in the shoes of general manager Bob Gainey, and says he knows with whom he’d begin talking.
And it wouldn’t be with himself.
“Bob’s got to start with (Andrei) Markov,” Sheldon Souray said of the player regarded to be the Canadiens’ best rearguard, also its youngest and best free-agency-eligible bargain at $2 million (U.S.) this season , Rivs (Craig Rivet) has been here a long time, loves playing here and I’m sure he wants to retire a Hab. Whatever he gets, he’s going to deserve. That leaves me and Janne (Niinimaa), so we’ll see. It’s hard to predict.”
I wanna know who would you keep?
I Would Keep Markov And Rivet .
One of the Canadiens’ four impending unrestricted free-agent defencemen puts himself in the shoes of general manager Bob Gainey, and says he knows with whom he’d begin talking.
And it wouldn’t be with himself.
“Bob’s got to start with (Andrei) Markov,” Sheldon Souray said of the player regarded to be the Canadiens’ best rearguard, also its youngest and best free-agency-eligible bargain at $2 million (U.S.) this season , Rivs (Craig Rivet) has been here a long time, loves playing here and I’m sure he wants to retire a Hab. Whatever he gets, he’s going to deserve. That leaves me and Janne (Niinimaa), so we’ll see. It’s hard to predict.”
The Canadiens’ eight-man defence corps – add Francis Bouillon, Mathieu Dandenault, Mike Komisarek and Mark Streit to the mix – is a pleasant dilemma for Gainey. He will keep some, but not all, of his four free agents in the salary-capped NHL.
I wanna know who would you keep?
I Would keep Markov and Rivet!
Files and Quotes from http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/sports/story.html@id=74b92db3-1f76-4563-8f3a-36fda4244762
50 Responses to Who Will They Keep??
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Markov and Rivet have got to stay. Rivet has been a leader in the dressing room for years now and his presence would be hard to replace. Markov is the best Russian defenceman in the NHL right now and he's just entering his prime. Signing Markov to a long-term deal is a must. I wouldn't be worried about Niinima, if Gainey were to re-sign him for an insurance policy, he would come dirt cheap. Souray, on the other hand, has some value. A Souray, Ryder and Aebischer package could bring in that much needed 2nd line center (Jokinen?) with money to spare to resign our key free agents: Markov, Rivet, Komisarek, Higgins, Johnson, Plekanec, Perezhogin and Bonk.
It all boils down to who's skills can most easily be replaced.
Markov is an all-around defenceman who is sound defensively, can contribute offensively, and play PK and PP. Very good hockey sense, speed and first pass.
Souray has a blistering shot and is the PP QB that every team needs. Lacking defensively, but getting better, stands up for his team and has leadership qualities.
Rivet is decent in all aspects of the game but does not seem to excel at any particular one. He can also go from hero to zero in no time. He was the goat for the longest time in the last couple of years.
I think that with Emelin, Cote, O'Byrne, Fisher (and I'm sure I'm leaving some out) all coming up the ranks we won't be lacking for D-Men who can play the game.
So I would keep Markov and Souray as Rivet's skills would be easier to replace than what the other 2 bring to the table.
Just my opinion.
that's a stupid question. these players are pending free agents. montreal doesn't get to decide who they will keep. the players get to decide what they want to do.
you could ask whom should montreal attempt to sign before he becomes a free agent. the obvious answer is Markov. but who knows if Markov is willing to forego free agency considering how good a season he is having.
I heard that the Toronto MP want to sign Markov this summer for 5 Millions a year.The big(money)4,(Kaberle,mccabe,kubina and andrei)lol
maybe montreal doesn't get to decide who they keep but they can decide who they give an offer to… it seems pretty obvious thats what he meant…
I would offer the biggest contract to Markov and then to Souray. Rivet won't be too hard to keep, because, like you said, he played his hole career in mtl, is from qc…, so he will accept less money to stay in montreal (i think…).
I would forget about Niinimaa…
All this depends though if the habs make a move before the end of the season! We have too many Dman so we can trade one or two. I doubt it would be markov or souray but shit happens!
Montreal can make an exclusive offer now or can wait til free agency and have to beat out any other interested parties. Everyone wants montreal to keep markov the question is can they sign him now or does he want to test the free agent market. there is little advantage for markov to sign now – he knows he can cash in at the end of the season. will gainey make it worth his while to sign now?
in theory gainey stands a decent chance of losing both souray and markov. it's not like gainey gets to choose who he will keep. he can only make an offer and hope for the best.
my guess is that rivet would re-sign today – which would be a classic habs bonehead move – commit salary to a guy no one else wants. but markov will use all the leverage he can to decide what to do.
we have seen numerous times in the past, players waiting out the season and testing the market only to either:
A. slow their pace and finish the season on a dissapointing note
or
B. get injured and not finish the season period.
Either way their stock drops and their hopes of re-signing for top dollar fizzled.
I'm not saying this will happen to Markov but who is to say Markov doesn't want to stay here in Montreal? He is tough to read due to his introverted personality but I have a feeling he'll want to stay in Montreal.
we have seen numerous times in the past, players waiting out the season and testing the market only to either:
A. slow their pace and finish the season on a dissapointing note
or
B. get injured and not finish the season period.
Either way their stock drops and their hopes of re-signing for top dollar fizzled.
I'm not saying this will happen to Markov but who is to say Markov doesn't want to stay here in Montreal? He is tough to read due to his introverted personality but I have a feeling he'll want to stay in Montreal.
Canucks can sure use another big shot from the point and Souray would be a nice fit in Vancouver and I think it would take much to get him either maybe Cooke,Chouinard,and a 2nd round pick.
Its also rumored that the Canucks might pick up Jay Harrison on waivers too I dont know what kinda player he is but he sounds like a good young solid Dman.
i doubt it very much….in hockey, it's not by stacking quarters that u get a looney!
niinima isn't even a question…he just walks away and montreal saves 2.5M…….montreal could really keep all of them if niinima, bonk and abby just walk away which is 6.8M$….about 5M go to raise for the def.squad……then you have a little less than 2 to give in raise to higgins……johnson, ryder, perezhogin and plekanec all stay more or les the same….however, personnally, i would give an offer to sami salo over rivet….salo is capable of playing in all zones which rivet in uncapable….also, if possible, i really wouldn't keep any of souray and markov either becausr they make WAY too many basic mistakes in their zone…i can't see mtl winning anything with this def.squad…
niinima isn't even a question…he just walks away and montreal saves 2.5M…….montreal could really keep all of them if niinima, bonk and abby just walk away which is 6.8M$….about 5M go to raise for the def.squad……then you have a little less than 2 to give in raise to higgins……johnson, ryder, perezhogin and plekanec all stay more or les the same….however, personnally, i would give an offer to sami salo over rivet….salo is capable of playing in all zones which rivet in uncapable….also, if possible, i really wouldn't keep any of souray and markov either becausr they make WAY too many basic mistakes in their zone…i can't see mtl winning anything with this def.squad…
niinima isn't even a question…he just walks away and montreal saves 2.5M…….montreal could really keep all of them if niinima, bonk and abby just walk away which is 6.8M$….about 5M go to raise for the def.squad……then you have a little less than 2 to give in raise to higgins……johnson, ryder, perezhogin and plekanec all stay more or les the same….however, personnally, i would give an offer to sami salo over rivet….salo is capable of playing in all zones which rivet in uncapable….also, if possible, i really wouldn't keep any of souray and markov either becausr they make WAY too many basic mistakes in their zone…i can't see mtl winning anything with this def.squad…
niinima isn't even a question…he just walks away and montreal saves 2.5M…….montreal could really keep all of them if niinima, bonk and abby just walk away which is 6.8M$….about 5M go to raise for the def.squad……then you have a little less than 2 to give in raise to higgins……johnson, ryder, perezhogin and plekanec all stay more or les the same….however, personnally, i would give an offer to sami salo over rivet….salo is capable of playing in all zones which rivet in uncapable….also, if possible, i really wouldn't keep any of souray and markov either becausr they make WAY too many basic mistakes in their zone…i can't see mtl winning anything with this def.squad…
niinima isn't even a question…he just walks away and montreal saves 2.5M…….montreal could really keep all of them if niinima, bonk and abby just walk away which is 6.8M$….about 5M go to raise for the def.squad……then you have a little less than 2 to give in raise to higgins……johnson, ryder, perezhogin and plekanec all stay more or les the same….however, personnally, i would give an offer to sami salo over rivet….salo is capable of playing in all zones which rivet in uncapable….also, if possible, i really wouldn't keep any of souray and markov either becausr they make WAY too many basic mistakes in their zone…i can't see mtl winning anything with this def.squad…
niinima isn't even a question…he just walks away and montreal saves 2.5M…….montreal could really keep all of them if niinima, bonk and abby just walk away which is 6.8M$….about 5M go to raise for the def.squad……then you have a little less than 2 to give in raise to higgins……johnson, ryder, perezhogin and plekanec all stay more or les the same….however, personnally, i would give an offer to sami salo over rivet….salo is capable of playing in all zones which rivet in uncapable….also, if possible, i really wouldn't keep any of souray and markov either becausr they make WAY too many basic mistakes in their zone…i can't see mtl winning anything with this def.squad…
niinima isn't even a question…he just walks away and montreal saves 2.5M…….montreal could really keep all of them if niinima, bonk and abby just walk away which is 6.8M$….about 5M go to raise for the def.squad……then you have a little less than 2 to give in raise to higgins……johnson, ryder, perezhogin and plekanec all stay more or les the same….however, personnally, i would give an offer to sami salo over rivet….salo is capable of playing in all zones which rivet in uncapable….also, if possible, i really wouldn't keep any of souray and markov either becausr they make WAY too many basic mistakes in their zone…i can't see mtl winning anything with this def.squad…
you never dissapoint me. Your trade proposals are always largely in favor of the canucks. Souray can fetch a lot more than a couple of role players and a 2nd round pick.
your a noob!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you want boullion and dandenault to be our top pairing defensmen!?!?!??!
that seems to be what your saying since you wouldnt resign souray or markov…shesh
and learn how to click once when posting a comment!
Obviously Montreal tries to keep Markov over any of the others. I could see Souray being dealt regardless of where Montreal finishes just to get something for him now becuase they won't be able to keep both him and Markov. Ninimaa is a waste of space and money back there, if they weren't already dealing Souray to me he would go, but no smart GM would want him. Rivet is slightly overpaid, but for a deal about where he's at now the Habs can keep him. It's a shame that there is really no way the Sabres could afford Markov, he's Max Afinogenov's best friend and on our blueline he'd be sick. The Habs will need to offer Markov at least $3 million or more to keep him, he will easily get that much on the open market. Souray would get around $4 million and that's why I think he'll be dealt this year.
wouldnt be surprise to see them sign both for like 3.8 mill a season over say 3 years. maybe markov slightly higher then souray. after all, we will be rid of ninimaaaaa and abby, which is 4.5 mill right there. mind you we will have to resign higgins, and bonk, who would take a slight pay cut. and then theres ryder, the inigma! we have to many forwards to keep ryder! and thw money we save there could go to sighing the D.
theres no market for a guy like souray. he'll be a ufa next summer and be gone. the best you might get is a young nhler or a 2nd rounder
he would immediately become their best d man in toronto Hands down
no market? are you kidding me? his powerful shot and get PP pressence?….allot of team will wnat him…hes like mccabe but better…seriously souray can actually play a little bit of defense
Well then I'd trade him for Kaberle locked at 4 million in a sec!
I can tell you this…the order of interest from other teams would be:
#1 – Markov
#2 – Sourray
#3 – Rivet
Niinimaa won't be getting anything from other teams (what a great deal by In Bob We Trust, Gainey. Gives up a garbage player, but gets one who is even worse and MORE expensive….HILLARIOUS!!).
If i'm a GM of a team needing a #1 or #2 d-man, i'd offer $5mil for Markov (and if i'm Markov, i'd take a run at free agency simply because his value will sky rocket and if he gets away from Montreal, he'll save a lot of tax $$$ and maybe even WIN a cup…now i know what Hab fans will say…24! 24! 24! But 25 won't happen for another generation…guaranteed!).
Yeah really just ask Spezza.
WHAT THE HABS NEED TO DO:
Split Kovalev And Samsonov
Put Kovalev back on the first line with Koivu and Higgins when he comes back. Put Latendresse on the second line so that he can create some room for a smaller Samsonov. Use Ryder as a trade bait to get a second line center.
Also, please scratch Garth Murray and bring back Andrei Kostitsyn. I really like our third line right-now, but with Kostitsyn in the line-up, I think it would be a better idea to use Begin with Bonk and Johnson, and let Kostitsyn play on a very good young line with Plekanec and Perezhogin.
Sign Markov, Sign Rivet, Trade Souray…And Let Niinimaa Go !
Never quite understood the move that sent Ribeiro to Dallas in return of Niinimaa. Sure, we needed a defenseman to replace Bouillon and Dandenault, and our best "prospect" was injured too…but did we have to get him ?!? I mean, there was no cheaper solution ? Anyways, it's done so…
Signing Markov is priority number one. If you take a look at numbers and overall performance, I'd rather keep Souray than Rivet…but the reality is that Souray never officialy stated that he wanted to stay in Montreal, eventhough he's been asked the question like a thousand times. So my advice is trade him before the deadline. He has decent value right now, and if he keeps it up, there might be a couple of teams, contenders for the cup, interested in such a rental player. He's set to become a UFA…so let's try to pull off something like the other teams are doing year after year.
Huet And Aesbiecher
Everybody's saying we should trade Aebischer…well, I'm not so sure. In fact, I think we should try to move Huet instead. Aebischer is younger…a lot cheaper…and quite frankly, I don't see a lot of difference between the two…at least, not enough to justify Huet's salary compared to Aebischer.
Alright, so Huet is hot right now, while Aebischer is kinda average. So what ? At the beginning of the season, Aebischer was the one who saved our ***** while Huet was looking kinda shakky. The truth is that I don't think we'll have a shot at the cup with Huet nor Aebischer…but I'd rather get rid of Huet's salary than trading Aebischer.
A Dacing Partner ?!?
So what do we have to offer ? Well, in my book…the offer would go like this;
RW – Michael Ryder
LD – Sheldon Souray
G – Cristobal Huet
…and what I'm a looking for in return ? A solid center to play on the second line, and a solid player or decent prospect on the blue line. That's it. Wanna throw in a draft pick too ? Fine, I'll take it…but as long as I have the first two, I don't care about the pick…
So the question remains…who are we dancing with ? Any ideas ?!?
I felt like proposing a trade and seeing what reaction it would get. What I am not an NHL Gm? LOL
Souray, Abby, Ryder, 1st round pick for
Vinny, Boyle.
Agreed, it could be tough with the money that has been thrown at FA defensemen the last couple years.
uh Boyle > Souray
Vinny > Ryder
Abby is a capable BACKUP goalie. There are cheaper ones out there.
The first rounder doesn't equalize the deal.
How is their no market for a skilled, upcoming UFA player? Do you not remember that last year the minnesota wild got a 1rst round pick for Rolosson, who was their backup? Trust me, if a team like…the Rangers or Wild are set to make a playoff run they will trade for Souray. Alot of teams could use a PP specialist like him in the playoffs and would make an offer gainey couldn't refuse.
LOL, oh you want to play ball, OK how about we throw in A. Kostisyn
Boyle> Souray, Kostisyn
Vinny> Ryder, 1st rounder and Abby
I think the problem isn't that you are being unfair. You are trying honestly to match value for value.
I think the problem is that Boyle is their number 1 D-man, and LeCavelier is 1-1A with Richards as their franchise player.
When Tampa is considering giving up both those guys in a trade, I think they will need something absolutely first-line in return as part of the deal…
It is the "whoever gets the best player wins the deal" kind of thinking.
Honestly, if I am on Tampa Bay's side of this, I don't see a match with Montreal. I have said that before.
Aebischer is an OK goalie, but there are a lot of OK goalies out there, and some for a lot cheaper. Ryder is hot and cold. He is a good player, no doubt. Souray is a good PP point guy and I would have room for him on my team. I don't know much about Kostitsyn? and of course the first rounder is always welcome in the NHL.
… it is just that that doesn't make up for losing 2/3 of your cornerstones of the franchise.
Good points but I think there is a deal to be had there with TB. Maybe the underpeforming Richards. I know there has been speculation about TB being able to keep the big 3 because of other salary cap releif (was it a goalie thing they did?)
I guess I am being zeolous in the fact that Vinny would fit well as montreal is in desperate need of size and a centre.
Maybe the deal is with San Jose TB but I am sure the sharks would want a quality d-man in return for their tender as the sharks are really only mising D for their quest for the cup.
Would you think that TB is more likley to trade a forward then the D-man?
way early to figure it out. that's the problem with free agent speculation.
it makes sense to overspend on defensemen relative to forwards goalies for several reasons (1) they play more minutes than forwards (2) their skills deteriorate more slowly than forwards/goalies (3) their productivity is less volatile than players at other positions (4) their productivity is less dependent on linemates
a stay at home defenseman is like a savings bond or a blue chip stock. the forwards and goalies are the risky investments.
no by not keeping them i mean OBVIOUSLY replace them! i mean mtl can't go far with thewm as 1-3-4 d.men…..they have to be replaced!
and sorry for all the postings
I think I see even less of a fit with the Sharks. You are right, they would want a Dman and Tampa has none to give.
I think Richards has a no-trade. Also, as good as he is, he seems a little over-priced. That contract could be painful.
If I am Montreal I definitely want Lecavalier. I think maybe they can even swing the deal somehow… I am just not sure how. Something tells me it would be Markov + Higgins kind of deal that Tampa would make… and I am not so sure I do that if I am Montreal. Montreal may have to throw in Niinimaa to take the salary off their hands this year…
Why in the world is Ryder included in that deal? Jokinen isn't a huge upgrade over Ryder, not worth Souray and Aebischer anwyays.
Unless I'm mistaken, I was under the impression that Niniimaa's deal had a one-year with a buy-out option in it, so I don't think we are necessarily on the hook for his salaray next year…
Also, I have to agree with Aetherial. Plus, Souray is going to be UFA and for a team not planning on making a deep playoff run, he'd be an expensive rental player…and I personally think that, unless a great center comes our way/ injuries, Souray is going to be a Hab for at least this season. Hopefully more, but he may ask for too much and Markov is definitly our defensive priority.
While I think Abby could be a starter in the NHL, and more then just a backup, he still is not an elite goaltender that most teams are looking for. What exactly would we want/get in return? While, as much as I like Plekanec, I don't think he has it (at least not yet) to be a top line center. The Habs would love to see a center come there way, but with a goaltender like Abby you can only expect so much…and there is also ignoring that there are a few other goaltenders of quality out there, not to mention Biron whose 2.1mil salary is very close to Aebisher's 1.9mil.
Either way, don't expect too much from the Habs in trades, and don't be too surprised if Abby isn't traded at all: the new NHL has proven that having a legit NHL goaltender as a backup is really, really usefull. If the Habs are making a playoff run, I really don't expect many changes….
but that's assuming the 2nd line starts producing something….
The Edmonton Oilers are currently looking for a top 3 d-man and have an absolute embarassment of riches when it comes to second line centres:
Shawn Horcoff
Jarrett Stoll
Marty Reasoner
Toby Petersen
Marc-Antoine Pouliot
Kyle Brodziak
Patrick Thoresen
Prospects
Andrew Cogliano
Rob Schremp
Robbie Dee
Misha Joukov
Pouliot, aside from being NHL ready is also French Canadian, Brodziak has played with the Hamilton Bulldogs a bit over the last two or three seasons, Toby Petersen has great speed to complement some of the MTL wingers.
As for Michael Ryder;
Columbus for Malhotra
NYI for York or Sillinger
Comrie , Scatchard, or Rienprecht from PHX
Chouinard or Bulis from VAN
All very valid points but If the habs keep up this pace all year, that proven center may be the difference from an early playoff exit to Stanley cup glory.
Granted it is still early in the year and a lot fo things can happen but when the Habs are playing as well as they are and they are only missing that 2nd line centre….well well..Gainey will need a rent a player for sure.
Should be interesting to see when Higgins come back how they will work it.
WIth the play of Gui, do you keep him on the top line and put Higgins at centre with Samsonov and Kovalev?
I am not entirely sure about the winger situation but maybe moving Ryder to the second line with Higgins and Samsonov while moving Kovalev to the first line would make an interesting experiment to try. Something needs to be done with that second line to make it start rolling.
True, it really is the most obvious "missing piece."
As what to do with Higgins? Well, that question got me thinking…
First, I would put Higgins back with Koivu and Ryder, I really think that the chemistry there is too good to mess up with, and Koivu + Higgins have proven to be a lethal combination. I would definitly stay away from moving him to center, we need him to be focused on scoring goals.
But, what about trying a…
Latendresse – Samsonov – Kovalev
line?
We did try it with Kovalev, but he never seemed comfortable there. As Gui is left wing, why not try moving Samsonov from the left to center. He is a playmaker, and if he is decent a faceoffs, this could really work. As it stands, Plekanec just doesn't seem ready to be contributing a a top scoring line level, maybe it was just too much to ask.
But maybe trying Samsonov at center, if things don't turn around, might spark something…
I would be interested in trying anything to make sure we are rolling 4 lines that can score but my biggest issue with the Gui, Serg and Alez line is the that there is no insulating defensive presence on that line. Great for the PP but if there is a turnover, I would sincerely hope that our D are playing conservatively.
Personally, here's the order of importance between the 4 Montreal defencemen:
Markov: Sign him if he wants under 5M.
Souray: Sign him if he wants under 3.5M.
Rivet: Sign him if he wants under 2M.
Niinima: Don't sign him, he doesn't fit in a Habs uniform. (I love this guy but he should be playing in the West where he was shining brighter)
In brief, there's a big chance we'll sign our top 3 D but we could just as well lose all 4 and gain nothing (except maybe money for UFAs but I'm not sure if it'll be a good crop after this season).
Well Habs Land, I've heard a shockin rumor today, and hate to mention it here, but I figured I could share the pain with some fellow Habs fans.
Rumor has it, that Markov is tempted to join fellow russians Datsyuk, and D.Markov in Detroit once he reaches free agency.
Now many I'm sure will ask where I heard the rumor, and if there's any thruth to it. First I have to admit, that it's only speculation, and nothing has come yet dirrectly from the horses mouth. All I can say is that I'm in the manufacturing business, and some of my products reach locker rooms across the NHL. The rumor has come to me from a few sales reps that I work with.
Take this rumnor as you will.
I think this is a very true rumor, yet I've heard Bob Gainey is trying to obtain Datsyuk for his second line centermen void, they also speculated about this on the french show 110 %… so go firgure
I think it's entirely possible that Montreal will be able to sign all three. We've been hearing about what a great family atmosphere there is in the dressing room. The team is winning consistently and morale is high. If things continue this way, these three players may be inclined to stay. Toronto is able to afford to pay McCabe, Kaberle and Kubina, why shouldn't Montreal be able to pay Markov, Souray and Rivet?
he would be their 2nd best….kaberle is much more regular in every aspect of the game then him….
becuz TO have less than 2.5M in nets….huet alone is close to 3 and then add at least a 0.5M for an eventual backup next season….mtl has 5M in salaries to the rest of their d.squad(bouillon, dandenault,komisarek,streit and not counting niinima who won't be here next season…i guess!) vs less than 3M for TO for the rest opf their d.squad….the leafs also have around 18M to their forwards…just kovy-koivu-samsonov are a combined 12.75…..add johnson, higgins, ryder, perezhogin who could cost around 6-7.5M and that's only 7 of the 12 forwards….thats where all the difference is!
JFJ chose to invest in a big 3 on the blueline …soon however, just like mtl, he will have to make sacrifices tho because there are a lot of young players in TO who will eventually ask for raise….mtl also is in the same position!