---------------------------------------------------------
These are all guesses as to what I think these players will command in their upcoming contract negotiations. Obviously, if the new cap is to be set around the $45 million mark, the Habs have some limited breathing room. Surely, some fans will call for big-name signings, but it just doesn't make financial sense. With Rivet, Souray, Begin, Bonk, and Zednik becoming UFA's after this season, and Markov and Plekanec RFA's, there needs to be room to manouver.
In my opinion, this is not the summer to be adding high-priced talent at all. Next year, however, when guys like Souray, Zednik, Bonk, and maybe Rivet become expendable, and players like Komisarek, Plekanec, Perezhogin, Ryder, and Ribeiro are ready to fill bigger roles, a big name signing will be of far more use. This is still a rebuilding team, and I feel this is the last year where Gainey's going to sit tight and let the homegrown talent develop.
So here's to hoping the Habs don't bust the bank this summer, leave breathing room for possibly adding a player come deadline time if the youngsters are overachieving and it appears there is a legitimate shot at a playoff run...
If there's a chance to snag a big name guy who can help the franchise we should sign him. The team has the payroll space and trade possibilities to significantly upgrade this offseason, there's no reason to put off for tomorrow what can be done today.
---------------------------------------------------------
These are all guesses as to what I think these players will command in their upcoming contract negotiations. Obviously, if the new cap is to be set around the $45 million mark, the Habs have some limited breathing room. Surely, some fans will call for big-name signings, but it just doesn't make financial sense. With Rivet, Souray, Begin, Bonk, and Zednik becoming UFA's after this season, and Markov and Plekanec RFA's, there needs to be room to manouver.
In my opinion, this is not the summer to be adding high-priced talent at all. Next year, however, when guys like Souray, Zednik, Bonk, and maybe Rivet become expendable, and players like Komisarek, Plekanec, Perezhogin, Ryder, and Ribeiro are ready to fill bigger roles, a big name signing will be of far more use. This is still a rebuilding team, and I feel this is the last year where Gainey's going to sit tight and let the homegrown talent develop.
So here's to hoping the Habs don't bust the bank this summer, leave breathing room for possibly adding a player come deadline time if the youngsters are overachieving and it appears there is a legitimate shot at a playoff run...
But maybe that's just me.
We have room to sign one good UFA or 2 decent ones if we really wanted without affecting next years negociations.
My wife handles the budget but I think 10M$ is quite a bit of money even these days.
While I don't disagree with that this summer isn't really necessary to sign a big name UFA like someone else said if we can get one you go for it IMO because there's no guarantee next year you will get the player you need.
Assuming there is at least one or more player that BG wants in this year's crop.
Still I'll agree it's not the season to go all out on the big name UFA, BG may try to make the playoffs with the squad he has , getting our kids some experience and that's a better way to evaluate them.
With Rivet, Souray, Begin, Bonk, and Zednik becoming UFA's after this season, and Markov and Plekanec RFA's, there needs to be room to manouver.
Out of those 5 UFAs, I only see us trying to resign 3 at most (Rivet, Souray, Begin). If Rivet asks for anything over 2.5m, don't resign him. If Souray asks for anything above 3.25m let him walk. Begin, well I think he'll gladly sign what we offer (he's a hab for the rest of his career). For Markov, somewhere near 4.0m-4.5m should suffice if he has a great season next year. Pleks, shouldn't get more than 1.5m. If we factor all of those new salaries in, we'd still be no where near the cap in 08.
Out of those 5 UFAs, I only see us trying to resign 3 at most (Rivet, Souray, Begin). If Rivet asks for anything over 2.5m, don't resign him. If Souray asks for anything above 3.25m let him walk. Begin, well I think he'll gladly sign what we offer (he's a hab for the rest of his career). For Markov, somewhere near 4.0m-4.5m should suffice if he has a great season next year. Pleks, shouldn't get more than 1.5m. If we factor all of those new salaries in, we'd still be no where near the cap in 08.
I missed the part where he added Bonk and Zed as UFA we should re-sign. That's even more cap relief.
I hope that by mentionning cap relief you guys don't question my heterosexuality.
What is meant by a big name? I think Shabutie means anyone who commands a high salary. Someone like Eric Lindros is obviously a big name but he just as obviously wouldn't be offered a big contract by any GM.
Some of those numbers are off. Higgins has to make 950K, he has to get a 5% raise and he made 900K, so he can't be signed for lower.
Komisarek made 901K, so he has to be qualified at 951K, don't see why Gainey would give him an extra 600K.
Murray made 500K so he has to get a 10% raise, 550K. 100K isn't a big difference but why pay him more then Begin who will get 646K, minor point but I would think Gainey will try and save money where he can.
Ribeiro at 1.178M should stay the same, 1.4M seems a little high, I'd hope to see him more around 1.25M
Ryder is tougher to say cause he did lead the team in goals. 1.7M is a lot, I'd hope to see it around 1.5M maybe even 1.4M if possible, of course he could hold out again.
Huet is the big question mark, it's impossible to say what he will get but I'd hope to see it under 2M. If Gainey can get something worked out before July 1st, maybe he can keep the price down in the 1.5, 1.75M range.
You still need a backup goalie plus some fillers like a 7th D (Streit or Cote I'd guess) and a rookie like Kostitsyn would cost 942K
I'd like to see Ruslan Salei on our point in September...
I would consider him a very good impact signing... He's tough, and plays hard. He could teach some of our 'd' (ahem: Souray) about tagging guys with an impact hit too
It depends if youre going to go big make sure you get a diference maker. A elias or a lindstrom type player who can put you over the top. Dont go sign a savard at over 4 mill cause thats a waste of money. If savard is welling to take a pay cut than hes welcome to come here but if hes going to play hard ball we dont want you. All I want is a winner and you built a winner by spending money wisely. I would not have a problem given elias and niklas lindstrom the max dollars cause you no what youre getting. Again only those players are worth overspending fore. If you overspend on the savards of the world more often than not it bites u in the ***
This year's crop is downright awful, except for Chara, Redden, Lidstrom, and Elias. I see three of those guys re-signing with their current teams and Chara going West.
If 2005 was the greatest free agency class of all time, the 2006 edition could possibly be the worst. There are lots of good players, but most of them have serious warts, and no one that really stands out past those 4.
People who expect the Habs to fill all their holes this summer are in for a disappointing off-season.
.... Unless of course we make a 5 year $30 million pitch for Eric Staal or Jason Spezza. Those two guys would make the team ultimate contenders.
This year's crop is downright awful, except for Chara, Redden, Lidstrom, and Elias. I see three of those guys re-signing with their current teams and Chara going West.
If 2005 was the greatest free agency class of all time, the 2006 edition could possibly be the worst. There are lots of good players, but most of them have serious warts, and no one that really stands out past those 4.
People who expect the Habs to fill all their holes this summer are in for a disappointing off-season.
.... Unless of course we make a 5 year $30 million pitch for Eric Staal or Jason Spezza. Those two guys would make the team ultimate contenders.
Jovo, Reddon and a trade for Lang would put the Habs over the top.
I don't think you can decide beforehand to *not* sign free agents. Every Summer, Gainey will look out on the market and see what's available and for how much, along with analyzing what the team's needs are.
If there's someone available that is willing to come here, fills a need, and is reasonably costed, then we sign him. Be it this Summer, next, or whenever.
