In a late-afternoon e-mail, the Canadiens have confirmed what the Team 990′s Tony Marinaro reported two days ago: Andrei Markov’s season is over.
He will have surgery next week on the right knee that was surgically repaired last summer.
• Stubbs news story is here.
The team announcement:
… defenseman Andrei Markov will undergo knee surgery on Wednesday, December 8. The surgery, to repair a meniscus and reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), will be performed in Alabama by doctor James Andrews. “We are very confident that Andrei will be able to fully recover from this injury,” said the Canadiens’ general manager, Pierre Gauthier.
Anyone out there as “very confident” as Gauthier?
Markov will be 32 next month. He’s had four significant injuries over the last three seasons. And it’s not like he’s been levelled by Scott Stevens, Ulf Samuelsson or Darius Kasparaitis.
Markov is in the last season of a four-year, $23-million contract. He’s a UFA on July 1.
What now?
• Views from Arpon Basu and François Gagnon
Hj_TBWXPKFM
It might be his last game as a hab, given it’s a hell of a gamble to assume he’ll be back at 100%. Think about it – by the time he comes back he’s going to need a lot of rehab and practice to come back to his old form, if he ever does.
Loading ...
Honestly, I’d take Kovalev over Guerin.
1) no. Not because I think pacioretty will necessarily be a great b
NHL plyer, but because I think iginla is nearly done. Fading.
2) he brings no offense but never misses a game and is the biggest team-first guy on team. I’d have no problem giving him a 3.75 mil average hit over a long term.
3) akost: same salary, maybe a bit more. He’s been great but let’s see how the rest of the year goes
Pouliot: 1.75 mil for 2 or 3 years. But I don’t know when he is UFA eligible so this could be a dumb term
Lappy: $0 for 0 years. I wish he wasn’t on the team.
Gill: tough one, but I’d let him walk.
I’m gonna get lambasted for this, but why couldn’t it have happened to Gomez instead of Markov?!? Imagine the cap room! Imagine the possibilities!
5. Based on Gauthier’s record, do you have faith he’ll get the help we need? —– Gauthier didn’t have a pretty good track record before. HOWEVER it sure looks like he has made a few brilliant moves in last half year so why should this run not continue?
Markov’s been our rock over the last decade, and just got his Canadian citizenship.. you HAVE to resign him, whether its short term or long term.. you can’t let him walk away for nothing and risk him going to a conference rival (god forbid the leafs sign him)
Why don’t they show the kids skating on the ice/line-up announcement each and every time? Is there a rule?
~Erin
1 – In a heartbeat. Not sure if that would make us a contender but it wouldn’t hurt. I would kill to have Iggy.
2 – It’s hard to say. He’s making 1.3 this year so I’m thinking around 2 – 2.25.
3 – 4.00, 1.5, 1.0, 2.25
- In Price We Trust
Markov will be back next season, it wont be an expensive contract and probably a one year deal. The habs respect and appreciate Markov and he loves Montreal.
Best Doctor in the world performing his surgery, he will have a long time to heal and be ready for another year. It would be foolish to give up on him. But no long term deal until an entire season is completed.
Go Habs Go!
2010-2011
I am STUNNED at how many people seem to think this is a good idea.
STUNNED.
——-
“This is a good hockey team and no matter what situation you’re put in, you’re out there with smart hockey players.” – Jeff Halpern after his winning goal against the Laffs
Anyone think we should use some of the cap space to sign Guerin? I’m sure we can get him pretty cheap right now and still have room for a deadline deal. I know he’s 40 and I’m sure there’s a reason why no one else has signed him but he did score 21 goals last year and I think he might have some gas left in the tank. He’s a big body, right handed shot who can play on the 2nd line. We need a top 6 forward and I think he can be that for the rest of the season. Also brings a boat load of leadership and experince which you can never have too much of.
- In Price We Trust
I’m all for it, baby. But uhh, who do we get to stand in for Balej?
Tragically misunderstood, please bite
L.Bugs Potter, esq. Minority Owner of the Habbalicious Bubble-Gum Emporium, Proprietor of the Flanneltop Pop Shop, and Beaming Tenant in Mama’s Basement, i.e., Habsbros Central: http://habsbros.blogspot.com
BASED ON FEEDBACK BELOW… 3 MORE QUESTIONS:
1. Would you want Iginla if we could get him for MaxPac and another promising prospect? Would that “make us a contender”?
2. How much is Gorges worth? What’s the MAX you would pay?
3. Kostitsyn, Pouliot, Laps, and Gill are also in contract years. What’s the max you would pay for each one you would want back?
SD
——-
“This is a good hockey team and no matter what situation you’re put in, you’re out there with smart hockey players.” – Jeff Halpern after his winning goal against the Laffs
Yes. Iginla!!! It’ll be his Raymond Bourque moment. Re-unite him with Cammy. OMFG!!!
I don’t think we’ll have that much room. From my understanding, LTIR replaces the cap dollar you have avaliable with the amount that the player’s contract is worth. There was about 4.5 million left on his contract, so that’s the amount we are allowed to spend over our current payroll. Of course, the longer PG waits to make a trade, the higher-value contract we can take on.
Sucky news. Now that markov is officially done, I think that the habs are one top-4 D and a 2nd line winger away from being a true and legitimate contender. Maybe pouliot or pacioretty will become that winger but probably not this year.
I still love the makeup of this team but I’m not sure how the habs should use this cap space….
Nonetheless, I’ll trust gauthier. He’s done a great job so far.
1. 1 year, 6.25 mil, or 2 years 11 mil. I don’t think he would get a decrease in pay, especially not a 30% decrease (5.75 down to 4).
2. In 20 games, we should start looking to spend that money. The team has too many holes to do nothing. But we need to wait about 20 games to see exactly what we need and get a better sense of what is available.
3. I think a forward would better address the issues facing the Habs, but it will take the 20 games to get a better idea.
4. second line winger with size and grit.
5. I doubt that the team will be stronger as a result of this. Whatever we get to replace Markov won’t equal the value we lost in him. And that’s nothing to do with Gauthier.
1. Offer Markov 2 years at 2.5 million per after he takes a full season (all of this year and 2011-2012) off for re-Hab and only if he is fully recovered. (2012-2013 to 2013-2014)
2. Wait and see.
3. Within, it aint broke.
4. Resign Gomez for more cash. ( I couldn’t resist) Seriously, go for an impact forward.
5. Yes. Wait and see. In PG I trust!!!
I didn’t say I disagreed with the others… I was still thinkin’!
But…
1) I would think offer him a discount deal. He’s going to want to prove to Mtl and other interested teams he still has it – or find out if he does. Why not here at a discount. Seems like win-win.
2) I agree with #2. Unless there’s a good 2nd line center out there. We need that badly.
3) Agreed!
4) I agree but who WOULDN’T want a Chelios. But I think we need a Chelios-like winger.
5) Makes sense.
Happy?
——-
“This is a good hockey team and no matter what situation you’re put in, you’re out there with smart hockey players.” – Jeff Halpern after his winning goal against the Laffs
1. yes
2. Listen to those that come bearing offers, but let things ride till close to the deadline. Almost no team is eliminated yet, let some more teams accept failure before shopping.
3. Shop for impact forward.
4. Big wing
5. Yes, he has a lot more cap to play with this year.
Not for draft picks.
Ah yes, I forgot that we had to give something up.
Not for draft picks.
About your answer to .5. Yeah, that makes sense but you have to think that Gauthier will have a good idea by now or soon who he wants back and what his actual needs are. So for example, if he knows that he needs to get younger on D, then he knows that there is no way he wants Hamrlik back. And that means maybe he CAN hunt for a $3 million D (still cheaper than Hamrlik… and Markov if he IS back will be cheaper too) since he has the money now and beyond. Especially if he’s happy with Weber so he knows he’s got another entry-level contract defenseman.
——-
“This is a good hockey team and no matter what situation you’re put in, you’re out there with smart hockey players.” – Jeff Halpern after his winning goal against the Laffs
Ah yes. As Jim Lahey would say, there’s always someone who wants to raise a sh*t storm.
————————
An important announcement from the Government of Canada:
Health Canada is reminding Canadians that consumption of the Toronto Maple Leafs has led to vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhea, dementia, and penile dysfunction.
Markov has been a great Hab, however, in this “cap” era we must look beyond him. Too risky to sign him for long term and big bucks as knees can only take so much beating and he is now past that point (ask Orr). If he was 25 I would not say this but at 32 too risky. Once your knees turn to glass it’s time to move behind the bench and hopefully the Habs will offer that.
Oh ya, forgot about that, wishful thinking I guess
To make us a contender for the cup (and I mean this year), I think we should go for an impact forward. Our D has been excellent so far without Markov (best defensive record in the league) and there’s no reason to think that won’t keep up the rest of the year (yes I know, injuries happen, but they can happen to any other team too). We already have 7 very capable defenseman playing very well (think about the Subban vs Weber scenario right now)… so we should get someone to really put us over the top on our top 2 lines.
Think about this…. seriously: How about we give Calgary a first round pick and a top prospect (say MaxPac) for Iginla. That makes our top lines look like this:
AK-Pleks-Gionta
Iginla-Gomez-Cammy
We can afford the remainder of Iginla’s salary at the trade deadline without much problems. And we would instantly be considered a cup contender.
We can dream…
____________________________________________
“Mr Gainey, you will not regret picking me”.
– PK Subban
Thanks.
I say go get Kovalev at the deadline. It will not hurt. He usually shows up 4 the playoffs and is a ufa at the end of the season.
Damn Dawg! You agree on just one of my points?
why couldn’t the leafs sign Markov on July 1? Giguere and Kaberle come off the books to the tune of $10 Million.
They’ll have a clearer idea of what’s up after the surgery. Til then, it only makes sense to wait and see.
Before Gainey’s great blow up, this would have been the end of the season. As it is, it hurts, but there is so much more depth on this good team now. Markov can’t be replaced, but there’s enough depth to do things differently.
It’s a shame though. I like Markov and what he brings on and off the ice. I hope he has a full recovery, and that if he doesn’t, the organization shows respect for what he has brought to it.
I am thinking of a future scenario where his knee will be an ongoing problem–a plausible enough assumption to make–serious enough for the team to lose his services for periods of time, but not serious enough to go on the long-term injury list. I understand injured players’ salaries do not count against the cap space, but frankly you don’t build and sustain teams based on a player playing only 30-40 games a season. Despite how good the player is, re-integrating them into the team has costs too. And as much as I appreciate Markov’s skills, he isn’t Bobby Orr or Larry Robinson.
————————
An important announcement from the Government of Canada:
Health Canada is reminding Canadians that consumption of the Toronto Maple Leafs has led to vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhea, dementia, and penile dysfunction.
Never trade with the Laffs
I agree with your point 3. Lots of time. This is an opportunity for Weber and probably one other Hamilton D-man over the next couple of months. By late January we’ll know if our D is solid and there will be time and money to make deals.
——-
“This is a good hockey team and no matter what situation you’re put in, you’re out there with smart hockey players.” – Jeff Halpern after his winning goal against the Laffs
I agree totally.
The Habs have always been a class organization. Those thinking that
Markov is going to be cut loose by the Habs are dreaming in technicolour. Assuming, the Hab’s medical experts believe that Markov can fully recover from his injury, Montreal
will sign him to a fair contract, one that is incentive-laden. What’s more, even a
gimpy Markov is better than all but one or two of the potential
UFA D-men that will be on the market next year.
IMO, the Habs could have one of the better D in the league next year. Some of the team’s younger D-men will have had the opportunity to gain some experience while Markov is on the mend. Markov will have the time to fully recover from his injury. Some of the team’s older D-men will be resigned to short-term deals and make less coin. Gorges will get a well deserved raise. At the end of the day, maybe one new face is added (probably this year before the trade deadline). Those hoping for a significant makeover don’t appreciate the fact that the Habs have a pretty decent D, relative to the majority of the other teams in the league. Having six Bobby Orr’s would be nice, but isn’t exactly feasible in the salary-cap era.
1) Time to part ways with Mr. Markov.
2) Let’s wait and see. No need to go hastily spending. We’re playing well and so far our D is keeping us in the games.
3) Promote from within and see what happens. If we start losing games, then we go shopping.
4) I want like a Chris Chelios type of player. What I don’t want is MAB or Souray.
5) Yes, he can make this team stronger. How? By waiting until the trade deadline and see which teams are trying to unload which players.
Please explain. Why would they be stuck with cap space if he were still injured and didn’t return?
HORRIBLE DEAL!!
Kaberle is so soft on the puck. He is not what the habs needs. He is Spacek but softer on the puck. The habs have Hammerlik/Cammy + Subban, and Spacek + Picard on the point right now. Not terrible. If any trade was to be made with Toronto, I can see us trading Pouliot to the leafs for picks. And then us packaging those picks + our own Assests to New Jersey for a guy there.
1. If he can come back, offer him a deal. He’s been a loyal Hab, grinded out his rehab and came back early twice for the team.
2. No need to immediately go for anything, the only thing teams will be offering right now is their albatross contracts and we don’t need one of those.
3. Team can wait and evaluate on Weber for now.
4. Preferably a forward with some finish, maybe ring NJD up around the deadline, they are pretty much cooked for the playoffs so see if the team can acquire Arnott or Langenbrunner. They’ve got Cup experience and work in team-first environments. It also allows NJ to finish even lower in the standings and get a crack in the draft lottery.
5. He’ll likely deal for a playoff piece, but I doubt he’ll go that far to get it. He has FA issues to address this off-season and can’t afford to take on any contracts that go past this season.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
5 QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS NEWS:
Markov out means a lot of things. It means we’re without our all-star. It means we have major cap room. It means we might need help on D. (Though if you think it’s coincidence Martin decided to test Weber’s D form at the same time as this new hits, I’ve got some fine swampland to sell you near Amherst.) It also means the Habs need to decide what if any extension to offer Markov, before he gets game-tested again.
So….
1. Assuming the surgery goes well (though the LAST surgery supposedly went well!) do you offer Marky a short-term deal at a modest sum (1 year, 4 million?) or…?
2. Do you immediatley look to spend some of your new found cash? Or is it better to wait and see how healthy your team is through the middle of the season?
3. If you do go shopping, do you shop for a defenseman or promote from within (Weber)?
4. Assuming there is cash for a rental, what do you want?
5. Based on Gauthier’s record, do you have faith he’ll get the help we need? Put another way, we’ve managed to do well without Markov this year – and in most of the playoffs last year… so can Gautheir truly make this team STRONGER as a result of this? How?
SD
——-
“This is a good hockey team and no matter what situation you’re put in, you’re out there with smart hockey players.” – Jeff Halpern after his winning goal against the Laffs
For some reason I think that we wouldn’t save anything if we bought him out. But we would save 100k if he was waived to the minors.
Yeah, bad news all around for everybody and especially for Markov. I’ve been dreading this announcement all week but I knew that he was going to be out for the season. A tragedy really.
Can’t sign him to a 1 year deal. Gotta give him term or let him walk.
The problem is if Markov is unable to return to form, the team will be stuck with a $3-4 million contract with its subsequent effect on the team’s cap space. Today’s official announcement is bad news for the team, the fans, and especially for Markov, but in the cap space era there is no sentimentality here. The team must move on, and I am not interested in the team signing risky and glass defencemen.
————————
An important announcement from the Government of Canada:
Health Canada is reminding Canadians that consumption of the Toronto Maple Leafs has led to vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhea, dementia, and penile dysfunction.
Louis Leblanc took a high stick to the face 2 minutes into the 2nd period of his first game back with the MTL Juniors according to Shaun Starr of the Team 990. Did not return, may or may not be back for the 3rd. Talk about unlucky.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
Markov is a good man in the community..and he’s an excellent defenseman..I wish him all the best..having said that..I honestly think his career is over..if he can’t play again..when he can return..the Habs should offer him a position on the coaching staff working with the defense..I’m sure he would be a dandy.
without him..we have to focus on making the playoffs and hope good things happen..every team deals with injuries and you have to make the best of it..as good as markov is..one player is not a team..it takes twenty players to have a team..he may not be replaceable..but you have to keep moving forward.
markov will be missed..but we have a good enough team im montreal to survive without him..Good Luck To The Habs.
no need to overreact. marky is a huge loss and a guy like kaberle wuld be a decent replacement but i wuld first look to get a top 6 forward. the longer the habs wait to make a move to better deal can be constructed. i’d wait till a month before trade deadline and get both top 6 forward and puck moving dman offering at most a 2nd round pick for one.
unfortunately this is a business. habs owe nothing to markov for his past play – they have paid him how many millions?? no contract offer to him for next season until he can prove he can contribute.
Spacek is a 35+ contract, only save $100K by buying him out.
This has got me thinking about our D after this season, it could be totally revamped with Hammer, Marky, Picard, Skill Gil all being UFAs and Gorges an RFA. Here is a look at the potential UFA dmen available http://www.capgeek.com/free_agents.php?year_id=2011&team_id=-1&position_id=D&fa_type_id=2 . I’d really like Gorges back. I wonder if they’ll buy out Spacek or if Yemelin will make the trip across the pond. I wouldnt mind Bieska’s toughness, but he has a good turnover a game it seems.
I would sign Markov to a one year deal at about 3-4 mill and go from there. He’s been a loyal Hab for over 10 years. He deserves that much at least. Hope it all works out for him and the Habs.
We don’t need a defenseman. A scoring forward would be nice– so Moen doesn’t have to be top 6.
That’s insane! I would NEVER, under ANY circumstances, make a deal with the laffs. If they were a drowning man I’d throw them an anchor.
Not going to happen.
- In Price We Trust
Scott Niedermayer?
Three words: Kill Eric Staal.
My heart just broke to hear the news, Markov is always the great player on the team and a great guy off the ice. Like I said, maybe it’s time to go onto other alternatives, but so far since the team’s winning, we’ll just see the many surprises during the season.
Hope for the best for Markov!
Ok, here’s a realistic deal.
Burke deals Kaberle to the Habs for their first round pick.
Burke gets a first rounder, recovers a bit of that reputation.
Habs get a d-man until the end of the season.
Depends on how much Burke wants to improve Montreal, which would ultimately lowers their potential draft pick
E.
It was nice having you as a Hab. Good luck Andre.
Sounds cruel but I believe the team should part ways with him. Too risky.
Pauvre André. Sign him for at least one year at 3,5 – 4 million $ He deserves the organizations’ support and respect while he recovers. It comes off the cap anyway if it’s LTIR, right? And don’t you worry, he’ll come back. Maybe his skating stride won’t be as smooth or powerful, but he’ll be back. Make no mistake about it. And he’ll be just as smart.
Now if there was a bar that showed star trek (the original) you could be right.
Don’t. I’ll cry. He would still have collected his coin and could have helped Youpi out to stay busy.
We would have got cap room for a hockey player. Sigh.
Is it too late to write Santa?
Seriously, we don’t want anyone hurt. It’s just frustration with cruel fate and almost Shakespearean the things that Habs have been through with horrible untimely injuries in recent years Markov x 2, Koivu’s eyeball, Zednik (which pretty much did him) — there’s probably more that I have blocked out… that’s all. No one wishes Gomez personal injury.
Agree – not the smartest comments (above) about injury situations :
‘ … look like dog chit, smell like dog chit, taste like dog chit … hmmm, must be dog chit ! ‘ – Cheech & Chong
ALWAYS Habs -
D Mex
Not cool to be happy about injuries – theoretical or otherwise.
‘ .. look like dog chit, smell like dog chit, taste like dog chit .. must be dog chit ! ‘
ALWAYS Habs -
D Mex
+1
Go Habs Go!
They can place him on LTIR retroactive to the day he was injured. Montreal will have about 6.8 million in cap space I believe.
After the last year and a half of horrendous Price play along with Halak’s outstanding playoff run, just to pick Price over Halak and see this 88 point team of last season today as one of the best teams in the entire league? Yes brilliant is the word for that move that I along with many thought was as bad as ever made here by the Habs. Yes, Eller sure looks like he will be a real good addition. Halperin for a half million or so another great move.
One of our best forwards.
Top six on any team.
Deal.
What’s important is what managment thinks. Most Habs fans don’t know the 1st thing about building a hockey team. Most Habs fans wanted Price traded. Most Habs fans wanted Kovalev resigned. Thankfully most habs fans are not the GM. If Gainey wanted Kovalev so much he’d have signed him. Kovy balked and BG went and got Gionta. Sionara Loafalev.
Gomez is a real 2nd line a centre and a damn good one. His contract is inflated by 2.37 million dollars but anybody would take him for 5 million in a heartbeat. Also Gomez’ contract doesn’t extend into eternity like Lecavalier’s, Ovechkin’s, Hossa’s or Kovalchuck’s.
I like defensively responsible hockey and that takes players to buy into that program. Gomez is a team player in that mould. Invaluable IMHHO.
The bottom line is your thinking is gutter based. “I wish Gomez was injured not Markov,” is what you said and/or implied. It doesn’t change the fact that you want Gomez off the team at any cost, even if it means an injury. To call it reprehinsible is just my honest opinion and I am far from PC. Dude! HH PC!!! That is laughable.
I also think wanting Gomez off the team is short-sighted and bad strategically. Gomez is part of a team concept. He is an elite centre. He’s been to the Stanley Cup Finals 3 times in his career. He was an integral part of the Habs play-off run last season.
Gainey knew exactly what he was doing and I am glad he is giving a big middle finger to fans like you who think they can build a team like NHL 11. Geuss what? NHL 11 isn’t real either.
Look, Smartdog. To write I’d be happy if Gomez was out instead of Markov is pretty much what I was saying is to wish someone harm. Surely you are not so dense to fail to understand this?
You claim those of us replying are acting childishly, but the mature thing to do here is for you to stop writing things like that.
Is that really so difficult to comprehend?
————————
An important announcement from the Government of Canada:
Health Canada is reminding Canadians that consumption of the Toronto Maple Leafs has led to vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhea, dementia, and penile dysfunction.
One of our best forwards?!? Top six on any team?!?! He’s one of the few minus players on this team and has as many points as Matty Darche.
I’d be happy if Gomez was out instead of Markov is pretty much what I was saying. And YES I would! I don’t wish ill on anyone, but if it happened. Yes I would be happy.
You guys are interpreting this as if I’m about to take up a collection. It’s childish. Really. Baby stuff. Give me a break from your PC crap.
——-
“This is a good hockey team and no matter what situation you’re put in, you’re out there with smart hockey players.” – Jeff Halpern after his winning goal against the Laffs
Read what I said. Don’t make things up. Easy.
This place is getting REALLY PC.
By the way… the scary parts of movies. They’re not REAL!
——-
“This is a good hockey team and no matter what situation you’re put in, you’re out there with smart hockey players.” – Jeff Halpern after his winning goal against the Laffs
I did that because most of you above are long-time posters, and I find it hard to believe you genuinely wish to see happen what you are claiming.
That said, all I asked was that we stop this thread. To be honest, in all my years here, I never recall reading posters wishing an injury on others.
And stop pretending you are wounded or some sort of victim here Smartdog. The following are YOUR WORDS: Gomez stinks. I’d be happy if he was injured long-term. No problem. How could I “misrepresent” the meaning of that?
Perhaps you should settle down now, and just concede you and some others went over the line. It happens. Let’s just move on.
————————
An important announcement from the Government of Canada:
Health Canada is reminding Canadians that consumption of the Toronto Maple Leafs has led to vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhea, dementia, and penile dysfunction.
You’re saying I should get a grip and you’re wishing Gomez gets injured. Nice projecting. The psychiatrist will have field day with you.
Who cares what Ducks management thinks? I care what Habs management thinks. Unlike you who isn’t a Habs fan. I am circling january 22nd on my calendar and hope we kill your Ducks.
Friday Night Fights: Smart Dog vs Hard Habits
In all seriousness though, I wish Markov a speedy recovery and I think it’s in the best interest of the team to sign him to a 1 or 2 year deal. As for Scotty G, give the guy a freakin break already!! I can count on one hand the amount of times he’s been a DEFENSIVE liability thus far this season. I never expected him to put up big offensive numbers anyways. His tenacity and responsible defensive play will be much appreciated in the 2011 playoffs, just as they were appreciated in the 2010 playoffs.
You will always be a Canadien in my eyes, Saku
I live out west and I,ve been watching Brent Gallager on the local shaw tv. Good draft pick.
Is there any way fans can send Markov get well messages? I bet he will need a lot of support in the coming months because as many have pointed out, a big chunk of the recovery will be coping with the emotional and mental strain.
“Tenacious” and “defensively sound” are not words I associate with the Scott Gomez who has played for the Habs. The nicest word I could use for him would be “consistent.”
Well, obviously, if you didn’t expect big offensive numbers from him, you have no reason to be upset. But it seems a little weird not to expect big offensive numbers from your top centre and the highest paid player on the team. If you’re happy with Gomez right now I would like to call your attention to a little thing they refer to as the Salary Cap. Because Gomez is killing it for the Habs.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Gomez may be the highest paid player on our team but he is not our top centre. The Habs seem to have iced a pretty competitive team regardless of the Gomez contract. Also, now that Markov is on LTIR, we can have pretty much any UFA we want at the trade deadline if they’re willing to come here. Personally I’d rather have Gomez’s contract for the next couple of years than Lecavalier’s for the next 10.
You will always be a Canadien in my eyes, Saku
Gomez is a 60 point man. Nothing more nothing less. Sather was an idiot for giving him that money but he gave him that offer because he saw in him a winner and a veteran leader. If he didn’t do it someone else would’ve offered him something close to it. He went out and did the same with Drury. Briere was also in play that season. Imagine poor Buffalo fans losing their two top centres. The Habs also pilfered Gionta from the Devils. That’s the name of the game. Gomez is a top 6 forward and if he turns out to be a 3rd line centre at season’s end then that means the Habs are deep at that position and the Halak for Eller trade was a gem of a deal. Gomez is far better than Koivu. How many offensive zone penalties does Gomez take? Less in a year than Koivu did in a game. Sorry captainK4life and thanks for wading in but Gomez is a major upgrade over Koivu especially in terms of team spirit.
Gomez is not Redden or Huet. Gomez belongs in the NHL and his play-off performance attests to that.
He never was Ovechkin or Crosby. Talk to Sather about the contract. Nevertheless the cap hit does not cripple the Habs. They are 5th over-all in the friggin’ league and all you people do is whine about 2 million in over-payment.
What’s worse is everybody thinks that with Gomez gone all of a sudden 1st line centres would be lining up to play here. Who do you suppose the Habs would put in place of Gomez? I’d love Brad Richards but he wasn’t in play when Gainey rebuilt the team. Gomez was. Good thing too! Then there is the whole matter of chemistry. A team that plays like a team will beat a team of superstars that play for themselves especially in a 7 game series.
Because Gomez is killing it for the Habs is just an asinine statement.
Did the Habs sign Plex? Did the Habs sign Cammy? Did the Habs sign Gionta.
I hate to say it but Gomez is proving his worth over Markov. What good is Markov injured? Not much. Certainly not as much as Gomez is worth healthy.
I for one love Scott Gomez on the Habs!
Gomez has more goals than Henrik Sedin. Just sayin’.
“Gomez is a major upgrade over Koivu especially in terms of team spirit”?
Koivu was a 10 year captain for the hockey franchise which values team spirit more than any other team. He routinely made players put on on his line better. With Gomez we have to try and find someone who “fits” with his style of play. Koivu still has good enough hands to convert one of those beautiful feeds which Pouliot commonly makes on the third line, Gomez doesn´t. Most of his goals are either a deflection from one of his passes or a on a wide open net in close. On any odd man rush or between the fifteen to twenty-five foot area he is not a threat to score. If you dissect his 60 point average, a lot of them are 3rd “hand off” assists and an average of 12-13 goals. Not equivalent in my mind to someone who pots around 20 goals with the same number of points per game (koivu last year, or an average number two centre). That person become much more of a two-dimensional threat. “Anyone would gladly pay 5 million for Gomez?” Who? Decent playoff performer, which is important, and a nice guy, but nowhere close to 5 mill.
HalTheHabFan
So I’m at the emergency on Friday afternoon at the Jewish General and who do I see? Andre Markov standing in front of the vending machines in the public lounge area. I walk towards him and say “How you doing Andre?”. He looks at me, turns aoround, and walks away. No limp.
True story.
Nice.
Tragically misunderstood, please bite
L.Bugs Potter, esq. Minority Owner of the Habbalicious Bubble-Gum Emporium, Proprietor of the Flanneltop Pop Shop, and Beaming Tenant in Mama’s Basement, i.e., Habsbros Central: http://habsbros.blogspot.com
Stupid Eastern Conference finalists, eh?
Joke sure is on those Habs, huh?
Tragically misunderstood, please bite
L.Bugs Potter, esq. Minority Owner of the Habbalicious Bubble-Gum Emporium, Proprietor of the Flanneltop Pop Shop, and Beaming Tenant in Mama’s Basement, i.e., Habsbros Central: http://habsbros.blogspot.com
Saku already has 8 or 9 goals on ducks, he takes important face offs and often plays against the other team’s best centers. He plays the last minutes of tight games and the Ducks and Ducks fans are thrilled with him.
Most importantly, he leaves it all on the ice, night after night.
What’s does Gomez leave on the ice? A little yellow puddle in the corner?
I promised Serious I wouldn’t post about Gomez for 2 weeks and I’m already blowing it, but I was unduly provoked.
It’s not Koivu’s fault at all that we didn’t win a cup while he was here. We were burdened with horrific management. I will further invoke Serious (sorry) his hypothesis that if our management had been paying attention we could have had Saku Koivu, Mikka Koivu and Plex down the middle right now.
We would be solid and studdin’ it. Instead of combing through the bars in vieux montreal trying to find someone willing to play on a line with you know who.
“To failing hands we’ve passed the torch.”
a 60 point man? yes – but over how many years?
well, i made a joke above, then I actually read your entire post, carefully. Why don’t you call up Ducks management and ask if they’d take Gomez over Koivu – theoretically, assuming the contracts were equal – they wouldn’t take Gomez over Koivu in a million freaking years. You would get laughed out of the room. No one on Ducks boards complains about Koivu, they can’t believe how lucky they are. Here we have dozens of complaints about Gomez daily.
You have just posted the single most moronic post I have ever read on this board, and that’s saying something.
I’m not challenging your right to your opinion, you can post whatever you want, but don’t think it will go unchallenged.
Pay attention on January 22nd when Ducks are in town. The fans will make it very clear who they value more.
HI/O member for: 7 hours 23 min
Koivu was a 10 year captain for the hockey franchise which values team spirit more than any other team
Why is he not here then? Bob Gainey knows more about team spirit than you do.
“Anyone would gladly pay 5 million for Gomez?” Who?
Gomez got his outrageous salary because other teams were bidding for him at the time. Is he worth 7.37 million? Probably not. 5 to 5.5 million? Undoubtably. It doesn’t matter to me that you find that hard to believe. I stand by my comment.
I am happy for Koivu that he is in Anaheim. Nobody in Montreal misses him.
Gomez is a Hab and Koivu isn’t. Case closed.
Gomez also makes 2 mil more per year.
HIO member for 7 hours 23 minutes and he already knows more than you! You’re strongest argument is Gomez is better because Bob Gainey thinks so?
Weak.
The cap space of Markov being injured is worth more than Gomez healthy. And Gomez, the “60-point” man, is on pace for 27 points this year.
Says another HIO troll. Who cares what you think. I have yet to read one useful comment from you.
just in his last 4 years he has made 23 million…i dont think he will be at the salvation army christmas lunch soon…he received this money because of performance not because he is a nice or good guy…he has made more money than the majority of people will make in 3 lives..this is a business and since there is a cap you cannot gamble your cap on a players knee…if markov does not make a cent from hockey from now on there is no reason to feel sorry for him. sentiment has no value in a cap era
Dunno why there are posters here that think Markov would agree to a one year contract. This is his livelihood. You think he’s going to sign a 1 year deal, risk ruining his career by wrecking his knee a 3rd time, and flush 30+ million down the crapper. If he actually does, he’s the most selfless man on planet earth. I’m pretty sure he’s not. If PG tried offering me 1 year and refused to budge, I’d be like, “Peace out mother-bitches. I’m signing with Toronto. It’s been a wild ride.” I want PG’s job right now, lol.
Blah blah…this is a business…blah blah. You’re right, This IS a business. I also agree that there’s little room for sentimentality in a salary cap era. I’ll agree that he’s paid for being a great hockey player & not a great guy. I won’t agree that you can’t gamble your cap space on a player’s knee. Let him walk and see if there are no GM’s around willing to gamble on his knee. Why would Markov stay with a team that doesn’t wanna give him term, only to wreck his knee again, and watch his value permanently plummet? Would you yourself sign on for a 1 year deal? You can probably negotiate on actual salary, given the circumstances. You can’t try offering 1 year though. It wouldn’t go over well.
Now you make do until after the playoffs and you sign Kaberle with Markov’s money.
I think I just threw up a little bit lol.
They Call Me Shane
Hey Burke…you want a centre? Take Gomez…we’ll take Kaberle.
E.
Tomas Kaberle would be a decent replacement for Markov. Given Kaberle’s friendship with Plekanec, it’s an avenue that the Habs need to explore going forward.
I honestly don’t see Kaberle waiving his NTC and the fact that Burke didn’t move him this summer when he was able to makes me think he won’t try.
- In Price We Trust
It’s clear what the Habs do. They keep on doing what they’ve been doing all year. Be competitive and win games. When the trade deadline comes the habs will be have a Glorieux opportunity to add an impact forward, defenseman or both. The good news is that IMHHO Pierre “the Goatfather” Gauthier (with Gainey as consiliere) will not mortgage the farm and will get exactly what the Habs will need at that point.
Opportunities are made. As much as losing Markov is bad news having that cap space means the Habs can do something very interesting whenever needed.
I’m going to skip the vedio clip. I hope to see Marky back next season. Does “season” also mean playoffs or I’m I jumping the gun? I feel real bad for Markov.
Man Andrei Markov could be a real bargain at $3.5 – $4 million on a short term deal.
Blessing in disguise?
Not a blessing in disguise, but every cloud has its silver lining.
A guy who is as classy on and off the ice as the CH oh his jersey.Get well ,you will be missed.
Does anyone know if Montreal gets long term salary cap relief?
Meaning markov’s remaing salary comes off the books.
E.
Yes, he’s on IR now. It’s off he books. 6.5 to play with now. Maybe get that 2nd line winger sometime this year with that.
That’s the same doctor NFL teams all use.
You bet it is….. Im super happy that Doctor Andrews is doing AM79 surgery. I have been saying this for weeks that AM79 need’s the best knee surgeon.
Markov doesn’t just need the best surgeon, but he needs a better strength and conditioning coach.
I for one hope we still resign him. He’s been loyal to our organization all these years and is one of the best defense men in the league.
And WWE send their pro wrestlers there too. Top notch place.
Burke doesn’t seem to like Kadri , maybe Gomez for him?
The way he deals, Burke might even give his next two first rounders for Gomez!
E.
That’s a bummer.
I hope they offer him a contarct before July 1st.
Or, are they not permitted to?
http://www.andrewscenters.com/getpage.php?name=andrews
Thanks. That’s good news.
E.
We only have 5.75 (annual hit) to play with. This is because the amount of LTIR relief we get is only in an amount an extra Markov would put us over the cap. In effect, we lose the cap room we had, in exchange for cap relief in the amount of Markov’s salary.
I was referring to this summer. I’m pretty sure Kaberle is sick of the Burke-Wilson Arrogance Sideshow in Toronto.
I don’t know why everyone is in a hurry to get a defenseman..our defense is fine..put pk with weber for awhile and see how they work out..might be the best thing that ever happened..than we have picard in case of injuries or game replacement..if we’re doing good in the standings..maybe start giving the older defensemen a game off here and there to rest for the playoffs..these are all maybe’s..sometimes you have to try things to keep the team fresh.
the forwards..nothing wrong with our forwards..just don’t play mind games with them..gotta have two good scoring lines to offsit each other..one scoring line may get us in the playoffs..when you’re there and you’re playing back to back games..that’s when you need that second scoring line.
never mind getting another defenceman or a forward..we have a good team here..once we get a second line scoring..you’ll be surprise what they can do..our biggest problem is the mind games..got to have the same players that can score..playing together..game in and game out..except for injuries..leave them be….
What’s with all the talk about signing a forward? How about finding another top notch dman? Or have we all agreed that Weber is it?
Sucks about Markov. This is a second time we lose our best player to a game against Carolina. <Timo is wishing well to Eric Staal and the rest of the Carolina dirtbags>
the only place Gomez is gonna go til his contract is up..either 3rd or 4th line and I really doubt that.
he’s like country and western music..he’s her to stay
Kovy is the antithesis of this team.
He won’t get within a mile of it. Sorry disciples.
Eric Staal, the new Justin Williams.
I agree with Basu — it’s not personal, it’s business.
That
said, I am sure Marky would be willing to re-sign a one-year deal for
considerably less money so he can continue to play in Montreal and show
that he’s durable enough for a full season.
My proposal: trade for Bieksa this season, use the Marky cap-space to get a top 6 forward:
2010-11 D:
Gill-Subban
Gorges-Bieksa
Hammer-Spaceman
Picard (7th D)
Weber (first call-up, plays with team until we trade for Bieksa)
2011-12:
Gill-Subban
Gorges-Bieksa
Spaceman-Weber
Picard (7th D)
So, who are you trading for Bieksa…obviously not a defenceman (in your lineup, anyway).
Bieksa has had an unusually high number of injuries and lost games over the past three years.
I think I’ll pass.
————————
An important announcement from the Government of Canada:
Health Canada is reminding Canadians that consumption of the Toronto Maple Leafs has led to vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhea, dementia, and penile dysfunction.
Skinner of Carolina, 18 year old has 8 goals, was watching Car/Colorado game tonight Avalanche announcers said he is favorite for Rookie of the Year?
he is along with bob from philly
Wow, Vancouver is actually leading after one and Luongo is playing well against the Blackhawks. But 2 more periods to go, there is still a potential for a 7 goal lead.
Carle and a conditional pick (4th if he doesn’t resign, 2nd if he does)