How any American teams are still mentioned I do not understand. Even McKenzie said he is likely to want to go and play for a Canadian Team. IMO only way of him ending up on an American team is if no Canadian team wants him. Yeah chances of that are pretty high I am sure.
That being said, only way I won't loath him for the rest of his career is if he goes with the Habs. They still need someone in their Top 4 and there argueably is no franchise more highly decorated than Montreal.
However I think his list looks like that:
1. Vancouver. If he and his family are fans, they have to be considered front runners, especially so close to a cup run. They would free up a Top 4 position for him if he wanted to sign there.
2. Edmonton. Strongest argument has to be the young core. I would dismiss the idea of him just signing there because he likes to go there on vacation.
3. Montreal. As written above - need for a Top 4 and most decorated franchise in the NHL. Could be an important piece in quick turnaround of the franchise. Likely wouldn't have to go through a lot of losing next season either unlike with EDM or TOR.
4. Toronto. Yeah, yeah I know Gardiner plays there. Other than that, their team looks shaky atm and anger & pressure from fans and media is rising. And they are the furtherst away from a good playoff run IMO. Do you want to face the media next March and explain why you didn't make it to the playoffs?
5. Calgary. If playing close to home is important to him, Flames could be an option. They will rebuild soon IMO, he would have to be the foundation of such a rebuild. I'd imagine he won't be too interested in spending 2-4 years rebuilding.
6. Winnipeg. I can't think of one reason for him to go there. No rib at the Jets, but I really have read nothing that would point in their direction.
That being said, only way I won't loath him for the rest of his career is if he goes with the Habs. They still need someone in their Top 4 and there argueably is no franchise more highly decorated than Montreal.
However I think his list looks like that:
1. Vancouver. If he and his family are fans, they have to be considered front runners, especially so close to a cup run. They would free up a Top 4 position for him if he wanted to sign there.
2. Edmonton. Strongest argument has to be the young core. I would dismiss the idea of him just signing there because he likes to go there on vacation.
3. Montreal. As written above - need for a Top 4 and most decorated franchise in the NHL. Could be an important piece in quick turnaround of the franchise. Likely wouldn't have to go through a lot of losing next season either unlike with EDM or TOR.
4. Toronto. Yeah, yeah I know Gardiner plays there. Other than that, their team looks shaky atm and anger & pressure from fans and media is rising. And they are the furtherst away from a good playoff run IMO. Do you want to face the media next March and explain why you didn't make it to the playoffs?
5. Calgary. If playing close to home is important to him, Flames could be an option. They will rebuild soon IMO, he would have to be the foundation of such a rebuild. I'd imagine he won't be too interested in spending 2-4 years rebuilding.
6. Winnipeg. I can't think of one reason for him to go there. No rib at the Jets, but I really have read nothing that would point in their direction.