1) That depends entirely on how his body heals and how his play subsequently shifts. I would re-sign him for $3.5 million or less to play on our 3rd line. He's a reliable veteran presence who pots goals, plays good defense, knows what it takes to win. For $3.5 million or less in a support role, I would do it. Obviously, he's getting older and he can't be relied upon for primary scoring in seasons to come. But all that depends on how well he recovers from yet another worrisome surgery. If his body can't hold up from all the beating it's taken in his career, he may be forced into retirement. Can't imagine tearing your biceps a third time and not looking in the mirror and wondering if it's time to call it a career.
So, many ifs in there. Long answer short: it depends how he plays this season. A major surgery coupled with decline associated to age is never a good recipe, but Gionta brings enough to the table that he merits being brought back into a support role, at the very least. Many will disagree with me and simplemindedly point to his size as the sole reason he should go, but that's a foolish way to go about it. Players aren't solely scouted or assessed by how tall they are, but by what they bring to the table. Gionta still has something to give, but just how much he has left is TBD. Guess we'll see.
2) If the price is right, yes. I think Bergevin will set his own limit for what he'll give Gionta, and should Gio want more than that, I think he'll let him walk. Much like Lou did in NJ a few years ago with him.
