LyricalLyricist
Registered User
I doubt I'll get much support on this but I think guy is treated a little harshly by habs fans.
I'm not saying I'd keep him till he retires but I was looking at the numbers, he's one of the highest in ESP on the entire team despite playing very difficult minutes at ES. Considering we do **** all 5 on 5 this is an asset isn't it?
Assuming we can shed some dead weight, I'd even consider keeping him for a 3rd line role because he can play those difficult minutes.
I assume most will want him gone and that's fine but reasonably speaking, I'm not sure what else we'd get on the market. I'd keep gionta if we can drop Bourque because Gionta is a significantly better PKer, offensive and defensive player at this point.
If we don't keep him which is very possible, who do you think we can slot into that top two-way line with Plekanec and can play PK? Doesn't have to be an internal option btw. I'm sure Bournival can fill the gap in some areas but those ESP are fairly good.
Oh and before someone thinks I'm crazy, no I don't want him on the PP. I think the kids would be significantly better, namely Galchenyuk. I'm just trying to be fair on my assessment of Gionta and who might replace him.
I'm not saying I'd keep him till he retires but I was looking at the numbers, he's one of the highest in ESP on the entire team despite playing very difficult minutes at ES. Considering we do **** all 5 on 5 this is an asset isn't it?
Assuming we can shed some dead weight, I'd even consider keeping him for a 3rd line role because he can play those difficult minutes.
I assume most will want him gone and that's fine but reasonably speaking, I'm not sure what else we'd get on the market. I'd keep gionta if we can drop Bourque because Gionta is a significantly better PKer, offensive and defensive player at this point.
If we don't keep him which is very possible, who do you think we can slot into that top two-way line with Plekanec and can play PK? Doesn't have to be an internal option btw. I'm sure Bournival can fill the gap in some areas but those ESP are fairly good.
Oh and before someone thinks I'm crazy, no I don't want him on the PP. I think the kids would be significantly better, namely Galchenyuk. I'm just trying to be fair on my assessment of Gionta and who might replace him.