Yes the Blackhawks built from the draft, but expecting to duplicate a team that was terrible for so long because their owner was cheap is not exactly a model to follow. And even with Kane and Toews, without signing Hossa, the Hawks wouldn't be what they are.
I agree with building through the draft. But the Habs are the one of the richest teams in the league. Being afraid to sign free agents doesn't make sense in this market.
If Bergevin is saying we follow the Blackhawks model of cutting payroll for a decade and only becoming a contender after you almost destroy the franchise, we are in trouble.
It isnt about not spending the money, its about how it is spread around. My belief is you first must be able to sign your own guys, sometimes you get deals like Patches, but after that, if you are looking at bringing help, do you spend big money on a top name ? Is it really worth it ? Sure if like the Hawks you think you are a certain guy away from a Cup, you go for it and sign a UFA to be rental. Dont think we are there yet, but do we try for a big fish to land as a multi-year roster guy ?
Semin/Perry and Clowe replacing Gionta and Ryder.
Semin/Perry and Clowe replacing Gionta and Ryder.
Semin/Perry and Clowe replacing Gionta and Ryder.
I agree with this concept and the attempt to build through free agent superstars like the Rangers used to do usually doesn't work, but I do think when the opportunity arises to bring in top line talent you should look into it at the very least. I believe in a home grown core, but Bergevin trying to copy the Blackhawks directly - a team that was awful for a decade and not because of intent, will only lead to a cycle of failure. You don't want to be the Flames, but you don't want to be the Oilers either.
Don't sign a FA for the sake of signing one, but Perry is a perfect fit and I understand throwing money at him. Likewise if someone like Semin could be had at a decent price for his unfair reputation, also worth a look. But don't give Semin Perry type money just because you can, and don't then panic and sign your 4th choice either.
This is basically the dream right here.
Clowe...Perry...a heavyweight who can play...and a big bruising d-man...but he may have to come via trade...or just bring up tinordi. and resign ryder...and get rid of kaberle...and i hate to say it but gionta as well...he's been replaced by gallagher. there's only room for one undersized winger on this team.
maybe we can trade gionta for clowe with the down year he is having...i mean...if your willing to give gomez a chance.
Let's say M. Bergevin has around 15 million dollars that's free:
Correy Perry RW 6'03" 1st line
Alexander Semin RW 6'02" 1st line
David Clarkson RW 6'01" 1st/2nd line 27,5 M - 5,5 M / 5 year contract
Ryane Clowe LW 6'02" 2nd/3rd line 7,5 M - 3,75 M / 2 year contract
Viktor Stalberg LW 6'03" 2nd/3rd line
Bryan Bickell LW 6'04" 3rd line 9 M - 2,25 M / 4 year contract
Maxim Lapierre C 6'02" 4th line 4,4 M - 1,1 M / 4 Year contract
Patrick Bordeleau LW 6'06" 4th line 4 M - 0,800 M / 5 year contract
Tom Sestito LW 6'05" 4th line 1,6 M - 0,800 M / 2 year contract
Total: 14,2 million dollars
The bold ones are the ones I'd try to get my hands on and make this lineup
Pacioretty - Desharnais - Clarkson
Clowe - Plekanec - Gallagher/Eller
Bickell - Galchenyuk - Bourque/Prust
Bordeleau - Lapierre - Sestito
Extras: White / Dumont / Blunden / Who ever
I'll be honest and say I forgot about Prust, but what ever lol. Got 2 massive players (Bordeleau and Sestito) and 2 guys that can drop it anyday (Clowe + Bickell) and a beast (Clarkson)
Edit: That 4th line looks really badass to be honest !
Let's say M. Bergevin has around 15 million dollars that's free:
Correy Perry RW 6'03" 1st line
Alexander Semin RW 6'02" 1st line
David Clarkson RW 6'01" 1st/2nd line 27,5 M - 5,5 M / 5 year contract
Ryane Clowe LW 6'02" 2nd/3rd line 7,5 M - 3,75 M / 2 year contract
Viktor Stalberg LW 6'03" 2nd/3rd line
Bryan Bickell LW 6'04" 3rd line 9 M - 2,25 M / 4 year contract
Maxim Lapierre C 6'02" 4th line 4,4 M - 1,1 M / 4 Year contract
Patrick Bordeleau LW 6'06" 4th line 4 M - 0,800 M / 5 year contract
Tom Sestito LW 6'05" 4th line 1,6 M - 0,800 M / 2 year contract
Total: 14,2 million dollars
The bold ones are the ones I'd try to get my hands on and make this lineup
Pacioretty - Desharnais - Clarkson
Clowe - Plekanec - Gallagher/Eller
Bickell - Galchenyuk - Bourque/Prust
Bordeleau - Lapierre - Sestito
Extras: White / Dumont / Blunden / Who ever
I'll be honest and say I forgot about Prust, but what ever lol. Got 2 massive players (Bordeleau and Sestito) and 2 guys that can drop it anyday (Clowe + Bickell) and a beast (Clarkson)
Edit: That 4th line looks really badass to be honest !
Good god Try to be a little more realistic k?
Pacioretty-Desharnais-Gallagher/xxx
Bourque-Plekanec-Gionta
Galchenyuk-Eller-Prust/Leblanc/Gallagher/xxx
Moen/Prust/xxx-White/Dumont-White/Prust/xxx
Markov-Emelin
Tinordi-Subban
Gorges-Diaz
Price
Budaj/Xxx
Unless something drastic happens, that's what our team is goin to look like next season. Remember that Desharnais and Pacioretty are up for raises and you have to save for P.K the next season. Bordeleau-White-Prust would be totally awesome 4th line.