Much like last week, the Canadiens have an unusual schedule that will see them play on Friday and Sunday.
Feels a bit odd to break the routine and not see them drop the puck on a Thursday.
Then again, I am convinced that after their performance against the Stars, not too many will be overly sad about that.
Elsewhere, in a piece of good news for Montreal, Tuomo Ruutu re-signed with the Carolina Hurricanes for four years.
Why is this good news?
Because, with arguably the most coveted rental forward off the market (notice the term 'rental' - Rick Nash and Jeff Carter do not apply here), Andrei Kostitsyn's value increases significantly.
If Pierre Gauthier choose to shop him, of course.
Our Kamal Panesar feels that Montreal should re-sign him.
What do you think?
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HabsAddict.com - Habs Roundup: Playoffs, Trades, Gomez, Kostitsyn, Moen, Geoffrion and more
ESPN - Habs' P.K. Subban is just being himself
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HabsWorld.net - Deadline Preview - Part 1: Prospects
Hockey Inside / Out - Canadiens return to practice Thursday morning
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4 comments:
Ruutu signing presents good news and bad news at the same time. The good is that clearly Andrei is one of the better rental options available. The bad is that the bar is now set for Andrei's contract demands this off-season.
Ruutu is a more physical player, though both throw their weight around. Andrei is a better shooter, having hit the 20 goal mark more, but both however average around 18-20 goals and 40-50 points per season. Both average about 125+ hits per season. They are essentially the same player. Look at their career stats like I did and you'll notice the production levels are very similar.
With that said, Andrei being a couple of years younger, is he worth 4.75 million per season of 20 goals and 45 points? Ruutu apparently is and I'm sure Andrei's agent took notice.
Personally, I say no.
@Nick
You make some excellent points. While I suspect Ruutu is a more regular physical presence, his points totals are not earth shattering. As such, his salary represents an undesirable comparable to AK46.
With that contract in mind, you are right that it may be time to move AK46.
Nonetheless, I get the sense that Kostitsyn would sign for less than that to stay in MTL.
Thanks for reading
I agree that Kostitsyn would probably take a hometown discount, but that is only if he is given more ice time then he currently gets. I think that in order to get the most out of Kostitsyn right now, we should play hime with Eller and either Leblanc or Bourque. This would give all three decent linemates to play with and to see what they could do. There would also be some size to this line as well.
I agree with Geoff. Kostistyn has been impressive while playing in more of a third liner role.
However, although he is willing to take a hometown discount he will still more than likely ask for more than a third liner's salary and in that case it may be better just to let him go to free agency (unless he's traded) and find a replacement.
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