Montreal Canadiens Headed in New Direction

The Canadiens went from the top of the Eastern Conference in 2008, to first round fodder in 2009. Now Bob Gainey has taken this team in a whole new direction, and the fans aren’t sure what to think. Actually, nobody is. The team has signed three big name free-agents, and lost one of their most coveted defensemen, but it’s unreasonable to believe that any of these guys are worth the money.

The fans undoubtedly wanted Vincent Lecavlier, but Tampa’s not going to let go of their team captain very easily. Instead of Lecavlier, the Montreal Habs fans got Scott Gomez, Mike Cammellari and Brian Gionta. In short: whoo-dee-freaking-do.

Gomez is the “big signing” here because he’s due $7.3 million until the end of 2013-14. The Alaskan center has bridged the 20-goal mark just once with 33 goals in 2005-06, and has only broken the 80-point barrier once that same year. Is a guy who averages 64-points a season worth $7.3 million against your cap? Not even close.

Joining Gomez will be former Devils teammate, Brian Gionta who has been a sub-60-point guy his entire career. At age 30, he’s hardly worth the $4 million cap hit. Last year was his second-best season, where he managed 20-goals and 40-assists. His best year was (surprise, surprise) in 2005-06 when he played with Gomez and amazed 89 points. Of course, both of those guys seemingly peaked four years ago so it’s bewildering why $11.3 million of your salary cap would suddenly be dedicated to two guys who are already over the hill.

Cammellari is the real reason to get excited in Montreal. After twiddling away in utter turmoil as a Los Angeles King for five years, Cammellari enjoyed his best season last year with 39-goals and 43-assists en route to an 82-point season. With a five year deal in hand at $30 million, Cammellari was the only good signing the Canadiens have made so far. Cammellari will be loved for his aggressive play making ability and his decisive nose for the net.

The Canadiens stand to lose two of their most beloved players in Alex Kovalev and Saku Koivu. It’s unknown what Gainey will do with Kovalev, a player he has adored during his time in Montreal, despite the fans lashing of him last year where he scored only 65-points in 78 games. Koivu is expected to join his brother in Minnesota after being with the Habs for 13 seasons, and captaining the team for the last few years.

It’s obvious that Gainey is taking this team in a new direction, rebuilding the team around his most valuable asset, goaltender Carey Price. It’s what you have to do when your team crumbles as fast as it did last year. But Gainey, who was revered as a managerial genius just two season ago is losing his grip on this team, and his place with the fans. You obviously have to give Price the guys in front to protect him. I’m just not sure that Gomez, Gionta and Cammellari are the guys to do it.