Plekanec vs Lombardi

Lombardi had a great season and could be a perenial 60 point scorer. Upgrade from Plec?? Or simply a cheaper substitute?

PLekanec has grown so much over the last 3 yrs. I don’t believe he’s plateaued in any sense, he can’t grow to be 6’3 210, and he can’t do all he does and then become a ‘stay in front of the net" presence type player. He’s crafty and shifty and good in both ends of the rink – things we couldn’t agree all on 3 yrs ago. Ask Cammalleri if Plekanec should stay. I think the answer would be Yes!

As for money…. we all know there are things the Habs need to do – sort out who they pay what for -

Hamrlik- really worth the money?

Gomez – better than Plek, or different enough that we could have 2 centres who play similar? Could we ask him to restructure in the face of producing a team better equiped to bring back the cup??

Did our Grit bring it??
Moen certainly did. Laps did a good job in the playoffs – will it translate to a full year like that?? Moore definitely played beyond expectation and should be retained.

Kostitsyns??? Lord knows what a team needs to do to reel these guys in. Is it a matter of the team gelling more to illustrate that games mean something? Is there one leader speaking for all in the locker room? We need a Captain- yes, but if more people shared their displeasure with the lack of effort and promote the solidarity and brotherhood, bringing to life the mantra’s painted on the locker room walls, how could one not be motivated to put forth a greater effort? Does history not matter? Prestige? It’s not like they are playing for Columbus, Nashville or Florida.
The Habs have a history of excellence that you can’t deny. Shake your head boys, realize, not opnly are you in the NHL, but you are playing for the most storied franchise this league has ever seen.

Ship out older slower for youth?
PK Subban needs to be on this team! We need someone solid with him as he grows into the complete Norris Trophy Candidate ala Doughty/Duncan

Markov is the strength holding the back end together, but with current injuries we need another solid Dman. Gorges is growing into that guy, but he’s still a smallish guy (no disrespect to how he plays) just physically he’s smaller. Re-sign Markov for the 3-5 yrs and be done with it, let the team grow stronger with knowledge of their teammates instead of shipping out more players to bring in more new blood. lookin ahead 2-3 yrs and keeping the core together makes all the sense in the world.

Ego’s be damned. What’s the difference to a guy if he’s making 3.5 mill or 5>? Taxes. Seriously.

That’s it for my 2 cents today, maybe more later.

There’s absolutely no question that the Canadiens should have signed Lombardi instead of Plekanek. Lombardi has a lot more grit and is a playoff type of guy. They could have got an other player with the extra money saved.