The Habs have been out of the playoffs for just under a week, and there’s already rumours spurring on new faces with the Montreal Canadiens.
CJAD gets the head start, reporting that a close source to the radio station has learned former NHLer Jaromir Jagr could have the Habs on his short list, if he were to return to North America.
Jagr is now 39, and while his point production in the KHL remains consistent, his goal totals have dropped notably over three seasons. They key question, , if Jagr chose to return, the big question would be the dollar amount he would be after. With the Canadiens already paying out big bills for Tomas Plekanec, Brian Gionta, Mike Cammalleri and Scott Gomez, and more likely focusing their bankroll on the blueline, Jagr would have to come at a bargain price to sign in Montreal.
One Habs asset that will NOT be around next season is goaltender Karri Ramo, who has reportedly signed on for two more years in Russia.
That of course brings up the question of who backs up Carey Price next season?
The front runner would be Alex Auld who,despite becoming an unrestricted free agent July 1, knew his position in the organization. Depth wise, Curtis Sandford had a great season prior to injury and Drew McIntyre is filling the void extremely well in the playoffs for the Hamilton Bulldogs. Both goalies also become UFA come July 1, and knowing a place in Montreal would be less than a dozen starts, it will likely that both be looking for offers elsewhere. Robert Mayer is only 21, and would likely be best off getting starts in the Hammer.
The Bulldogs are battling in the AHL playoffs, holding a 2-1 series lead over the Manitoba Moose, losing 5-3 Tuesday in Manitoba. Meanwhile, the Habs’ other co-affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), have a 1-0 lead over Kalamazoo in their Eastern Conference Final.
Another Habs post-mortum from A Winning Hab-it
