Bob Gainey’s Thoughts on the Future
Now that the wound has healed a little bit, Bob Gainey and Guy Carbonneau had their year end press conference for the media yesterday, and it didn’t appear that either were one bit rattled over the early departure of the Montreal Canadiens from the Stanley Cup playoffs, and why would they be? I mean, the average age of this team is like 22, one of the lowest in the NHL. This team is going to be great for years to come.
Bob Gainey will definitely be looking to make some moves over the summer, looking for a guy or two that fits in with the Montreal Canadiens’ style of play, which he described as being quick and exciting, and that would help the current players get better, and more prepared for the playoffs.
One member of the Montreal Canadiens not likely to be back next season will be Michael Ryder, not because he didn’t try hard, or didn’t want it, but because the Montreal Canadiens reorganization of lines and special teams just wasn’t in Ryder’s favor, and you can’t blame the guy for that. Using Mike Rebeiro as an example, I believe that Ryder could have a breakout year with a team who needs a sniper at RW.
On the other side Gainey is looking to resign UFA Mark Streit for another season, and who could blame him. Streit had a breakout year with 62 points, his best year since…well, ever. This strong Offensive/Defenseman gives us a great shot at the point on our PP, and could move up to our fourth or even third line if need be.
The Montreal Canadiens will be looking into resigning Andrei Kostitsyn, who is RFA next season, but the possibility of him return to the RSL, or going to another NHL team is viable. Gainey believes that Kostitsyn is comfortable in Montreal, especially now that his brother playing here, and believes we’ll be seeing Andrei Kostitsyn back in the Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge, next season.
Montreal is said to be a frontrunner for Swedish start, Fabian Brunnstrom, who just happened to be in Montreal for two days on the weekend, checking things out. Brunnstrom is also said to have visited Detroit and Dallas, but should make a decision by the end of the week who he wants to go with.
All in all, I think we’re going to have a great 08-09 season.
Tags: bob gainey, brunnstrom, conference, future, guy carbonneau, montreal canadiens