To this day, Carey Price and his agent have yet to come to a contractual agreement with the Montreal Canadiens. As every day goes by, more and more speculation grows as to just why this contract has yet to be signed. Everyone keeps repeating that we should not worry but this is Montreal, no Habs story is little, and when there’s no stories, that’s a story in itself that creates other stories. Follow me? It’s a complicated story…
How did we get into this situation in the first place? Here’s how i saw things happen, maybe you saw things differently. The Habs have known for a long time that Carey Price would be the guy they would go with on a long term basis. I’m sorry to all Halak fans out there but it never even was a race. Sure, they raced both goalies together, in the spirit of the healthy mutual competition they hoped would both push each other to their maximums. It seems to have worked quite well in Halak’s favor, maybe a bit less in the favor of Carey Price. None the less, it was a question of time before Halak would be moved, and i feel the strategy all along was waiting for the perfect moment, when his value was at it highest. If they wanted to move him during last season, they would have had to have felt in a very awkward situation, because of how well Halak was playing, vs the criticism (often unfair) Carey Price was receiving. Let’s be honest to, I’m a Carey Price fan, but Halak had the better season, there. Still, moving him during the season, when the Habs were fighting for a playoff spot would have been lower on the popularity scale then moving him in the off-season. I also believe that Pierre Gauthier stayed away from signing Carey Price, because if he hoped to rely on Halak for the playoffs, signing Price would have sent the absolute wrong message and possibly crushed any playoff hopes. That’s why i believe last season ended with both goalies unsigned. Finally on this point, for those who ask what Gauthier would have done had the Habs won the Stanley Cup with Halak in nets, although i don’t see both situations as identical, i say he would have done the same as Stan Bowman did with Antti Niemi.
Always important to stretch
If what i’ve said or any of it is true, i can understand the Canadiens for having done what they did, however, the priority once the season ended, first and foremost, should have been to sign Carey Price before moving Halak to the St Louis Blues. Yeah, sure, broken record, everyone’s said this already, but it’s true, moving Halak prior to signing Price put Price’s agent in a position of power, and anyone who thinks Carey Price is “stupid” for not having yet signed his contract is saying this from their heart, but sorry to say not using their heads when making the comment. Sure, it’s a game, it’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s enjoyable, but it’s a business, it’s their job, and they are out for the best contractual conditions possible. Because Price has no competition in Montreal (Auld, let’s be real here), it is Gauthier that put himself in this position and how this situation plays itself out could be what tips the scale in just how good a job Gauthier has done in this off-season. It’s easy for some people to say that Price has no bargaining power, and that his only argument would be to hold out. I disagree with this, the bargaining chip that Price has, is that Gauthier has committed to him, and could risk looking like a fool and losing his job if unable to sign Price. As we speculate about this, we have other people on the net, whether it be on twitter or websites that keep this news going by throwing rumors into the air, often making absolutely no sense.
Great examples of this are Eklund from the website hockeybuzz.com and also various posters on the website tricolore.ca. Both combined have produced the following Carey Price rumors over the summer:
- Carey Price + other will be traded to Vancouver Canucks for Roberto Luongo and Alex Burrows.
- Carey Price will be traded, Habs will sign Antti Niemi. (Same thing for Marty Turco, same thing for Evgeni Nabakov.
(I’m sure i’m forgetting some)
Eklund’s latest blog post is the following, do you believe it?
>>>
“This just in from an OUTSTANDING source familiar with the situation…I am expecting more on this shortly…
“The trade would involve another #1 going back to Montreal, and a defenseman who would be flipped to San Jose for a quality forward with size.”
More news to come including the latest on Guerin, Niemi, Johnson, and the Sabres.
<<<
Before last year’s trade deadline, Eklund alone rumored:
- Halak + other going to Edmonton for Brule and Cogliano.
As Halak started playing well, and as Price started getting the bench more, the rumor turned into:
- Price + other going to Edmonton for Brule and Cogliano.
One thing is for certain, whether these rumors are true or totally being made up (probably the latter), they obviously create traffic on their websites as i don’t see why else they would do this.
That being said, i ask you the following 2 questions:
- Have we seen any sign from the Montreal Canadiens that we should be worried at this time?
- Have we seen any sign from the Carey Price camp that we should be worried at this time?
I hope we can all agree that the answer is NONE. So let’s wait people. You know that good old Montreal Canadiens motto, “let’s be patient”. Let’s stop saying “Why is Carey Price not signing his contract?”. Nobody is saying “Why has Pierre Gauthier not yet signed Carey Price?” yet it is just as valid. The facts are they’ve yet to agree to terms on the new deal, but we’ve seen no reason to worry so far, let’s have a positive outlook on this, and have confidence that things will work out.
Assuming all these puzzle pieces fall into place, i know I’m wishing for the stars here, but i really hope people will give Carey Price his chance. Allow him some breathing space to show what he’s capable of doing at the helms of this team because i have never seen a goalie who I’ve so strongly believed, would really grow to be a great one in this league. I dream of the day he’ll be holding the Stanley Cup in Montreal.
Stevo
August 29, 2010
I agree with everything i just said.
>:)
Tyg
August 29, 2010
You’re agreeing with everything you just said? LMAO Hon, you know I love you but in the interests of protecting your sanity, I’ll play devil’s advocate. You know why the season ended with both goalies unsigned? I don’t think it had anywhere near as much to do with the playoffs as with Tomas Plekanec’s pending UFA and the salary cap. I think if Gauthier could have afforded to keep both and Pleky, Halak would still be in Montreal. I also think Gauthier is highly unlikely to lose his job this year, regardless of whether or not Price holds out – and he won’t ’cause it’s career suicide re: the NHL. As for your questions – I answer “no” to both. They’ve got each other over a barrel at this point, so I expect concessions to be made on both sides. I just want Price – and the team – to have a stellar year. Is that too much to ask for?
Stevo
August 29, 2010
haha, the initial comment was in the spirit of trying to get people to comment, guess it only worked on you so far
As for what you said, in regards to Gauthier resigning Halak had he been able to afford to, i really feel that this would have been the worst possible scenario. If they truly want Price to develop, which i believe is what they, as an organization have wanted all along, then i think it was about time they got Halak out there. I like Halak, but in the interests of the team, he had to go, and i think they came to that conclusion.
As for Gauthier losing his job, it’s all based on the very unlikely scenario that Price wouldn’t sign which i don’t see happening, but i still think it’s possible
I agree with you, i ‘hope’ they have a stellar year, but i look at Boston, Tampa and Atlanta and i cant help to wonder that this year might be more difficult then the last for the Canadiens, who have a team that won’t look all that much different from last year. I’m a bit pessimistic to be honest, but hopefully everything works out!
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment Tyg, appreciate it!
Tyg
August 29, 2010
Ah, I was a fan of both goalies, so I wanted to keep both and am biased as a result. With Halak gone, I’m now only a fan of Price’s. I can’t say as I’d mind if Gauthier did lose his job (not that I’m cruel enough to wish that on anyone), because I think the Habs organization as a whole could benefit from an injection of fresh young blood. I like the goalies challenging each other last season, and I liked that the team had two strong netminders that were the envy of the league.
I’d like Price to get past the “potential” phase this year into the “maturity” phase though. No more shooting pucks into opposing players, and no more scraps with the vets on the team for the press to pounce on. I know the Habs as a team didn’t help him out last year either, but I’m frankly sick of all this damned potential and growth that’s yet to hit the ice. I’m talking about Kostitsyn and Eller and Schultz and Pouliot here too.
If the Habs can harness any of this and stay healthy, I think they have a better shot. I think only the Devils had more hours lost to injury, though it’s highly likely I’m mistaken since I don’t retain stats all that well. Usually I’m a pessimist too, but all the negativity surrounding this team lately is spoiling my fun, so I’ve resolved to be more positive.
I think Price will have a solid year, and the Habs will stay healthy and give him the support he deserves, and they’ll place higher than 8th. Feel free to call me delusional.
terihabsfan
August 29, 2010
Damn Gauthier and his bad management strategy did put Carey’s agent in a position of power. Carey thinks now he has the Habs by the gonads and he can get whatever he wants besides performing like crap over the past season. Is more money going to keep him from falling apart the next time someone criticizes him in the slightest way? No respect left for Carey- you Carey should be thankful and grateful that these lunatics believe in you- do you ever think you will find another group of management so blinded to your faults? This whole thing is disgusting. And it has Gainey’s bad management advising all over it! We need to get rid of Gauthier and staff, and bring in new, better management, without any of Gauthier’s and Gainey’s delussions, for the Habs! This season is so going to suck. Im barely a Habs fan right now.
kyle
August 29, 2010
I still don’t think there’s much to worry about. Price wants a short term deal, Gauthier wants a long term deal. They’ll meet in the middle before its too late.
Though I do wonder if Gerry Johanssen considered how being this ‘hard line’ about what they want can affect the perception of his client. The fans are still angry about Halak being dealt and were ready to burn effigies of Price. Now these nutjobs perceive him as holding out and like him even less.
The longer and harder they make this, the less patience the fans will have with Price. I hope Johanssen considered that when mapping out his strategy.
Stevo
August 29, 2010
Thank you all for reading and the comments!
Tyg: I’d also like to see younger blood in our GM position, although as Kyle has pointed out numerous times before, it’s very hard, so far at least, to argue with most of what he’s done in the off-season (Gauthier). For now, i’ll sit and wait and see what comes out of what he’s putting together. Criticism is ready, but being kept in a safe place for now
For Price, I’m confident then with the maturity he demonstrated when he had to warm the bench last year, that he’ll come back stronger. I would not expect him to play next year like Halak did the last, but i definitely expect him to have a more all-around solid season.
Health is definitely always a factor, it’ll be interesting to see how everything plays out, especially considering the little amount of cap space we risk having left in case we need to make ‘emergency moves’ during the season.
teri: I sense a lot of anger from you lol. I’m guessing you were on the Halak side and disappointed to see him go, i can understand that even though i agree with the Habs decision. I don’t agree that it’s disgusting as you call it, but i do agree on the bad management part, and that being that he was rushed into the league. I understand why Gainey did it, he explained it very well, but i continue to believe that for a young fellow, it was a not a healthy situation he was put into, and the result is what it is. That said, i don’t think he had a terrible season last year, low goal production when he was in the net did not help, and it simply seemed like a black cloud hung over his head and followed him all year. I know there’s probably nothing i can say today to make you change your mind, but i hope that one day, he becomes the goaltender he has the potential to be, and this debate can finally be put to a rest.
Kyle: Hey Kyle! Thanks so much for the comment. I agree on the contract, Price probably asking for 2 while being offered 3-4, probably a 500-750K difference on the price. One side will bend in one category while the other will bend in the other category. (Example: Price will take less money to get the term her wants, or will give the Habs the term they want for more money, the first being more probable IMO)
As for the perception, i’m not sure it will have any effect. Those who don’t like Price won’t like him anymore, those who do will not let it affect them… maybe i’m just being overly positive about the situation…
david macleod
August 29, 2010
I understand that you are a Carey fan, and I respect that, but by admitting that your comments have to be put through a filter. Too bad you are not a fan/poster of what is/was best for the team, and not based on who your favorite is.
What I allowed myself to do in this case, as I did not have a preconceived favorite in this goalie mess, was to be guided by the phrase “a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.” I believe Gauthier made a huge gamble here, because one had truly shown what he is made of, and he traded him. The other comes with many unanswered questions, and that worries me a great deal.
I for one fear it was not a good decision, short or long term. I do hope I am wrong, being a Habs fan, but I stand behind my comments – based on NHL performance, and not because either is my favorite.
Stevo
August 29, 2010
Hi David, thanks for sharing your comments. Not sure what you mean by the “comments have to be put through a filter” comment so if possible, i’d like you to elaborate on that.
So you know, it was never a question of favorites for me. I love Halak, i think he did great for the Habs, and i wish him all the success in the world. What tipped the scales for me was the what i see as long term potential in both of them.
Nobody knows what the future holds but IMO, Halak surpassed himself last season, and i’m not so sure that he can have as much success, on a consistent and long term basis. I say this based on the fact he’s never truly faced the pressure of being called out the #1 goalie.
As for Price, i see what is sometimes an impeccable technique, and a goalie who i feel has a stronger potential to be a dominant force in this league. His ability to move in the net with his big frame also tips the scales for me.
I’m not alone who feels this way, Scotty Bowman who many consider one of the greatest minds in hockey declared himself during last season that the Canadiens would be making a big mistake by getting rid of Price, that says something.
Don’t get me wrong, i do agree it was a gamble none the less, the city was and seems to still be divided on the issue, but when you get right down and think about it, you never know what the future holds and going with anyone is technically a gamble.
Happy that you shared your comments, just wanted to be clear that i don’t approve the decision simply because i like Price, the fact is i like both, but i do believe that Price will be the better goaltender for many years to come. Only time will tell.
zak
August 30, 2010
The reason Halak got traded is because PG didn;t want to embarrass BG by trading BG’s thorough-bred.
Number31
August 30, 2010
Everything’s a gamble. The Hawks are gambling on Turco to just be reasonable behind a stellar D. The Habs are gambling on futures that have room to grow in all 3 areas (Price, Subban, Eller, etc). The Blues are gambling on Jaro who never started a whole season on his own in a tougher conference and one of the toughest divisions. But according to Edmonton you should always sign the players involved in a misty-eyed stars-aligned good playoff run, future be damned, right? Those contracts capsized.
And in a year or so, Jaro will be fighting it out with Jake Allen. Familiar situation?
Plus, Theodore wasn’t signed until just before the golf tourney. This isn’t anything new.
My only problem with what the Habs did in their goaltending depthchart is, well, the depthchart flatlines after Mayer. Oh well, just gotta start drafting new ones.
Stevo
August 31, 2010
Zak: Sorry but that’s not really how it works. They would not sacrifice the short or long term future of the organization on the simple principle that they don’t want to hurt the feelings of the ex-GM who still works within the organization. Sorry but i just don’t buy that. Thanks for commenting none the less.
Number31: For Halak, i truly do wish him all the best. As someone who played the goaltender position for almost 20 years, I for some reason am not able to criticize another goalie, i defend them all! However, i completely agree that he could end up in a similar situation with Allen, had never really thought about that.
As for the goaltending depthchart, i agree, it’s depleted, as for many other areas with the off-season we’ve had. Very new team in Hamilton, not many returning players, new coaches, the whole kit and kaboodle (is that how you spell that expression?!?), it’ll be interesting to see how they rebound following their loss in the finals last season.
Thanks for commenting, appreciate it!
John Bretthauer the owner of San Jose CA Realtor
December 17, 2010
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