Habs Sign Markov

The Habs have finally signed one of their defensemen and it was the one with the highest priority. According to TSN.ca, Andrei Markov has been signed for 4 years. While the terms were not disclosed, it is fair to say (based on this report) that it was worth about $5M.

I personally think that's way too much money for Markov, but at the same time, the UFA market is pretty slim and this is one Russian that actually enjoys playing in Montreal. So all-in-all this is a good signing.

Now we have to wait to see if Gainey can sign Souray. My guess is Souray would make as much if not more than Markov. So that's $10M (minimum) locked up on two players, one of whom is terrible in his own end (I'll let you guess which is which). So with that kind of dough spent, who can the Canadiens possibly sign in the UFA market this year?

Smells like a trade is the only possibility.

Worldly Habs

As reported on the Canadiens.com web site, the Canadiens playing in the World Championships are doing quite well.

Andrei Markov (who earlier this week cited his insistance on returning to the Habs) has collected 3 points (1G, 2A) in helping his team go 3-0 to finish the round-robin. The Russians are looking quite good at this point, even though they've played some weaker teams.

Tomas Plekanec has collected 4 points (2G, 2A) and has guided the Czechs to a 3-0 finish as well. Although, like Russia, the Czechs are also in a weaker division.

Mark Streit (aka "Captain Switzerland") hasn't collected any points so far, but a even rating and only 2 goals against in 2 games seems to indicate a strong defensive performance. But is that as impressive when you factor in that they've played Latvia and Italy? I think the true test will be tomorrow's game against Sweden.

Finally, Jaroslav Halak has carried his impressive NHL run into the Worlds. He has continued to surprise. He's played only 1 game so far and stopped all 24 of Norway's shots to earn himself a shutout. He did not play against Germany. I'm not sure if they plan to dress him against Canada tomorrow. If they do and he shuts them out, well now that will be impressive!

Of note, David Aebischer is also there, but since he won't be a Hab as of July 1st, I havn't consider him. Plus, he hasn't dressed yet.

Markov to Avoid UFA?

Rumours from the Gazette are that Andrei Markov will remain a Hab.

Currently in Russia, Markov has told his agent (Don Meehan) that he wants to stay with the Canadiens. This prompted Meehan to say (publically) that Montreal has a good chance of re-signing Markov.

Meehan will travel to Russia to "speak" to Markov during the world championships. (This is presumably to tell him about all the cash he could get if he went UFA.) Given Markov's attitude towards the Habs and the Habs' attitude towards him, it's a very good bet he's sticking around anyway.

We'll see though... Money has a funny way of changing people's minds...