In this, the first part of a three part series, I will attempt to get a grasp on the future of Montreal’s key free agents.

Patrice Brisebois (UFA): With the continued emergence of Montreal’s young defence corps, Brisebois could be on the outs next year. The likes of Valetenko and O’Byrne are certainly breathing down his neck, while Streit’s stated preference of playing on the back-end also weighs on Breezer’s future. Having said that, he accepted his limited role in stride this season, showed great character in coming back to the city that essentially booed him out and was a key offensive contributor during the playoffs. Given the tremendous character he has shown, I would love for Brisebois to stick around another year and feel he could bring quality depth to the team, like he did this year.

Michael Ryder (UFA): We all know Ryder is out, but I must admit I find that reality bothersome to a degree. He is exactly the type of player who, with a change of scenery, will regain his scoring touch and come back to haunt Montreal. Then in 5 years we will hear the guys on 110% screaming about how the Habs let go of another good player. Nonetheless, the reality is that he probably does not fit into the team’s plans anymore. Ryder is not a tremendous skater by any stretch and a porous defensive player, so if he is not scoring his use is limited. Also, why, oh lord why, does Ryder ALWAYS elect to deke in the shootout when his strength is his shot? I’m so glad to get that off my chest…

Bryan Smolinski (UFA): He made up for his mediocre season down the stretch and in the playoffs, but that must not cloud our judgement. Smolinski had a mediocre season and was invisible in stretches. Although he has shown that he can make a valuable impact, and he truly did late in the year, it is much more beneficial to attribute his ice time to a younger player.

Mark Streit (UFA): Although he did not have a fantastic run in the post-season, Streit had a breakout campaign. His 62 points speak volumes to his offensive talent and adaptability. There is no doubt that the Canadiens must do everything in his power to retain him. However, given Streit’s stated preference for playing defence, there could be a problem. I cannot see Bob Gainey or Guy Carbonneau guaranteeing him a spot on the blueline, especially with the team’s aforementioned depth at that position. And, for what it is worth, I actually feel that Streit is far better at forward than at defence.

Yann Danis (UFA): Danis never got much of a chance in the big league and its hard to imagine him cracking Montreal’s lineup with Halak or Price in front of him. Even if Halak is moved or goes to Russia, I cannot imagine Montreal going with Danis as their backup. Expect him to explore his options elsewhere.

Josh Gorges (RFA): Gorges was not a fan favourite at first in Montreal, but over the course of the last season he has shown he can be a gritty and solid contributor. I have always felt that patience and time were needed with Gorges, and that is starting to pay off for the team. He does not have much raw skill, but his work ethic and leadership are unquestionable. A must keep for Montreal. Boy that Rivet trade is looking good.

Mikhail Grabovski (RFA): Between his antics (missing a team flight) and the presence of players with similar styles, namely the Kostitsyn brothers, one might think that Grabovski could be used as trade bait this summer. Obviously, it is also possible that he is lured to Russia ala Alexander Perezhogin or that he is simply resigned.

Jaroslav Halak (RFA): Rumours have run rampant for some time that he might head to Russia and he has also expressed is desire for more playing time. This has all the makings of a future distraction and it must be addressed. Halak is an appealing prospect and could easily be packaged in a trade, but I don’t see him coming back to Montreal if he does not expect to play a reasonable proportion of games and I don’t see the Habs rolling on with two extremely young netminders.

Andrei Kostisyn (RFA): Kostisyn has dazzled many this season and he is an obvious priority for Bob Gainey. There should be no problems, the money freed up by Ryder’s anticipated departure can easily be put towards Andrei.

Maxim Lapierre (RFA): The long flowing hair, the constant smirk on his face, his acerbic style of play, Lapierre has all the makings of a super pest. Plus, he is a local kid. No brainer here, he stays.

Ryan O’Byrne (RFA): O’Byrne is a giant at 6’6 and offers Montreal another physical option on the blueline. He is the type of player the Canadiens have been lacking for years and needs to be locked up for as long as possible.  

I am looking forward to hearing what readers and fellow bloggers think! Hope this can get some good discussion going.

In part two of my off season analysis, I will take a look at some of Montreal’s up and coming prospects and what kind of impact they may have in the near future.  

According to sources in Montreal, defencemen Patrice Brisebois is on the verge of signing a one year contract with the Canadiens. Earlier reports stated that the Habs had offered the veteran a deal worth 700,000$.

First of all, I must say I am impressed with Brisebois, who is coming back into the lion's den after essentially being booed out by the harsh Montreal fanbase. Many may be disgruntled by his return, but for all the complaining about players not wanting to play in Montreal, it is abundantly clear that Brisebois does.

I believe that Brisebois could actually provide a good boost to Montreal's second power-play unit, considering that after Hamrlik, Markov and Streit the team is left between Dandenault and Bouillon to man the point. In that regard, he is undoubtedly an upgrade. Also, although he is an aging defencemen, one must be mindful that two of his best seasons came in the last three years. Prior to leaving Montreal, he had one of his most solid seasons with the Habs, leading the team in +/- at +17 while avoiding many of the costly brain cramps that earned him the ire of the fans. The following season, post-lockout, in Colorado he obtained a carreer high in points with 38. Although last year was considerably difficult for him, mainly due to injuries, I feel he could still contribute something to the team.

Having said all that, I cannot help but feel that his signing (should it officially occur) is precursor to a trade. Montreal already had a pretty clearly defined top-seven with Hamrlik, Markov, Komisarek, Streit, Dandenault, Bouillon and Gorges. Combine that with Mathieu Biron, Jaime Rivers and J.P Côté who are in Hamilton but have all seen time in the NHL and with Pavel Valatenko and Ryan O'Byrne who both seem on the verge of the big league, it just seems to leave the team with an unreasonable logjam on the blueline.

I guess only time will tell, and this post will be awfully useless if Brisebois doesn't sign after all...