The first category of interesting players that could have an impact on an new team are those who are sent to the minors because they are not living up to their contract or the teams do not have adequate cap space to keep them at the NHL level. The most prominent players who have fallen into this situation are Christobal Huet, Wade Redden, and Ales Kotalik. All three players would most likely still be playing in the NHL if not for their contracts. However, it will be interesting to see if any of these three will get a shot in the next few years as the salary cap continues to rise and the impact of their contracts is diminished.
There are a few servicable defencemen on the wire this year, highlighted by Shaone Morrisonn, who has played for Washington and Buffalo at the NHL level, but was caught in a numbers game this year for the Sabres as they added Regehr, Erhoff, and youngster M-A Gragnani. Morrisonn has size, 6-4 and 210 pounds, and averaged just over 16 minutes of ice time last year so he should be able to find work in the NHL this year. Perharps the Islanders, who are in need of a defenceman would be a possible fit, plus they had success last year.
Another category of players who frequently pass through waivers are enforcers. This year, potential heavy-weight champ, Eric Godard, was placed on waivers by the Stars. Godard is in an interesting situation because he signed a two-year deal with the Stars in the offseason and has a two-way clause for the first year. With the Stars being strapped for cash and already having an enforcer, Krys Barch, albeit not of Godard's stature, singed for this season, it made sense for the Stars to waive Godard this year and plan to have him with the NHL club next season. I would have loved for the Habs to put a claim in for Godard. I have always felt that fighting has no place in hockey but it would make sense for the Canadiens to have an enforcer since the NHL does not share my opinion on fighting and seems to endorce violence. If you are going to have a goon, you might as well have one of the best and Godard definetely fits the bill. Plus, he seems comfortable with limited ice and game time, playing 20 games, and he is a team player, as is evident by his taking a 10 game suspension to protect backup goalie Brent Johnson.
Godard Fights
- Godard coming off the bench
- Godard vs Orr
- Godard vs Neil
The other player who, in my opinion, should be of some interest to the Canadiens is Philly goon Tom Sestito. Although it appears that Sestito will soon be suspended for his hit on Andre Deveaux, he does fit the mold of a player the Habs are lacking. Although he does not appear to be as tough as Godard, he does have size, 6-5 and 220 pounds, and he is more capable of taking a regular shift scoring 4 points in 9 games with Columbus and 32 points in 46 games with their minor league affiliate last season.
- Suspension looming for Sestito
- This clip shows that Sestito can skate decently for a big man
Either Godard or Sestito could fit in with the Habs, with Sestito being my first choice, and provide some more grit on the fourth line. The downside to taking a shot on either is limited as they can both be sent to the minors on a two-way contract this year if they don't work out. The Habs could give them a quick try-out as players like White heal from injuries. It is not as if any of the current players in camp have played well enough to deserve a spot ahead of either of these two.
