The lockers have been emptied, equipment packed and put in safekeeping, players have began their journeys either home to spend some long awaited time with their families or on a much needed vacation. Some will begin training as soon as possible, ironing out the kinks in their game or simply staying in tip top shape for the fall. One thing is for sure, the front office staff, especially the General manager and coaching staff, will begin another part of their year long job.
First is the NHL Draft. Commencing June 26-27 in Philadelphia, the Canadiens hold the 26th pick of the first round. A spot they haven’t been in, in many years. Accustomed to front of the pack picks in past seasons, this will be a new challenge for the Montreal brass. Being the only team from Canada drafting outside the top 10, much less pressure will be on Mr.Bergevin to pick the golden choice. With a steady stream of players expected to fill out depth charts in all positions, it won’t be hard to land a kid with solid potential at the end of the first round.
Next up is free agency and the resign phase. For many teams this will be the make or break point for the 2014-2015 season. With UFA’s loaded throughout the league, not to mention some key RFA’s, bottom feeding teams with some extra coin, can hope to reel in some big fish this summer. The likes of Ryan Callahan, Derek Roy, Thomas Vanek and even veterans such as Andrei Markov and Martin Brodeur could be in different uniforms come October. The Habs who have a number of UFA’s also have one particular player they desperately need to resign, Pk Subban. After a breakout postseason, leading the team in what was the most exciting series win in decades, vs the Boston Bruins. Pk is primed to ink a lucrative deal, some speculate to be one of, if not the highest contract for a D-man in the NHL. Fans and critics can agree, if any player deserves it, it’s him. With the maturing of his play on and off the ice, mixed with his spectacular play, Subban has shown he is in the elite class with the Doughtys, Keith’s etc.
Not much should be different come September for training camp. Marc Bergevin made his objectives clear in the season ending press conference, stating he would love to resign Pk, Captain Gionta and newly acquired Dale Weise/Mike Weaver. Also told media members he would definitely be welcoming Michel Therrien back to coach. One thing he didn’t touch too much on was if Vanek would be returning to the club. Though many in the hockey world fully expect him to be wearing Minnesota colours next year, wouldn’t be a surprise if Bergevin made some kind of an attempt to bring back Vanek.
So as the summer treads along, most likely quicker than most would hope, fans can take a break from the hockey induced comas they have been in since winter. Beards will be shaved, jerseys and lucky drawers washed and flags taken down. They will forget the last 9 months and all despair experienced. Some will move on to summer sports, to get that fix. They will enjoy it though, come September they will be back in that trance, sucked in with every fibre to the television, craving the puck drop , the sound of skates and sticks on ice, and the ever gloriously chance of their fan base winning Lord Stanley’s cup.
