In an interesting discussion on TSN's "Off The Record" last night, the panel brought up the idea that the number of players on the Canadiens with contract uncertainties heading into the offseason has been a significant detriment to the quality of play of the team. This can be seen to manifest itself in two ways: players pressing too hard to try and score in the hopes of earning a better contract (ultimately leading to inconsistent play), or players avoiding intensive physical/defensive styles to limit injuries that would hurt their contract chances.
Two questions to throw out to our readers then:
1) Do you think that the number of players with uncertain contract status for next year has really been a contributor to some of the struggles the Canadiens have had?
2) Should Bob Gainey work harder to sign/extend his free agents during the season, or is waiting until the offseason still the more prudent choice?
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1) Yes.
ReplyDelete2) You'd hope they'd have a longer term plan for their players, keeping those they want to keep with that team, testing free agency with the others.