HOSSA RUMORS

First of all I’ll believe it when I see him skating in the Bell Center. Second, I do believe, whether it’s Hossa, Sundin, or who ever, someone is coming our way.

With respect to Hossa being traded for Ryder and Streit rumours, here’s my view on things. Ryder is a lost cause. Not to say he is not a talented player, nor that his career is over, but it doesn’t take a squad of gypsies to fore-see contract disagreements come this summer. When Ryder becomes a free agent once more, he will ask for as much money, if not more, compared to his current contract. As a player he believes in his abilities and will not want to sell him self short. Bob Gainey on the other hand was already reluctant to give Ryder his relatively large contract. He had offered considerably less, but took a roll of the dice when the natural-goal scorer asked for more money. The gamble is a loss for the GM, even if Ryder goes on a tear for the rest of the season. Ryder had a short life-term in Montreal unless he would be willing to take a pay cut to play here. Given his behaviour pattern during the last two summers, it is clear that he will not. With that said, giving up Ryder is a zero cost for the team, and could potentially be exactly what his career needs (think Mike Ribeiro) so it’s a win win.

Mark Streit on the other hand is a tough one to let go. Not because he’s super talented, nor because he (supposedly) replaces Sheldon Souray on the point for our PP (what a load of…) but mainly because he’s fairly good at various positions. He CAN play the point on the PP, he can play forward, he can kill penalties and he’s a defenseman by nature. Having a player like him (and Dandenault) on your roster at a cheap price is a great tool for any coach. He is to the roster what ducked-tape is to a man’s toolbox. He can fill any hole and do the job to within expectations.

The third point to consider is that Bob Gainey does not have the habit of giving up s huge price, not even a small price, for short term gains. If he brings over Hossa and let’s Streit go, you can bet a chicken and a half that Gainey has spoken with Hossa and foresees future benefits in terms of a long term signing.

So keeping all this in mind, IMO, if we’re offered Hossa with a contract extension, for Ryder and Streit, I’ll take Hossa hands down.