Something to mull over on a lazy Sunday:

Ron Hainsey, former Habs blue-chip prospect, may very well test the UFA waters this summer.

Should Gainey cast a line for him?

I can't say I remember the circumstances/mood around Hainsey's departure from the Canadiens on waivers way-back-when, but whatever they were, he seems to have developed into a decent offensive dman.

The 27 yeard old, left-shooting Hainsey amassed 32 points (8G, 24A) last season, 22 of which came on the powerplay. He was a -7 on a defensively suspect Columbus squad, so take that for what it's worth.

He's big (6'3, 211 lbs.), though an apparent knock against him is that he doesn't play like it.

If we're comparing UFA dmen, Streit had nearly double Hainsey's points last season, but is a few years older, and doesn't have Hainsey's size. A lack of size (or willingness/wherewithal to use it) was glaringly apparent in Streit's playoff performance, particularly in those battles along the boards and in the corners.
If Hainsey is just as reluctant to use his size effectively, though, I suppose the comparison is a wash.

I know we are all pining for (Swedish?) UFA help up front, and we seem to be well-stocked in defensive prospects, but I figured I'd throw Hainsey's name out there, if for no other reason than to promote some healthy debate.

So...any takers?