Streit to test free agency?

I could go either way on Streit. I don't think he's necessarily worth a huge pay raise for essentially one very good season. 62 pts is amazing but who actually thinks he could duplicate that again? I think his typical point total in 06-07 (a respectable 36 pts) is closer to what he can achieve consistently season to season. I wasn't impressed with his 5-5 play as a D-man and having him play a 4th line forward role isn't something he wants to continue doing nor do I think it's good for the team to have him play a 4th line forward role. If only Streit were stronger on D then I wouldn't be undecided on his resigning. It will be too bad if we lose him as he will be an asset to any team. The upside of it would be that it would force the Canadiens to develop different power play strategies. We were over reliant on Streit as we were on Souray as if our only play was simply to have Markov feed the puck to the right point for a blast. When this was taken away in the playoffs our power play was instantly neutered.

Streit has turned into such a offensive defencemen. For those who think he has done nothing. 62 points is more than enough. Many teams will go after him... We will probibly let him go, give some more space for the rookies comming up.

I don't think streit is out of gaineys plans just yet, if he was, bob probably would of traded his rights before the draft. Before anyone says he has no trade value, he was among the league leaders in points by a dman(as per ebk most of his points were as a dman) and powerplay points. If there is any doubt about the value of powerplay specialists, just look at what sheldon souray got from edmonton.

He just doesn't fit on the team. We already have 6 defencemen who play their parts better than Streit and we have 12 forwards who play their roles better. So unless he's willing to play part-time on the 3rd/4th line he will be going elsewhere.

Streit's 62 points last season were enough to put him third on the team. He had more points then Markov, Koivu, A Kost, Higgins, Ryder. I'm not saying he is a pro-star or anything but lets at least give him some credit. Most comments sound as though it's just some utility guy who we are letting walk so the next utility guy can poke along instead. I hope we can resign him. He has improved each year and is important to the power play. He also can be used in all situations and usually makes good decisions. I can't see it costing a fortune to keep him.

Streit wants to stay in Montreal. He loves the team, city and the fans. He is versatile, and if we have a D Man go down to injury, he'll step right in. Honestly, I've seen Valentenko play in Hamilton and he's not ready to step in as the 7th D-man, not yet. Still has to play alot of games for the Dogs, he was injured last year. Sundin, don't play games with our team. Either you want to play for the Habs or you don't. It's as simple as that. Sign Streit Bob. Forget about Mats. His heart is somewhere else than Montreal. "We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"

I'd love to see the Habs sign Streit, players that good on the PP are not easy to come by. He will not be as easily replaced as some have suggested. He sees the ice well, makes excellent passes on the PP and has a big enough blast from the point. He played poorly in the playoffs but I believe much of that was due to him being injured. However, if the Habs sign Hossa or Sundin, Streit is as good as gone. He will probably get in the neighborhood of $3.0m per season and the HAbs might not have that much $$ available for him. His stats last season as a forward and defenseman Forward 34-4-9-13-(+1) Defenseman 47-2-13-15-(-6) PP 81-7-24-34-(E)

If Streit leaves, what are we going to do about our powerplay? We will be missing that offensive defencemen to play the right point. And if Gainey said he has no intention of changing his top six defencemen, who does Carbo plan to throw out on the point who can actually get things done? Unless we sign Rolston and use him and his booming slap shot.

Streit and Dandy are both good people who have served the Habs well but I can't see either one of them playing defense for us next season. They are both better suited for other roles. Streit is a specialist we can no longer afford and Dandy is a sub in our lineup who wants to be a full time regular. At this point in time it's doubtful either one will be with us come October. Streit will probably go to the team that loses the Brian Cambpell sweepstakes. Dandy may stick around if he can accept limited icetime, or he will be moved for a low round pick or future considerations. We owe him that much. Both of these stiuations are a reflection of how much our roster has improved. There will be a few more departures at the end of next year as well. The Original 24 Cups

Streit excelled as a PP point man. Other than that, he was a bust. He isn't physical and is too small to play D against the league's top forwards. The fact he'll get 3 to 3.5 mil from a team like the Rangers just plain shows the irresponsibility of most GMs in the NHL. For all of you out there who think Burke is the best GM out there: he bought out Bertuzzi, showing that he, too, makes BIG mistakes. Kinda like waiting for Neidermayer and Selanne until January, for bleep's sake. Gilbert

I agree that Streit has character - he worked his butt off to get here (though most do). And with that terrific point shot he has, some team needing help on the PP will surely pick him up and probably be happy they did. And because of his PP value, he'll get a good payday. But ultimately for the Habs I agree they should let him go - and I'm sure I wouldn't pay him what he's gonna get elsewhere. Defensively we weren't strong last year and when he was playing D (where he wants to play now) he was one of the weaker players and his plus-minus shows it. Even with as good as he was on the PP at scoring, watching him miss blue line passes in clutch situations was driving me nuts. IMHO, this 'versatility' factor is over-blown. The fact that both Dandenault and Streit played the year up front and back makes sexy news stories, but these guys also lead our plus-minus on the wrong end of the equation.... and it's not like they were lining up against the other teams best - that was MArkov and Hamr and Komi. I consider this two-way player a failed experiment and think that Guy was just making due with what he has. And saying Streit was a leading defensemen in scoring (like you here all the time) is just misleading - he was a forward most of the time. Regardless, it's a moot point because the Habs have obviously decided that he's not in their plans; their judgement seems to be that the 6 blue-liners they have are better or better value at least. IMCO ~Listen to the smart dog!

Brian Campbell speaks out about his future... by David Pollack ... Mercury News .... http://blogs.mercurynews.com/sharks/2008/06/27/and-now-a-few-words-from-...

It aint right to say the Montreal system made Souray, he was hurt throughout the year with Edmonton.

The Habs been good for Streit and viseversa ,have a great or good career .Replace him with an athlete with size and character!

Nice article on former Hab Bryan "Bugsy" Watson in the THN and his time in the NHL and what he says about Montreal and the Forum are priceless .... by Evan Weimer ... http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=366937

When are these guys going to realize that it is the system that made them successful, not the other way around? First Souray, and now Streit. Watch, next year, it'll be Dandenault unloading one-time bombs from the point, and he'll want 5 mil the following season too. And all because of Markov and his perfect passes...

Unfortunately his price tag doesn't fit the budget and it would be hard to get him in the line up to play the point on the PP if things go as planned so the numbers game is against him also. He has the smarts and is versatile and i would hate to see him go and wish him well if he goes, time will tell.

Exactly. for the contract that Streit and his agent are looking at.. we could get a guy whos better than Streit and bigger.. for just that exact amount.

Yeah i agree, it would be dumb for bob to sign an xtra defensman for a high contract that streit would demand just to replace one of those guys that bob has named as one of the top 6

Agreed, hes a nice guy... Nice guys are allowed to be tough though, someone might want to mention that to him. I liked watching him play when he had confidence in himself, but why he would want to play defense over forward when he is clearly better suited at the latter (his D experience is what makes him so invaluable on the PP). Wouldn't mind seeing him coming back for a few years when he figures it out. Not trying to take away from a talented individual such as himself, I just think hes a bit of a wimp.

Seems like a nice guy, but, in the end all that comes to my mind is...who cares? I don't think he will be difficult to replace. Go Habs Go