Why Bob Gainey's Focus Should Be on Building Toward Next Season

By all estimates, from the media to bloggers to the bleacher reporters, the Montreal Canadiens 2008-2009 season has been a disaster.

Although many are panicking and hoping for General Manager Bob Gainey to make a trade, myself among them, stating that the Canadiens needed to acquire Sean Avery to add character and size to a small, plain team.

After watching the Canadiens embarrass themselves through two games in Alberta, it is painfully clear that this team is average at best.

Much speculation has been made about acquiring Vincent Lecalvier, and it is perhaps in the works by Bob Gainey. But Lecalvier, should he be acquired, is not the saviour for this season. There needs to be an eye on the future, and that perhaps, Bob Gainey should throw in the towel for this season.

Looking at many of the up-coming restricted and unrestricted free agents, it is obvious who the Canadiens should target as priorities, and others who Bob Gainey should let walk or possibly deal at the deadline.

Alex Kovalev

Mr. Enigma, Kovalev is an up-coming unrestricted free agent, who has been an overall disappointment in Montreal this season.

His passion, character, and heart have all been questioned at certain points this season, and he has shown that he is not a big-game player. After a terrific 2007-2008 campaign where he led the team in goals (35) and points (84), he's only had 13 goals and 39 points this season—surprising since Kovalev has always been considered a player who plays harder during a contract season.

The Kovalev debacle may be a blessing to the organization. Instead of a repeat performance by Kovalev, where he helped to propel players such as Tomas Plekanec and Alexei Kostitsyn to another level last season, all three have looked ordinary and plain, their chemistry completely gone, and none of found that sort of chemistry with anyone else on the team.

Kovalev probably can't be dealt. His reputation as a drifter hurts his trade value. The best Gainey can hope for is a quiet end to a disappointing season, where both the player and organization can go different paths next season. I wouldn't be surprised if Kovalev returned to Russia to end his career.

Mike Komisarek

Mike Komisarek's name has been brought up may times as potential trade bait for any possible scenario involving Vincent Lecalvier. This, in my humble opinion, would be a mistake.

I have no problems accepting Vincent Lecalvier to the Montreal Canadiens organization, but three names should not be included in any possible scenario: Mike Komisarek, Andrei Markov, and Carey Price.

Komisarek's value to the team is unquestionable. At 6'4'' and 243 lbs, Komisarek is Montreal's biggest and most efficient defenseman. He plays 25 minutes a night against the opposition's top players and is a ruthless hitter. Had Komisarek not injured his shoulder in an ill-advised fight against the Bruins Milan Lucic, perhaps Montreal's season is different.

Komisarek is a UFA once the season is over. He made $1.9 million this season, yet is in for a huge pay raise. Montreal should budget around $4 million as a starting point for negotiations with Komisarek. Players like him are a commodity.

Saku Koivu

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