Mike Komisarek Goes Free Agent Route

The news isn’t all- bad for those teams who lost out on the Jay Bouwmeester sweepstakes. Not long after the hulking 25 year-old defenceman was taken off the free agent market by agreeing to a five- year deal worth 6.68 million from the Calgary Flames another valuable defenceman in Mike Komisarek made it be known that instead of signing with the Montreal Canadiens he will be testing the free agent waters. This seven year veteran who plays a physical brand of hockey and has been among the leaders the last three years in blocked shots has turned down some earlier offers from Montreal but still wouldn’t rule out the possibility of returning to the Canadiens. “After much discussion and thought, Mike Komisarek has decided to enter the free agent market tomorrow (July 1) at noon,” said agent Matt Keator about the Canadiens seventh overall pick in the 2001 draft. “Should they desire, we intend to keep Montreal involved in the process as they have treated Mike so well during his time in the organization. He remains interested in resigning with them.” Similar to Bouwmeester Komisarek who played in his first all- star game last year is a big boy at 6 foot 4 and 240 pounds. Unlike Bouwmeester offence isn’t Komisarek’s game as shown by the 11 points he scored last season.  Over his career Komisarek has played in 361 games for the Canadiens and has totaled 12 goals and 58 points in his career.Montreal has also tried to sign unrestricted free agent forward Alex Kovalev but with no success.