So, how it comes to this? Is the organization that undecided? Earlier this week, it was reported that Andrei Markov was offered the captaincy. No offense to Andrei, but I feel that his quiet demeanor and overall working knowledge of the English (not to mention French) language would be a hindrance to his handling of the media; especially after those blowout losses or heartbreaking shootout defeats. Markov is more of an on-ice captain, leading the squad with his superb passing and sound defensive play. In the locker room, I simply feel he would lack the charisma and know-how of a Saku Koivu, for instance.

But, the heart of the matter is who is going to be our next captain, and when will he be announced. No, I’m afraid that this is not Buffalo or Minnesota. Rotating captains may fly in those markets, but the people of Montreal and Quebec in general place the Habs on a higher pedestal than that. With such famous past captains as Jean Beliveau, Toe Blake, Yvan Cournoyer, Henri and Maurice Richard, it would be downright embarrassing to have Josh Gorges one week, Maxime Lapierre the next, etc. Not that I don’t think those players would make formidable captains in their own right, the fact that the entire procedure would look like a trial and error scenario is, quite frankly, something that this franchise is above and beyond of.

Fear not, Habs fans, we will be issued a good captain in due time. Whether he be one of the new guns (Cammalleri, Gomez, Gionta) , or a seasoned team veteran (Markov), or an emerging talent (Lapierre, Latendresse), rest assured that he will be well aware of the weight on his shoulders and how to handle it.

This is one issue that I can say is the least of our concerns, for the moment. Let’s be sure to prioritize team chemistry and success over who wears the ‘C’ on their jersey this year.

• The Sundin Sweepstakes are definitely not as interesting as they were last year. Give it up Mats, it’s time to call it a career.
• Ovechkin is drawing the battle lines concerning the 2014 Olympic Games. Good for him, I say. Since when is the NHL allowed to deny a player his patriotic right to represent his country? A high-profile player like him making a stand is definitely admirable. Expect others to follow suite.
• Kessel is done with the Bruins. I don’t blame him, really. Weren’t they supposed to be clearing cap space to sign him? That Wozniewski signing doesn’t really help, does it? The writing has been on the wall for quite some time.
• Hey, if Carey thinks the team is set, then I’m convinced too.
• Everything is on the line this season for Bob Gainey. It’s now or never Bob, let’s hope those summer signings pay off (read: past the second round in the playoffs).
• Bonding over golf. What do you think is more likely, Gomez scoring a 70 on the course or scoring 70 points on the ice?
• An emotional day for Mr. Gillett as he passes the torch to a new generation of Molsons. Thank you for your time and efforts George, you were an excellent owner.
• Another day, another language issue. But, then again, there are some positive language issue stories, like P.K. Subban taking French lessons in preparation for his eventual arrival in Montreal. I love this kid.

That’s it for now. Go on, enjoy the beautiful weekend we have lined up. I’ll be resting up and back in action for Monday!

• Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Hockey has finally started league registration. If you’ve never tried fantasy hockey, I strongly suggest you do. You’ll thank me later, if you can ever manage to leave your team’s roster page.
• Speaking of fantasy hockey, Puck Daddy is placing Andrei Markov at #96 out of the top 100 fantasy-worthy players in the league. Yep, that’s exactly where the second best blueliner in the league belongs.
• The Hockey News cleverly speculates on Paul Kelly’s dismissal from the NHLPA.
• Glen Healy has resigned as Director of Player Affairs of the NHLPA. There goes the second best coif in the business.
• Francois Gagnon provides some great insight on the Luongo deal. That CBA loophole keeps getting bigger and bigger.
• Habs on the Prize takes a good look at what Robert Lang could bring to the table. Personally, I’d take a Robert Lang over a Tomas Plekanec any day.
• Captain Markov to the rescue? Red Fisher seems to think so. This isn’t the first time that it’s been brought up, either. Is the Habosphere making a case to Jacques Martin?
• Lions in Winter puts together a great piece on which Habs are doing the scoring.
• Back to Andrei Markov, here’s a little something to get you pumped up for everyone’s favorite Russian d-man.

Of course, some of the talking heads will try to create a controversy story where one does not exist at all. I’m referring specifically to Bertrand Raymond’s chef d’oeuvre over at Rue Frontenac. In it, Raymond finds it justifiable to criticize Bob Gainey for (wait for it)… a lack of French-Canadian players on the team (gasp). Ah, yes, it had been some time since this old red herring flew around again.

To begin, Raymond focuses his wrath on Gainey’s supposed stubborn refusal to sign free agent defenseman Denis Gauthier. Raymond claims that Gauthier’s agent approached Gainey at the NHL Entry Draft and pleaded him to sign his client. With so many free agent defensemen leaving the club, Gauthier probably felt that now was the best time to get a deal with the Canadiens and finish his career in Montreal. Gainey, however, was not interested. And why would he be? Gauthier is an aging veteran and in 65 games last season he put up a whopping 4 points and posted a minus-11. Despite the fact that he was supposedly willing to accept an offer as low as $850,000 per year, those numbers simply are not worth it, especially considering that he would be taking up a valuable roster spot that would be otherwise best suited for an emerging prospect. Gauthier was not what Gainey was looking for. However, because he is a French-Canadian who desperately wanted to play in Montreal, he was what Raymond was looking for.

It doesn’t end there. Raymond then turns to the Alex Tanguay case. Sacrificing a first and second round pick to acquire him from Calgary last year, many French-Canadians were excited to have this talented winger on the roster. And, with 41 points in 50 games, he was definitely fitting in. In all honesty, I was quite disappointed to see him leave, but I understand why. Tanguay is an injury waiting to happen. Moreover, his salary was simply too much to keep around. By the time July 1st rolled around, he probably figured he could command a similar salary.

That, of course, did not happen and Tanguay was lingering in UFA limbo until early last week when he signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning for significantly reduced salary and a single year deal. Was the fact that he went unsigned for almost two months after the free agency period began any indication at all that perhaps he was asking for too much? I think so. Raymond, on the other hand, tends to disagree. “Tanguay isn’t just anyone in the National Hockey League”, Raymond claims, but yet here we are on September 1st and his new contract is only days old.

Finally, it was Francois Beauchemin’s turn. Although it was reported that he was not interested in Montreal, Raymond claims that he indeed was and that it was Gainey who “turned up his nose on a local product”. Of course, the fact that Beauchemin missed roughly 75% of last season was only casually alluded to. Moreover, his $4 million per year salary demand is a tad expensive for a player of his caliber. But, don’t tell that to Raymond, who seems to believe that he is “a more complete player than Mike Komisarek”.

The fact of the matter is, if Francois Beauchemin’s name was actually Frank Niceroad, Raymond would not be discussing this at all. His thesis on how poorly the organization apparently treats French-Canadiens players is absurd, to say the least. Raymond’s criticisms on how the team projects itself is biased and unfounded. While I respect his passion, this columnist seems to consistently forget the first rule of professional hockey: it’s not just a game, it’s a business. When the numbers don’t add up, it doesn’t matter if some of these French-Canadian players hang around in a Habs jersey all summer long; when it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t fit. Raymond’s assumption is that no matter the circumstances, a French-Canadian player will always fit in Montreal.

But what really irks me about Raymond’s article is the fact that he mercilessly criticizes the organization’s treatment of players. If the professionalism displayed by the team towards its players is as rotten as he claims, then I would be surprised if any free agents would sign here at all. Blame the tax rate, blame the media pressure, blame the elevated expectations, but do not ever blame Pierre Boivin and his associates for mistreating both team player and potential free agents – especially the French-Canadian ones.

Make no mistake about it, the Canadiens are a better club than they were last year. Politicizing the offseason is simply a byproduct of a slow news day. Even so, Raymond’s article lacks substance and his argument does not rest upon any other basis than his oftentimes fanatical political beliefs, which rarely translate into tangible commentary on the team’s acquisitions or performance in general.

The lack of French-Canadian flavor is may be discouraging for some, but like I said in the past, success depends on victories on the ice, not off it.

It was certainly thrilling to watch the flurry of action that characterized the Montreal Canadiens’ 2009 free agency period. No player whose contract expired was retained (and most remain unsigned), and a whole new cast of talent was added to the CH family. While July 1st 2010 is still quite some time away, the excitement of this past free agency period lingers and inspires me to forecast which players are up for grabs come next summer. July 1st 2010 certainly will not see the same sort of turnover as this year’s signing period, but there will be some big names available and Montreal’s revamped roster might prove to be enticing for potential free agents.

First, let’s explore which current Canadiens will be up for new contracts. Compared to this year, 2010 will be a relatively calm resigning year as there will only be a few UFAs. They are Tomas Plekanec, Glen Metropolit, Paul Mara and Guillaume Latendresse.

Personally, I do not believe Bob Gainey will retain all of these players. By signing a one year deal last month, Plekanec will likely move on after this season. Unless he has career season, I do not foresee Gainey extending him another contract. Rather, Plekanec will likely be dangled as trade bait come trade deadline day on March 3rd, 2010.

Glen Metropolit will also likely move on. He is known as a journeyman, playing for no less than six teams in the past decade. Great guy, but his departure will open up a much-needed spot on the fourth line for developing centers such as Ben Maxwell, Kyle Chipchura (if he doesn’t make the team this year) or Brock Trotter.

Paul Mara might be considered as a depth option, but similar to Metropolit’s situation, he may be let go in lieu of an emerging prospect. Maybe 2010 will be the year Yannick Weber or P.K. Subban make the big leap.

Latendresse, on the other hand, is a mystery. Who knows if his one year deal means he and the organization are quite a distance apart on salary and term numbers. Although it would seem that he is happy to play in Montreal, he may want to test the waters elsewhere. Still, with a young family and many adoring fans in this city, my bet is that he will stay on after this current contract expires.

On the RFA front, there are several players who will be needing new contracts, of which the most notable are Sergei Kostitsyn, Maxime Lapierre, Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak. Quite obviously, the most important name in that group of players is Carey Price. Gainey will almost certainly sign him to a multiyear deal, and perhaps even before the offseason rolls around (although, he has traditionally foregone resigning players during the regular season).

After Price is locked in, Lapierre and Latendresse should become priorities. Their tenacity and grit cannot be overlooked. They are fan favorites and not simply because they are French-Canadian, but because they play a very passionate game.

Halak, on the other hand, is caught in an awkward situation: he has the potential the be a starting goaltender but will likely never get his shot with Montreal. He will almost inevitably become trade bait at some point during the 2009-2010 season.

Come July 1st 2010, the open UFA market will be full of star players, assuming they won’t be resigned by then. Amongst them, the likes of Nicklas Lidstrom (who will foreseeably retire as a Red Wing), Roberto Luongo, Ilya Kovalchuk, Marc Savard and Ollie Jokinen are all very attractive UFA options.

Or, perhaps the Canadiens could target RFAs such as Alexander Semin, Bobby Ryan, Nicklas Backstrom or Ryan Kesler. Did I mention that both Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews will be RFAs as well? Chicago’s delicate cap situation may place them in a vulnerable position in regards to their star players, although this possibility is a longshot at best. While it is highly improbable that these aforementioned players will be let go by their respective clubs to a rival offer sheet, it still seems very intriguing to imagine the possibilities.

At this point, all that is certain is that Montreal’s salary cap situation will dictate the moves that are (or aren’t) made come July 1st, 2010, though the rumored cap drop in 2010-2011 might complicate things a bit.

• Remember Jason Allison? He’s attempting a comeback with the Toronto Maple Leafs. What’s with these old-timers making comebacks? First Claude Lemieux, then Theo Fleury, and now Jason Allison? Jeez. In other news, Alex Mogilny is still doing nothing.
• On a serious note, congratulations to Senator Jacques Demers on his appointment. It says a lot to the opportunity of this great nation that a man with a limited education like his can rise to one of the highest political ranks. Good work Jacques, make us proud.
• Alex Kovalev recently revealed that he would like to finish his career in Montreal. Hey, at least he’s being upfront about it. He could have waited for a year to pass in his contract and then ask for a trade. Who does that?
• Speaking of Dany Heatley, the fans in Alberta are certainly not showing any love.
• The Hockey News takes a look at a few promising players at the Upper Deck NHL Rookie Debut. Can’t wait for Subban.
• Habs on the Prize answers a few questions the Russians have about our beloved Montreal Canadiens.
• Ryan Kennedy puts Alexander Avtsin at #6 on his list of players he’s most excited to watch in the NHL someday. Call me crazy, but any player who is compared to Alex Ovechkin definitely deserves closer to #1.
• And, just because this is one of my favorite moments in all professional sports, here is Le Comeback.

Attending Harvard this year, the young center from Kirkland, Quebec says he is ready for the challenges that playing for the Montreal Canadiens may entail. I’m sure that as a French-Canadian, he’s well aware of the spotlight and politics. Still, he has a winning attitude and I am very anxious to see what he’s got.

My goal is to play in one or two years, maximum three. That will all depend on how my progression is going. I think the team wants me soon, and it will be up to me to prove that I can crack the lineup.

Be sure to check out his profile over at Hockey’s Future.

Author John Grigg does an excellent job looking at one ugly side-effect of the new salary cap system: the buyout effect. While most teams are not caught with an albatross contract or two leeching precious millions from the team’s salary, others are not so lucky (see: New York Islanders). These teams have to live with an obviously regretful business decision, and are constantly reminded of that decision at every budget meeting.

So, are there any lingering contracts on the Montreal Canadiens’ books? Fortunately, no. As of this year, Montreal’s team salary is free of buyout contracts. Jassen Cullimore and Tony Salmelainen were the two last buyout contracts on the books, and they were settled last year. If you recall, they were the price to pay to dump Sergei Samsonov to the Chicago Blackhawks.

At any rate, I feel that the contracts in the post-lockout era are getting out of hand. All sorts of clever tricks are being crafted in the bowels of front offices across the league. Marian Hossa’s new contract with the Blackhawks is a shining example of what this CBA has become.

It’s about time that the league takes a good hard look at contract salaries, terms and buyout options.

• Habs on the Prize beats me to the punch and posted a 2009 Montreal Canadiens Fantasy Preview. Very detailed information and predictions. Now, don’t get antsy and draft Cammy too early!
• Ya! The Habs Rule! takes a good look at Mike Keane, former Habs captain. 42 years young and still going strong, God bless you, Keaner.
• Jim Balsillie is tabling an amended offer for the Coyotes that would have them immediately relocated to Hamilton, with our without Gary’s blessing. Sure Jim, because that will change people’s perception of you.
• Joe Thornton seems pretty confident that he will get his ‘A’ back, if not the ‘C’. What, is Jed Ortmeyer out of the running?
• Big no to the Big O? How very disappointing.
• James Mirtle does a good job separating the hopefuls from the hopeless on Team Canada’s Olympic roster.
• Speaking of Team Canada, here’s a little something to bring you back to the glory days of 2002.

Avtsin flew under the radar for most teams; the fact that he was Russian kept him off the top of many lists. It’s an unfortunate reality that teams are not willing to take chances and draft Russian-born players. There is always the fear that they will either stay in Russia, or suddenly bolt back home to the welcoming arms of the KHL (see: Pavel Valentenko).

At any rate, Russian stock has fallen but that only means that intuitive scouts like Trevor Timmins end up with Russian spoils in the later rounds. Avtsin is considered a low-risk, high-reward type of player. If he can be half as good as other former Russian late-round picks such as Andrei Markov or Pavel Datsyuk, then I’m sure we’d all agree that Timmins stole a gem.

This Russian youngster is described as having smooth skating skill, soft hands, a bit hit and great size at 6’3 and 198 lbs. He dominated the Russian junior league with Dynamo Moscow, scoring 56 goals and putting up 110 points. Sound like anyone you know?

I was reading a translated interview between Alex Ovechkin and Sovetsky Sport’s Pavel Lysenkov. In it, Ovechkin praises Avtsin as “the face of Dynamo in the junior league”. He has also been hailed as “Ovechkin #2″ by some Russian experts. Alessandro Seren Rosso from RussianProspects.com calls Avtsin “the new Ovechkin”. Those comparisons are not thrown around liberally. I can’t wait to see what he’s got.

For more information, check out his profile at RussianProspects.com, and be sure to read his interview.