Alors que tout les fans du CH le voit dans leur soupe, voilà que S. Kostitsyn se verrait présenter des offres par des clubs russes. Ce serait bien le bout de perdre ce joueur au dépend de la Russie. Peut-être que le mot se passe entre les joueurs, l'organisation ne fait pas tout pour bien développer ses jeunes joueurs.... c'est sur qu'à force de faire jouer des totos en haut... s'a l'aide pas...
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Pat Hickey recently reported Canadiens GM Bob Gainey has held preliminary talks with Andrei Markov's agent and he believes a deal can be reached. Gainey's also been in talks with Sheldon Souray's agent but serious discussions will wait until Gainey gets more information on Souray's recovery from shoulder surgery. The Habs GM also hasn't spent much time resolving Sergei Samsonov's situation, but while it's believed Gainey will buy out Samsonov's contract he feels a trade is still possible. Negotiations with Russian defence prospects Alexei Yemelin and Pavel Valentenko due to the Russian Hockey Federation's unwillingness to accept the new NHL-IIHF transfer agreement. Another promising prospect, Sergei Kostitsyn, is believed being courted by Russian teams but Gainey said he's had indications Kostitsyn will sign with the Habs. However, if he isn't signed by June 1st, Kostitsyn can go back into the draft. Hickey also reported earlier in the week that diminutive center Corey Locke still factors in the Habs future plans. Locke was the CHL player of the year in 2003 but at 5-9, 170 lbs there's concerns about his size.
Spector's Note: I believe Gainey will get Markov signed, but it's anyone's guess at this point if Souray will return. One factor that could work in the Habs favour regarding Kostitsyn is that his older brother plays for the team. The Canadiens cannot allow this promising kid to go back into the draft. As for Locke, he'll have to work hard to prove he can crack the roster. His size works against him given how many small forward the team already has.
