#26 Josh Gorges 2010-11

[leafs_rock_go_mccabe]

My standing policy is never to invest for more than three years at a time in non-core talent. Josh is a nice injury substitute in the top four, but he's not a top-four defenseman. I wouldn't mind giving Josh $2 million over three years (effectively replacing Gill's salary with his), but four years is too much job security for a 5th d-man.

Fair enough. Sounds like a good policy to me. At the end of year three we would have a ton of money coming off the books anyway. So, if we did want to resign him then it should be fairly easy at that point in time.

[bikerbob7501]

He may not be a core player, but he is the kind of player that every team needs: solid, heart and soul, won't cost too much. IMO if he would like to play in Montreal long term, sign him up, because if he's happy here he will play his best hockey for the team. And I don't think he would demand much money, but he's worth 1.5 - 1.75 a year.

[Snow4Habs]

I wouldn't mind if PG gave him long term in 2m/year. If under 2m, well 3 years is good number. I'm betting he's developed to be Hamrlik replacement and if so, I wouldn't mind giving him long term like 4-5 years 1.75m/yr - 2.5m/yr deal. One more season to show what he's worth, ain't much a point producer but he's the player we need on our back end. A fearless shot blocking machine defensive defensemen. He's only 26, reaching his prime and he looks great as a shutdown defensemen. He's ranked 3rd in +/- among our defensemens.

[DA_Champion]

In light of the recent economic trends in the NHL, I think Gorges will be lucky to get the same contract - 3 years 1.1 million per year - he has now.

[JoshGorgesFan]

I'd love to see him sign a long-term contract (obviously), let's say for 4 or 5 years at 1.75-2.25m a year.

But there's going to be a fair amount of free agents again at the end of next season...I just hope they resign Josh first and don't let him fly under the radar an or offer him a crappy contract.

Although, Josh is a valuable addittion to our D, so hopefully he'll be presented with an early offer that he likes.

Plus, I think Josh is happy here and wants to be in Montreal so hopefully he won't be TOO picky about a contract.

I guess we'll see what happens next year.

[detritus]

I have always had a soft spot for JG. A true battler. Un-drafted, a throw-in part of the Rivet trade who has become a solid defender.

Throughout his career he has been underestimated. I wonder if he still has more to give? During the playoffs, he was arguably our best Dman and without a doubt formed our best D pairing. Is this a anamoly, or is he trully progressing? While I tend to agree he is likely a 5th D who can fill in higher, it is interesting to think about how young he still is and how well he has played. Truthfully, it's quite possible he has no where near topped out yet.

Heck, throughout last year alone you could see his first pass becoming more and more efficient. It may not be a terrible idea to lock him up to a 4 year deal as a 3-4 Dman.

[fourtrax]

During the playoffs, he was arguably our best Dman and without a doubt formed our best D pairing.

That says more about the parlous state of our defense than it does about Josh, sadly. If Josh Gorges is on your best D pairing, you've got problems. I love his heart and his compete level, but he's average at everything, great at nothing, and can't be a top-four guy for more than short stints without his performance dropping. He brings zero offense to the table, isn't big enough to clear the net, isn't good enough positionally to compensate, and doesn't make a particularly crisp first pass out of the zone.

Right now, he's good value. On his next contract? Not so much. I'd trade him at the end of next season, frankly.

[swimmerpuck]

That says more about the parlous state of our defense than it does about Josh, sadly. If Josh Gorges is on your best D pairing, you've got problems. I love his heart and his compete level, but he's average at everything, great at nothing, and can't be a top-four guy for more than short stints without his performance dropping. He brings zero offense to the table, isn't big enough to clear the net, isn't good enough positionally to compensate, and doesn't make a particularly crisp first pass out of the zone.

Right now, he's good value. On his next contract? Not so much. I'd trade him at the end of next season, frankly.

I agree with this for the most part and the key words are short stints and his offense isn't even average. Hits are not average. It would have been nice to see the performance of the Washington series from the Gill/Gorges pairing all year but it wasn't there. And overall (defensively and offensively) they weren't close to being the top pairing in the Pittsburgh and Philly series'.

If he would ask too much I'd thank him for his services and show him the door. With the cap and the offensive challenges this team seemingly has I'd hold on to any D-man who can contribute offensively and defensively instead of specialty team players like Gorges, Gill and Bergeron.

I'd take the Kurtis Foster, Dennis Seidenberg types any day over the above.

[357908_1475251331]

That says more about the parlous state of our defense than it does about Josh, sadly. If Josh Gorges is on your best D pairing, you've got problems. I love his heart and his compete level, but he's average at everything, great at nothing, and can't be a top-four guy for more than short stints without his performance dropping. He brings zero offense to the table, isn't big enough to clear the net, isn't good enough positionally to compensate, and doesn't make a particularly crisp first pass out of the zone.

Right now, he's good value. On his next contract? Not so much. I'd trade him at the end of next season, frankly.

you are going to convict yourself with your own words weeps.

and those words were i love.

love don't come cheap in the nhl, and its accounting value is far greater than an accountant's value on good will- which to me is worthless, but that debate is for any other day and not here thank god.

[357908_1475251331]

and now that my gut reaction has been stated, here's more about what my brain is doing.

boucher isn't going to be here and gorges might be really GOOD for rookies where as he is friends and maybe best friends with carey, and so on.

i just think gorges has some more permanant value to this team that means he could be valuable for at least 3-4 years.

[detritus]

I'd take the Kurtis Foster, Dennis Seidenberg types any day over the above.

Well, if we were arguing the merits of having a man of Seidenberg's vs. Gorges talents, its no question. That being said, Seidenberg is more of a top-pairing, or at worst top-4 Dman on a good team -- and is paid as such.

Gorges is a solid bottom tier defencemen, trending upwards and being paid on a 2nd contract type money. I agree, he isn't top tier talent now. However, All gorges has done throughout his career is trend upwards. If he can tack 10pt, 15 pts onto his totals he becomes a very well rounded very solid defencmen, regardless of the role.

[FirstStar]

He's a 4th d-man, no argument there. But, Josh is probably one of the best and the least injured in his class. A guy like that, for the right price (he's also gathering experience, becoming a vet), I would sign a lil longer(maybe up to 5 years).

As a rule, you never want to commit too long with lower end player's, despite this, I believe that Josh is an exception. We let go of him and we'll be looking for his replacement for years to come.

He's a character guy

Is rarely injured (big plus with our Habs)

From all accounts a good dressing room guy

Can fill in on he top lines in a crunch (short term)

Knocks in the odd goal and can follow the rush (which he does)

Is probably one of the best 4th liners in the league

[chromedome_mtl]

Well, I'm not sure that he can have a better season than what he's already had. I think Josh has topped out as far as development goes. He can log fairly moderate-to-big minutes, blocks shots, sacrifices the body. However, he cannot make plays, score goals, effectively clear the zone, fight, or shutdown an opposing team's top forwards on a regular basis (I know people are going to disagree here 'cause of the play-offs, but whatever). If Josh cannot be resigned to a reasonable contract I would explore trading him this season. I believe Ryan O'Byrne will come cheaper on his next deal, and perhaps be able to replace Josh should he be seeking too much dough.

???? Except Ryan O byrne isn't anywhere close to the level of Josh in my eyes!!!?

[frostyHAWK]

i wouldn't overlook a long-term contract with joshy ( provided it's at a fair price) The reason for that is i want him as a captain,

i already know what you guys are gonna say

WHAT ABOUT CAMMY?

WHAT ABOUT GIGI?

they're both great assistant material but gorges has been here since ye olde team and still stayed vocal despite a dynamite explosion and restructuring of the team.

BUT HE DOESN'T SPEAK FRENCH!111!!1ONE

-----------------------------------Political stupidness rant, just skip -------------------------

(edit)

-------------------------- end of political stupidness rant---------------------------------------

as for joshy,

he might not score

he might not fight

but he's hella cheap and a hella good defenseman at 1.1- 1.5 mill a year

also if we keep him that low and he becomes a liability, buying him out wont hurt the cap ( that much)

I removed the rant because even if you say 'just skip', it's there for all to read and doesn't have its place on this forum. - CRB

[gooser_mtl]

Man reading all these posts, this guy gets no respect at all.

Everyone here should ashamed of all your comments.

Heart and sole, never injured, never complains, brings his hard hat each and everyday, awesome shutdown guy.

If we had a team full of JG's character and determination we'd be contending for a cup every year.

[JuniorSTLB]

???? Except Ryan O byrne isn't anywhere close to the level of Josh in my eyes!!!?

Well both of them sucks offensively xD

But I like O'byrne's physical presence.

[Rondalsf]

Well both of them sucks offensively xD

But I like O'byrne's physical presence.

He needs to learn to use his size without taking a penalty.

[spike77]

hey joshgorgesfan i sent you message but i need you to read it so i can get your name so josh can make the picture to you ..i am going to his place this week so reply asap and i will get it sent to ya...cheers

[Mathradio]

Does he have quick reflexes? (That's important in shot-blocking situations, if I'm not mistaken)

[habby-_mtlc]

Don't know where to post this, and I don't want to necro the existing 2010-2011 Schedule or Winter Classic in Montreal threads, but if you guys are interested in seeing Josh Gorges at the Heritage Classic press conference tomorrow you can catch a live stream at 5 pm ET here.

[dfrancis]

???? Except Ryan O byrne isn't anywhere close to the level of Josh in my eyes!!!?

I agree, in a different way. IMO, O'Byrne is a better D-Man now, and has a much higher ceiling.

[JoshGorgesFan]

Thanks a lot spike!! Hope you got to see him before he left to go to Alberta.

It's so awesome that Gorges got the honour to be in Calgary and deliver a speech and try on the jersey. These are good signs for him becoming an assistant captain next season, and maybe a captain in the near future.

And yes, O'Byrne may have more size and be more physical, but he still makes mistakes and can't recover the puck after a turnover or something because of his lack in speed. Plus he takes too many stupid penalties.

Josh is a better defenseman - he's better 1on1, faster, amazing at blocking shots, better at passing, a good leader, and a warrior. Plus, when he makes a (rare) turnover, he almost always gets the puck back.

I'd choose Josh over O'Byrne anyday....but again, my opinion may be biased.

[FirstStar]

Thanks a lot spike!! Hope you got to see him before he left to go to Alberta.

It's so awesome that Gorges got the honour to be in Calgary and deliver a speech and try on the jersey. These are good signs for him becoming an assistant captain next season, and maybe a captain in the near future.

And yes, O'Byrne may have more size and be more physical, but he still makes mistakes and can't recover the puck after a turnover or something because of his lack in speed. Plus he takes too many stupid penalties.

Josh is a better defenseman - he's better 1on1, faster, amazing at blocking shots, better at passing, a good leader, and a warrior. Plus, when he makes a (rare) turnover, he almost always gets the puck back.

I'd choose Josh over O'Byrne anyday....but again, my opinion may be biased.

If O'B had been treated like a rookie (or like Bergeron), he would be a better player today. While Bergeron is making mistake and costly turnovers every time he hits the ice, a rookie like O'B is stapled to the bench the moment he makes a mistake. No kidding O'B hasn't improved, he never gets a chance.

He plays in constant fear of being benched and press boxed... That's no way to treat a rookie (he still hasn't played a full season), tell the kid he screwed up, but help him through it, put him back on the ice (to show you have confidence in him), but tell him what he did wrong and how it can be avoided next time.

And about his penalties, he's gotten a lot better. He use to take so many holding/tripping/hocking penalties. He's finally forcing forwards to the outside and showing confidence in his goaltender. It's ok if a forward gets a shot off, as long as it's from a bad angle(perimeter).

As for gorges... I usually don't like the idea of signing a player (long term) who isn't on the top lines. But, I feel gorges is an exception.

[Guest habs1952]

Thanks a lot spike!! Hope you got to see him before he left to go to Alberta.

It's so awesome that Gorges got the honour to be in Calgary and deliver a speech and try on the jersey. These are good signs for him becoming an assistant captain next season, and maybe a captain in the near future.

And yes, O'Byrne may have more size and be more physical, but he still makes mistakes and can't recover the puck after a turnover or something because of his lack in speed. Plus he takes too many stupid penalties.

Josh is a better defenseman - he's better 1on1, faster, amazing at blocking shots, better at passing, a good leader, and a warrior. Plus, when he makes a (rare) turnover, he almost always gets the puck back.

I'd choose Josh over O'Byrne anyday....but again, my opinion may be biased.

Josh was probably asked to do it because he lives the closest(British Columbia). I wouldn't read this as a sign he'll be an A-captain.

[Die-Hard-Hab]

Looks like he might be Captain, hes the only one getting any exposure this summer. Check out this article.

http://habsloyalist.blogspot.com/