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#21 Brian Gionta 2011-2012


ColRouleBleu

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A welcomed return. I dont think he will change our fate single-handedly, but having another finisher in the lineup should help.

Well he's been one of the few big contract players that actually has exceeded expectations thus far. 28 goals year 1, 29 year 2. I don't think anyone thought back to back very near 30 goal seasons were possible when this contract was signed. 20-25 max was probably the general consensus. I've never disputed his captaincy because he does lead by example. He doesn't just score goals he goes to the net and scores them, tenacious for his size.

This season has been a struggle for Gionta as much as anyone else on the team, but really there hasn't been a-lot of positives anywhere on the team. I wouldn't expect an immediete impact his first 3 or 4 games back but if this team picks it up he will be a part of scoring the key goals. If we see no change in the team you can obviously become aware that his numbers are going to drop.

He's valuable in the lineup but of any of the smurf overblown contracts Gionta could yield some sort of return as well.

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A welcomed return. I dont think he will change our fate single-handedly, but having another finisher in the lineup should help.

Not to mention he's just an "inspiring" kind of guy to have out there. I'd be surprised if the team doesn't get an additional boost in their step with the return of their captain, at least at the start.

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I'm glad to hear people are missing Gionta. A lot of people were really getting down on him. I always thought of him as one of the players I don't have to worry about when it comes to effort and compete level.

I guess a little time without Gionta has given us the chance to reevaluate what he contributes on the ice. Go little Giant Go B)

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It's funny, out of Gomez, Gionta, and Cammalleri, I was most worried about Gionta's contract being a problem. Turns out he's been the only one who has been worth his pay!

I don't think he is worth his pay. Nice guy, nice player but never has produced at a 5 million a year level in a Habs jersey. He is a hab and I love him for it but if we don't dig ourselves out of this hole, we got to consider trading him if the offer is right. It's a business: keeping him at 5 million a year with his production, captain or not, is bad business. I know you'll all hate me for saying that but I'm being a realist. We will never compete if we have big contracts and players who aren't even close to living up to them. I'm sick of mediocrity.

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I don't think he is worth his pay. Nice guy, nice player but never has produced at a 5 million a year level in a Habs jersey. He is a hab and I love him for it but if we don't dig ourselves out of this hole, we got to consider trading him if the offer is right. It's a business: keeping him at 5 million a year with his production, captain or not, is bad business. I know you'll all hate me for saying that but I'm being a realist. We will never compete if we have big contracts and players who aren't even close to living up to them. I'm sick of mediocrity.

His first season he scored 29 in 61 games(pace of 39 over 82 games) and in his second season he scored 29 in 82 games. In the playoffs he scored 9 in 19 games and another 3 in 7 games. To me, just the goals scored is worth $5M a season and then you can add everything else he brings to the team in leadership and smart defensive plays.

Also, Gionta and Cole are the only players on the team with full no-trade clauses.

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Well he's been one of the few big contract players that actually has exceeded expectations thus far. 28 goals year 1, 29 year 2. I don't think anyone thought back to back very near 30 goal seasons were possible when this contract was signed. 20-25 max was probably the general consensus.

I actually think he's played well & when we signed him I said I expected he should score 30+ and maybe even get one 40 goal season out of him (less likely now) - but the biggest concern with the contract was his style of play (win at all costs) in relation to his size. He's been relatively injury-free throughout his career, but as he ages, his small frame will not be able to take as much of the punishment.

Nevertheless, I wouldnt change his style of play - he is effective because of it - but it would be nice to play him with bigger linemates so he doesnt take quite so much punishment on a nightly basis.

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