HabsWorld.net --
Andrei Kostitsyn has been an enigma since his draft year back in 2003 when he fell to the Canadiens and went 10th overall in the NHL Entry Draft. After spending two and a half years in the AHL he joined the Canadiens full time. Montreal was excited with the prospect of having a bigger skilled forward to add to their infamously small lineup but Kostitsyn has never been able to deliver on even a semi consistent basis.
Andrei has shown flashes of brilliance but has fallen from favour with every one of his five NHL coaches. This year is shaping up to potentially be his worst year in terms of points per game. Kostitsyn recently voiced his displeasure with his playing time. But has also said may times he desires to stay in Montreal and would take less than market value to stay. Despite some added playing time in the last 5 games has failed to produce even a single point. Andrei has just 1 goal and 1 assist in his last 14 games.
But even with all the negatives Kostitsyn may be on many teams radar especially with the recent signings of Tuomo Ruutu of the Hurricanes and Ales Hemsky of the Oilers.
Let’s Check What those on the HabsWorld Forum Had To Say…
Commandant “12 million for 3 years … Is the absolute max I’d give him.” As for his value 2nd round pick + a prospect. However if a team gets desperate I could see him getting a first rounder”
Willey101 “Kostitsyn from the past 2 weeks has no trade value. Kostitsyn from the first 2 months of the season can fetch a 1st. When all is said and done he can get us a 2nd round pick. But a team like LA hurting for scoring might offer more.”
Machine of Loving Grace “As for his (Kostitsyn) return, at least a second round pick. I could see a team like Detroit or Vancouver giving up a first since they don’t really need them as badly.” “TSN is saying Kostitsyn would be a top five winger for trade bait this year. That’s also with them including guys like Van Riemsdyk and Nash on the list, who might not actually be moved. He’ll get at least a second.”
Trizzak “Honestly… I bet he probably pulls in about the same value as what Alexei Ponikarovksy got the Leafs. Unless some team really loves him, I bet he’s a late deadline deal after all the bigger fish have been fried.”
Habsy “Pierre Lebrun said he wasn’t plan A, B or C. More like plan F. Let’s see if Phoenix actually offers something. I’d hate to lose AK for nothing this summer.”
Don “… if not extended come the 27th; trade for sure, just cant afford to have any more UFAs walk for nothing. A 2nd round pick and prospect ( i chucked in prospect because i undersold Gill and more buyers than sellers). Kings or Blues would be my guess.”
Come the 27th I believe some team will overpay for Kostitsyn with the limited options available to teams in terms of offensive UFA wingers available. The league has seen Andrei’s brother Sergei flourish in Nashville and may think they could also re-sign him should be manage to produce and help in the playoffs.
Andrei has the size and skill to be an excellent top 6 player but things just have not worked out in Montreal for anything more than a couple months at a time. He is often the first player benched or move to the 4th line when the team or he struggles. Who knows why? The coaching staff and Andrei… Does he really want to stay? Sure he has his family in Montreal but I think he would be very happy to get out of the media circus that is Montreal.
