So a few days ago, Bob Gainey, the wise leader of the Montreal Canadiens, rightly said “Screw you Sundin,” and traded a draft pick for Robert Lang.
Lang isn’t as good as he once was, but he gives the Habs what they need. A strong centreman with experience.
Montreal was able to get him for cheap because the Chicago Blackhawks were over the salary cap, thanks to the signings of Cristobal Huet and Brian Campbell in the offseason.
Although he’s making $4 million, I think if we can get 50-60 points out of Lang, that would be good. I don’t think he would be on the top two lines though, although he could see some powerplay time.
Some think he should be playing on a line with Kovalev, but I’m not sold on that. In fact, with my lines, he could end up on the fourth line. Here’s how I see it playing out:
Higgins – Koivu – Latendresse
Tanguay – Plekanec – Kovalev
Kostitsyn – Kostitsyn – Lang
Begin - Kostopolous – Laraque
Now Laraque I think would be great on the third line with the Kostitsyn brothers. He can give them room to skate, and just park himself in front of the net. If that happens, then Lang gets moved down to the fourth line.
Of course, none of this takes into consideration a rookie who might make the team, such as Chipchura.
Depth is a wonderful thing to have, no?
