So, a forward with size and isn't afraid to use it and can put up some decent numbers offensively. Sounds like a match made in heaven? Not if you're asking me.
Brooks Laich is one of the most coveted forwards in this year's UFA class that is very thin. After Brad Richards and Teemu Selanne (who will only re-sign in Anaheim if he does return to play), there is a gap in points produced, to the next group of players, of which Laich belongs. If we then remove all the players who are moving past their prime and those who do not fit the power-forward profile, we're left with the oft-injured Erik Cole.
All of this just means that for what he gives you, Laich will be overpaid and not just in dollars but also on term. His agent will be looking for a minimum of a $4M per year deal that extends for 4 years. And the latter part is what I'd like most Habs fans clamoring for the organization to sign Laich to pay close attention to. If the Montreal Canadiens, were truly 1 power forward away from contending for the Stanley Cup, then it would be conceivable for them to over-commit to a player in that magnitude. However, they are not. And Laich is not a player to overspend on when you're current payroll already has 2 over-inflated contracts in Gomez and Spacek.
