A handful of hefty issues weighed on Marc Bergevin when he was named general manager of the Montreal Canadiens in early May.
Now that he’s hired a head coach, Michel Therrien, locked up star goaltender Carey Price to a six-year deal, drafted highly touted forward Alex Galchenyuk and signed some gritty free agents, one more big question looms.
Will Bergevin buyout Scott Gomez, the club’s overpaid 32-year-old centre?
According to a report from Arpon Brasu, managing editor of LNH.com (NHL.com’s French site), who spoke with Bergevin on Monday, the answer is no.
Marc Bergevin on Scott Gomez: “He’s a Montreal Canadien, so he’ll come here and we’ll see what happens. But I’m not buying him out.”
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) July 2, 2012
Gomez, who is slated to rake in $5.5 million in 2012-13 and $4.5 million in 2013-14, had a buyout date of June 15. His buyout ratio would be set at 2/3 and his total buyout cost would be $6.67 million spread over four years, according to CapGeek.com.
The Alaska native became an NHL punch line in 2011-12 due to his lack of offensive production; he did not score his first goal of the season until Feb. 9.
Gomez finished the season with two goals and nine assists in 38 games played. In three seasons with the Habs, the onetime 30-goal man has scored a total of 21 goals and has a plus/minus rating of minus-23.
Of course, Bergevin would never come right out and say it on July 2 that Gomez will be sent to the minors. Like he said, we’ll see.
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) July 2, 2012
