NHL/LNH : screw me, screw you.

Hockey players are mercenaries. Sure, but they are apt pupils to outstanding teachers.

General managers do their very best not to pay them their "fair price" before they become free agents.

When they become free agents, they retaliate and get more than their "fair price".

Media do not help : Montreal journalists are bragging Canadien General Manager Bob Gainey got Andrei Kostitsyn for 3 more years at basement prices.

Is that supposed to motivate the player to sweat it out night in, night out for the Canadien?

Is that supposed to foster team morale and spirit ?

Is it not a bit short-term thinking ?

The Canadien kept telling Huet and Streit how much the club loved them, then showed them the door. They got the point -or their agents did- and went for the most lucrative deal, without giving a damn about where they landed and their new team prospects.

For 22 or 15 millions USD, why should they care ?

They already know they have screwed their new team and, whatever happens, will come on top financially wise.

The Canadien has taught them it is just a businness, nothing personal.


(PM)