The value of Mark Streit by Randall Wright
January 16th, 2008 by wrightMark Streit becomes a unrestricted free agent at seasons end. Reports from the media indicate that Streit’s agent Pat Brisson is looking for a 3 year 6 million dollar deal for his client. The question for the Canadiens organization is, what is appropriate value for Streit. An unheralded 9th round pick in the 2004 draft, the Swiss born Streit has provided terrific dollar value for the Habs. Streit is in the final year of a contract paying out 600,000 annually. Coming off a 10 goal 36 point a season ago, Streit has 28 points thus far this season, on pace for 51 point season splitting his time between defense and forward.
Streit’s greatest attribute is his versatility. As a Hab, Streit has played both left and right defense, as well as all three forward positions. His quickness, on ice vision and strong first outlet pass has enabled him to become a very efficent point man on the Habs first powerplay unit. His heavy, accurate shot from the point and his effective distribution of the puck to teammates has contributed to the success of the number one ranked powerplay unit in the league.
As versatile as Streit is, it also reflects his lack of dominance as either a forward or as a defenseman. His lack of grit, and physical size makes him susceptible to being over matched by bigger opposition wingers, which can often lead to poor defensive zone coverage. His performance tends to stagnate the longer he remains in one position. In essence, Streit is an effective uptempo player an adequate bottom pairing defenseman, and an efficent third or fourth line forward. The issue for Gainey is how much salary does he want to commit to a powerplay specialist and a lower end forward/defenseman. On a comparative basis, paying Streit 2 million a year would appear to be a bargain in comparison to the contracts of Smolinski at 2 million, Bouillon at 1.8 million and Dandenault at 1.725 million a year. One could argue that those aforementioned role players are over paid for their contributions. The problem is, by establishing those contracts, Gainey has set a precedent, which Streit’s agent will exploit.
In a salary cap world, it is not only the dollar value of the contract which is important, but also the duration of the contract is critical. Streit’s agents demands for three years, could be a deal breaker. The Habs roster is already weighed down towards role players taking up valuable cap space. With the continued escalation in rfa salaries for core players, general managers have to be economical in getting the most out of their role players at as little a cost in compressed time frames. To this end, Gainey is going to face major salary cap decisions in 2009-10 as the future core of the team, Plekanec, Komisarek,Higgins and Latendresse become restricted free agents.
Streit is a useful, quick skating, low risk, defensively aware forward/defenseman. The dilemma for Gainey is Streit’s contribution worthy of a 3 year 6 million dollar deal. Streit came to the NHL having rejected a higher dollar offer to stay in Europe. Perhaps, Gainey can get a small hometwon discount and sign Streit for a shade below 2 million a year for two years, that would represent good value for asteady contributor.
Posted in Uncategorized
3 Responses to “The value of Mark Streit by Randall Wright”
By Steve on Jan 17, 2008
If Streit is asking for $3-6 million a year, there’s no way he’ll sign for under $2 million.
A 51 point power play specialist is pretty valuable in the NHL. Ryan Whitney is making $2.5 million, Paul Mara is making $3 million, Marek Zidlicky is making $3.2 million, Sheldon Souray is making $6.25 million, Kim Johnsson is making $4.8 million, Sami Salo is making $3 million, Dan Boyle is making $3.625 million, Niclas Havelid is making $2.7 million, Tomas Kaberle is making $4.25 million. If he’s remotely comparable to HALF these D-men he’s going to get more than $2 million.
By Anonymous on Jan 17, 2008
Hi Steve. I think you misread Streit’s agents salary demands. He is looking for 2 million a year for 3 years. Some of the comparisons you give are interesting, particularly Zidlicky. The reality is though, that all of the above mentioned dmen are getting minutes that represent a first or second defense pairing, Streit is seeing the majority of his minutes as a third line forward, playing defense usually when there is an injury. No question, though, he is a key component at the point on the powerplay. His production may entice a rival gm to offer a contract above 2 million a year.
By Steve on Jan 18, 2008
You would be correct in the assertion that I misread the value of the deal. $6 mill for 3 years is actually a good deal given what I was saying in my previous comment. He warrants around $2 mill as a free agent if he’s a UFA.