Plekanec is still pretty clearly the center you rely on the most in tough situations. Most teams obviously run a top 9 now, but I don't see the minutes Plekanec eats for you being easily replaced. And the defender I was referring to was Markov (or you keep him and pay him something like 3m to 4m but that cuts into your re-signing space).
Weber is not a top 5 player in the NHL, and hasn't been for a few years (if he ever was). The luster to his great start to this year statistically will fade as soon as your powerplay stops scoring at an unsustainable rate (around 25% oiSH%).
How do you pay for the in between year with Plekanac and Emelin still on the books? Its also unlikely the cap raises significantly this year or next. Have you see the Canadian dollar and local attendence?
If Radu wants to stay in Montreal and doesn't command too much money, then it's all good for the Habs
On a fun note, Petry almost bought my sister's house last year (it was near Carey Price's). IIRC he visited the house before he signed the extension, so he was pretty sure he was going to stay. Finally they sold it to someone else and they are a building a new one near Shea Weber's place. I'll probably propose him to throw me a few slapshots if I ever meet him (I'm a goalie). Should I be nervous?
