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Canadiens Off Season: 5 Free Agents to Avoid

By William Mccomb

Nov 11, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin speaks at a press conference before the game against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin speaks at a press conference before the game against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 12, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Radim Vrbata (17) skates against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Radim Vrbata (17) skates against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

4. RW Radim Vrbata

2015-16 Team: Vancouver Canucks (63 GP-13 G-14 A-27 Pts)

2015-16 Cap Hit: $5 million

Radim Vrbata has quietly been a productive NHL player for 13 seasons now. At age 34, he’s entering the twilight of his career but is just a year removed from a 30 goal and 60 point season.

The 2016 season was not kind to Vrbata as he struggled through his worst offensive year since 2003-04. The Canucks as a whole struggled to score as they only had 6 players top 10 goals. In comparison, the Canadiens had 10 players top 10 goals.

Unlike Perron, Vrbata likely won’t have many offers that go beyond 2 years. His age and rapid decline in production point to one year offers with a desperate GM possibly giving him 2. As productive as Vrbata has been, his 2016 season should serve as a warning that he’s on the decline.

Due to his age and decline, he just does not fit the Canadiens roster at this time.

Next: D Roman Polak

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