MONTREAL GAZETTE
Soviet Legend Sergei Makarov was one of four players signed by Montreal
September 17th, 1995
Before the start of his first season as the General Manager, Braden Martin has already signed four different players, the biggest being former Soviet superstar Sergei Makarov. Along with Makarov were John Madden, Sami Salo and Brian Rafalski. Here's a rundown on each player and what GM Braden Martin had to say about each of them:
Sergei Makarov RW
Age - 37
Height & Weight - 5'11 185lbs
Shoots - Left
Nationality - Russia
The big signing and player who's going to make the biggest impact on the roster is Sergei Makarov. This will be Makarov's 7th season in the NHL and was a star player for the former Soviet Union national team. When he was at his peak as a player he was on the same level as a Gretzky or Lemieux. However he's now 37 years old and looking like he might be on his final legs. Last season he had 10 goals and 24 points for the Sharks, finishing 5th in scoring for the team. Many don't think he has the legs left to give to a team and would be unable to actually contribute anything meaningful
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Makarov is a player who has such a storied career and, was at some points in his career, arguably the best player in the world. Even now at the age of 37 he can still contribute to a hockey club so with his experience and ability we think he'll be a great addition to the Montreal Canadiens. He's still got his legendary speed and acceleration and still has great puck and playmaking skills. We think he'll fit in well with our group of forwards - Braden Martin
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John Madden C
The three other signings are all under the age of 22 with Madden being the oldest. Not much is known about any of them other then they are all undrafted and Martin believes each one of them can become a future Montreal Canadien. Madden has spent the past two years at the University of Michigan and last season had 43 points in 39 games. He projects as as future 4th or 3rd line defensive center
Age - 22
Height & Weight - 5'11 190lbs
Shoots - Left
Nationality - USA
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"John is one of the three younger players we signed. All three of these guys have a shot at making the team this season but ultimately they are still prospects. I watched John play at the University of Michigan for the past two years and he's really impressed me each time I've seen him play. He's a workhorse who's always looking to get better. The defensive side of his game is already solid and we think eventually he can become a Selke candidate with the right type of training" - Braden Blace
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Sami Salo D
Salo spent last season in the Finnish D1 league and even less is known about him then Madden or Rafalski. Martin believes this guy will become a top four D-man of the future so we'll have to trust his judgement.
Age - 21
Height & Weight - 6'3 216lbs
Shoots - Right
Nationality - Finland
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"Salo is someone who is not ready for the NHL yet but could eventually be a top four defenseman for us. Salo does have an NHL ready shot and there is no question about that. This guy can absolutely fire the puck as opposing NHL goalies will soon find out in the coming year's. He's a big guy who just needs to become a little bit smoother as a defenseman and be more reliable and consistent." - Braden Martin
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Brian Rafalski D
Rafalski has spent the past four seasons at the University of Wisconsin and had 45 points in 43 games last season as a defenseman. He's a smaller defenseman who might struggle against bigger competition but has smooth skating skills and good puck moving ability
Age - 21
Height & Weight - 5'10 191lbs
Shoots - Right
Nationality - USA
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"Rafalski is someone who many will just look at his height and immediately right him off as "To Small". That is tunnel vision thinking because Brian is one of the best puck movers I've seen. His ability at distributing and carrying the puck is amazing. To go along with that he has great skating skills and a hard, accurate shot. Rafalski will contribute right away as a Canadien and I think he'll be one of the best if he reaches his full potential" - Braden Martin
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