With the team preparing to embark on a three-game eastern swing, Brian Burke was making more progress on our list of upcoming free agents. The next to sign was rugged left winger Sergio Momesso. To us he was simply 'Big Serge' due to his imposing size and raw strength. Sergio was a key member of our third-unit checking line, a spot he earned the old-fashioned way by playing a hard-nosed physical style. (Whenever he was on the ice, opponents had to keep their heads on a swivel, as Sergio was famous for finishing his checks).
When talks started, Sergio was asking for 130k per on a three year pact. At just 26, we were willing to extend an extra year of security in exchange for a slightly lower annual average value (AAV). So we discussed the options with his agent, and finally agreed to four years at an AAV of 125k (in increments of 120, 125, 125 and 130 per annum). That way, once the contract matured, Sergio would reside at the original 130k level he was looking for.
All things considered, it was a good negotiation, and we were happy to have 'Big Serge' back in the fold.
