94 responses to 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
RSS feed for comments and Trackback URI for 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
1 johnnyhab
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 5:27 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
+60 past 3 seasons!!! just what Dr. Bob ordered….good signing for the D..now a top 6 forward….Please
2Habsfan
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:05 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
yeah they need Selanne just look at my comment on Canadiens 2007 Free Agent Activity. Back to Hamrlik: he’ll be awesome on the powerplay with his “Hamr” of a shot!Look I already got a nickname for him “Hamrlik the Hamr”.Anyways, he could play with Markov.But, still I’ll Show you my comment from Canadiens 2007 Free Agent Activity on my next comment everyone read it…, it’s really good.
3 Bobby
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:09 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
5.5 for 4 years……way too much.
4Habsfan1
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:09 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Selanne’s still available and he want’s to go to the habs.
P.S. Bertuzzi,Forsberg,and Yashin want to come.
Selanne says he’ll take 32 million for 12 years or 12 million for 6 years, and he would give koivu and (hopefully) Kovalev a big boost. And that would make Koivu a 35 goal scorer and a 95 point getter. Selanne would 50-65 goal scorer and 115-125 point getter. oh, Selanne would also be a replacement for Souray on the powerplay 35 goals on the man-advantage. And instead of Kovalev, Ryder and higgins would be 40(ryder), and 30(higgins) goal scorers. Higgins would have 60 pionts Ryder would have 75! That’s the difference one player can make. As for Kovalev…he would have about 62 points 20 goals so if they sign Selanne
they should keep kovalev until the deadline and if worth it longer.So come on Gainey! Sign Selanne!Go habs Go!Go habs Go! And sign souray somehow!!(If you have money!!)
5Habsfan1
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:11 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Selanne’s still available so keep your hopes up!
6 Bobby
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:14 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Second highest paid Hab this year behind Markov……Brutal
7 Bobby
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:17 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Who wants to come to Montreal……..Taxes suck and the media needs to be shot.
8 PACTUM SERVA
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:23 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I like this move.Already our defence is bigger and better defencively.
9 PACTUM SERVA
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:54 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
bonk to nashville
10Habsfan1
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:01 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Why is no one reading my Selanne comment?
11 habs#1fan
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:04 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
PS is right. Hamrlik greatly improves the Habs defensively. He’s not gonna score 60 or 70 points or anything like that but he will be good for between 30 and 40. Go Bobby Go!!!
12 PACTUM SERVA
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:14 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
smolinski to montreal tsn
13 MadManPaddy
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:23 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Has anyone seen any comments by Habsfan1 lately??? I haven’t seen him post of late?? I wonder where he could be??
I read somewhere that Selanne is ready to come to Montreal for a 12 year $32 million dollar contract. That would be awsome!! Either that or 12 million p/y for 6 years. Either or!!!! Phew…..maybe he could help Koivu and Kovalev get their point toals up!!
Seriously….Habsfan1…do you have attention issues???? Whoa!!!
Hamrlik is a decent pick-up….rather expensive I think but he will stabilize the “D” nonetheless!! Say adios Souray!!
You know…I have always been against this idea but……..what the hell…..let’s go for big Bert and see what he can provide….why the f-u-c-k not!! Maybe he will be the sleeper signing this year??? Now that we have the whole Sammy screw-up in our history, I think we would be safe with Bertuzzi!!!
Can’t be any worse than last year!!
14 MadManPaddy
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:29 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Forget it…..Bert just signed with Ananheim…bastard!!!
Smolinski to Montreal for 1 yr./$2 mil.???????? How old is Smolinski???? Isn’t he like 39-40 yrs old???? How does that help Montreal???
Bob…..WHY>>>>you should have just left it alone and let the young-uns get some time in…..you don’t need to sign someone for the sake of signing someone!!!
I’m sure that having Smolinski on board will make Captain Koivu feel tons better about their cup chances…..WTF!!
15 chevy4CH
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:37 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Smolinski is 35 years old, and has not scored more than 20 goals since 2007. In fact he hasen’t scored at least 20 goals for a few years. So we get a guy scoring 17 goals last year, and the leafs get Blake, who sc ored 40 GOALS LAST YEAR! Gainey? what the hell are you thinking? Now, go get ZUBRUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
16 chevy4CH
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:39 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I made a mistake. typo error. The last time Smolinski scored more than 20 goals, was 2007! Not very good! We need a younger, and better scorer.
17 chevy4CH
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:40 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Sorry for the typing errors. I mean 20 goals last scored in 2000.
18 chevy4CH
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:44 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Souray just signed with SJ.
19 MadManPaddy
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:49 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Souray in California…makes sense as that is where his daughter is!!!
No surprise to me….I don’t think Souray ever had any intention of signing back with Montreal and I don’t blame him…..any man needs to be near his children…regardless of anything else!!!
Good for Souray….I hope he does well!
20 Alestar
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 8:17 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Decent signing, need more!
18
21 Gui-Unit
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 8:25 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Souray did not sign with San Jose!!, Where are you guys getting your information :S
22 Habs#1
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 8:46 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Hamerlik was a smart sining and Smolinski was brought in to be the #3 centre. Looks like Pleks will be #2 again next year.
While 5.5 per may look like alot for Hamerlik, did you see the salaries handed out yesterday? Daniel Briere and Scott Gomez aren’t worth the money they got, especially Gomez.
But since the Habs offered more money to Briere and Ryan Smyth then they took with the teams they signed with. Gainey is working his ass off, these guys just don’t want to deal with the taxes, media asking them why they don’t speak french and certain fans like joshtm who will turn on you after one bad game.
I’d still like to see Zubrus as a second line winger with Pleks.
23 LJ55
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 8:53 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
yeah 5.5 million per for a number 3-4 defenceman isn’t a good deal at all. yes hamrlik is a good defenceman but i’m sorry 5.5 is crazy and isn’t a slight overpayment it’s a big overpayment. Smolinski is basically mike johnson part 2, he’s decent defensively, but doesn’t hit or isn’t physical at all. if anyone thinks he’s a 20 goal scorer or will contribute offensively is sadly mistaken or just looking at last seasons stats and nothing more. i’m sorry to say but mr gainey is out to lunch unless he has some sort of major trade in mind.
people will say well we needed to sign somebody and yes we did need to sign a d-man of some sort, but my god when did hamrlik become one of the elite defenceman in the league. he’s going to have one helluva a time living up to that obscene contract. the smolinski signing is either here nore there and since it’s a one year deal it’s not the end of the world, but none the less much better 3rd line checkers out there who bring more to the table than smolinski does.
Joshtm is going to be all over these signing and quite frankly i can’t blame him.
24 Habs#1
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 9:08 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Hamerlik is a better all around defenceman then Souray so we should be happy.
25Habsfan1
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 9:11 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Still hardly anyone is reading my Selanne comment!Come on, it’s a good comment!
Thank you MadManPaddy!
26Habsfan1
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 9:15 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Gainey is going to try to sign Selanne tommorrow for 24 million 7 years or 32 million for 10 years. Got to go I’ll be back!
27 Fizz
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 9:20 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
…Quite honestly, I’d be happier with Bonk, than Smolinski… just me.
28Habsfan1
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 9:44 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Souray says he will retire if he does not get signed.And Selanne is getting upset he’s not getting any calls from Gainey but what till tomorrow! Imagine Koivu with 95 points 35 goals and Selanne with 50-60 goals and 115-120 points! That could be the future if Selanne signs with the habs.But they might not have enough money with Hamrlik and Smolinski signed.
29 MadManPaddy
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 9:59 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Habsfan1…what gives? No offense friend but your soundin’ a little goofy!!
What’s the joke???
30 riser8
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 10:10 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
As much as I loved Souray…..Hamrlik is a definite upgrade for the defense. He has been a plus player every year since 2001, a three time allstar, and a
player for his native Country…plus 22 last year and is a good skater with a cannon shot and he apparently likes playing in Canada. 5.5 mil. for four years
is about what the market is at right now, and frankly I would rather pay Hamrlik that kind of money that Souray….good signing! As for Smolinski…he
will take the place of Bonk for less money and give back more production…had to be done as Chipchura still needs one more year of seasoning down on the farm. I still think Bob is going to make a trade for a significant player over the next few weeks that should also booster the club.
31 Avatar37
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 10:10 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Smolinski was a signing to make up for Bonk leaving… Frankly, I agree with Fizz, I’d have been happier just giving the money to Bonk… Hamrlik was what +20 last year, and that’s what we need… a more defensively responsible defenseman. However, that being said… Priessing signed with the Kings for exactly half (11 mil vs 22 mil) over 4 years. Personally I think Priessing would have been a better pickup, but anyone with a good +/- can do nothing but help our D. There’s still a chance Souray will be back, haven’t seen anything about him signing anywhere. Selanne would be a good aquisition, but not at 6 or 12 years… although I don’t know where these figures are coming from.
32 Darrell
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 10:51 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
If you look at our payrollwe still have $13,250000 and we have maby 3-4 players we have to sign .(ryder,pleks and gorge) I say 2-3 mill to ryder 900 to pleks and 500 to gorge and that still leaves us with just under 9mill for some more to players. So as far as payroll goes we are not to bad. There will still be some good players that we will (I HOPE)be able to sign. Or if bob pulls of a trade we will be able to handle the contract if we have to resgn them ( like the oil with Pik.)
33 Fizz
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 10:57 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Anyone think Grabs will crack the roster this season?
34 Joshtm
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 11:03 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Great, Gainey has handicapped himself yet one more time, nickel and dime-ing himself to death, leaving even less moola room to sign someone like a decent forward! What we get another small European who flops just as badly as Markov? Both signings today smack of old broken down has beens! Although if we keep Souray (I hope now with not signing any decent players now) both signings today will complement the power play but that’s about it. Definitely no power forward, still no decent size, typical small flaky players. Both Hamer and Smokerlinksly there were only good cause they were part of teams who had enforcers. Smolinsky and Hamerlink are also wimpy penalty kings! Great, more competition for Sakku’s hook! What, we are gonna beat the other team to death with limp noodles? We’ll smother them to death with Johnson and Cullimer and Salamander…add Hammer and Smelt Fish there….and Gainey thinks he did great?
Oh well, at least we have a decent power play to look forward to if we keep Souray. But in order to sign a big player, Gainey’s gonna have to hold firm and not give Souray a raise! So it seems Yashin will join the habs, we’ll have a Russian Prima Donna cage match between Kovalev and Yashin, and then we’ll have the Europeans trying to outdo each other with wimpy penalties, while Cullimore tries to outdo Dandenault’s and Bouillon’s pathetic defense! Somehow signing a big name player just doesn’t make sense.
Yup, here we blame the taxman and the media! What, we are gonna blame Youpie next won’t we? Oh ya, Smyth wanted to come to Montreal but his kids were scare of Youpie so he chose the other team cause of their mascot! Or hey, cause Smyth’s wife like the paint scheme in the other teams dressing room, or hey, cause Montreal didn’t have enough English speaking snobs…not snooty enough for Smyth’s stuck up wife….come on, join the excuse making club, what else, or hey there were not enough shoe stores in Montreal and the malls are too chintzy! Come on let’s outdo each other on excuses for why Smyth didn’t come to Montreal! Like as if we heard him say “oh no, Premier Charest charges too many taxes and the Montreal Gazette is too critical and oh by the way, I’m a real racist pig and I don’t wanna expose my kids to the frogs!” Like as if. Honestly, how stupid does that sound? Like as if hockey players actually look at taxes, and the media and worry about their kids schooling? That is the reality of a pro hockey player you jerks! It’s like the military, its part of the hazards your family has to put up with!
There finally got that off my chest. All it does is expose why Montreal will never get decent hockey players, its not because of taxes, its not because of the media, its because hockey players don’t wanna go to a city full of really crappy used, broken down rookies and veterans! No they don’t wanna come to Bob Gainey’s School for For Hockey Players Who Can’t Read Good And Want To Do Other Things Good Too….
35 Darrell
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 11:04 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I think that he will . Also I hear soury to NYR.
36 Joshtm
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 12:06 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
The Hamrlik that Montreal is getting is not the free-wheeling defenceman he was early in his career, when his offensive numbers were good but his plus-minus was deplorable.
That’s a switch from Souray, who had 64 points last season, including 26 goals, and was a formidable force on the power play, but was minus-28. Hamrlik’s last season in the red was minus-20 in 2000-01 with the New York Islanders.
“I have to say I changed my style,” he said. “I’m not rushing too much up front with the forwards.
“I’m reading the game better and I learned to play defence better. And as you get older, you don’t have as much speed as when you’re 20. In Calgary, they taught me a lot of good things about playing defence.”
He also got used to working with young defencemen like Dion Phaneuf, which he will most likely also do with the Canadiens, who have selected defencemen in the first round of the last two drafts.
“We’ll see how many goals I score, but I’m just looking forward to playing in Montreal,” he added. “I don’t know much about them, but I’m sure I’ll fit in.
“I’ve never had any problem with any team. I hope I can bring experience and help the team.”
This is from Sportcentre.ca.
Great, another European defenseman loves Montreal cause hey, everyone knows they don’t have to work for their paycheque once they come here, worst thing they’ll get is a lecture from Gainey and be placed on waivers once their contract runs up…..and then get traded to Chicago for other worn down has beens.
Montreal, where the former great Europeans players come to retire….
37Xhabfan
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 1:07 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
As a life long Fan of my beloved Canadiens,I honestly feel LIKE I JUST TOOK A FUCKIN BULLET. It’s starting to remind me of how Japan Pro Baseball plays ball,you know the teams don’t care if they win or loose there as long as its entertaining,only one problem this isn’t fuckin baseball from the land of the rising sun!!!All you had to do Bob was get someone like Smyth to help direct the young guys ,how do you get him ? pay the man bob,PAY THE MAN!THIS IS WHY YOU CANT USE OLD HOCKEY PLAYERS IN THE FRONT OFFICE THEY BRING TO MUCH LUGAGE WITH THEM !!!!
38 Jaker1
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 5:02 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I agree with Xhabfan, you have to pay superstars more money if you want them to play for a non playoff team.You basically have to blow them out of the water or don’t even waste your time negotiating.If Montreal thinks they will get Vincent Lecalvier in the couple of years they better either get a whole lot better or be willing to pay a lot more money. There is no hometown discount when it comes to money hungry hockey players (Ask Daniel Briere).
39 habs4ever
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 7:12 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Bob has shit the bed this summer, brian who? lol. We had the same thing with bonk. This bullshit is getting n my nerves. Roman I like but for 5.5mill/per season, cmon Bob wake the hell up. 3-3.5 is all he was worth. This isn’t for real. I am hoping I am experiencing a bad dream, once I wake up, hopfully its not true. This is depressing, we are a worse club then last year. Cmon Bob should of uped the ante on smitty. Theguy is heart and sole, if you truly want him, make an offer he couldn’t refuse, if not don’t even bother. That being said. I’m gad we didn’t break the bank on Briere, nice guy, good player, not wrth 7 or 8 million specially when joe thornton signs an extension for 7.2. Ridiculous.
40 nigelski
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:13 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Where did you hear Souray to the Rangers, Darrell? Doesn’t seem likely, or even possible. Considering that they have around 25 mil this season tied up in Jagr(8 and change), Drury( @7mil), and Gomez (10 mil this season), it’s hard to see just where x million Souray fits in, especially when you consider that Lundqvist, Shanahan and Avery all are still to be signed, and Avery and Lundqvist are due raises.
I could be wrong, but it just doesn’t seem likely, unless they manage to lowball all three guys, and Souray also. In any case, he’ll not be playing for Montreal, wherever he ends up.
I’m not big on the signings Gainey has made, but I suppose it could’ve been worse (i.e. Yashin, Lang, Handzus…etc.). And I guess it could still get worse (i.e, Yashin, Zubrus,…).
What sucks the most for me as a fan, is that every off season finds me caught up in the hype of the times, and I inevitably am disappointed by the results. Whatever the reasons/excuses, they just ring hollow after a while. Barring significantly better numbers this season by some of our young guys, it looks like it’s going to be another struggle for respectability, let alone playoffs. Another season of mediocrity in Cupland.
41 Habs4life
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:17 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
great pick ups, were gonna make the playoffs now, all Bob has to do is get yashin for a cheap price and will most likely win the cup:)
Go Habs Go
42Xhabfan
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:26 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Not only do I SEE a LAST PLACE FINNISH for our Habs,but I see a string of looses all season long to the maple-queens and Carbo juggling lines like he’s panning for $ in front of the beer & wine store and our powerplay??????HA !!!!
43 smiler2729
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:54 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
First of all, players don’t want to play in Montreal because of stu pid fans like josh and the ridiculous French media…
Second, I’m glad Gainey’s not overspending on Briere, Smyth, Drury and Gomez, those players aren’t superstars but are being paid by idiot teams like they are.
Hamrlik and Smolinski are fine tweaks, Lord knows we need help defensively… and maybe just maybe Saku can talk Teemu into signing here.
44 Avatar37
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 11:11 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Stop bashing Gainey about Smyth… He made the most money/longest term contract offer to him (from what I read), it was a phone call from Sakic that convinced Smyth to go to Colorado.. Damn Sakic lol… oh well, that’s the way it goes. You win some, you lose some… At Briere’s price, I consider it a “win” that he signed in Philly… Smyth would have been worth the price Gainey offered him, we “lost” that one… I think losing Bonk and replacing him with Slo Mo is a loss, but hey… At least Josh will be happy, he wanted Bonk and Johnson gone… If we sign Yashin, that’s a “loss” .. so far we’re winning on that one… and every day that goes by increases the chances that Souray will be back… if we sign Selanne to play on the wing with Koivu well… Maybe they can get a little Finnish chemistry going… certainly couldn’t hurt, anyway.
45ziman
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 1:28 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Where are you people hearing that Selanne wants to come to Montreal? Where the hell does it say that he would be willing to sign a 6 year or 12 year deal? He is 37 years old, he is contemplating retirement and while he may be good friends with Koivu, he won his cup, he wanted to go out a winner. I will say it again, Montreal is on the right track but they are not ready to win a cup yet, they are still a couple of seasons away. Selanne does not want to be part of a team that is rebuilding and Koivu is also getting pissed off that Gainey is not signing big-name free agents. Montreal has about 13 million left in cap space so either they should sign Souray, sign another second-tier free agent or do something soon. I want ACTION!! Gainey, do not be scared to pull the trigger if you get the right player. Also, people, don’t say things if you do not know what the fuck you are talking about, it really pisses me and a lot of other people off. Get your facts straight before you say anything.
Ziman
46Stuart-SB77
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 1:30 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I knew it all along, I thought he would get Refalski though but now I know what he’s doing. Hamrlik is a forgotten D that was playing on the 2nd line in Calgary and not too many managers thought about him, so Bob saved money, and for Smolinski, I call him RADEK BONK. Bonk went to the preds but montreal got smolinski for the same reason they got Bonk, defensive forward. the only difference is that bonk can’t get points, but Smolinski sure as hell can. I see him with Kovalev. speaking of Kovalev, he has to get at least 60+ points this year or he’s done! I here names like,Selanne,Guerin,Forsberg, but they WILL NOT PLAY 4 THE HABS! It’s either Shanahan or Zubrus. Zubrus is just my brain. but Shanahan was sooooo close to coming here last year! anyways If they end up getting someone else, don’t get mad at me. peace!
47 Signings
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 1:31 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
After signing a defenceman for 5.5 million a year, I think Souray´s chances of coming back are actually reduced. Hamrlik is strong and has a hard shot, so he is the perfect replacement.
Gainey is patient, and sometimes that doesnt pay off too well. After waiting for too long he is prone to overpay players when he becomes desperate and realizes a position must be filled very badly very soon. Thats why he overpaid Theodore a couple of years ago, and gave this huge contract to Hamrlik. I think a top forward now is also needed. Lang would have been perfect, as he played good with Kovalev in Pittsburg. Unfortunately he signed with another team. Now Selanne, to play with Koivu, would be neat.
48 joshtm
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 2:20 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Smolinski’s record sucks! He scores a goal every seven games! That’s the centreman, most faceoff kings are also goal scorers!
Hamrlik may be strong but he’s already talking like an old veteran who admits to not working hard anymore…if you read his TSN interview between the lines, he is basically saying, Martin Rucinsky says MOntreal is great cause you don’t have to work hard anymore….
49 LJ55
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 2:23 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
# 43 smiler2729
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:54 am. About ‘Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski’.
First of all, players don’t want to play in Montreal because of stu pid fans like josh and the ridiculous French media…
Second, I’m glad Gainey’s not overspending on Briere, Smyth, Drury and Gomez, those players aren’t superstars but are being paid by idiot teams like they are.
Hamrlik and Smolinski are fine tweaks, Lord knows we need help defensively… and maybe just maybe Saku can talk Teemu into signing here.
your not okay with gainey overspending on elite talent or tier 1 ufa’s? then you must be furious with gainey overspending for tier 2 ufa’s right? like we did.
so now you talk to the players who didn’t sign with montreal or did you mind meld with them an know the reasons why the didn’t sign in Montreal?
sounds like your blowing smoke out your ass to me.
smolinski isn’t a “fine” tweak like you suggest he’s similar to mike johnson in virtually everyway when it comes to his on ice play. don’t tell me he’s a good faceoffs man(because he’s not) and don’t tell us how he’s a 20 goal man because he’s not.
it’s seem more like rearraging used funiture than actually upgrading the team to me. as far as i’m concerned it’s upgrade or put your wallet away and let the kids take the reins. from looking at the situation it looks like neither and that we are simply just treading water. everything is all good in the organization except at the NHL level.
i’m going to go out on a limb and predict a 7th to 11th place finish. haha.
50 orilliaborn
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 3:05 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Just want to say a couple of things about this Habs blog. It’s incredibly interesting and the knowledge of most of the people is unbelievable. Even Josh has been great these past few days. I’ve been following Montreal for 50 years and I had no idea of the great intelligence from the fans regarding the team. I’m a new loyal reader.
51alex
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 3:07 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
People seem to be missing the point. Smolinski is a replacement for Bonk, a higher scoring 1 year replacement. Hamrlik is NOT a replacement for Souray he is a replacement for Rivet, a much better (albeit more expensive) replacement. Sourays spot will be filled by autumn probably through a trade. By the way my friends and I have noticed when down at the Bell Centre that the 2 players who really seem to give it all every night are Latendresse and LaPierre, both big guys, both near to a break to the next level. Yashin does come with a number of problems but if he signs a short deal for peanuts what the heck you can never have too many centers.
52 Fizz
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 4:23 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
… correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Shanny still unsigned? A possible player, wouldn’t ya say? With Gomez and Drury in the big apple now, Shanny can shine somewhere else… why not Montreal? All I’m saying is that this would make me happy!
53 Rubberman
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 4:27 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
My 2 cents:
I’d put my wallet away. Bob, don’t sign anyone for the sake of looking busy!!! I don’t have much confidence in anyone big coming here unless we trade some real good prospects. Bob wouldn’t do that, so…
The GM has to do everything possible to get LEcavalier. Everything possible: trade away some good players. Bob, you owe it to the fans to get a big star like Lecavalier. There’s no other option, management owes it to all the fans, eg: sold out every game for 2 yrs, all merchandise sold, blogs similar to this one. I don’t care if we trade Price, even if he’s great, Vinny’s great too…
Don’t let the HABs become a version of the Leafs!!!
54 Avatar37
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 6:23 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Yes, Slo Mo is a replacement for Bonk, but Bonk is a better defensive forward… so why replace your defensive line with a more expensive less effective center? Harmlik was signed as a replacement for Souray, just look at the contract numbers, I bet that was what was offered to Souray… Priessing and Regehr both signed for less and would have been better defensemen…
And if you think the only two players that give it all every night are Latendresse and LaPierre you obviously don’t watch Begin play… No one consistently gives more of an effort than he does.
55 Habs#1
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 6:50 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Gainey offered Smyth and Briere more money then they took to go elsewhere and apparently even Jean Beliveau called Briere to convince him to come and he still said no. Montreal is not a desirable locale for the big names anymore.
Get used to slow rebulding through the draft.
56 Fizz
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 6:52 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Well spoken Avatar37. I agree, Begin is a total work horse!
57 Joshtm
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 7:12 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Gainey’s logic makes no sense. He is basically paying less qualified players good money to replace players who should have received that amount. I bet if Gainey actually offered Bonk the money he woulda taken it. So it looks like Gainey is playing Scarface in his own mind, cause he’s too cheap to give Bonk a minor raise, he’ll pay Homerlink there more, and cause he doesn’t wanna pay what Souray wants he’ll overpay Homerlink to prove the point home…and cause he wants to look like he’s doing something he’ll hire Smokerlinksky too much for one year, with Smokerlinksy knowing he can pull a Samsonov and not score and not even try, along with Homerlink there….bejezuz bye as Ryder would say…someone take Gainey out cause hey he’s too high on that Columbian dust or what?
58Habsfan1
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 7:27 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Bonk was getting paid 3 million so Smolinski is a better deal for onl 2 million. And Hamrlik is a replacement for Souray because he has a “Hamr” of ashot too and he is much better defencevly, so he is is a much better all-around defenceman/replacement for Souray. Thank you Gainey!!
59 Joshtm
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 7:38 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
It’s too late Rubberman…you have all the criteria there, Gainey who courts bigots to come, knowing they ain’t gonna come cause they are way too bigotted, heck we got Carbo who wanted to put his kids in English school…if that is who is leading the habs…its sad. The Rocket all over again eh? Anglo bigots destroying the habs just to get even with the Quebecois! Habs fans should riot all over again, show these bigots who are running the habs where they should go! Give the Habs back to Montreal! If you can’t find enough english speaking bigots to play, heck hire local born players! Pay them what they deserve too!
60 Joshtm
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 7:47 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Hey if we could keep Souray, what a duo that would be. Hammer and Souray! And who knows, maybe the young rookie talent would help revive Smolinsky. Only time can tell. What scares me is the prospect of having Dandenault, Bouillon and Cullimore and Salamander all suiting up on a line together! Man it almost makes me wanna switch to the Senators! Sacrilege! How can Gainey pull such a horrible combination as that?
61 RBK
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 8:37 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Joshtm were you not the one that was throwing a fit about people making up excuses why players were not signing here.. Do you really think being english is the reason why the habs are always a 7th-11th place team. Your an idiot.. Souray is not coming back. Him and his agent dismissed the offer bob showed them and told him he was not coming back. I’m dissapointed in the signings as usual but we have unreal young talent coming up through the system. Price, Halik, o bryne, locke, grabovsky.. These guys playing with lapierre, latendresse, kostitsyn,and pleks, higgins and ryder.. As long as Bob doesn’t do anything stupid with these guys I’ll be happy.. Until then.. I’m prepared to be cheering for the habs in the fight for the last playoff spot, at least it gives us a little something to hold on too
62Stuart-SB77
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 8:39 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Don’t worry It’s not over. Bob said he’s thinking of only using 2-3 Million but he mentioned Shanahan’s name and Bob hardly never mentions names. usually when he wants someone he gets it. I’m glad they never got Smyth(he can only tip in pucks) we need a hockey player not a baseball player. lol. cheer up habs fans, Our future is very very bright! Higgins will exlode this season possible 60+ points! Kovalev is a question mark, Ryder will be a blast and Plekanec will be outstanding.Some rumours for the habs: Jan Bulis, Brendan Shanahan, re-sign Mike Johnson
63 Joshtm
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 9:06 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
RBK just did not get it. The NHL is a league of bigots! RBK must be one of them! Imagine if francophone players were given a real chance to play in Montreal! Instead they have to leave Montreal to show how good they really are! Its time for Montreal to resurface as a team from Quebec with Quebec talent! Not this sham of a team that Gainey and his American puppet masters have forced us to watch. Going cheap so they (Gillett and partners) can make a profit!
64 Joshtm
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 9:28 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Shanahan is just what Montreal needs. Heck promise him the C if you have to. Open a school, build a restaraunt, post English-only signs for Montreal only, anything to get Hockey back to Montreal, that is if Crazy Bob and Gillett ain’t gonna let Quebec born superstars play in Montreal. Instead they have to insult us with Dandenault! Honestly. Send Dandy back to Detroit they would love him for sure! If we have to keep Dandy at least take him off defense and put in forward for God’s Sake! Dandy can score if he is given the chance I am sure, he knew how to do that in Detroit. Not that I am going to Dandy’s defense. All I know is he is a real disappointment.
Getting Shanahan would revive next season. Maybe that is all the little Koivu needs, pressure taken off so he can shine once more. Shanahan and Souray with Hamrlik, man that would be a real power play line…..as long as we don’t lose Souray. If we can’t get Quebec born talent lets at least have some decent Canadian-born players, enough of these prima donna Euros and disappointing yanks!
65 Jack Tornton
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:01 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
JOSHTM, YOU SAID ALL WHAT WAS NEEDED TO BE SAID.
Guys, if you bash Joshtm for comment # 64, then you must be out of your mind. Just hope Bob Gainey signs both Souray and Shanny, and Joshtm might jump in the bandwagon next year.
Way to go Bob!
66 Jack Tornton
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:04 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Let both Dandy and Johnson leave the club, and we can promise their spots to our young-ins.
The youngsters did what they had to do, and they lifted the Calder Cup. Give them some chances in the big club.
67 habs4ever
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:14 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Bob’s been a huge disappointment this offseason. However i’d rather the team in his hands then Regean Houle. He put us in this mess to begin with. We can’t even attract french canadians like briere, not like Bob didn’t try. He offered the most money. Briere wanted to join philly where he’ll get a concussion and be forced to play.lol.. Bad move on his part, will get the last laugh, just hang in there, shanny is a must if we can get him for a 2yr deal. I think in 2 years will be looking good. Players used bob as a bargaining chip to up they’re own stock with no intentions of coming here. Guys like koivu have no weight to get guys like smyth to come here, we don’t have a joe sakic, maybe saku can call ville nimmenen, hahaha.
Time is running out Bob, get yur shit together or get the hell outta here
68 habs4ever
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:20 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
The biggest problem is Carbs, no 95 point scorer wants to sign in Montreal and lose 30 points off theyre total to play Carbs defencive system. Its a no brainer. It isn’t the crazy media, it isn’t the taxes. Its this defencive crap we play, and were not any good at it BTW, we hav a young fast team, who is more design to run and gun then lay back and wait for mistakes, theyre not mature enough to play this boring style, and guys like kovalev and saku shouldn’t be in any defencive system, theyre highly skilled players who should be given the chance to do theyre thing. I’ll start the fire carbs chants, if we do that and people still won’t come. I’ll admit I was wrong, if I was a star player I wouldn’t sign in this system.
69 MadManPaddy
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 11:05 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Hey all…….I may be way off in lala land here but I sense a big trade comin….like a Saku Koivu trade…….maybe to Anaheim for either rights to Ryan or for Getzlaf or maybe both….think about it…if Selanne plays this coming year it might be with Koivu and not in Montreal, if he does play it will be with Anaheim….both of those players have stated they would like to play together. Based on what Saku said before the free agent period about not wanting to stay in Montreal if they keep rebuilding, I think he may ask for a trade. They really did not do much. Koivu may be pissed off about it and rightfully so!
Never say never folks….always remember…Gretzky got traded!!
I would be awfully surprised if Shanny were to end up with Montreal. Sather will re-sign him. I saw Bob speak on TSN and I think what we saw is it. He claims to have approx. $2-$3 mil. left. Cannot buy alot with that these days.
Oh well…..I will wait for Lecavalier next year and Crosby in 2013. Then we will have a team to be proud of!!!
70 RBK
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 11:56 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Joshtm.. You said the NHL is a league full of bigots because they won’t let french players play in montreal?… If I were a bigot I would want the french people to stay in Montreal.. Whatever this is a stupid argument.. However I do agree with you on comment #64.. However on TSN.ca the interview with gainey, it seems like souray won’t be back. They only other way I see him coming back is if no teams make an offer on him because of his horrible +/- and lack of one on one skills. But shanny in montreal would be a very good change for once. He could bring some much needed offense and leadership ability. Maybe beat down kovalev at practice to get his ass in gear. Also he would help our young guns like ryder and higgy develop even more offensive awareness… But 2-3 million dollars looks like nothing.. maybe a one year contract at the least and it seems these days players are looking for long term signings..
Seems sad how we are here dreaming of a day when we can have the best to players in the NHL in lecavalier and crosby when we can only sign hammer and smolinski. Even when Bob offered crazy money to smyth and jean the great couldn’t talk briere into coming here..
71 Joshtm
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 12:47 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
To Bob Gainey: I know that you Crazy Bob read this blog on and off.
I have a message for you Bob Gainey. Maybe it is time you take on some other duty within the Habs organization, maybe you and Trevor Timmins should concentrate on scouting rookies.
Bob Gainey, I want you to resign your position as GM of the Habs. Time to call it quits. It is sad when you have to get the Great Beliveau begging on your behalf, that is insulting, and demeans the dynasty.
Just for that, Bob Gainey it is time you call it quits. After this past year, with the trade deadline, and with yanking rookies back and forth and destroying two great goalie rookies, and now with basically wasting the Habs negotiating money on broken down players….maybe Bob Gainey it is time you realize that you don’t have what it takes.
If only to keep Quebec from seperating once again, for the good of Canada and Hockey, for the Montreal Dynasty, for all those poor young kids, most of all for your good name, Bob Gainey, resign. Please.
72 MadManPaddy
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 12:47 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
RBK…..RE: your last paragraph…….one big difference between Smyth and Briere…both Vinnie and Sid have both stated publicly that Montreal is their favorite hockey team and they both wished they would have been drafted by the Habs….to boot…..when asked if they would ever play for Montreal…they both answered in the exact same way……”I hope so”!!!
Wouldn’t that be so awsome to have both of them on our team!!! That is a dream, big time!!
73 Fizz
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 12:48 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Re: RBK#61(Comment) You had mentioned that as long as Gainey doesn’t do anything foolish.. (I mean stupid) with the young guys already on the “beloved” and the young fellas we have coming up through the system, you’ll be fine cheering for the eighth and final playoff spot… Me to! There is something to be said about being a Habs fan, and anyone who isn’t, just wouldn’t understand?(I would hope they are as passionate a fan as we “ALL”are to our team) Sorry to get of track there, but you’re right… all the youngans you mentioned, and shall I add, ‘Lil’ Kostitsyn, and by the way I’m stoked to see what ‘Big brother’ does this year, I think he’s a gem! Valentenko, Chipchura, Milroy,… I could go on, but it will be very exciting in the next say… 3-5 years. Sure it would be nice to be winning now, and have that comfortable guarantee of a playoff spot each and every year, but I believe that some great seasons are not that far away. To end off here… anyone tell me, if there is one player in the league right now that you would love to see in a Habs jersey… who is it? For me it’s a no brainer! Ryan Smyth is the ultimate hockey player. What is the guy not capable of? 30-40-50 goal scorers will always be around, but a player of Smitty’s contributions to the game…
need I say more? Ovechkin, and Crosby wouldn’t be that bad either.(hehe!)
74Xhabfan
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 12:50 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
habs4ever post #68,is on the rite track.If Saku wants out cause the Habs are rebuilding again,why would any body else want in ,unless they are washed up!Plus, there’s Carbo’s super duper defensive system that nobody can play or figure out cause of the constent line juggling.GREAT PLAYERS WANT TO WIN THE CUP AND ALL THE MONEYS THAT GO WITH IT,PERIOD. And I don’t see a cup any time soon in Montreal !
75 Joshtm
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 1:09 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
There is no guarantee under Crazy Bob’s yankem yo-yo’em hockey style with rookies that any of the rookies will get to stay in Montreal. Oh no, Bob’s got his eye on another Calder Cup. He doesn’t care if the habs do well or not. I guess no one has figured out that Bob doesn’t give a hoot now, he’s insulted that great players don’t kiss his big arse! Bob’s so big headed and so conceited that he’d rather destroy the habs and blame Smyth and Briere et al.
But someone forgot to remind Bob that he built this crappy team. He hired his crappy coach. He drafted and recruited mighty mite rookies who are only good at winning the Calder Cup. That would be alright if all Bob had to do was win the Calder Cup. He’s supposed to have a winning heart, he’s supposed to want to win the Stanley Cup, not just the Calder Cup!
Man Gainey talks like a real loser. He knows he built a lousy team, where no great players want to come and grind it out on behalf of the likes of Dandenault!
That’s Gainey’s answer to losing Souray. We’ll have Dandenault take his place. Great….just great. Heck if you people didn’t see it, Bob was basically telling the whole world to frig off, he was practically pointing his middle finger at everyone. He doesn’t care anymore, he never did.
It’s time we all ask for Gainey to resign, have him take Carbo with him too, hey Guy, go to some other city where they have English schools for your bigotted children okay Guy? You BASTARD!!!!!
76 RBK
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 1:49 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Joshtm, calm down before you have a heart attack, I don’t think bob gainey reads this site.. However I wish he did because I do agree with you. I use to be a pro-gainey person but after seeing what he has done with the team (granted he has had a lot of cleaning up to do) I am not really thrilled with his performance. I mean its been to long since we have seen a big name player in montreal. Samsonov and Johnson and guys alike do not cut it.
But Joshtm just a question, who would you have take over as the GM? Be realistic.
77Xhabfan
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 2:01 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Bowman,Lemaire,Cornyier,Dryden and Andy Murray for g.m. Coach:Hartsburg or Andy Murray
78Xhabfan
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 2:05 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Larry Robinson would be my pick for G.M. and Andy Murray for Coach,yep that would do it.
79 LJ55
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 2:20 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
# 68 habs4ever
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:20 pm. About ‘Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski’.
The biggest problem is Carbs, no 95 point scorer wants to sign in Montreal and lose 30 points off theyre total to play Carbs defencive system. Its a no brainer. It isn’t the crazy media, it isn’t the taxes. Its this defencive **** we play, and were not any good at it BTW, we hav a young fast team, who is more design to run and gun then lay back and wait for mistakes, theyre not mature enough to play this boring style, and guys like kovalev and saku shouldn’t be in any defencive system, theyre highly skilled players who should be given the chance to do theyre thing. I’ll start the fire carbs chants, if we do that and people still won’t come. I’ll admit I was wrong, if I was a star player I wouldn’t sign in this system.
Huh the biggest problem is Carbo? he’s been coach for one season and we haven’t been able to attract elite ufa’s for over a decade? is it Carbo’s fault for all those years to? sounds like a ridiculous notion to me.
80 Jaker1
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 4:55 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Correct me if I am wrong but didn’t Shanahan turn down a better offer from Montreal last year to play in New York. One guy I would have loved to see in Montreal but was signed by Washington yesterday was Michael Nylander.He has moves galore and is money in the bank with points per year and he was cheap.
81 habs4ever
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 7:46 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Huh the biggest problem is Carbo? he’s been coach for one season and we haven’t been able to attract elite ufa’s for over a decade? is it Carbo’s fault for all those years to? sounds like a ridiculous notion to me.
Montreal has never been big players in the FA market, this was a storie franchise a decade ago, and people loved to play here. Problem was, we were content selling out seats without being competitive, hockey in montreal will sell whether we spend or not. It’s a fact. If someone offered mre money to a french canadian 10 years ago. Of course he signs. Carbs is the problem. If scotty bowman or a somewhat offencive minded coach were here, we would of landed someone other then samsonov over the past 2 years, but after seeinng what they did to him and kovalev. Noone wants to be here, everone harps on kovy, hes a 30 goal scorer on another team. Skilled hockey players don’t like playing in weak traps. Jersey has problems with thi issue too, not many UFA sign there. If you think carbs is good for this team, your sadly mistaken he’s producing one of the mst boring on ice products to watch, layed back bullshit hockey. That doesn’t impress high profile talent.
Pierre Turgeon, Vincent Damphousse and a few others examples of french canadians. Before Bob got here this team was in turmoil, hes rebuilded a nice nucleus of young players, but young guys alone won’t do it. I am losing faith quick. Fire carbs, bob. hire scotty bowman or someone of his style and watch the smyths and briere’s tak the money and run. Carbs might tur out ok, but it won’t be fun to watch. I, as a fan enjoy exciting hockey and we deserve to see our skilled players using theyre skills. He must go.
82 habs4ever
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 7:53 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Sammy gets 20-30 goals, 60-70 points playing under Denis Savard, you can take that to the bank.
83 MTL1976
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 10:15 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Gainey said he mentioned Smolinski to Carbo and Carbo just smiled.
Why is Carbo happy? Smolinski’s no Briere??
Instead of Smolinski why not get Peca ?? On defense Brad Stuart and Hamrlik
According to TSN Ed Jovanovski might be up for grabs. If he could stay healthy he’s the allstar defensmen we might need.
84 smiler2729
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 11:10 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Gainey resign, very funny. Who the hell else with any experience would even want to come near this team? NO-BODY. Be thankful we have Bob Gainey, he’s doing the best he can with the cards he’s been dealt. As for Carbonneau, well, other than again, no established coach with any experience would come here so we have Carbo, who I hope will grow into an awesome coach, again I HOPE.
Now the reason, no established GM, coach or star player will come here because of you, the spoiled fans and the moronic, holier than thou media, especially the French media. Those clowns are the National Enquirer of hockey writers. Add in the fact that the Quebec government wants to shove French down everybody’s throat any time they can, well, would you want to be here?
Crap, I’m born and raised in Montreal and I shake my head at the way the province has been ruined by these French zealots. I had to move away to get a decent job because there’s no economy in Quebec, they drove it all out, hell, Montreal made Toronto what it is. Over a million ex-Quebecers moved to Ontario since 1976. Other than still cheering for the Canadiens, there’s nothing left in Montreal and Quebec for anyone but a blue collar francophone. It’s a shame because it’s a great city and the surrounding countryside is second to none in beauty BUT come on, people, the French idiot governments have driven a stake deep into Montreal’s heart a long time ago and nobody wants to be there anymore. AND I’m half French Canadian and proud of it!
85 Avatar37
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 3:02 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Well said smiler, my father was born in Montreal, and I was raised a habs fan, I’m fluent in french, and yet most of my visits to Montreal I’ve run into nothing but problems. It’s almost like Montreal is trying to be the Quebec version of Paris, and that’s nothing to want to try and emulate. Regardless, I was raised a Habs fan, I will always be a Habs fan, I will die a Habs fan.
I am proud of the Habs tradition, but people need to realize that the league has changed. You can’t be the dynasty in a 30 team league that you could be in a 6 team league. Just ask the Maple Leafs. The only expectation I have of my team is that at least they go out and *try* every night. What drives me crazy is how many floaters there are out there. Kovalev in particular drives me crazy because he is one of the most talented, if not *the* most naturally talented, player in the league. I’ll never ever forget when he took Tucker out. If only he played every shift with that intensity, he’d be amazing. sigh.
Carbs is a first year coach going into his second year. I will remind people that in his first year he took the Habs special teams (which the previous season had been in the LOWER half of the league in ranking) and moved them to #1. (#1 PP, #3 PK I believe, but correct me if I’m wrong). Yes, he needs to change his 5v5 strategy. Dumping the puck and cycling doesn’t work. It would also help if he had a few wingers (besides Begin, Latendresse, and LaPierre) who were willing to chase into the corner, throw a body check, and dig the puck out. Smyth would have been a perfect winger for Kovalev… alas that didn’t come to pass. However, maybe Latendresse can play on his line, bang some bodies around and get Kovalev the puck. Carbs needs to change his 5v5 strategy in the offensive zone, we’ll see what happens this year. He’s learning folks, BE PATIENT and GIVE HIM SOME TIME ffs. Gainey can’t go out and kidnap the family members of the players he wants to sign and force them into coming to Montreal… he can only extend contracts. Players make up their own minds as to where to go. Welcome to free agency. No tier 1 players decided (so far) to come to Montreal. Gainey tried. Get over it, it’s not his fault. Gainey is doing the best he can, there are NO immediate fixes for this team. In the meantime, he’s laying the foundation to make the team stronger in the future. Personally, I’m happy to wait. Slowly, we’re getting players that want to compete every night. Slowly, the team is changing. It takes time, keep up the good work Gainey, Carbs, and we’ll see you in October. Finish first, finish last, I’ll still be cheering for my Habs!
Go HABS Go!
86 Joshtm
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 6:11 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Avatar, honestly, short of insulting you, I must agree though on some points, yes Gainey can’t kidnap family members, and yes the habs won big in a six team league but they also won some 14 years ago when the league wasn’t that much bigger than it is now. For all your attempts to apologize on behalf of Gainey and Carbs…I must give you the Sacred Heart Award, the St. Judas of Lost Habs fans, but sorry, in a league with a lot of players, this is the best Gainey could do? Honestly. You have to ask yourself, and ask yourself once more, why when Laraques wanted to come, Gainey did nothing? When many players mentioned they hoped to be taken by Montreal during the period leading up to the playoffs, and then recently, it is sad that Gainey did not take those offers he was given. Sure he’ll excuse himself by saying he went after Smyth, but hey, what about all those other stars who wanted to come that Gainey turned his back on? HUH????
But honestly Avatar, I can’t believe you fell for Gainey’s Sham of an excuse, heck Avatar, BoB Gainey wants to sell you a wooden three dollar loonie, are you gonna go for it too? Oh wait the Ghost of Jean Drapeau also wants to sell you an AMC Pacer of Stadiums! Look Avatar, Enron wants you to invest in some stocks, are you hip for that too?
87 Joshtm
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 6:19 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Yes, Larry Robinson for GM and Andy Murray as coach! Maybe they can do something with this bunch, make them competitive enough to make the team attractive to other winners, then maybe players like Shanahan would love to come to Montreal.
88 Poncho
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 7:47 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Hamrlik is a much better defenseman than souray, he might not have his powerful shot but listen if you score 20+ goals and finish your season with a -28 +- rating means that he wasn’t too defensifly too hot!!
Hamrlik played with phaneuf, so now he knows how to play with a young rookie, so now let’s put him with O’byrne and enjoy the show !!
89 Joshtm
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 9:33 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I can’t wait to be proven wrong in the fall, when all of a sudden Roman and Bryan and Tom there come out as superstars! Not that they were great before, like all of their stats leading up to the trade are dismal! And they are the calvary come to save Montreal from itself?
And honestly, if the fans and the media are that bad in Montreal…..maybe Gary Bettman should permanent shut down the habs forever! Cause hey, according to Mr. Gainey there, the media, they are toooo bad! and the fans? toooo demanding!!! Honestly, like the media who pay through the nose to the habs for rights to cover the habs, and the fans who pay through the nose for tickets, both of who give their hard earned cash to Mr. Gainey and Mr. Gillett….honestly, what a bunch of total BS!!!!!
And we’re not supposed to be pissed at that?
If it is so bad there Bob Gainey, resign! And if the pro hockey players can’t stand adoring fans and media, what are they doing becoming pro hockey players??? Talk about being totally out to lunch or what?
And you are all so stupid as to accept those stupid BS excuses!!!
90 joshtm
Posted on July 5th, 2007 at 2:16 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Hey Poncho! I guess you didn’t read the article on Sportsnet.ca on Hamrlik. If you read it, you’ll see Roman there admits he is old. Roman admits that Martin told him that in Montreal, things go a certain way. That’s its okay for old guys like Roman. Cause you wanna know why? Cause Bob doesn’t care. Roman could not produce and Bob’ll love him, like Dandy and Bouillon don’t produce and Crazy Bob just loves the heck outta those guys.
And Roman ain’t got great stats there! If Roman was so hot, how come the Ducks didn’t go for him?
91 Joshtm
Posted on July 6th, 2007 at 12:26 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I heard that Bettman was considering waiving the rules regarding equipment, to allow Sakku Koivu and Roman Hamrlik use their walkers on the ice, and an additional waiver for Sakku to use his seeing eye cane and german shepard…maybe that way instead of hooking players Sakku could actually play hockey!!!
Hey Bob, instead of water bottles, the Habs are gonna be giving out Ensure to half of the team during the game!
I feel sorry for the Habs trainer, he’s gotta get those adult pampers for Sakku and Roman!
I also heard Gary Bettman is considering hiring a researcher so Bryan and Tom there, the other old age pensioners that Bob Gainey hired, hiring a researcher to find out ways in which they can transfer their social security cheques to Canada…..
There was a replay on the old CBC HNIC black and whites, and Sakku, Tom, Bryan and Roman all looked old in those too! I think half of the Habs were born just after they invented electricity!
Man, the NHL is considering making the nets larger just for Sakku’s behalf! That’s cause Sakku’s so old he can see for trying.
I also heard Gary Bettman is considering waiving the hockey stick rule for the habs forwards, seems on top of getting larger lighter pucks, they are considering allowing Roman, Tom, Bryan and Sakku to be allowed to use Goalie sticks in the hopes that the bigger blade will allow them to actually pass the puck!
I have never seen such a wide range of players, one side of the bench is the old folks home for retired worn out used up broken down veterans in pampers and the other side are for Tim Bits players who are still in potty training!
Man is that sad or what?
And you know what is even funnier? There are fans out there who think Bob is Hockey God cause he can find a way to still allow old folkies to still play hockey and on the flip side, be a walking talking ad for Tim Bits peewee hockey!!!!HAHAHAAAA!!!!!
92RumeursDeTransactions.com
Posted on July 7th, 2007 at 7:35 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Not a bad acquisition, but i’d prefer Gainey signs Sheldon Souray
93Doug McGee
Posted on July 8th, 2007 at 11:50 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
if Daniel Briere & other stars don”t want to come to Montreal because of the prssure well then I for one don”t want them. They should be honnored the Canadians even asked them to sign. Most of the free agents were very over paid and not worth the money they are getting. Even Souray is not worth re-signing. Maybe he could score goals but his defence was terrible. WE have a great farm system and within a couple of years we will have a great team once again! I have been a HAB fan for almost 50 years. We will be great once again and will do it within our system not with greedy free agents that only play for money. We want players that want to play here & have pride in being a Montreal Canadian. I believe in Gainey. I know that when our players are drinking from the stanley cup Briere and the other players that did not want to come here will be sitting at home thinking Hey that could have been me.
94 Donnie
Posted on August 29th, 2007 at 12:35 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Ah well, looks like Gainey isn’t gonna be swayed by anything. Being the defensive player he was (Carbo too), it seems D is not only #1 on his list, it seems its the only thing. Enough of this foolish notion that you need more scoring power. Last year was a success wasn’t it? OH, thats right….IT WASN’T !! Sure, take away the power play goals, and did they score any?
5.5 for Hamrlik? Big contract for Markov? What did Ryder get again? 1.9? And that took arbitration. Ya gotta love being a defender coming to Montreal huh? Thats where all the $$$ and rewards are, even if you don’t deserve them. Here’s a plan….why not wipe out the 3 top offensive lines and replace them all with defenders. Hell, why go in the other teams zone at all? Lets play 5 men behind the blue line at all times….actually just cram em all into the net behind Huet so no pucks can fit in there….we’d probably get a Vezina out of it.
No money is being given to your forwards to show them they’re appreciated…well, just the ones not living up to their potential are getting it (Koivu and Kovalev). Make no wonder we can’t get a good power forward with good numbers who wants to come to Montreal. What kind of paycut would someone like Briere have to take? 100 bucks a game and all the Gatorade you can drink? Listen, if a revered, class act, hockey God like Belliveau can’t talk a player into coming to Montreal….THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG !!!
Maybe Bobs gotta big plan in mind….maybe theres an earthshattering trade approaching….because theres gotta be something….these offseason acquisitions were about as brutal as you can get…at least, for what the Habs need it was. God, lets get some offense there…OFFENSE. Anyone remember the days of Lafeur? Anyone find that brand of hockey boring? Were alot of goals not scored? Did we not make the playoffs? Did we not win cups? I know there are dozens of greats who played before Guy, but Guy is all I can recall watching because of my age. Plus, there were great supporting casts…but people….Brisebois, Hamrlik and Smolinski are a far cry from Shutt, Robinson and Gainey.
C’mon Bob, give us some exciting hockey again. Let the legions of loyal Habs fans shout again with pride “GO HABS GO !!” Please don’t let these signings be it for the year….a year where we need something much better to rebound from the boring, horrible season a year ago. Get Ryder his 50 goals, get Koivu his 100+ points, and the rest will fall into place naturally. GO HABS GO.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 5:27 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
+60 past 3 seasons!!! just what Dr. Bob ordered….good signing for the D..now a top 6 forward….Please
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:05 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
yeah they need Selanne just look at my comment on Canadiens 2007 Free Agent Activity. Back to Hamrlik: he’ll be awesome on the powerplay with his “Hamr” of a shot!Look I already got a nickname for him “Hamrlik the Hamr”.Anyways, he could play with Markov.But, still I’ll Show you my comment from Canadiens 2007 Free Agent Activity on my next comment everyone read it…, it’s really good.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:09 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
5.5 for 4 years……way too much.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:09 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Selanne’s still available and he want’s to go to the habs.
P.S. Bertuzzi,Forsberg,and Yashin want to come.
Selanne says he’ll take 32 million for 12 years or 12 million for 6 years, and he would give koivu and (hopefully) Kovalev a big boost. And that would make Koivu a 35 goal scorer and a 95 point getter. Selanne would 50-65 goal scorer and 115-125 point getter. oh, Selanne would also be a replacement for Souray on the powerplay 35 goals on the man-advantage. And instead of Kovalev, Ryder and higgins would be 40(ryder), and 30(higgins) goal scorers. Higgins would have 60 pionts Ryder would have 75! That’s the difference one player can make. As for Kovalev…he would have about 62 points 20 goals so if they sign Selanne
they should keep kovalev until the deadline and if worth it longer.So come on Gainey! Sign Selanne!Go habs Go!Go habs Go! And sign souray somehow!!(If you have money!!)
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:11 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Selanne’s still available so keep your hopes up!
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:14 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Second highest paid Hab this year behind Markov……Brutal
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:17 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Who wants to come to Montreal……..Taxes suck and the media needs to be shot.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:23 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I like this move.Already our defence is bigger and better defencively.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 6:54 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
bonk to nashville
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:01 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Why is no one reading my Selanne comment?
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:04 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
PS is right. Hamrlik greatly improves the Habs defensively. He’s not gonna score 60 or 70 points or anything like that but he will be good for between 30 and 40. Go Bobby Go!!!
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:14 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
smolinski to montreal tsn
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:23 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Has anyone seen any comments by Habsfan1 lately??? I haven’t seen him post of late?? I wonder where he could be??
I read somewhere that Selanne is ready to come to Montreal for a 12 year $32 million dollar contract. That would be awsome!! Either that or 12 million p/y for 6 years. Either or!!!! Phew…..maybe he could help Koivu and Kovalev get their point toals up!!
Seriously….Habsfan1…do you have attention issues???? Whoa!!!
Hamrlik is a decent pick-up….rather expensive I think but he will stabilize the “D” nonetheless!! Say adios Souray!!
You know…I have always been against this idea but……..what the hell…..let’s go for big Bert and see what he can provide….why the f-u-c-k not!! Maybe he will be the sleeper signing this year??? Now that we have the whole Sammy screw-up in our history, I think we would be safe with Bertuzzi!!!
Can’t be any worse than last year!!
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:29 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Forget it…..Bert just signed with Ananheim…bastard!!!
Smolinski to Montreal for 1 yr./$2 mil.???????? How old is Smolinski???? Isn’t he like 39-40 yrs old???? How does that help Montreal???
Bob…..WHY>>>>you should have just left it alone and let the young-uns get some time in…..you don’t need to sign someone for the sake of signing someone!!!
I’m sure that having Smolinski on board will make Captain Koivu feel tons better about their cup chances…..WTF!!
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:37 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Smolinski is 35 years old, and has not scored more than 20 goals since 2007. In fact he hasen’t scored at least 20 goals for a few years. So we get a guy scoring 17 goals last year, and the leafs get Blake, who sc ored 40 GOALS LAST YEAR! Gainey? what the hell are you thinking? Now, go get ZUBRUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:39 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I made a mistake. typo error. The last time Smolinski scored more than 20 goals, was 2007! Not very good! We need a younger, and better scorer.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:40 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Sorry for the typing errors. I mean 20 goals last scored in 2000.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:44 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Souray just signed with SJ.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 7:49 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Souray in California…makes sense as that is where his daughter is!!!
No surprise to me….I don’t think Souray ever had any intention of signing back with Montreal and I don’t blame him…..any man needs to be near his children…regardless of anything else!!!
Good for Souray….I hope he does well!
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 8:17 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Decent signing, need more!
18
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 8:25 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Souray did not sign with San Jose!!, Where are you guys getting your information :S
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 8:46 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Hamerlik was a smart sining and Smolinski was brought in to be the #3 centre. Looks like Pleks will be #2 again next year.
While 5.5 per may look like alot for Hamerlik, did you see the salaries handed out yesterday? Daniel Briere and Scott Gomez aren’t worth the money they got, especially Gomez.
But since the Habs offered more money to Briere and Ryan Smyth then they took with the teams they signed with. Gainey is working his ass off, these guys just don’t want to deal with the taxes, media asking them why they don’t speak french and certain fans like joshtm who will turn on you after one bad game.
I’d still like to see Zubrus as a second line winger with Pleks.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 8:53 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
yeah 5.5 million per for a number 3-4 defenceman isn’t a good deal at all. yes hamrlik is a good defenceman but i’m sorry 5.5 is crazy and isn’t a slight overpayment it’s a big overpayment. Smolinski is basically mike johnson part 2, he’s decent defensively, but doesn’t hit or isn’t physical at all. if anyone thinks he’s a 20 goal scorer or will contribute offensively is sadly mistaken or just looking at last seasons stats and nothing more. i’m sorry to say but mr gainey is out to lunch unless he has some sort of major trade in mind.
people will say well we needed to sign somebody and yes we did need to sign a d-man of some sort, but my god when did hamrlik become one of the elite defenceman in the league. he’s going to have one helluva a time living up to that obscene contract. the smolinski signing is either here nore there and since it’s a one year deal it’s not the end of the world, but none the less much better 3rd line checkers out there who bring more to the table than smolinski does.
Joshtm is going to be all over these signing and quite frankly i can’t blame him.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 9:08 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Hamerlik is a better all around defenceman then Souray so we should be happy.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 9:11 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Still hardly anyone is reading my Selanne comment!Come on, it’s a good comment!
Thank you MadManPaddy!
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 9:15 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Gainey is going to try to sign Selanne tommorrow for 24 million 7 years or 32 million for 10 years. Got to go I’ll be back!
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 9:20 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
…Quite honestly, I’d be happier with Bonk, than Smolinski… just me.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 9:44 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Souray says he will retire if he does not get signed.And Selanne is getting upset he’s not getting any calls from Gainey but what till tomorrow! Imagine Koivu with 95 points 35 goals and Selanne with 50-60 goals and 115-120 points! That could be the future if Selanne signs with the habs.But they might not have enough money with Hamrlik and Smolinski signed.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 9:59 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Habsfan1…what gives? No offense friend but your soundin’ a little goofy!!
What’s the joke???
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 10:10 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
As much as I loved Souray…..Hamrlik is a definite upgrade for the defense. He has been a plus player every year since 2001, a three time allstar, and a
player for his native Country…plus 22 last year and is a good skater with a cannon shot and he apparently likes playing in Canada. 5.5 mil. for four years
is about what the market is at right now, and frankly I would rather pay Hamrlik that kind of money that Souray….good signing! As for Smolinski…he
will take the place of Bonk for less money and give back more production…had to be done as Chipchura still needs one more year of seasoning down on the farm. I still think Bob is going to make a trade for a significant player over the next few weeks that should also booster the club.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 10:10 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Smolinski was a signing to make up for Bonk leaving… Frankly, I agree with Fizz, I’d have been happier just giving the money to Bonk… Hamrlik was what +20 last year, and that’s what we need… a more defensively responsible defenseman. However, that being said… Priessing signed with the Kings for exactly half (11 mil vs 22 mil) over 4 years. Personally I think Priessing would have been a better pickup, but anyone with a good +/- can do nothing but help our D. There’s still a chance Souray will be back, haven’t seen anything about him signing anywhere. Selanne would be a good aquisition, but not at 6 or 12 years… although I don’t know where these figures are coming from.
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 10:51 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
If you look at our payrollwe still have $13,250000 and we have maby 3-4 players we have to sign .(ryder,pleks and gorge) I say 2-3 mill to ryder 900 to pleks and 500 to gorge and that still leaves us with just under 9mill for some more to players. So as far as payroll goes we are not to bad. There will still be some good players that we will (I HOPE)be able to sign. Or if bob pulls of a trade we will be able to handle the contract if we have to resgn them ( like the oil with Pik.)
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 10:57 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Anyone think Grabs will crack the roster this season?
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 11:03 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Great, Gainey has handicapped himself yet one more time, nickel and dime-ing himself to death, leaving even less moola room to sign someone like a decent forward! What we get another small European who flops just as badly as Markov? Both signings today smack of old broken down has beens! Although if we keep Souray (I hope now with not signing any decent players now) both signings today will complement the power play but that’s about it. Definitely no power forward, still no decent size, typical small flaky players. Both Hamer and Smokerlinksly there were only good cause they were part of teams who had enforcers. Smolinsky and Hamerlink are also wimpy penalty kings! Great, more competition for Sakku’s hook! What, we are gonna beat the other team to death with limp noodles? We’ll smother them to death with Johnson and Cullimer and Salamander…add Hammer and Smelt Fish there….and Gainey thinks he did great?
Oh well, at least we have a decent power play to look forward to if we keep Souray. But in order to sign a big player, Gainey’s gonna have to hold firm and not give Souray a raise! So it seems Yashin will join the habs, we’ll have a Russian Prima Donna cage match between Kovalev and Yashin, and then we’ll have the Europeans trying to outdo each other with wimpy penalties, while Cullimore tries to outdo Dandenault’s and Bouillon’s pathetic defense! Somehow signing a big name player just doesn’t make sense.
Yup, here we blame the taxman and the media! What, we are gonna blame Youpie next won’t we? Oh ya, Smyth wanted to come to Montreal but his kids were scare of Youpie so he chose the other team cause of their mascot! Or hey, cause Smyth’s wife like the paint scheme in the other teams dressing room, or hey, cause Montreal didn’t have enough English speaking snobs…not snooty enough for Smyth’s stuck up wife….come on, join the excuse making club, what else, or hey there were not enough shoe stores in Montreal and the malls are too chintzy! Come on let’s outdo each other on excuses for why Smyth didn’t come to Montreal! Like as if we heard him say “oh no, Premier Charest charges too many taxes and the Montreal Gazette is too critical and oh by the way, I’m a real racist pig and I don’t wanna expose my kids to the frogs!” Like as if. Honestly, how stupid does that sound? Like as if hockey players actually look at taxes, and the media and worry about their kids schooling? That is the reality of a pro hockey player you jerks! It’s like the military, its part of the hazards your family has to put up with!
There finally got that off my chest. All it does is expose why Montreal will never get decent hockey players, its not because of taxes, its not because of the media, its because hockey players don’t wanna go to a city full of really crappy used, broken down rookies and veterans! No they don’t wanna come to Bob Gainey’s School for For Hockey Players Who Can’t Read Good And Want To Do Other Things Good Too….
Posted on July 2nd, 2007 at 11:04 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I think that he will . Also I hear soury to NYR.
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 12:06 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
The Hamrlik that Montreal is getting is not the free-wheeling defenceman he was early in his career, when his offensive numbers were good but his plus-minus was deplorable.
That’s a switch from Souray, who had 64 points last season, including 26 goals, and was a formidable force on the power play, but was minus-28. Hamrlik’s last season in the red was minus-20 in 2000-01 with the New York Islanders.
“I have to say I changed my style,” he said. “I’m not rushing too much up front with the forwards.
“I’m reading the game better and I learned to play defence better. And as you get older, you don’t have as much speed as when you’re 20. In Calgary, they taught me a lot of good things about playing defence.”
He also got used to working with young defencemen like Dion Phaneuf, which he will most likely also do with the Canadiens, who have selected defencemen in the first round of the last two drafts.
“We’ll see how many goals I score, but I’m just looking forward to playing in Montreal,” he added. “I don’t know much about them, but I’m sure I’ll fit in.
“I’ve never had any problem with any team. I hope I can bring experience and help the team.”
This is from Sportcentre.ca.
Great, another European defenseman loves Montreal cause hey, everyone knows they don’t have to work for their paycheque once they come here, worst thing they’ll get is a lecture from Gainey and be placed on waivers once their contract runs up…..and then get traded to Chicago for other worn down has beens.
Montreal, where the former great Europeans players come to retire….
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 1:07 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
As a life long Fan of my beloved Canadiens,I honestly feel LIKE I JUST TOOK A FUCKIN BULLET. It’s starting to remind me of how Japan Pro Baseball plays ball,you know the teams don’t care if they win or loose there as long as its entertaining,only one problem this isn’t fuckin baseball from the land of the rising sun!!!All you had to do Bob was get someone like Smyth to help direct the young guys ,how do you get him ? pay the man bob,PAY THE MAN!THIS IS WHY YOU CANT USE OLD HOCKEY PLAYERS IN THE FRONT OFFICE THEY BRING TO MUCH LUGAGE WITH THEM !!!!
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 5:02 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I agree with Xhabfan, you have to pay superstars more money if you want them to play for a non playoff team.You basically have to blow them out of the water or don’t even waste your time negotiating.If Montreal thinks they will get Vincent Lecalvier in the couple of years they better either get a whole lot better or be willing to pay a lot more money. There is no hometown discount when it comes to money hungry hockey players (Ask Daniel Briere).
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 7:12 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Bob has shit the bed this summer, brian who? lol. We had the same thing with bonk. This bullshit is getting n my nerves. Roman I like but for 5.5mill/per season, cmon Bob wake the hell up. 3-3.5 is all he was worth. This isn’t for real. I am hoping I am experiencing a bad dream, once I wake up, hopfully its not true. This is depressing, we are a worse club then last year. Cmon Bob should of uped the ante on smitty. Theguy is heart and sole, if you truly want him, make an offer he couldn’t refuse, if not don’t even bother. That being said. I’m gad we didn’t break the bank on Briere, nice guy, good player, not wrth 7 or 8 million specially when joe thornton signs an extension for 7.2. Ridiculous.
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:13 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Where did you hear Souray to the Rangers, Darrell? Doesn’t seem likely, or even possible. Considering that they have around 25 mil this season tied up in Jagr(8 and change), Drury( @7mil), and Gomez (10 mil this season), it’s hard to see just where x million Souray fits in, especially when you consider that Lundqvist, Shanahan and Avery all are still to be signed, and Avery and Lundqvist are due raises.
I could be wrong, but it just doesn’t seem likely, unless they manage to lowball all three guys, and Souray also. In any case, he’ll not be playing for Montreal, wherever he ends up.
I’m not big on the signings Gainey has made, but I suppose it could’ve been worse (i.e. Yashin, Lang, Handzus…etc.). And I guess it could still get worse (i.e, Yashin, Zubrus,…).
What sucks the most for me as a fan, is that every off season finds me caught up in the hype of the times, and I inevitably am disappointed by the results. Whatever the reasons/excuses, they just ring hollow after a while. Barring significantly better numbers this season by some of our young guys, it looks like it’s going to be another struggle for respectability, let alone playoffs. Another season of mediocrity in Cupland.
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:17 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
great pick ups, were gonna make the playoffs now, all Bob has to do is get yashin for a cheap price and will most likely win the cup:)
Go Habs Go
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:26 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Not only do I SEE a LAST PLACE FINNISH for our Habs,but I see a string of looses all season long to the maple-queens and Carbo juggling lines like he’s panning for $ in front of the beer & wine store and our powerplay??????HA !!!!
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:54 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
First of all, players don’t want to play in Montreal because of stu pid fans like josh and the ridiculous French media…
Second, I’m glad Gainey’s not overspending on Briere, Smyth, Drury and Gomez, those players aren’t superstars but are being paid by idiot teams like they are.
Hamrlik and Smolinski are fine tweaks, Lord knows we need help defensively… and maybe just maybe Saku can talk Teemu into signing here.
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 11:11 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Stop bashing Gainey about Smyth… He made the most money/longest term contract offer to him (from what I read), it was a phone call from Sakic that convinced Smyth to go to Colorado.. Damn Sakic lol… oh well, that’s the way it goes. You win some, you lose some… At Briere’s price, I consider it a “win” that he signed in Philly… Smyth would have been worth the price Gainey offered him, we “lost” that one… I think losing Bonk and replacing him with Slo Mo is a loss, but hey… At least Josh will be happy, he wanted Bonk and Johnson gone… If we sign Yashin, that’s a “loss” .. so far we’re winning on that one… and every day that goes by increases the chances that Souray will be back… if we sign Selanne to play on the wing with Koivu well… Maybe they can get a little Finnish chemistry going… certainly couldn’t hurt, anyway.
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 1:28 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Where are you people hearing that Selanne wants to come to Montreal? Where the hell does it say that he would be willing to sign a 6 year or 12 year deal? He is 37 years old, he is contemplating retirement and while he may be good friends with Koivu, he won his cup, he wanted to go out a winner. I will say it again, Montreal is on the right track but they are not ready to win a cup yet, they are still a couple of seasons away. Selanne does not want to be part of a team that is rebuilding and Koivu is also getting pissed off that Gainey is not signing big-name free agents. Montreal has about 13 million left in cap space so either they should sign Souray, sign another second-tier free agent or do something soon. I want ACTION!! Gainey, do not be scared to pull the trigger if you get the right player. Also, people, don’t say things if you do not know what the fuck you are talking about, it really pisses me and a lot of other people off. Get your facts straight before you say anything.
Ziman
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 1:30 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I knew it all along, I thought he would get Refalski though but now I know what he’s doing. Hamrlik is a forgotten D that was playing on the 2nd line in Calgary and not too many managers thought about him, so Bob saved money, and for Smolinski, I call him RADEK BONK. Bonk went to the preds but montreal got smolinski for the same reason they got Bonk, defensive forward. the only difference is that bonk can’t get points, but Smolinski sure as hell can. I see him with Kovalev. speaking of Kovalev, he has to get at least 60+ points this year or he’s done! I here names like,Selanne,Guerin,Forsberg, but they WILL NOT PLAY 4 THE HABS! It’s either Shanahan or Zubrus. Zubrus is just my brain. but Shanahan was sooooo close to coming here last year! anyways If they end up getting someone else, don’t get mad at me. peace!
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 1:31 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
After signing a defenceman for 5.5 million a year, I think Souray´s chances of coming back are actually reduced. Hamrlik is strong and has a hard shot, so he is the perfect replacement.
Gainey is patient, and sometimes that doesnt pay off too well. After waiting for too long he is prone to overpay players when he becomes desperate and realizes a position must be filled very badly very soon. Thats why he overpaid Theodore a couple of years ago, and gave this huge contract to Hamrlik. I think a top forward now is also needed. Lang would have been perfect, as he played good with Kovalev in Pittsburg. Unfortunately he signed with another team. Now Selanne, to play with Koivu, would be neat.
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 2:20 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Smolinski’s record sucks! He scores a goal every seven games! That’s the centreman, most faceoff kings are also goal scorers!
Hamrlik may be strong but he’s already talking like an old veteran who admits to not working hard anymore…if you read his TSN interview between the lines, he is basically saying, Martin Rucinsky says MOntreal is great cause you don’t have to work hard anymore….
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 2:23 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
# 43 smiler2729
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:54 am. About ‘Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski’.
First of all, players don’t want to play in Montreal because of stu pid fans like josh and the ridiculous French media…
Second, I’m glad Gainey’s not overspending on Briere, Smyth, Drury and Gomez, those players aren’t superstars but are being paid by idiot teams like they are.
Hamrlik and Smolinski are fine tweaks, Lord knows we need help defensively… and maybe just maybe Saku can talk Teemu into signing here.
your not okay with gainey overspending on elite talent or tier 1 ufa’s? then you must be furious with gainey overspending for tier 2 ufa’s right? like we did.
so now you talk to the players who didn’t sign with montreal or did you mind meld with them an know the reasons why the didn’t sign in Montreal?
sounds like your blowing smoke out your ass to me.
smolinski isn’t a “fine” tweak like you suggest he’s similar to mike johnson in virtually everyway when it comes to his on ice play. don’t tell me he’s a good faceoffs man(because he’s not) and don’t tell us how he’s a 20 goal man because he’s not.
it’s seem more like rearraging used funiture than actually upgrading the team to me. as far as i’m concerned it’s upgrade or put your wallet away and let the kids take the reins. from looking at the situation it looks like neither and that we are simply just treading water. everything is all good in the organization except at the NHL level.
i’m going to go out on a limb and predict a 7th to 11th place finish. haha.
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 3:05 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Just want to say a couple of things about this Habs blog. It’s incredibly interesting and the knowledge of most of the people is unbelievable. Even Josh has been great these past few days. I’ve been following Montreal for 50 years and I had no idea of the great intelligence from the fans regarding the team. I’m a new loyal reader.
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 3:07 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
People seem to be missing the point. Smolinski is a replacement for Bonk, a higher scoring 1 year replacement. Hamrlik is NOT a replacement for Souray he is a replacement for Rivet, a much better (albeit more expensive) replacement. Sourays spot will be filled by autumn probably through a trade. By the way my friends and I have noticed when down at the Bell Centre that the 2 players who really seem to give it all every night are Latendresse and LaPierre, both big guys, both near to a break to the next level. Yashin does come with a number of problems but if he signs a short deal for peanuts what the heck you can never have too many centers.
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 4:23 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
… correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Shanny still unsigned? A possible player, wouldn’t ya say? With Gomez and Drury in the big apple now, Shanny can shine somewhere else… why not Montreal? All I’m saying is that this would make me happy!
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 4:27 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
My 2 cents:
I’d put my wallet away. Bob, don’t sign anyone for the sake of looking busy!!! I don’t have much confidence in anyone big coming here unless we trade some real good prospects. Bob wouldn’t do that, so…
The GM has to do everything possible to get LEcavalier. Everything possible: trade away some good players. Bob, you owe it to the fans to get a big star like Lecavalier. There’s no other option, management owes it to all the fans, eg: sold out every game for 2 yrs, all merchandise sold, blogs similar to this one. I don’t care if we trade Price, even if he’s great, Vinny’s great too…
Don’t let the HABs become a version of the Leafs!!!
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 6:23 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Yes, Slo Mo is a replacement for Bonk, but Bonk is a better defensive forward… so why replace your defensive line with a more expensive less effective center? Harmlik was signed as a replacement for Souray, just look at the contract numbers, I bet that was what was offered to Souray… Priessing and Regehr both signed for less and would have been better defensemen…
And if you think the only two players that give it all every night are Latendresse and LaPierre you obviously don’t watch Begin play… No one consistently gives more of an effort than he does.
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 6:50 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Gainey offered Smyth and Briere more money then they took to go elsewhere and apparently even Jean Beliveau called Briere to convince him to come and he still said no. Montreal is not a desirable locale for the big names anymore.
Get used to slow rebulding through the draft.
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 6:52 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Well spoken Avatar37. I agree, Begin is a total work horse!
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 7:12 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Gainey’s logic makes no sense. He is basically paying less qualified players good money to replace players who should have received that amount. I bet if Gainey actually offered Bonk the money he woulda taken it. So it looks like Gainey is playing Scarface in his own mind, cause he’s too cheap to give Bonk a minor raise, he’ll pay Homerlink there more, and cause he doesn’t wanna pay what Souray wants he’ll overpay Homerlink to prove the point home…and cause he wants to look like he’s doing something he’ll hire Smokerlinksky too much for one year, with Smokerlinksy knowing he can pull a Samsonov and not score and not even try, along with Homerlink there….bejezuz bye as Ryder would say…someone take Gainey out cause hey he’s too high on that Columbian dust or what?
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 7:27 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Bonk was getting paid 3 million so Smolinski is a better deal for onl 2 million. And Hamrlik is a replacement for Souray because he has a “Hamr” of ashot too and he is much better defencevly, so he is is a much better all-around defenceman/replacement for Souray. Thank you Gainey!!
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 7:38 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
It’s too late Rubberman…you have all the criteria there, Gainey who courts bigots to come, knowing they ain’t gonna come cause they are way too bigotted, heck we got Carbo who wanted to put his kids in English school…if that is who is leading the habs…its sad. The Rocket all over again eh? Anglo bigots destroying the habs just to get even with the Quebecois! Habs fans should riot all over again, show these bigots who are running the habs where they should go! Give the Habs back to Montreal! If you can’t find enough english speaking bigots to play, heck hire local born players! Pay them what they deserve too!
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 7:47 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Hey if we could keep Souray, what a duo that would be. Hammer and Souray! And who knows, maybe the young rookie talent would help revive Smolinsky. Only time can tell. What scares me is the prospect of having Dandenault, Bouillon and Cullimore and Salamander all suiting up on a line together! Man it almost makes me wanna switch to the Senators! Sacrilege! How can Gainey pull such a horrible combination as that?
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 8:37 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Joshtm were you not the one that was throwing a fit about people making up excuses why players were not signing here.. Do you really think being english is the reason why the habs are always a 7th-11th place team. Your an idiot.. Souray is not coming back. Him and his agent dismissed the offer bob showed them and told him he was not coming back. I’m dissapointed in the signings as usual but we have unreal young talent coming up through the system. Price, Halik, o bryne, locke, grabovsky.. These guys playing with lapierre, latendresse, kostitsyn,and pleks, higgins and ryder.. As long as Bob doesn’t do anything stupid with these guys I’ll be happy.. Until then.. I’m prepared to be cheering for the habs in the fight for the last playoff spot, at least it gives us a little something to hold on too
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 8:39 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Don’t worry It’s not over. Bob said he’s thinking of only using 2-3 Million but he mentioned Shanahan’s name and Bob hardly never mentions names. usually when he wants someone he gets it. I’m glad they never got Smyth(he can only tip in pucks) we need a hockey player not a baseball player. lol. cheer up habs fans, Our future is very very bright! Higgins will exlode this season possible 60+ points! Kovalev is a question mark, Ryder will be a blast and Plekanec will be outstanding.Some rumours for the habs: Jan Bulis, Brendan Shanahan, re-sign Mike Johnson
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 9:06 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
RBK just did not get it. The NHL is a league of bigots! RBK must be one of them! Imagine if francophone players were given a real chance to play in Montreal! Instead they have to leave Montreal to show how good they really are! Its time for Montreal to resurface as a team from Quebec with Quebec talent! Not this sham of a team that Gainey and his American puppet masters have forced us to watch. Going cheap so they (Gillett and partners) can make a profit!
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 9:28 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Shanahan is just what Montreal needs. Heck promise him the C if you have to. Open a school, build a restaraunt, post English-only signs for Montreal only, anything to get Hockey back to Montreal, that is if Crazy Bob and Gillett ain’t gonna let Quebec born superstars play in Montreal. Instead they have to insult us with Dandenault! Honestly. Send Dandy back to Detroit they would love him for sure! If we have to keep Dandy at least take him off defense and put in forward for God’s Sake! Dandy can score if he is given the chance I am sure, he knew how to do that in Detroit. Not that I am going to Dandy’s defense. All I know is he is a real disappointment.
Getting Shanahan would revive next season. Maybe that is all the little Koivu needs, pressure taken off so he can shine once more. Shanahan and Souray with Hamrlik, man that would be a real power play line…..as long as we don’t lose Souray. If we can’t get Quebec born talent lets at least have some decent Canadian-born players, enough of these prima donna Euros and disappointing yanks!
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:01 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
JOSHTM, YOU SAID ALL WHAT WAS NEEDED TO BE SAID.
Guys, if you bash Joshtm for comment # 64, then you must be out of your mind. Just hope Bob Gainey signs both Souray and Shanny, and Joshtm might jump in the bandwagon next year.
Way to go Bob!
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:04 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Let both Dandy and Johnson leave the club, and we can promise their spots to our young-ins.
The youngsters did what they had to do, and they lifted the Calder Cup. Give them some chances in the big club.
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:14 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Bob’s been a huge disappointment this offseason. However i’d rather the team in his hands then Regean Houle. He put us in this mess to begin with. We can’t even attract french canadians like briere, not like Bob didn’t try. He offered the most money. Briere wanted to join philly where he’ll get a concussion and be forced to play.lol.. Bad move on his part, will get the last laugh, just hang in there, shanny is a must if we can get him for a 2yr deal. I think in 2 years will be looking good. Players used bob as a bargaining chip to up they’re own stock with no intentions of coming here. Guys like koivu have no weight to get guys like smyth to come here, we don’t have a joe sakic, maybe saku can call ville nimmenen, hahaha.
Time is running out Bob, get yur shit together or get the hell outta here
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:20 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
The biggest problem is Carbs, no 95 point scorer wants to sign in Montreal and lose 30 points off theyre total to play Carbs defencive system. Its a no brainer. It isn’t the crazy media, it isn’t the taxes. Its this defencive crap we play, and were not any good at it BTW, we hav a young fast team, who is more design to run and gun then lay back and wait for mistakes, theyre not mature enough to play this boring style, and guys like kovalev and saku shouldn’t be in any defencive system, theyre highly skilled players who should be given the chance to do theyre thing. I’ll start the fire carbs chants, if we do that and people still won’t come. I’ll admit I was wrong, if I was a star player I wouldn’t sign in this system.
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 11:05 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Hey all…….I may be way off in lala land here but I sense a big trade comin….like a Saku Koivu trade…….maybe to Anaheim for either rights to Ryan or for Getzlaf or maybe both….think about it…if Selanne plays this coming year it might be with Koivu and not in Montreal, if he does play it will be with Anaheim….both of those players have stated they would like to play together. Based on what Saku said before the free agent period about not wanting to stay in Montreal if they keep rebuilding, I think he may ask for a trade. They really did not do much. Koivu may be pissed off about it and rightfully so!
Never say never folks….always remember…Gretzky got traded!!
I would be awfully surprised if Shanny were to end up with Montreal. Sather will re-sign him. I saw Bob speak on TSN and I think what we saw is it. He claims to have approx. $2-$3 mil. left. Cannot buy alot with that these days.
Oh well…..I will wait for Lecavalier next year and Crosby in 2013. Then we will have a team to be proud of!!!
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 11:56 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Joshtm.. You said the NHL is a league full of bigots because they won’t let french players play in montreal?… If I were a bigot I would want the french people to stay in Montreal.. Whatever this is a stupid argument.. However I do agree with you on comment #64.. However on TSN.ca the interview with gainey, it seems like souray won’t be back. They only other way I see him coming back is if no teams make an offer on him because of his horrible +/- and lack of one on one skills. But shanny in montreal would be a very good change for once. He could bring some much needed offense and leadership ability. Maybe beat down kovalev at practice to get his ass in gear. Also he would help our young guns like ryder and higgy develop even more offensive awareness… But 2-3 million dollars looks like nothing.. maybe a one year contract at the least and it seems these days players are looking for long term signings..
Seems sad how we are here dreaming of a day when we can have the best to players in the NHL in lecavalier and crosby when we can only sign hammer and smolinski. Even when Bob offered crazy money to smyth and jean the great couldn’t talk briere into coming here..
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 12:47 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
To Bob Gainey: I know that you Crazy Bob read this blog on and off.
I have a message for you Bob Gainey. Maybe it is time you take on some other duty within the Habs organization, maybe you and Trevor Timmins should concentrate on scouting rookies.
Bob Gainey, I want you to resign your position as GM of the Habs. Time to call it quits. It is sad when you have to get the Great Beliveau begging on your behalf, that is insulting, and demeans the dynasty.
Just for that, Bob Gainey it is time you call it quits. After this past year, with the trade deadline, and with yanking rookies back and forth and destroying two great goalie rookies, and now with basically wasting the Habs negotiating money on broken down players….maybe Bob Gainey it is time you realize that you don’t have what it takes.
If only to keep Quebec from seperating once again, for the good of Canada and Hockey, for the Montreal Dynasty, for all those poor young kids, most of all for your good name, Bob Gainey, resign. Please.
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 12:47 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
RBK…..RE: your last paragraph…….one big difference between Smyth and Briere…both Vinnie and Sid have both stated publicly that Montreal is their favorite hockey team and they both wished they would have been drafted by the Habs….to boot…..when asked if they would ever play for Montreal…they both answered in the exact same way……”I hope so”!!!
Wouldn’t that be so awsome to have both of them on our team!!! That is a dream, big time!!
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 12:48 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Re: RBK#61(Comment) You had mentioned that as long as Gainey doesn’t do anything foolish.. (I mean stupid) with the young guys already on the “beloved” and the young fellas we have coming up through the system, you’ll be fine cheering for the eighth and final playoff spot… Me to! There is something to be said about being a Habs fan, and anyone who isn’t, just wouldn’t understand?(I would hope they are as passionate a fan as we “ALL”are to our team) Sorry to get of track there, but you’re right… all the youngans you mentioned, and shall I add, ‘Lil’ Kostitsyn, and by the way I’m stoked to see what ‘Big brother’ does this year, I think he’s a gem! Valentenko, Chipchura, Milroy,… I could go on, but it will be very exciting in the next say… 3-5 years. Sure it would be nice to be winning now, and have that comfortable guarantee of a playoff spot each and every year, but I believe that some great seasons are not that far away. To end off here… anyone tell me, if there is one player in the league right now that you would love to see in a Habs jersey… who is it? For me it’s a no brainer! Ryan Smyth is the ultimate hockey player. What is the guy not capable of? 30-40-50 goal scorers will always be around, but a player of Smitty’s contributions to the game…
need I say more? Ovechkin, and Crosby wouldn’t be that bad either.(hehe!)
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 12:50 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
habs4ever post #68,is on the rite track.If Saku wants out cause the Habs are rebuilding again,why would any body else want in ,unless they are washed up!Plus, there’s Carbo’s super duper defensive system that nobody can play or figure out cause of the constent line juggling.GREAT PLAYERS WANT TO WIN THE CUP AND ALL THE MONEYS THAT GO WITH IT,PERIOD. And I don’t see a cup any time soon in Montreal !
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 1:09 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
There is no guarantee under Crazy Bob’s yankem yo-yo’em hockey style with rookies that any of the rookies will get to stay in Montreal. Oh no, Bob’s got his eye on another Calder Cup. He doesn’t care if the habs do well or not. I guess no one has figured out that Bob doesn’t give a hoot now, he’s insulted that great players don’t kiss his big arse! Bob’s so big headed and so conceited that he’d rather destroy the habs and blame Smyth and Briere et al.
But someone forgot to remind Bob that he built this crappy team. He hired his crappy coach. He drafted and recruited mighty mite rookies who are only good at winning the Calder Cup. That would be alright if all Bob had to do was win the Calder Cup. He’s supposed to have a winning heart, he’s supposed to want to win the Stanley Cup, not just the Calder Cup!
Man Gainey talks like a real loser. He knows he built a lousy team, where no great players want to come and grind it out on behalf of the likes of Dandenault!
That’s Gainey’s answer to losing Souray. We’ll have Dandenault take his place. Great….just great. Heck if you people didn’t see it, Bob was basically telling the whole world to frig off, he was practically pointing his middle finger at everyone. He doesn’t care anymore, he never did.
It’s time we all ask for Gainey to resign, have him take Carbo with him too, hey Guy, go to some other city where they have English schools for your bigotted children okay Guy? You BASTARD!!!!!
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 1:49 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Joshtm, calm down before you have a heart attack, I don’t think bob gainey reads this site.. However I wish he did because I do agree with you. I use to be a pro-gainey person but after seeing what he has done with the team (granted he has had a lot of cleaning up to do) I am not really thrilled with his performance. I mean its been to long since we have seen a big name player in montreal. Samsonov and Johnson and guys alike do not cut it.
But Joshtm just a question, who would you have take over as the GM? Be realistic.
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 2:01 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Bowman,Lemaire,Cornyier,Dryden and Andy Murray for g.m. Coach:Hartsburg or Andy Murray
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 2:05 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Larry Robinson would be my pick for G.M. and Andy Murray for Coach,yep that would do it.
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 2:20 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
# 68 habs4ever
Posted on July 3rd, 2007 at 10:20 pm. About ‘Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski’.
The biggest problem is Carbs, no 95 point scorer wants to sign in Montreal and lose 30 points off theyre total to play Carbs defencive system. Its a no brainer. It isn’t the crazy media, it isn’t the taxes. Its this defencive **** we play, and were not any good at it BTW, we hav a young fast team, who is more design to run and gun then lay back and wait for mistakes, theyre not mature enough to play this boring style, and guys like kovalev and saku shouldn’t be in any defencive system, theyre highly skilled players who should be given the chance to do theyre thing. I’ll start the fire carbs chants, if we do that and people still won’t come. I’ll admit I was wrong, if I was a star player I wouldn’t sign in this system.
Huh the biggest problem is Carbo? he’s been coach for one season and we haven’t been able to attract elite ufa’s for over a decade? is it Carbo’s fault for all those years to? sounds like a ridiculous notion to me.
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 4:55 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Correct me if I am wrong but didn’t Shanahan turn down a better offer from Montreal last year to play in New York. One guy I would have loved to see in Montreal but was signed by Washington yesterday was Michael Nylander.He has moves galore and is money in the bank with points per year and he was cheap.
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 7:46 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Huh the biggest problem is Carbo? he’s been coach for one season and we haven’t been able to attract elite ufa’s for over a decade? is it Carbo’s fault for all those years to? sounds like a ridiculous notion to me.
Montreal has never been big players in the FA market, this was a storie franchise a decade ago, and people loved to play here. Problem was, we were content selling out seats without being competitive, hockey in montreal will sell whether we spend or not. It’s a fact. If someone offered mre money to a french canadian 10 years ago. Of course he signs. Carbs is the problem. If scotty bowman or a somewhat offencive minded coach were here, we would of landed someone other then samsonov over the past 2 years, but after seeinng what they did to him and kovalev. Noone wants to be here, everone harps on kovy, hes a 30 goal scorer on another team. Skilled hockey players don’t like playing in weak traps. Jersey has problems with thi issue too, not many UFA sign there. If you think carbs is good for this team, your sadly mistaken he’s producing one of the mst boring on ice products to watch, layed back bullshit hockey. That doesn’t impress high profile talent.
Pierre Turgeon, Vincent Damphousse and a few others examples of french canadians. Before Bob got here this team was in turmoil, hes rebuilded a nice nucleus of young players, but young guys alone won’t do it. I am losing faith quick. Fire carbs, bob. hire scotty bowman or someone of his style and watch the smyths and briere’s tak the money and run. Carbs might tur out ok, but it won’t be fun to watch. I, as a fan enjoy exciting hockey and we deserve to see our skilled players using theyre skills. He must go.
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 7:53 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Sammy gets 20-30 goals, 60-70 points playing under Denis Savard, you can take that to the bank.
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 10:15 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Gainey said he mentioned Smolinski to Carbo and Carbo just smiled.
Why is Carbo happy? Smolinski’s no Briere??
Instead of Smolinski why not get Peca ?? On defense Brad Stuart and Hamrlik
According to TSN Ed Jovanovski might be up for grabs. If he could stay healthy he’s the allstar defensmen we might need.
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 11:10 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Gainey resign, very funny. Who the hell else with any experience would even want to come near this team? NO-BODY. Be thankful we have Bob Gainey, he’s doing the best he can with the cards he’s been dealt. As for Carbonneau, well, other than again, no established coach with any experience would come here so we have Carbo, who I hope will grow into an awesome coach, again I HOPE.
Now the reason, no established GM, coach or star player will come here because of you, the spoiled fans and the moronic, holier than thou media, especially the French media. Those clowns are the National Enquirer of hockey writers. Add in the fact that the Quebec government wants to shove French down everybody’s throat any time they can, well, would you want to be here?
Crap, I’m born and raised in Montreal and I shake my head at the way the province has been ruined by these French zealots. I had to move away to get a decent job because there’s no economy in Quebec, they drove it all out, hell, Montreal made Toronto what it is. Over a million ex-Quebecers moved to Ontario since 1976. Other than still cheering for the Canadiens, there’s nothing left in Montreal and Quebec for anyone but a blue collar francophone. It’s a shame because it’s a great city and the surrounding countryside is second to none in beauty BUT come on, people, the French idiot governments have driven a stake deep into Montreal’s heart a long time ago and nobody wants to be there anymore. AND I’m half French Canadian and proud of it!
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 3:02 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Well said smiler, my father was born in Montreal, and I was raised a habs fan, I’m fluent in french, and yet most of my visits to Montreal I’ve run into nothing but problems. It’s almost like Montreal is trying to be the Quebec version of Paris, and that’s nothing to want to try and emulate. Regardless, I was raised a Habs fan, I will always be a Habs fan, I will die a Habs fan.
I am proud of the Habs tradition, but people need to realize that the league has changed. You can’t be the dynasty in a 30 team league that you could be in a 6 team league. Just ask the Maple Leafs. The only expectation I have of my team is that at least they go out and *try* every night. What drives me crazy is how many floaters there are out there. Kovalev in particular drives me crazy because he is one of the most talented, if not *the* most naturally talented, player in the league. I’ll never ever forget when he took Tucker out. If only he played every shift with that intensity, he’d be amazing. sigh.
Carbs is a first year coach going into his second year. I will remind people that in his first year he took the Habs special teams (which the previous season had been in the LOWER half of the league in ranking) and moved them to #1. (#1 PP, #3 PK I believe, but correct me if I’m wrong). Yes, he needs to change his 5v5 strategy. Dumping the puck and cycling doesn’t work. It would also help if he had a few wingers (besides Begin, Latendresse, and LaPierre) who were willing to chase into the corner, throw a body check, and dig the puck out. Smyth would have been a perfect winger for Kovalev… alas that didn’t come to pass. However, maybe Latendresse can play on his line, bang some bodies around and get Kovalev the puck. Carbs needs to change his 5v5 strategy in the offensive zone, we’ll see what happens this year. He’s learning folks, BE PATIENT and GIVE HIM SOME TIME ffs. Gainey can’t go out and kidnap the family members of the players he wants to sign and force them into coming to Montreal… he can only extend contracts. Players make up their own minds as to where to go. Welcome to free agency. No tier 1 players decided (so far) to come to Montreal. Gainey tried. Get over it, it’s not his fault. Gainey is doing the best he can, there are NO immediate fixes for this team. In the meantime, he’s laying the foundation to make the team stronger in the future. Personally, I’m happy to wait. Slowly, we’re getting players that want to compete every night. Slowly, the team is changing. It takes time, keep up the good work Gainey, Carbs, and we’ll see you in October. Finish first, finish last, I’ll still be cheering for my Habs!
Go HABS Go!
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 6:11 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Avatar, honestly, short of insulting you, I must agree though on some points, yes Gainey can’t kidnap family members, and yes the habs won big in a six team league but they also won some 14 years ago when the league wasn’t that much bigger than it is now. For all your attempts to apologize on behalf of Gainey and Carbs…I must give you the Sacred Heart Award, the St. Judas of Lost Habs fans, but sorry, in a league with a lot of players, this is the best Gainey could do? Honestly. You have to ask yourself, and ask yourself once more, why when Laraques wanted to come, Gainey did nothing? When many players mentioned they hoped to be taken by Montreal during the period leading up to the playoffs, and then recently, it is sad that Gainey did not take those offers he was given. Sure he’ll excuse himself by saying he went after Smyth, but hey, what about all those other stars who wanted to come that Gainey turned his back on? HUH????
But honestly Avatar, I can’t believe you fell for Gainey’s Sham of an excuse, heck Avatar, BoB Gainey wants to sell you a wooden three dollar loonie, are you gonna go for it too? Oh wait the Ghost of Jean Drapeau also wants to sell you an AMC Pacer of Stadiums! Look Avatar, Enron wants you to invest in some stocks, are you hip for that too?
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 6:19 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Yes, Larry Robinson for GM and Andy Murray as coach! Maybe they can do something with this bunch, make them competitive enough to make the team attractive to other winners, then maybe players like Shanahan would love to come to Montreal.
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 7:47 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Hamrlik is a much better defenseman than souray, he might not have his powerful shot but listen if you score 20+ goals and finish your season with a -28 +- rating means that he wasn’t too defensifly too hot!!
Hamrlik played with phaneuf, so now he knows how to play with a young rookie, so now let’s put him with O’byrne and enjoy the show !!
Posted on July 4th, 2007 at 9:33 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I can’t wait to be proven wrong in the fall, when all of a sudden Roman and Bryan and Tom there come out as superstars! Not that they were great before, like all of their stats leading up to the trade are dismal! And they are the calvary come to save Montreal from itself?
And honestly, if the fans and the media are that bad in Montreal…..maybe Gary Bettman should permanent shut down the habs forever! Cause hey, according to Mr. Gainey there, the media, they are toooo bad! and the fans? toooo demanding!!! Honestly, like the media who pay through the nose to the habs for rights to cover the habs, and the fans who pay through the nose for tickets, both of who give their hard earned cash to Mr. Gainey and Mr. Gillett….honestly, what a bunch of total BS!!!!!
And we’re not supposed to be pissed at that?
If it is so bad there Bob Gainey, resign! And if the pro hockey players can’t stand adoring fans and media, what are they doing becoming pro hockey players??? Talk about being totally out to lunch or what?
And you are all so stupid as to accept those stupid BS excuses!!!
Posted on July 5th, 2007 at 2:16 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Hey Poncho! I guess you didn’t read the article on Sportsnet.ca on Hamrlik. If you read it, you’ll see Roman there admits he is old. Roman admits that Martin told him that in Montreal, things go a certain way. That’s its okay for old guys like Roman. Cause you wanna know why? Cause Bob doesn’t care. Roman could not produce and Bob’ll love him, like Dandy and Bouillon don’t produce and Crazy Bob just loves the heck outta those guys.
And Roman ain’t got great stats there! If Roman was so hot, how come the Ducks didn’t go for him?
Posted on July 6th, 2007 at 12:26 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
I heard that Bettman was considering waiving the rules regarding equipment, to allow Sakku Koivu and Roman Hamrlik use their walkers on the ice, and an additional waiver for Sakku to use his seeing eye cane and german shepard…maybe that way instead of hooking players Sakku could actually play hockey!!!
Hey Bob, instead of water bottles, the Habs are gonna be giving out Ensure to half of the team during the game!
I feel sorry for the Habs trainer, he’s gotta get those adult pampers for Sakku and Roman!
I also heard Gary Bettman is considering hiring a researcher so Bryan and Tom there, the other old age pensioners that Bob Gainey hired, hiring a researcher to find out ways in which they can transfer their social security cheques to Canada…..
There was a replay on the old CBC HNIC black and whites, and Sakku, Tom, Bryan and Roman all looked old in those too! I think half of the Habs were born just after they invented electricity!
Man, the NHL is considering making the nets larger just for Sakku’s behalf! That’s cause Sakku’s so old he can see for trying.
I also heard Gary Bettman is considering waiving the hockey stick rule for the habs forwards, seems on top of getting larger lighter pucks, they are considering allowing Roman, Tom, Bryan and Sakku to be allowed to use Goalie sticks in the hopes that the bigger blade will allow them to actually pass the puck!
I have never seen such a wide range of players, one side of the bench is the old folks home for retired worn out used up broken down veterans in pampers and the other side are for Tim Bits players who are still in potty training!
Man is that sad or what?
And you know what is even funnier? There are fans out there who think Bob is Hockey God cause he can find a way to still allow old folkies to still play hockey and on the flip side, be a walking talking ad for Tim Bits peewee hockey!!!!HAHAHAAAA!!!!!
Posted on July 7th, 2007 at 7:35 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Not a bad acquisition, but i’d prefer Gainey signs Sheldon Souray
Posted on July 8th, 2007 at 11:50 am. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
if Daniel Briere & other stars don”t want to come to Montreal because of the prssure well then I for one don”t want them. They should be honnored the Canadians even asked them to sign. Most of the free agents were very over paid and not worth the money they are getting. Even Souray is not worth re-signing. Maybe he could score goals but his defence was terrible. WE have a great farm system and within a couple of years we will have a great team once again! I have been a HAB fan for almost 50 years. We will be great once again and will do it within our system not with greedy free agents that only play for money. We want players that want to play here & have pride in being a Montreal Canadian. I believe in Gainey. I know that when our players are drinking from the stanley cup Briere and the other players that did not want to come here will be sitting at home thinking Hey that could have been me.
Posted on August 29th, 2007 at 12:35 pm. About 'Canadiens sign Roman Hamrlik and Bryan Smolinski'.
Ah well, looks like Gainey isn’t gonna be swayed by anything. Being the defensive player he was (Carbo too), it seems D is not only #1 on his list, it seems its the only thing. Enough of this foolish notion that you need more scoring power. Last year was a success wasn’t it? OH, thats right….IT WASN’T !! Sure, take away the power play goals, and did they score any?
5.5 for Hamrlik? Big contract for Markov? What did Ryder get again? 1.9? And that took arbitration. Ya gotta love being a defender coming to Montreal huh? Thats where all the $$$ and rewards are, even if you don’t deserve them. Here’s a plan….why not wipe out the 3 top offensive lines and replace them all with defenders. Hell, why go in the other teams zone at all? Lets play 5 men behind the blue line at all times….actually just cram em all into the net behind Huet so no pucks can fit in there….we’d probably get a Vezina out of it.
No money is being given to your forwards to show them they’re appreciated…well, just the ones not living up to their potential are getting it (Koivu and Kovalev). Make no wonder we can’t get a good power forward with good numbers who wants to come to Montreal. What kind of paycut would someone like Briere have to take? 100 bucks a game and all the Gatorade you can drink? Listen, if a revered, class act, hockey God like Belliveau can’t talk a player into coming to Montreal….THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG !!!
Maybe Bobs gotta big plan in mind….maybe theres an earthshattering trade approaching….because theres gotta be something….these offseason acquisitions were about as brutal as you can get…at least, for what the Habs need it was. God, lets get some offense there…OFFENSE. Anyone remember the days of Lafeur? Anyone find that brand of hockey boring? Were alot of goals not scored? Did we not make the playoffs? Did we not win cups? I know there are dozens of greats who played before Guy, but Guy is all I can recall watching because of my age. Plus, there were great supporting casts…but people….Brisebois, Hamrlik and Smolinski are a far cry from Shutt, Robinson and Gainey.
C’mon Bob, give us some exciting hockey again. Let the legions of loyal Habs fans shout again with pride “GO HABS GO !!” Please don’t let these signings be it for the year….a year where we need something much better to rebound from the boring, horrible season a year ago. Get Ryder his 50 goals, get Koivu his 100+ points, and the rest will fall into place naturally. GO HABS GO.