Tampa Bay has reportedly gotten Olaf Kolzig! Tampa Bay will come 3rd next year. I believe Montreal is still better though. And guys, it takes longer to get the big guns.
Habs resign Kostitsyn (3.25 million a year / 3 years). Good deal. Sundin doesn’t care about money, he wants to join a team that has a serious chance at contending for the cup next year and the Canucks aren’t that team! he’s not gonna sign with Vancouver.
Should’ve gone after Malone, but that’s water under the bridge now.
I don’t think that Sundin is the missing piece of the puzzle. He can benefit this team, but acquiring him would not, in my opinion, be addressing this team’s primary need: a crash the net, mix it up, score key goals type of forward.
We have yet to see where Sundin goes let all the others spend their cash now,we still have the money for Sundin,and if not then we are not a weaker team for it,we have a good team and there is room for trades and the season has yet to start,no panic hold a steady course.
I agree with ya Don Carnage as for you hab faithful have I not taught you anything today?? I thought I told you to go outside and enjoy Canada Day, but you did not take my advice but rather write your comments that we need this guy or that guy…..seriously dude did you not watch the habs at all this year?? did you not see the game where they came back from a 5 – 0 against the rangers or that we finally beat the new jersey devils not once but 3 times or that we bet the Bruins 8 times this year and we scored the most games……after saying all that I guess we do that that big center.”OMG”
I went out and played 18 holes of golf with my son and soaked in the sun’s rays.Came home and found out that the entire league has gone nuts and are throwing money at these players like no tommorow.There gonna be in trouble later some are thats for sure.There are alot of good players that have not yet moved and we can sit pat and still say we have a good team.
5 years, 20 million+ for Streit from the Islanders?
Wow Garth Snow and Wang are really desperate. Don’t let the door hit you, your poor defensive play, your closed eye shots into shin pads in the playoffs and soft play, in the rear on the way out Mark.
Good for Gainey for not throwing ridiculous money at mid level free agents though. You can bet most of those deals are going to look really bad. Jeff Finger at 3.5 mil per season by the Laffs? LOL
But they still need a big centre on the top 2 lines. I still want Sundin
Remember Gary Bettman saying on Draft night that if teams talk to any impending free agents, they will be charged with “tampering?” Well, it seems to me that ALL the teams were tampering — how else do you explain the fact that there were so many free agent signings on the VERY FIRST DAY??? It takes DAYS to iron out a contract, not minutes. This is proof positive that these teams were talking to the UFA’s even prior to July 1.
No a team can have an offer ready in advance,and it dont take long to say well look here we have an offer for x with y. Then the team says ok we offer x for y and its done,its all $ thats all.
Don, even if the team had an offer ready in advance, the player would need some time to think about the offer, for example if there are multiple offers. For sure the teams have been talking to the player agents before July 1. So let’s see if Bettman holds true to his words
I agree. There was some absolutely ridiculous money being thrown around today. 4 million for Streit? Redden at 6.5, 2.5 for has-been Holik and on and on. The best move of the day may be the GM’s who didn’t get involved in this.
Streit and Ryder signing with other teams shows that there is interest in these guys from other teams. This is the one thing that I think Gainey has not done well — he should have traded these guys last year, and gotten something for them.
This year I promised myself that I wouldn’t fall for the ‘free agent ****”.
Hey, if other GM’s want to GROSSLY overpay for talent – then go for it. I’m quite
proud of this team and its management. I’m sure BG pushed hard for Sundin, just like
he did with Shanny and Briere. As far as I’m concerned we got our man. AKOST.
A hefty raise, yes, but not a gross overpayment.
I like this team’s build-from-within kind of style. Last year, after all the so-called big names
were gone we got Roman and Tommy K. (stability and heart). Hopefully we could add one
or two players this year that actually WANT to play here and not just the cash.
I wish Ryder and Streit all the success in the world – as long as it doesn’t conflict with us. LOL
In my opinion, the best player signed today, all things considered, was Andrei Kostitsyn. He and his brother are going to be great players in Montreal for many years to come. And at $3.25M, Andrei is great value. Bob Gainey has exercised good financial discipline. We will be in good shape in the coming months and years. Even without Sundin, we have a chance at the Cup. The 4 guys I am interested in for our club (Fedorov, Bertuzzi, Shanahan, and Laracque) are still available. It wouldn’t surprise me to see us sign one of them in the next few days.
I would like Jagr even. If Pittsburgh ever got a hold of him look out! Pittsburgh would get presidents and maybe shatter montreal’s record of only losing 8 games. I believe in what Bob is doing, but guys sources say that the habs and Oilers are runners up for Hossa. Hossa will suck *** and probably for 8 Million.
Ryder will get his *** kicked 8 times this season. What a ***, signing to the Boston Bruins. The Montreal Canaden’s rival. Federov wouldn’t be that bad, but I want gainey to go to Burke and see what he could do for Mathieu Shneider. We need a D to take up Streit’s spot on the powerplay! If we got a forward to play D on the powerplay it better be someone good lol but no matter what happens, Gainey is a smart *** and he will get something done. alot of u guys are hoping he gets someone exciting or something, Hossa is probably 8 Mill!!
Hey guys… on a side note. Do not confuse me with JackHab. I was reading through
some older posts “Alex Tanguay a Montreal Canadien” and came across that person’s
name. First off, my views make a hell of a lot more sense, and also I don’t take myself
too seriously. Notice the small caps.
lol thanks. But ummm I heard that Gainey is 2nd in the Hossa sweepstakes behind Edmonton. Gainey will get someone, even if it’s a crappy guy like Shanahan. Selanne might come because of Koivu and I can really see it. Bob won’t wait another 2 days for Sundin. Gainey will have his man by today or tomorrow.
guys remeber, Gainey is pretty much preparing for the playoffs, theres no way we are coming 5th or worse we’ll be in the top 4 for sure, and Selanne is a great playoff performer he had 4 pts in his short series last playoffs against Dallas, and is still a point per game player, Koivu led all players in pts in the olympics with Sleanne on his side!!! Yep,I have my guy, Go and get him Gainey!!!:)
Actually, Scotty, I’ve been posting on this site for a while, and will not change my
identity for anybody. Just note the difference… that’s all I’m asking.
Selanne isn’t that bad, but it doesn’t matter anyways because Detroit signed Hossa. Detroit wins the cup hands down sorry fellow hab fans Detroit is soooo goood!!!!
k guys, sorry, I’m a little pissed that Detroit might win it again. I still think this can be the habs year, because Detoit won’t have the grit they did last year because they just won it. Montreal will want it twice as more! GO HABS GO!!!
Don’t let yourselves get whisked away with excitement of possibilites to come. You know we’re not gonna do anything big guys….we never do…remember when Hossa was all but a Hab at the deadline? Remember our big off-season signings last year…Brisebois, Smolinski..ringin any bells? Tanguay is the biggest thing we’re gonna see…and that not too big…whats the diff between him and Ryder…2 guys who used to be able to score goals and now they can’t. Barring a change of scenery for both players…by that I mean, regaining there scoring touches because they find some lucky chemistry on their new teams that no one ever saw coming…it’s gonna be same ol same ol for both these guys. Right now…we traded one DUD for another…big gain !! A first line center is what we’re missing…it’s what we’ve been missing for years now…filling in bits and pieces of average players isn’t gonna do it…and it seem paying what you have to for a first line center is something we don’t do…guess our teams management likes watching other teams in the finals every year. Koivu doesn’t have what it takes to be one of this league’s top first line centers..how many years has he been proving this?
No, once again we’re gonna get all excited for nothing…we don’t bring big stars to Montreal. Get ready for the same faces doing the same things and ending up in the same position. Conference titles are fun, but not good enough for our Habs an us faithful.
I think Sundin can happen, but hopefully it’s soon, It’s so painful sitting here just waiting for him. He won’t sign with Vancouver. He wants to win and he not ready to be a hero again. If he goes to Vancouver they will come 13th and Mats Sundin will retire after the 1st season. Sundin wants to win and he told everyone he doesn’t want to go to the western conference. Detroit is out of the bidding and now its Montreal and NewYork R.
I don’t want to risk the Sundin thing though, go after someone like Jagr or Naslund or Selanne, and I’m still pissed off that Gainey didn’t go after Rolston! but Gainey will do the right thing.
honestly, I’m very frustrated. We go thru this same scenario every year, and it’s getting old. We can’t attract UFA’s to come here, bottom line. I don’t know how much more I can take being a bottom feeder.
Even tho I will always love the habs, maybe it’s time to find a secondary team to root for, 1 than can attract players and having a chance to win a cup.
Because if we’re never going to sign UFA’s, and not enough trades,and have to rely soley on the draft, then I can’t see us ever winning another cup.
sorry to sound doom and gloom, but every other team gets a jump start on us,
finishing 1st was nice, but the cup is what it’s all about. If we can’t get to that next level due to signing restrictions, what’s the point?
i’m just a very very frustrated fan!
WTF is that supposed to mean? I’m trying to tell everyone about my ideas, and I’m just a fan like all of u wanting my team to do something, but maybe it never will happen! What do u think is gonig to happen?
With the insanity thats going on I’d rather see Gainey get more of our own players like Komisarek/Higgins etc signed for the future.Sellanne is over the hill and Sundin will wait till his sauna gets boring…..
I’m starting to think that as well DieHard(#45). Avery just signed in the Big D. Why didn’t Gainey go after him or Rolston, etc…… Anyways lets just pray BG has something in the works. Afterall this is their 100th anniversary.
higgins is just as good as Marleau, if not better and 6 Million cheeper! I say just wait, we have enough power. If anything bad happens we’ll have 10 Miilion on the trade deadline.
if we dont sign sundin i say we get jagr for 2 years 6million a year or naslund for 3 years 3mill the 1st year then 4 mill the next 2 years. i would also offer sundin a 2year 13mill contract, 8mill the 1st year and 6mill the 2nd year. what do you guys think about my gm offers?
I think that a player like Selanne,Jagr,Shannahan,or Naslund would be good for the habs. I have a feeling Gainey is Planning something great . I Guarrente tou that he will sign at least one of these people by sunday . by the way learn how to spell Selanne GimmeShelter27!
Actually we should go into desperate mode because we can’t go into the season the way things stand. We lost Streit(quaterback on pp), Ryder, Smolinski(no loss), Brisebois(no loss),but have only replaced Ryder with Tanguay. When the season ended, we knew we needed to get a big center. That has not been addressed. We knew we needed an enforcer. That has not been addressed. We knew we needed a 4th defenceman, and that has not been addressed. Right now, unless Gainey signs someone or trades for someone, we’re in worse shape.
And you know TB, NJ, Boston, and Philly are better. OK we all know Gainey can’t sign UFA’s, but didn’t the Rangers just make a trade to get Zderdov?
Why couldn’t we make that trade? Why is Gainey sitting on his hands?
And please no more excuses, like “I tried”. That won’t cut it anymore.
How long are fans supposed to wait? totally fed up.
#59Jesus Price Superstar
July 2, 2008 pm31 7:11 pm
Sundin told TSN he will probably only know whether or not he’s going to play next year in august. What should the canadiens do? spend their money on players now or wait for sundin and then possibly not even get him.
Listen. Sundin is an elite centreman. Everyone knows this. But I do not want him in a Habs uniform because if that happens, then that will be all that happens, and that wouldn’t be nearly enough.
I just want someone with leadership or something. Markus Naslund?Jagr? etc. SOMETHING!!! But it’s not going to happen. I wouldn’t Trade hardly anyone for Marleau. He sucks *** and Higgy is better and is still growing. The habs would still come 1st in the east. Philly is a 6th place team if that the rangers will barely make it to the playoffs and Tampa Bay is just stocking up on Offence and soon they will be trading Boyle. Tampa Bay will barely make it into the playoffs. Montreal is still a growing team and their guys are getting better. Kostitsyns are going to be unreal and I wouldn’t be surpirised if Plekanec got 90 or even 100 pts next season! yep I’m serious. we are not the leafs ok, we have a future. But u guys are right we do have to get some size.
Smokes is not lost,Brisbois is not lost. There is no news on them yet,we are alot better with Ryder out Tanguay in.Streit gone we al said we were in trouble when Souray left,that did not happen,we have OB that will get alot more time so I dont see the big panic.We can still sign and trade at anytime.Its not over yet its just starting.
Joseph I missed you. I would hope that Tanguay more than replaces Ryder. He is a better all around player and he wanted to come to Montreal. Personally, I am sorry we could not sign Streit, but he is not worth what he got so we are better off in the long run. I would not panic about replacing him on the PP. We have his replacement in either moving Koivu back or Kovalev. Both these guys can double shift of an extra 30 seconds on the point. Gainey had offered 8M to Sundin so if he does not take it then he better sign in Detroit because going to Vancouver will not win him the cup. He at least has a shot with us. Hossa signed with Detroit because he wants to win the cup. Now isn’t that something a European who wants to win the cup rather than the money. I wonder is Sundin has the same sense.
I agree we need a big first line centre to be successful, but hehas to be capable of taking over from Kouvu point wise or we lose in the transaction. I have said it many times we need three players in this order.
1. A top four defenceman, one that plays with an edge.
2. A Power Forward who can score 30 goals and is willing to crash the net and screen the goalie.
3. A big centre who can score 70 points and is a good faceoff man.
If we get those three things and we stay healthy then I think we can win the cup.
Detroit will be strong again this next year but not as hungry. Someone from the west will knock them off before the finals.
Pittsburg will not be as strong without Hossa. Washington will probably miss the playoffs without good goaltending. Ottawa will miss the playoffs. Toronto will request a move to the European pro league. Oh I forgot they got THE FINGER ! Tampa will replace Ottawa in the top eight.
Other than the three priorities, Gainey needs to add some grit to the fourth line. He may have some of it in Hamilton.
I think we have to remember that we have a good team without Sundin, and we have improved it with Tanguay. So I would not spend foolishly, Gainey can go after the FA and he can offer them the money but the will have to want to come to Montreal. Taxes are a big deterent as well as the pressure of playing in the centre of the hockey universe. Some guys just cannot take the pressure.
I say lets look for a big puck moving defenceman that plays it tough. If there is one out there that is worth 5M then lets sign him. Lets see if we can sign that power forward, if not a young guy then maybe a Shanahan if he is willing. He should be worth 20 goals and his experience on and off the ice would be good for our team.
All I know is that Tanguay said he did in his interview and that he also asked Calgary last year to consider Montreal for a trade. So one never knows the real truth, but I do not know very many French Canadien kids that do not want to play in Montreal. Even those would be Nordique fans.
Demitra: Not sure we would want a 15 goal scorer. What line are you going to put him on? Do we want another European who does not score big? On the positive he does have a good plus minus. Maybe a strong thirdliner?
our defence is amazing guys Philly averaged like 12 shots against us and didn’t give up too much. With Price playing good this year, we will have the best team in the east!
and If u want a D, I would like Gainey to talk with Burke and trade Boullion and something else lol for Mathieu Shneider. If we don’t want Brisebois, bring back another guy from the 93 cup winning team! but Gainey won’t do something like that! the reason why the Demitra thing is interesting is because he’s not really a superstar and it isn’t too far fetched.
we can only get the leftovers that no other team wants. That’s been the case for the past 3 years unfortunately. But since that’s the case, a trade would be in order. Gainey should pursue Marleau, and give up Latendresse and a D man. the other player who wouldn’t cost much, is Chris Gratton, a big center, not afraid to stand in front of the net, and chip in a few timely goals. He would look great on a 3rd line, and good defensively.
hab Faithful I totally agree, everytime I bring up Gratton, people bash me, but he’s huge and he’s getting older usually that’s a bad thing but I know that he really wants the cup and he’s a Umberger type player! and he puts up some ts also. finally, some one agrees lol
pay attention to the Demitra thingy, Huselius is now a blue jacket. and that was an E3(which means it’s happening or close) and Demitra to Montreal is an E3 look out guys lol. but It could be nothing.
screw sundin
we need guys who WANT to play
why waste 8 mill for a guy who doesnt even want to play
why not go for sakic isnt he a free agent?
kostistyn was definatly the best signing of the day.
get rid of breezebye and pickup a offensive defencmen.
bob is still doing a great job
still got to be patient
I think Gainey is hanging his hat on Sundin and he sounds like a man who is close to retirement. I would like to see Gainey add a little grit (maybe Shanahan)along with maybe Selanne on 1 year deals. Both these guys would be great in the locker room. Please stay away from Jagr,Carboneau could not handle him. Bertuzzi maybe a cheap option if you could get him on for half his salary. Lets face it the habs lack physical size up front.
WTF IS GAINEY DOING? get someone already, we don’t need Sundin, we just want him. Get someone to play with Markov on the Powerplay! get something! theres so many guys out there! But I know, I have to be patient!lol It’s soo hard!!!!
we all want Gainey to do something. Is he now the only team in the league that hasen’t(can’t) sign a UFA? It’s embarrassing. And it wouldn’t take alot of $$$ to get Gratton? At this point,any decent goal scorer will do. just DO IT!
I pray Gainey doesn’t wait a month for Sundin, because we will be the losers. I just don’t see Sundin playing again, but if he does, it won’t be us. Just have a bad feeling about that. Why does Gainey always break the fans hearts?
We all know there are still players out there, that could help us. What is he waiting for? Maybe there’s a players conspiracy to NOT sign with the habs.
Isnt Boyle way over priced at 6.7? Plus Habs would have to give up too much youth to make it worthwhile.Then you have Markov and the other defense guys to consider.Boyle doesnt add up….
So we got Laracque. He’ll protect Koivu and all our other small scorers.
But where’s the scorer Gainey promised? say bye bye to Kostopoulus and maybe Begin. yes, Laracwue will be a wonderful scorer, netting maybe 3 goals/year!
guys, we arent getting anybody marquee. we get our hopes up every trade deadline and july 1st and what ALWAYS happens? nothing…little acquisitions but never a bigger named player…thats how gainey is guys, we should be used to this by now
We don’t need a punishing D man. Komisarek ad O’Byrne is the scariest combination and O’Byrne will be amazing next season, just watch. I think we need an offensive D man for our powerplay and an Expierienced one is Mathieu Snheider who Brian Burke is looking to trade and he actually promised he will.
I agree Stuo11. We should try for Gratton or Demitra. hell, maybe we can turn into a big team signing some BIG players. I hope he’s not done with signings. It’s fine to get an enforcer, but he won’t play every game, and on the 4th line. But Gainey STILL hasen’t addressed our problem, “needing a center”. And why sign Laraque for 3 years?? 2 years would be sufficient.
Now trade Latendresse, Dandy, Begin,.
NASLUND HAS BEEN TRADED TO NYR, ALONG WITH KALININ.
every team in the east is signing scorers, and we only sign an enforcer?
there’s not going to be anyone left for us, AGAIN!
I’m more concerned about Vancouver’s cap space and their ability to sign Sundin.
True, at this point, it’s pretty safe to say that Mats will probably not wind up here,
but, we still have space for him. Guys don’t count BG out just yet. We had more than
just a decent season – and now we’ll be a lot tougher in the playoffs. We still have
scoring touch on this team – that elusive big center would undoubtedly push this
already talented team over the top.
Welcome to Montreal BIG George..thats one part of the equation….toughness…lets get a scorer now. Look out little Sid…George don’t have ya back anymore…good move.
Hab Faithful is the whinniest baby on this site, stfu! You’re acting like the Habs are gonna blow. Their offense is fine plus there’s plenty of time till the trade deadline to worry about prepping for the playoffs. Goddamn babies are here!
I wish some people would make up their minds, they say the Habs need toughness so Gainey signs Laroque, and people shoot him down for doing this. I think people just want Gainey to sign someone just for sake of signing someone. By the way good going Bob. I still think ther’s more to come yet. Mark my words.
107 Dancan81
Posted on July 3rd, 2008 at 5:47 pm. About ‘Free Agent Frenzy?’.
Hab Faithful is the whinniest baby on this site, stfu! You’re acting like the Habs are gonna blow. Their offense is fine plus there’s plenty of time till the trade deadline to worry about prepping for the playoffs. Goddamn babies are here!
So who are you, smartass? Someone who belittles and criticizes others for not agreeing with you. The fact that you insult and denegrate me, shows how crass and immature you are.
Settle down you chicken little. Every post you make is the same negativity over and over. It’s tiresome. I’m sorry I hurt your feelings hab faithful, such an oxy moron of a name btw…
Now the prices are coming down. Tuesday Naslund would have got 7 mill per year. Bob wants to build from the inside. We wre going to be tougher with Stewart in the line-up anyway. Plus Chipchura, maybe Cote on defense. We’ve got Perezhogin, Locke as small gifted forwards. I like the Gratton call, is Hedican still available? There are still lots of no-nonsense defenders out there, if I’m reading right. If Gainey makes a splash, so be it. There’s nothing wrong with having cap space, and a handful of matured prospects at the trade deadline. I like George and Alex so far – its not standing still and its not rushing madly off in all directions (Hello, Leaf Fans). First comment, be nice.
Hey there, Habknot. Welcome to the site. Your comments are pretty much bang on. I don’t
know why, but I just don’t think BG is quite done yet. True we still have Halak, and some others
to sign, but if we could land that center that we’ve lacked for some time now…OMG!
Right now we have a nice mix of finesse, heart, speed and toughness. Imo, we need that gritty,
live-in-the-blue-paint type to add to this team.
My list of expendable players are: Lats, Begin, Dandy, Breezer. Not that I would be overly
angry if they were part of this year’s edition, but I’d like to get some more quality.
By the way I’d try to keep Tommy K. This guy has great spirit. He may not be the best, or the
toughest, but he works damn hard. Begin at one time was one of my favorite players, but
I think he has turned into a bit of a cheap player – again folks that’s just my opinion.
I’d also like to see what Stewart brings to this team.
I think Brisebois must be the best practice player ever. Players seem to like him, it just seems to me that too much happens on the ice that he has no affect on. I’d like to see Latendresse develop, I haven’t been happy that its been happening in the NHL [one of BG's few misreads], but he could easily turn into John Leclair. I love Begin, he reminds me of Benoit Brunet, if they weren’t injured so often they’d be Guy Carbonneau. Tom K. is heart and soul, but he is bench strength on a cup team. Dandenault is a speedy utility guy, and Guy seemed to know how to use him this year. BTW, has anyone figured out why O’Byrne sat while Breeze played against Philly? [isn't that the series we lost?]
Ok we have shored up our goaltending with two cabable backup goalies in the minors either one can be called up if needed as a back up.
I seems we have added some future potential with the Toronto trade.
We have added some depth to put down in Hamilton which should help our younger players develop faster.
We have added some physical present in Laraque which should help our D-man as well as our smaller forwards.
So are we set? we should feel comfortable going into the season with what we have, we have added additional scoring with Tanguay and toughness with Laraque. We still need to sign some of our RFA’s but we had signed the most important one.
I have not added it up but this should put us in a good position with lots of capping space to sign a UFA or make a trade mid season or pre season once everything settles down.
Yes I would like to still have Gainey address the big centreman, a power foward that has offensive abilities and another experienced D-man. But if we can’t without giving away the ranch I think we have a better team than last year, with room to make a move if needed. That is how I see it anyway. So don’t panic guys, Gainey has always erred on the safe side and the team has progress and got better each year.
Do you think our backup goalie situation is good? Denis is a horrible goalie, and couldn’t make it on any team he played. TB couldn’t wait to get rid of him. He has sucked on every single team he’s played. He is a career minor leaguer. Yann Danis would have been much better than him. Too bad Gainey screwed up trading him. Anything to save a buck!
Here is our current line up.
Higgins Kiovu Tanguay
A.Kost. Plekanec, Kovalev
S.Kost Lapierre stewart
Chipchura Begin Laraque
Latendresse kostopoulos
Markov Komisarek
Hamrlik Bouillon
O’Byrne Gorges
Begin lost my respect two seasons ago. Remember that final game between Montreal and
the Leafs in Toronto? Raycroft all but made sure we were heading to the post season – but
wait! Begin decides to take a blatant high sticking double minor. Bing, bang, Toronto scored
twice to tie the game. The rest is history. This last playoff season he decides to hit someone
from behind (a total cheap shot), again costing us.
I just feel that when players start acting like that that their best years are behind them. Hey
I could be wrong.
Lats… How long do wait? Can we send him to Hamilton? Let him develop there.
Breezer? Yes he’s loved but this isn’t a popularity contest. True, to his credit, he overachieved
last season, but again, at what point does the horse ride into the sunset?
Dandy – a -26 on a plus team.
By the way your read on Tommy K is dead on and I respect your opinion. I would still like
to keep him ahead of the four I mentioned.
Laraque is a great acquisition for so many reasons. First off it’s 4.5 mil over 3 years.
Second he ain’t no goon or cheap shot artist. I think groundworking called him classy.
That about sums him up. Third, scoring wasn’t the issue last year – only in the playoffs
where finesse takes a back seat to grit. Now, our forwards don’t have to worry about
other teams taking liberties. Let’s see Halak was punched in the face, and Price was
tripped from behind.
Guess what? I can’t see that happening any more… at least not in the next 3 years.
jack hab:
Lats… How long do wait? Can we send him to Hamilton? Let him develop there.
Well I agree that he should be sent down to Hamilton, but I do not think you can give up on a 20 year old who never should have made the team the last two years yet he still scored 16 goals last year. So he does have an upside with his youth. He just need to show up every game and start to use that big body of his. He needs a wake up call and sending him to Hamilton would be the best thing for him.
Latendresse, has scored 16 goals in both his first two seasons. He also improved his plus\minus this year by +18 so he is progressing. I still would send him to Hamilton for a couple of months though.
He is anther player that could be used as trade bait we have a number of young guys in Hamilton that could move into his position. He seems to play well and then as you say he takes that unselfish penalty that costs the team. I am surprised that our coaching staff has not been able to correct that element in his game.
I think the player who will benefit from Laraque the most is Komesarek, he will no longer have to be our policeman and drop his gloves all the time. He is much more valuable playing it tough but not in the penalty box. Laraque will take some of that pressure away from Komy. Anothe player that may benefit as well is Markov, he sort of played scared in the playoffs this year because Komisarek could not be the big hitter protector that he had been all season due to his injury. Markov may have more confidence knowing that Laraque is there to stop the cheap shots on the defence.
Kovalev should also benefit from the cheap shots he took in the playoffs and give him more confidence as well.
Lapierre should also benefit because he will be allowed to play his chippy style knowing that Laraque is there to help if needed.
So I can see the plus side of this signing, I only wish he also brought some goals to the table
Some good points (I overlooked) regarding Lats. Lapierre came back with a new attitude
after spending some time in the minors. Maybe the same thing could happen to Lats.
Not sure where you are getting the -26 because above is his 2007-2008 stats from the Habs web site show a -11.
You also have to remember he is playing against the top line as a forward many shifts because of his defensive style and the fourth line is bound to get more goals scored on it playing against the other teams top players.
To me he is a valuable player because he gives Carbo the option of having a forward who can drop back an play defence in case of injury or penalty trouble. That is what made Steit valuable to the team as well and obviously the Islanders thought so too because they gave him a lot of money.
Xtrahabsfan
Posted on July 3rd, 2008 at 11:24 pm. About ‘Free Agent Frenzy?’.
LATENDRESS LAPIERRE LARAQUE thats a scary line,man lol…
I agree and maybe Lapierre and Laraque could put a little fire under Latendresse and make hime play with a more agressive style. See my earlier comments.
Different topic altogether.
If YOU are the GM of Vancouver, would you continue to wait for Sundin or do you go
out and pick up Jagr or someone else as quick as you can.
Imo, there must be even more desperation now that Naslund is gone.
Good Points here!
I agree that Komisarek will benefit as much as anyone. Pressure’s off, he can be mean if he feels it now, not because he has too. I’m not sure Stewart will crack the everyday line-up, but he looked good to me agaonst the Leafs. Streit was protected by Carbo’s outstanding coaching, NYIles will be disappointed if they think he is top 4 defence. If not, that’s a lot of cash for PP specialist.
Latendresse does need more development, the minors would be good for him. I doubt it will happen, but when that package matures, you’ll have a guy who can play any role, on any line. I liked how he got in a couple of fights near the end of the year last year, I think he was surprised at how good he was, and how it felt pretty good. I remember that happening to Chara in Ottawa [though to a greater degree]
I’d still like another rock solid d-man. I wonder about Cote and Emelin and thought we had a couple of Minnesota Badgers about ready to step into the line-up. (others: Hedican, Malek, Matvichuk, Carney, Montador etc) and how about Keith Primeau is he healthy and could he be our 3rd line center?
If Laraque doesn’t score a goal for the next three years, the youtube video of a Montreal Canadien pounding the bejeesus out of Brashear or Boogard is worth every penny of the money that they’ve spent.
And those who criticize Laraque should note that he’s one of the top 5 or 10 players in the NHL at freezing the puck on the boards — a) he’s huge, and b) nobody wants to push him hard enough to get him mad.
This is HUGE confidence booster for this team–guys can play a gritty style now without being bullied. Huge addition!
And yes, he’s actually known as a gentlemen in the NHL. He never fights small players unless they absolutely beg him to drop the gloves, and he almost always fights the big guys unless they ask him not to.
OK, DieHard, if you’re going to make a comment, back it up, please. I say Streit was kept away from the big boys as a defenceman, was used more when the other team was trying to play defensively, and was used mainly as a forward because his behind the net decision making was often poor; inspite of being a gifted first breakout passer. He didn’t shy away from the rough stuff, but was not particularly good at absorbing punishment and this often lead to unwise moves [in this respect he's like Brisebois- except breeze deliberately avoids traffic and runs around aimlessly more]. These faults were concealed in Montreal last year, as far as I’m concerned , by the coaching staff. Now, if Streit turns into a shut-down type of defender together with the blessed offensive skill that he will display, I will be glad to post that I was wrong. I still won’t like criticism without some sort of critique.
As far as Markov is concerned, I think he was logging lots of intense ice-time which supports my point that we need another rock in the mould of Komi or Hamr, whether as a signing or promotion, Give Markov a little room and he will hurt you, and his defensive zone coverage is awesome. He is not an intimidating physical force, but is top 4 on any NHL team [I think we have 3 top 4 guys]. I like O’Byrne, but suspect that his coaches saw something they didn’t want exposed by the other team’s top lines, because he seemed to be kept away from them. I didn’t notice what it was and wonder if its just a case of not accepting ‘rookie’ errors even against players that can make any defender look human.
hab faithful, see above. Did your hockey team play way below your expectaions last year due to players being mismatched and with no clear idea what they or the team should be doing WITH, and WITHOUT the puck? That’s what a coach does. Then they have to motivate the players to follow the plan [I think that's what cost Julien his job here]. So yeah, Carbo should have known Umberger was going to score everytime he touched the puck and sent Bobby Clarke out after him, oops, sorry this is the new NHL. I say Montreal became absolutely the best team in the NHL at clearing their zone and sending their quick forwards off on their merry way last year and that doesn’t happen without outstanding coaching [which reaches back into Hamilton IMHO}. Now some might point to Detroit, and I say not bad, I'll sttle for second best [LAST YEAR].
DieHard, you laughed and hurt my feelings about Carbo’s outstanding coaching
Seriously though, I thought Carbo and company used players to the best of their abilities, especially the second half of the year when games seem to count more. If you think he’s a bonehead, tell me why [I may even agree with some of your points; no-one, not even me or Guy, is perfect ]. I also think he and his staff are on a steep learning curve, and keep improving. But, what do I know?
Yeah, that’s a role ideally suited to Latendresse, but he is trying to learn too many things at once. This is one guy that Bob and Guy have done no favours to by keeping up in the NHL instead of seasoning on the farm. Still, you can only coach the players you have, and I’m sure lots of goalies felt extremely pressured by the habs relentless puck movement. I expect Lats to get it all at once, and hopefully this year.
O’Byrne is gonig to be as good as Komisarek was last year! But If I were Gainey I would take a shot at Mathieu Shneide.(sorry If I’m making u guys sick with his name lol) but this guy has done it in Montreal before. and guys 6′6 Marek Malik is still out there I think! I think 1 more good forward wouldn’t be that bad, but first I want Gainey to re-Sign all the RFA’S
lol I know it’s not going to happen, but what if Marc Denis stole the show from Carey Price? wouldn’t that be something? hey,Marc Denic was awesome 4 or 5 years ago in Columbus. but Price is still the man(obviously lol) PRICE 4 EVER!!! gainey go and get a D lol
I said before, I like Malik [or carney, matvichuk, montador]. STU, what do you think of Primeau? I think Schneider’s a little long in the tooth, and not as strong in his own zone.
Diehard, I like debate, you should see [hear] me and my buds watching a game. I just dislike words like shithead.
Premeau would be pretty sick atualy, I’ve seen him block shots like a mad man. I would like to see someone who has done it all before with th habs though. Hamrlik is kind of a defensive D man and Shneider is and OD it would make good chemistry. just like KOMI the DD and Markov the OD. But Malik would be fne, I’d have to disagree with Matvichuk, but what about Hedican? he just won the cup like 2 seasons ago or whateber lol
STU, Hedican is the top UFA Dman on my list[see previous post]. Primeau, Yelle and Demitra are the only forwards left that I can think of off-hand, but I don’t think we need Demitra’s touch [though he is scary-good} BTW, I think we can safely conclude were all a little nuts- I’m going to the Jazzfest, and I’m wondering what Gainey is up too!
One thing I will point out that proves the management ,coaches and players are on the right track…we’re still posting ,unlike last year which means we’re turned on fans,you know …excited …smell victory…hell ,it’s july,lol…GO HABS GO…
Hats off to Bob Gainey for acquiring native Montrealer Georges Laraque. I have been saying for years that the Canadiens needed more toughness, and finally we get it (why did it take so long??). Anyway, Laraque is probably the toughest guy in the NHL, a feared fighter, and a monster at 243 lbs! He is going to be VERY popular in Montreal. With the hard-hitting 6′5″ O’Byrne getting more ice time next year, Montreal will finally have some size, and our skilled and speedy forwards will get a chance to play their game without being intimidated. The Kostitsyn boys, Kovalev, Koivu, and Tanguay will have a great year coming up. I think the Laraque acquisition will be a factor in bringing Sundin to Montreal, because Sundin too, will benefit from Laraque’s presence, even though he can take care of himself. This team is starting to look like a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, and Gainey deserves a lot of credit. He just may be the best GM in the business.
some size? I can’t think of one tem that Montrealers should be afraid of. Laraque has never lost a fight and Komisarek hasn’t cleanly lost a fight either. and with O’Byrne, OMG!!!!LOLand we have that anaheim like 4th line. BEGIN LARAQUE KOSTOPOULOS OR STEWART!!!
Guys, we haven’t got any good French-Canadian players. This club has to give up on the “affirmative action” of putting French-Canadian players on this team, even when they shouldn’t be there, just because its a Quebec based team. It worked 30-40 years ago when the “backyard” rule was in effect….but time to give up on this horse ****, and acquire players who can best fill the role to help the team….NO MATTER WHERE THEY’RE FROM !!! Unless their names are Lecavalier, Briere, or we can find another player like Carbs…find some guys who can fill these lines and deserve to be there.
Sorry if some of you don’t agree….but none of the guys we have helped out and added something great to this team, and, in this day and age, it’s time to give up on this ridiculous format if we wanna hold that Cup again.
Now don’t quote me as saying there should not be any French players on this team….if they are worthy because of their ability…they should be there no matter where they were born.
Just something that been bugging me for a while….watching a waste of space like Begin skating for our team, just because he’s liked and French-Canadian…when the reality is, he arguably not even an NHL calibre player.
Montgomery was never considered a brilliant general in WW2, too cautious and not willing to absorb losses [I'd have wanted to be in his army, though]. Gainey is also cautious, and I think he knows Sundin is about as safe a place to make an investment as is out there, no matter how much money you spend. I hope he is having other discussions, but he’e certainly not going to panic. Sundin makes us instant contenders [assuming our goaltending is as solid as I'm sure most of us think], and favorites in the east. Gainey’s got to like the position he’s in, a solid team, then either Sundin, OR the ability to make a big move during the season or trade deadline.
If we don’ win the cup this year, It’s probably gonig to be because of lacking heart. We have so many euro’s. but I’m not worried because the kostitsyns can hit and they are gritty. Kovalev is amazing and Koivu is pretty much a canadian. I doubt it would happen but I think Sundin is coming. Gainey is probably going to wait.
I read on one of the other blogs that Sundin is in Vancouver today meeting with team management. Canucks have several good Swedes there, including the Sedin twins and Mattias Ohlund. You combine that with $20M, and Sundin may be gone come Monday. It’s time for us to move to Plan B. Fedorov is still available, 6′2″, 207, about the same age as Sundin. He has championship pedigree, and would do well in a Montreal uniform.
I don’t mean to start some ****, but do you think that the stereotype that European hockey players don’t have “heart” is xenophobic or racist? I mean seriously would you say that the reason Koivu, Sundin, or Ovechkinhave not won the cup is because they are Europeans and therefore have no heart? Or would you say that Detroit won the cup despite the fact they were led by European players and have no heart. This ain’t a personal attack on you STOU11, in fact you are one of my more favourite bloggers on here (despite your Lecavier fantasies), but I think that this stereotype is in fact inaccurate, and am open to debate. Remember there are lots of Canadian guys who don’t appear to have “playoff heart” too (i.e. Joe Thorton, Jason Spezza, etc.)
Where did you get the info about Sundin being in Vancouver?
I doubt it’s true because Sundin said last week, it would be weeks before he made a decision.
no I know there’s some exceptions like Koivu, like I said Koivu is pretty much a canadian, just like Sundin. Some of them have heart, some of them don’t. but come on, we have lots of euro’s and as a canadian I want more canadians. I don’t mind them though.
i think gainey should sign his RFAs like o’byrne and gorges before he does anything else. Then he could possibly sign either demitra or straka (dont know if straka is planning to leave for europe)to play with koivu and tanguay on the second line. I’d rather see higgins on the third line cuz he has the speed and strength to check some of the league’s top players. sergei k is a real pest on the ice and could play on the 3rd line as well and when koivu retires he can then replace him on the second line. The only reason i could see sundin coming here for is to piss off all the leaf fans and management who caled him a traior for not waving his no-trade clause.
oh by the way the habs have around 9.4 million dollars left to spend and if they sign sundin for a couple of years at 7-8 million well b very close to the cap without having signed o’byrne or gorges. This could also pose a problem for next year because we have to give some pretty big pay raises to plekanec, komisarek and higgins so we might not be able to resign kovalev or koivu should they decide to continue playing.
I saw it on HockeyBuzz.com. One of the bloggers there said he saw it on ESPN Insider. However, it isn’t anywhere else, so I really can’t say for sure if it’s true or not. I guess we’ll know soon enough. Another comment there by Eklund, the guy that runs the blog, was that Montreal was showing “heavy interest” in Patrick O’Sullivan.
I read that as well. Patrick O’Sulli wants to come to Montreal or the Rangers, guys he had 53 pts last year on the 2nd line of the kings! potential for 90 pts on the 1st linev with habs!!!:) and he’s like 21years old. If we win the cup Koivu will return, but I have a feeling that he’s leaving if we don’t. Panic? no if we get O’Sulli, he’s our next superstar. Kovalev loves Montreal he would sign hwere for 2 Million even. but he’ll get 5 lol Plekanec should take 4 and Komi 3 higgy 3. and there will probably be a 6 Mill raise next year. so after this season, with all the players leaving, we’ll have around 25 Mill to re-sign everyone.Kovalev and Tanguay wil get extensions soon.
The mention of going over the salary cap next year, does it not get increased every year or is it random?
Imagine for a minute, going on the ice against the Habs….looking up to see who you’re facing off against and you see LaPierre, Laraque, Latendresse, Komisarek, and O’Byrne. Did you just **** your pants a little? Toughest 5 in hockey?
Lapierre and Lats are tough man. Lapierre’s actually really strong, he’s like Jarko Ruutu, he likes fighting but he tries to get the other team’s superstars in the box. Latendresse is tough believe it or not. lol not that tough though, but the thing is is that our team is scary. but iwth all these teams getting superstars, we must get 1 more.
out of all the d men out there in the ufa, I want Jason Smith! that guy is as gritty as you can get! get Jason Smitt, Pavol Demitra and Chris Gratton. Gratts for 1.5 Mill, Demit for 4 Mill and Smith for 3 Mill. if u can’t affornd it then take away Chis Gratts! that’s my idea people, because I feel Mats is going to Vancouv. before Gainey does anything he should warn Sundin when he’s about to sign Demitra or something.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Jason Smith is/was having off-season shoulder surgery. He played with 2 separated shoulders in last year’s playoffs! He is a warrior, but his best days are behind him. He is 35 years old, which is a lot when you play the kind of bruising physical style that he does. I like Smith, but no thanks!
We have plenty of defensemen, and plenty more in the pipeline (McDonagh, Fischer, Mathiew Carle, PK Subban, Yannick Weber, Valentenko, Emelin). We don’t need to trade for another D-man, we just need to give Ryan O’Byrne plenty of ice time. He is just as tough as Jason Smith, and bigger and younger.
I’ve never seen O’Sullivan play, he sounds pretty good, a little wild maybe [not always a bad thing, not always good]. I still say Demitra is too much like our young guns [Plek and the bothers K, even Corey Locke], and might just steal ice-time without improving us in areas we are weak in. Jason Smith, Bret Hedican, I think we all want one more solid D. If he’s going to play here he has to be able to move the puck quickly. Our 5,6 7 Ds are as good as on any team [IMHO] whether or not we sign Dandenault [please, not Brisebois again] with Jorges, O’Byrne and Bouillon.[all three are tough, too!]
I’ve seen Lats one puch win near the end of the year, another aspect of his game he’s had to work on up here intead of Hamilton. He’s strong, though.
Speaking of Jarko Ruutu, I was hoping we might sign him. but I agree he’s too much like Lapierre, LaRac is a much better pick up!
By the way, Alex Henry, the D-man we signed last week, is 28, has NHL experience, and is 6′5″, 220. Last year, he was second on his AHL team in penalty minutes, and played in all 80 regular season games.
Looks like the shopping is over for now.Gainey waits for Sundin but I doubt he decides until late August at the very earliest.Does anyone know or have idea of how good some of the recent picks like Max P etc are?Is the pipeline solid?
according to hockey buzz shanny wants to come here, demitra looks to be heading to vancouver and brendan morrison will probably go to either anaheim or LA
gimmeshelter27: Does anyone know or have idea of how good some of the recent picks like Max P etc are?Is the pipeline solid?
We have focused all our picks in recent years strengthening our defence which we now have tons of skill and depth in but we don’t really have many upcoming forwards in our system other than max p. i think thats what gainey will focus on in the next couple of drafts esp seeing how koivu and kovalev dont have many years left in them
The most concerned for Sundin is “Retiring Jersey”, not money thing, not “play or not” thing, not… He HAS to choose where to put his retiring Jersey, Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver.
If he remains staying in Toronto he will be retiring the No. 13 Jersey.
The hesitation shows he might not be interested in Toronto. The only answer I can get is that he is giving TIME for Toronto and Leafs fans to forget him in order for him to go to a new place with new glories…
So, if BG still holds the money for Sundin, that would be nice for everybody.
Max Pacioretty is a great prospect. He has size and speed, and plays a prototypical power forward type of game. He was on the US National team and did very well. By all accounts he had a great season at the U of Michigan, where, by the end of the year he was on the #1 line. At the Draft this past month, Gainey and Timmins said that there was no forward available that was a better forward prospect than Max, which is one of the reasons they traded away the 1st Pick. If any of you guys live in Montreal, you should take a drive to where all the Hab prospects are taking part in the Development Camp, and report back to us! In my opinion, we have one of the best pipelines in the NHL, and that is why Gainey is more ready to make trades. Incidentally, Greg Pateryn, the 5th rounder we got from Toronto in the Grabovski trade, is also going to the U of Mich next year, so he will get a chance to play with Pacioretty. It’s one of the best college programs in the U.S., with former NHL’er Red Berenson the head coach there.
we should sign a cheap bargain then save for sundin. i hate to say it but selanne is too much he will probably want 3-6mill unless koivu can convince him.also i think fedorov is cheaper and can be even more cheap if kovalev AND A.Kostitsyn convince him to take less money what do you guys think about that?
Sundin is a decent responsible player. He will be trying harder in a team he chooses. That’s no doubt.
We were the 1st of Eastern Conference which means we ALREADY have a good roster. (holding money) fishing a talented player is not risky that much.
Thanks to the so-many new NHL coaches, there will be more trades after 2008-2009 Season starting. If we don’t obtain Sundin (or Sundin style player) in the UFA market, we will be looking at trading.
(Bob is a good business man besides the hockey talent)
i think now we need just 1 or 2 players and we are great bets for the cup.these are the players i would go after:Fedorov,Sundin,Selanne,Primeau,Demitra and, I know a lot of you will disagree but Brendan Morrison also.
I think we need to sign O’Byrne and Josh Gorges ASAP. They are going to be our 4th and 5th defencemen next year. That will barely leave $7M for Sundin, so in order to sign Mats, we will have to trade away some salaries, perhaps M. Dandenault, which will free up $1.5M, and one 4th line forward.
Fedorov has no such concern, neither does Sundin. Selanne is a different story. According to his agent, there is no way that Selanne, if he plays, is going anywhere but Anaheim.
Gainey knows what he’s doing. Remember, he’s been talking to Sundin and his agent for 2 weeks now. If Sundin decides not to play, or go somewhere else, Gainey will be the first one to know. That’s why it was a brilliant move to get the negotiating rights for those 10 days, it gave us a head start on the best free agent on the market, and a chance to win his confidence. Bob Gainey is the architect of this team, and you can bet he has got all kinds of contingency plans if Sundin does not sign with us.
Price, I like Demitra. The others I don’t know much about. Due to the fact that we will have only about $7M left in cap space after signing Gorges and O’Byrne, we are not in a position to sign any free agents until the Sundin matter is resolved. I think we’re on hold now.
Well I seem to be a little late getting into the blog as usual, so I will try to catch up. Euro verses Canadian. Having Euros on our team is a bonus, but there is one thing that seems to concern most of us Canadians when we see our team fold due to lack of character come playoff time. Yes Detroit had a lot of Euros on their team and they performed extremely well, where as our main players Kovalev Markov etc seemed to not raise their game but lowered it. Now maybe it was because we did not have a player like Laraque to give these guys more confidence? Who knows, and yes there are some Canadian players that seem to have the camel on their backs as well but I would not class Thornton as one of them. Thornton has always lacked the scoring winger on this line and lets face it, he can score goals but he really is a set up man not a true goal scorer. Just look at his assists. He has never scored more than 37 goals in any year. So the debate will continue, Detroit just had too much talent on their team to and they never really were challenged with physical play. I truly think that is there weakness, than and their goaltending. But until someone exposes that weakness like Anaheim did two years ago. They will be hard to beat.
Bottom is if we sign Sundin, we have to trade some salary. We can carry 10% over until the season starts but someone like a Koivu is going to have to go. Someone mentioned earlier that in the last few drafts we have been building up our defensive depth and we do have a lot of pretty good defenseman waiting in the wings within two years that should step into our lineup. So I agree that we will have to see more on the offensive side in the next few drafts to replace our aging stars like Koivu. However, in order to do that we need to pick in the top five. Next year there are two race horses coming available. John Tarvarus and I believe a Russian. Koivu would make good trade bait in order to get one of these two young stars, yes it is a gamble but that is the only way we are going to get a superstar through the draft. The difficulty is the draft lottery. You have to pick the right team to do the trading with and at the right time.
I might be alone, but I do not want to see captain Koivu leave. Trade Boillon and Dandenault for Draft Picks. we have really good young Defencemen coming up that have no chance to jmake our team right now.
I am not say I want to see him leave but it you sign Sundin where is Koivu going to play. If you move Plex to the third line and Lappiere to the fourth then you are going to slow down their development. Koivu at best has three years left and you will never get a top five draft pick with Boillon and Dandenault.
Plekanec used to play left wing in the AHL and sometimes in junior. PLEKS-SUNDIN-KOVALEV. Koivu will have more leadership than Sundin. If we get Sundin and lose Koivu we won’t win the cup. the leafs will stick with Sundin forever.
Right now our top six defence are:
Komisarak,Markov, Hamrlik, Bouillon, Gorges, Dandenault.
In the Wings we have:
O’Byrne, Valentenko, Carle, FISCHER, KISHEL, McDONAGH and a few more.
I do not know about you but I can see at least three of the top six that could be replaced right now and not hurt our team.
I think we all like O’Byrne is realy for prime time but that still leaves two more spots available unless we pick up a free agent which I would like to see because I think the rest of the lower group are at least a year or two away.
well based on the past two seasons Sundin will put at least 10 more goals on the Board and 20 more points than Koivu. He plays tough and he is hard to move when he does go to the net. He is a better passer and he is better at faceoffs. So I do not see where we do not improve. To move Plex to the wing is not going to help his development. To me that would be a mistake. I Wish that Koivu was 5 years younger but he is not. To me the only downer would be is that next year is the year we are suppose to win the cup.
I don’t think there is any need to replace Bouillon or Gorges. Dandenault could be bumped out of the top six and used more as a utility player who can play forward or defence, but Bouillon and Gorges and quite capable as the number 4, 5, or 6 defenceman. Teams need a proper mix of players and can’t have all one type of player. Bouillon has tons of heart and determination. He can’t always get the job done, but he is pretty good for his position in the lineup. Gorges has proven to be a good acquisition as he is nearly as good as Rivet is right now and is surprisingly calm under pressure and makes very good outlet passes.
Using Dandenault as a utility player or moving him would make space for another defenceman, but why rush bringing in a new defenceman and taking up payroll when this could be done at the trade deadline? And waiting allows Bob to see exactly what he needs for a playoff run, rather than quessing now.
Well the talk was about making a move to improve out offense down the road as our aging players such as Koivu retire or leave the team. What we were discussing was a way to get a good draft pick maybe a top five pick. So we are not moving these players just for something to do but for a purpose. Having said that our defence and I think most have agreed to date is still weak and if we can get a good solid defensive player as a free agent then we should try. The Sundin signing may not happen and therefore moving Koivu is a none starter. Hopefully OByrne will fill in nicely and that should help players like Bouillon or Gorges play better than they did in the playoffs. Our defence in the playoffs just could not handle Boston’s and Phily’s power forwards/
how many of you would have realistically predicted where the habs would have ended up this year.. everyone said ¨maybe ninth place if they have a good year…we are never satisfied. We have an amazing legacy. The way to rebuild a new dynaasty is shrewd drafting, holding on to good draft choices, not trading away good veterans, and getting people with character (chris nilan, brian skrudland, mike mc phee). The habs have always been a team of hard nosed ******** with heart and talent. Long live howie , maurice. doug, jean, henri, guy, larry, guy, serge, guy.butch…hey i could go on forever…bob is right behind sam pollack in making the moves that not everyone agrees with but watch us get stronger… go habs go …and to all the rest of you whiney assed cry babies …move to toronto and go get whatever action you can get because you have something in common with bohecapsie.idaho…no nhl team. adios you wannna be hab fans
I agree there is room for imrovement. But I also beleive, as I think you do, that Gorges and O’Byrne will be better this year. I don’t beleive that the habs need to go and sign a free agent defenceman when the price is high right now. Thber is a lot of room and ability to trade during the season when strengths and weaknesses of this team are better known.
Since Georges Laraque comes, I don’t even think we need any expensive players.
As I have been talking long enough that the Habs only need a Enforcer Forward. Here we go, Laraque!
(Wikipedia highlights of Laraque
Georges Laraque (born December 7, 1976) is a professional ice hockey forward, and a radio host for CFRN. He is currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League. He is an enforcer.)
Oh by the way I like Dandenault as a utility player and I have said that many times. However, it all depends how fast our defensive draft picks develop. If one or two are ready this year then we have some available defenceman to trade.
I see your point about the timing of picking up a FA defenseman, however, I do not think we need to spend big money on a free agent defenseman but 1.5-2M if we can get a good steady defencemen nothing flashy then I believe that we built from the net out. We have one of the best Offenses in the league and it got better this year with the addition of Tanguay and Laraque as support. The one place we have not improved is defense Laraque will help out defense somewhat with the physical play but we still need to improve in that area if we are going to challenge for the cup. I also agree with you that O’Byrne and Gorges will be better this year hopefully they have not peaked in their development.
If I had to bet money on who has the most upside of all the young players we saw for the first time last year it would be O’Byrne. I think he has the ability to be a monster on defence. And I agree with you regarding making room for young defence as it becomes available. Young developing players are cheaper and often better than free agents at this time of year.
That’s why I think there is no rush to get an expensive free agent defenceman right now. And not many available would be happy with being the #5 or 6 defenceman.
on the PP 1st unit point:Markov and Koivu. on the 2nd PP unit point: Roman Hamrlik and Pavel Valentenko/or Sergei kostitsyn. so we take Boullion out for a while for Valentenko. Trust me I like Boullion but Valentenko is souray,markov and komi or rhino burn combined after 5-10years in the NHL. If Gainey does it it will be worth it.
I would have to agree that OByrne is the one defenceman that is worked into the lineup this year that he should be ready for the NHL, however I would not be surprised if we can get a #4 to #6 that Gainey will make the move. He did not pick Henry for nothing, he expects Obyne to make the big team and maybe one more will be brought up from Hamilton to see what they can do. It may be a revolving door for about three defenceman in Hamilton give each one their chance to prove they belong. Some asked who would take Streit’s place. Right now I do see anyone on the current defence that can handle that positon. So we may see a forward back there for three quarters of the powerplay. In my opinion we still need to upgrade our defence either from within or from outside. If the right player is available then we should get him. If not we may have to trade for him sometime late in the fall. I do not think you can wait until the trading deadline to add that important of a part to your team because it takes time for the player to adjust to the new team and system.
If we lose Koivu we won’t win the cup. Sudin might have more points but won’t have the heart. We would lose to philly in the 2nd round lol. hes our captain not sundin. i rather keep koivu and sign o’sully and shanny.
Re: Demitra, Primeau, Morrison I still say we don’t need a Lady Byng winner [demitra], even though I like him a lot- he has skills we already have. As a third line shut down center I love primeau, I know he has injury concerns [less than Demitra, though], but he is as close to Gainey the player as there’s been lately. Morrison could also do that job, but may not be ready to accept third line status. Some have spoken about Fedorov, and I’m starting to come around because he could be poit on the #1 PP with Markov, and be above average shut-down center.
On D, our top 3 are obvious. I like O’Byrne and still don’t know why he sat for so much of the playoffs, but is he #4 on a cup team already?
Well I guess we all have out opinion on Sundin but I believe you are wrong about Sundin. He has heart and he has carried the leafs on his back for a number of years knowing full well they had a poor team and yet they still had a chance of making the playoffs every year right up to the end. You certainly could not fault Sundin for the leafs not making the playoff, it takes a lot of heart to work that hard when you are on a loosing team with no support on your line or on your team. I would hate to loose Koivu too but he has slipped every year and here is a stat for you he has only scored 20 goals twice in his career with the habs and although he has heart we need more than his heart we need someone that will go out and score when needed. Here is another stat for you Koivu has only played more than 80 games a season three times in his career,average 14 goals and less than 50 points per season. Sundin has player 80 or more games 10 years and has averaged more than 30 goals and 78 points per year. To me anyone to questions his heart and/or his abilities to help this team is being to anti leaf and not recognizing his abilities. These fact do not lie, and as they say the proof in in the pudding.
first of all, dont bash on koivu cuz he could have had 90 points last year if higgins would have scored on half the open nets he missed and also ryder was on the last year of his contract and tried to do too much so he would look good instead of sticking to what he did best the previous three seasons. As for the defense, im not worried about it at all since we have one of the top defenses in the league right now (dont look at the playoffs where markov and komi were hurt) and for the next 10 to 15 years. Gorges and bouillon are a good pair of 5th and 6th defensemen while i think o’byrne will be paired up with hamrlik again as he was last year but i think he’s more ready for it this year.
The only reason the habs wont buy out dandenault and carbs has said it himself is because we have to pay him two thirds of his original salary (from 1.7 million to 1.2 million) and then we have to replace him with someone getting payed 500,000 so it comes out to the same thing anyway. might as well keep him for his experience and use him as a utility player instead of bringing up some random guy who hasn’t layed an nhl game in his life.
Sundin won’t be the same here! Do u think he’s just gonig to forget those days in toronto. He’s a great leader but when we play the leafs he’ll feel really bad. there must be a way to keep both. just put Plekanec on the 1st line. He used to play wing. If we won the cup, It wouldn’t feel right without Saku. If we bought out Dandenault that’s a mill. then trade boullion for a Draft pick. then we have 11 Mill re-sign the RFA’S then u still have around 7 Mill to get Sundin. Sundin is better I admitt it. But letting go of Koivu and brining in sundin could ruin the chemistry. Kovalev wouldn’t be as good either, him and Koivu get along very well. I understand that he’s not as offensive as the other guys but he was our best player in the playoffs. We all know that we’re coming 1st in the east already. It’ time to build for the playoffs.
Seems to me we should be able to get at least a 2nd Round draft pick for Dandenault from a team like Phoenix that needs helps defensively, or even Florida. Gainey is waiting for Sundin to make up his mind, but after that he will make a move.
remember the last time we went crazy during free agency. Samsonov,Johnson = no playoffs. Sundin is great but do you want to risk the chemistry our team has. Our team plays more like a team than any other team in the NHL!!! Everyone likes eachother, trading the heart of the franchise could reck thecore of the habs!!
And getting Sundin does not mean getting rid of Koivu. The coach and the players can handle that. How’s this: Sundin Tanguay S.Kots // Plek Kovi A.Kots[don't break these guys up]// Higgins Koivu Latendresse// LaPierre Begin Laraque
That third line is not your traditional shut down line, but the 4th line is better suited to that role anyway. You could roll those lines against anybody!
i would switch lapierre to third line center and bring down lats. and switch koivu to 1s instead of sk. this gives us a big fourth line that can hit with the best of em and give our other lines a chance to do whatever they want without worrying about it, a good mix of speed and **** disturbers (sk and lapierre) on the third line which would shut down other lines well, a solid proven line that we all know can score with the second line and a talented first line where koivu would play wing (i think he has tried it in the past and if he hasnt he better learn quick lol). defense: markov-komi (given), hamrlik-o’byrne (did well last year) and gorges-boullion (solid and not too expensive third pairing). What do u all think? any changes?
at 7.5 mil we can afford sundin and sign our rfa’s. If gainey can i’d like to see him trade dandy for some picks and bring up valentenko as a 7th defenseman while we would have kostopoulos and maybe stewart as our 13th and 14th forwards. I dont want to see a buyout though.
We’ll have to make a move though, to free some cap space after we get Sundin. I rather lose Boullion and Dandy. I also want to see Chipchura get ice time.
Flinn has to be a fill-in for Hamilton. He’s just a fighter from what I can see, and we don’t need that. Is it a two way contract?
Right now, you could slide Chipchura into the third line and move Koivu between S,Kots and Tanguay and the lines still look like post 265. That leaves Tom K. and Smolinski off the roster.
I don’t want to lose anyone liek Koivu, if that’s on Gainey’s mind. I rather just get Gratton and Shanny. Shanny really wants to win a cup and Gratton is getting old also. This will be a very good chance for them to do it, and they will both be very good believe it or not. lol I know Sundin is the big Centremen that we’ve been looking for but I’m not losing my captain. If we can get Sundin without losing anyone huge go for it!
Know one wants to get rid of Koivu including me, however, the original discussion was about obtaining a top five draft pick to replace Koivu in one to three years. Someone commented that we need to work on our offensive draft picks. Also, Plex may have played wing before but do you really want to stop his development as a centre while he has the experience wingers like Kovalev to help in his development. I do not think moving him to wing is a good idea. He is our second line centre right now and long into the future. If I were going to move anyone it would be Koivu to wing. He does not mind playing along the boards and he protects the puck well. That allows Plex to develop at the centre position. I do not think he would survive in a heavy hitting series on the wing.
Then sign Patrick O’Sullivan this guy is a superstar. He got 53 pts on the second line with the kings! Imagine if he was on the 1st line of the canadiens! 90 pts!!! I just want to win the cup. We won’t win it without Saku. I do understand all of your points very well, I’m not mad at u man, It’s the damn situation I’m in lol. get Sundin lose someone, Don’t get Sundin and ur chances of winning the cup are as great as Pitts.
the habs are trying to get o’sullivan but the only way were getting him is through a trade, were not giving him an offer sheet we still need our picks to draft some offensive guys to replace koivu and kovalev in a couple of years. what do u think the habs would give LA? i’m sure they’d want a roster player and probably a good prospect. i’d say maybe lats or lapierre and david fisher (he’s not completely developed yet so i’m not too sure what he’ll become).
I would not trade Lats, Lappierre maybe Fisher. Lats is a big kid that should start to come into his own maybe this year or next year. He has improved his defensive game this year and still scored 16 goals, hopefully next year he becomes tougher along the boards and improves to 20+ goals. You cannot trade this kind of player, we are trying to find this kind of player right now with no luck. Lappierre is the spark on the third line he stays as far as I am concerned. O-Sullivan is a average plus player but not worth giving up current roster players to get him. If he was he would not be bouncing around from team to team.
thats only because LA is having trouble signing him and by the way he’s only 21 years old so how can u call him average when he got 53 points at that age last year. I agree with you on lats i think he can get better and score a lot of goals. as for lapierre i think you have overrated him because i think chipchura will be our third line center within the next two years if not this year and also higgins can play center. I dont think lapierre is good enough to be a third line player right now and o’sullivan is an easy second liner.
but if we get him we wont be able to afford mats so i guess we should wait and see what hapens with him first we can always make that trade later if we want
Well Word has it out of Montreal web site that Chipchur could be used as trade bait so don’t sell Lappierre short he was one of our best playoff players last year as far as energy is concerned and played rather well defensively as well. I would bet money he stays before Chipchura, although I like chipchura too. Problem is we have a lot of good third and fourth line players available and we cannot keep them all.
Trade Latalentless. he’s worthless. Scratch that. He is worth something- a bag of pucks! what a loser! go get O’Sullivan. Now that kid is going to be a star. 22 goals on a 2nd line, on 1 of the worsat teams in the NHL. Go get him Bob!
You should look at Latendresse stats. He has been in the league two years scored 16 goals each year, this year he improved his plus minus by 18 goals. He is only 21 years old. He already gave up on one power forward when we lost LeClair and he killed us every time we played agains him. I would suggest that if Latendresse had not played in the NHL in his rookie year and stayed one more year in Junior he would be a better player than he is but that is always a hard decision to make for a GM. He is going to develop into a power forward, something we are looking for and could have used in the playoffs this year. He need to mature. He is a big kid that needs time to develop. It would be a foolish move to get rid of him. If he does not develop in two years then that is the time to unload him but not now. O got OSullivan mixed up with Sullivan the small speedy forward who has been around for a number of years. I agree that this guy looks good and would definitely be a player to sign if we could get him. But lets keep the big guys we got they are hard to find.
Another note on Lapierre, he had the third most hits 31 of all our players in the (12) playoffs GAMES and he has the third best percentage of all our penalty killers, only Higgins and Kovalev have better percentages in short handed situations. This guy reminds me a lot of Carbo in his youth and I do not think any of you would have traded carbo. He is our guy that gets under other players skin. These guys are hard to find as well and every team needs one.
hes basically a chicken with his head cut off lol doesnt really know what he’s doing. he has no hockey sense at all but he is energetic so hes kind of useful for the pk, other than that though hes pretty bad and very replaceable
random predction but I the our 4th round draft pick G Jason Missaen or whatever will be Price’s back up in 2 years(I think after this year Desis will sign for 1 more year then because of Missaen, Halak will NOT be back because that’s when his contract expires and bececause Price will get all the minutes he will want to go somewhere he can have a chance to play) And think about it: he’s 6″8 and he’s 18 so he’s still growing. He is huge in net. I think he can be 6″10 and a half and be taller then Chara! And also to me he is my wildcard for the next Patrick Roy. hey the were both 4th round picks AND those picks were from not the habs picks but picks they traded for. Just a predication guys don’t be harsh on me about this.
IPricefor#1job: IF YOU ARE RIGHT THEN Halik is only here for one year and he will be traded before the end of his contract. In that case hope he shows that he has something in the games he does get into because if he does I expect there will be a lot of teams that will need a goalie by next year. He will be good trade bait.
289 naslund19: Well although I respect your opinion. But respectfully disagree, about Lapierre. I like his style and I believe that he will prove you wrong .
The Fans in here can Praise Carbonneau & Gainey all they want.
Carbonneau is an IDIOT. Just like many players that were forced out of Montreal because of the Coach, Carbonneau is another one.
Gainey is a Great Man BUT he will not lead Montreal to the Promise Land.
Carbonneau has always had the “I’m better than you” attitude. He has always had a chip on his shoulder. He went up to Montreal and felt he had to be on the first line. He had attitude in Dallas…..
Montreal Management have always traded away star players and will do again.
Former players on Montreal should never coach that team. It never works out….
Well I would not say it never works, Toe Blake one of the best coaches canadiens ever had. scotty Bowman played for/in the montreal system and would have played for the canadiens had he not got the eye injury.
So here we have this Habs Die Hard Fan, who just saw his team play the best they have played in 15 years. Improve from a non playoff team to a first place team and has three former players as coaches as well as a GM and this never works. Our coaches are bad and our GM will never produce a cup team. These four have been in the system now for what three years in total and we have had the most exciting team in years and all we hear is negative because our coach is an idiot and the GM not smart enought to produce a winner! Man I think I will give up on these guys right now and cheer for the leafs??????????????
How to Become an NHL Head Coach
Hey kids, wanna grow up to be an NHL head coach? No problem, the “formula” is dead easy. We’ll even give you tips on the path you’ll need to follow to get a top job in the NBA, NFL or Major League Baseball.
First, you will need to make it to the NHL as a player. The majority (19 of 30) of active NHL coaches played in the league.
Yes I GUESS WE WILL BUT I AM NOT ABOUT TO GIVE UP ON MY TEAM BECAUSE OF SOME FOOLISH NOTION THAT BECAUSE THE COACH AND GM WERE PLAYERS THAT THIS TEAM CANNOT IMPROVE ENOUGH TO WIN. IF YOU HAVE THEN I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU FIND ANOTHER TEAM TO CHEER FOR.
Carbonneau was quoted as late as yesterday that he thinks Sundin will sign with the Habs. I would think his comment carries more weight than any of us — he is an insider.
not to be a complete *** about this, but….. wouldn’t u guys rather have him for 1 season, that way we can have a better chance re-signing ou guys next year.
Signing Halak is a great move in case Price slides or gets hurt.If Pavol D signs with Canucks as it looks like he might then Habs chances for Sundin go up a bit I think.When you look at all the crazy signings there are few if any I wish the Habs had matched.Look to continue farm system growth and sign the young guys like Komasarek to long term deals.
are u sure Halak will win the position over Denis? I liek Halak more, but how could you be so sure? Denis might get his game back in front of his home town!(but i doubt it.) I would sign Higgy and Komi 6 years worth 2-3 Mill. remember if we want to re-sign these guys we need money and Sundin will take it all away! We could see alot of players leaving if we get Sundin!:(
Federov is still a great player, and was my 2nd choice all along. The fact that Gainey didn’t go after him after he has said he would like to play in Montreal tells me that there is a high degree of probability we will sign Sundin.
Komasarev will be in high demand and there is no way he will get less than $5M/yr. Probably closer to $6M, depending on how this season goes. Higgins maybe, but never Komy in the price range you are talking about. Did you see what Campbell got in Chicago? I would take Komy over Campbell any day of the week.
that’s why we need to re-sign him! Higgins will re-sign no prob, the habs were his fav team growing up as a kid, I don’t know about Komi. Komisarek would take less then 5 Mill though. If it gets to the free Agent market, then no. I understand what Senet1 was saying now. Trade Koivu and get a pick in the top 5. clear up some cap space.(I cant believe I’m saying this.)lol
speaking of defensemen in our system I wish p.k. subban was a couple years older….he would be a great PP guy, 15 goals & 56 pts, in 68 games and 13 pts, +11 in 15 playoff games with Belleville. He’s a good shooter, but still defensively responsible. Can’t wait to see him and Pacioretty (fantastic power forward) in Hamilton (my hometown). But I think O’Byrne is ready to step into the #4 position. My only concern on defense right now is who do you put on the point on the PP beside Markov?
As Timmins said, defensemen take longer to develop. He isn’t even talking about Subban yet. Subban is probably about 5th or 6th in the pipeline, behind McDonagh, Fischer, Weber, Carle, and Valentenko.
318 alias
Posted on July 9th, 2008 at 12:59 pm. About ‘Free Agent Frenzy?’.
speaking of defensemen in our system I wish p.k. subban was a couple years older….he would be a great PP guy, 15 goals & 56 pts, in 68 games and 13 pts, +11 in 15 playoff games with Belleville. He’s a good shooter, but still defensively responsible. Can’t wait to see him and Pacioretty (fantastic power forward) in Hamilton (my hometown). But I think O’Byrne is ready to step into the #4 position. My only concern on defense right now is who do you put on the point on the PP beside Markov?
In Gainey we trust.
Pricefor#1job: Hey that’s where I live too!
319 Radical Dude
Posted on July 9th, 2008 at 1:02 pm. About ‘Free Agent Frenzy?’.
As Timmins said, defensemen take longer to develop. He isn’t even talking about Subban yet. Subban is probably about 5th or 6th in the pipeline, behind McDonagh, Fischer, Weber, Carle, and Valentenko.
Which is why I said I wish he were a couple years older
Don’t trade Koivu just yet! First give him a chance to win a Stanley Cup in Montreal this Spring, he deserves that opportunity. With Sundin, I would have to say Habs become co-favorites to win the Cup, along with Detroit. Pittsburgh will take a step back this year, they’ve lost too many players in free agency.
Marc Denis will not take Halak’s job. Halak is a future #1 goalie….Denis is there simply so Halak doesn’t waste his time on the bench all year. Like Price last year he will be sent down from time to time for “conditioning” and he will be groomed for a starting position, most likely elsewhere, but they want to increase his trade value first. Great signing by Gainey to keep Halak for 2 years. We will get a great value for him before his contract expires, I guarantee it. We have some good goalies in our system, (Desjardins, and now Missiaen) IMO Denis is simply there for his experience for those youngsters and to keep Halak conditioned, and progressing.
I want to keep Koivu soo bad, but I can’t see anyone wanting Dandenault or Boullion to free up some cap. but there will be a trade guy, because were not ready to let some RFA’s go.
Dandenault and Bouillon will both be expiring, as will Kotsopoulous and Begin. I think Higgins might be one that will be traded. He has trade value. Let’s see how Tanguay performs this year. And remember, Sundin, if he signs, will probably only play for 2 more years. A year after that, Hamarlik’s salary will be off the books. It seems now that NHL Hockey is as much about financial management as it is about hockey.
I have to get going, I’ll talk to you later. Enjoy your day, and our soon to be great hockey team. And stop worrying so much, you’re worse than my mother! lol
I think we may see Higgy go to one of the NY teams in the future because he has stated that he would love to play in his own backyard. It would suck losing him but like everyone is saying- He does have a bit of trade value and potential. We would probably get a good return.
Don’t get rid of Bouillon or Dandenault. As 5,6,7 D they are fine, and Dan may be dandy on the PP. You don’t need a booming shot [even Brisebois showed that], just accurate passing and shots on net [Streit missed the net all playoffs]. Especially if Latendresse figures out how to park his big body and deflect or rebound. I agree that O’Byrne is ready as a 4th D, but add a veteran and then you’ve got Gorges and O’B as your 3rd pair, not many teams could match that. That would leave Bouillon as spare, injury protection and regretably trade bait. In the past 4 years no one has hustled as much for the Habs, I’d like him to win a cup [oops, did I just say that...OK I'll take a few deep breaths, now ]
Komisarek is going to get big money, but not huge. He can’t skate like Campbell, and doesn’t have the flashy numbers. I think he’s more valuable, but GMs like scoring stats more than hits and blocked shots. I’d say 5M /yr for 5 years- that’s nearly what the Ilse gave Streit for one good offensive year. Bob will be working hard to extend these guys before free-agency. He’s always been known as a GM who rewards his veterans.
Emery’s agent J.P. Barry to the Sun Media. “I think if people knew the things that he’s done over the last little while to turn the corner, there might be more interest out there.
Does that mean he’s putting the white powder and all night parties with beautiful women behind him? [I am NOT jealous]. 2M /yr will buy lots of fun anywhere. To be honest, I hope he pulls himself out of it, he’s a real fighter on the ice [pun kind of intended], and I hate to see talent wasted on frugs. I think Ottawa is still going to find themselves hard pressed to get through a round in the playoffs with the goalies they have.
dandy and boullion’s contracts will b up next year so they’ll free up about 2 million in cap space if we bring up two defencemen from the minors at 800,000 each. we should get another 6 milion when the cap goes up again next year. this should give us enough to keep sundin, kovalev, koivu at the same price and give raises to plex, higgins and komi. i would say komi should get 5 million, plex 3.9 million and higgins 3.1 million. that would be an addition of 5 million from what we’ll have this year if you take out boullion and dandy. we could give the last million to chipchura
gorges signed for 1.1 million per year for the next three years. that means we won’t have enough cap room to sign mats and o’byrne… trade dany for a draft pick, any pick it doesn’t matter lol. bring up valentenko at 850,000 and we save 1 million dollars. it all works out. we can give o’byrne 1.4 mil and sundin 7 mil.
Assuming O’Byrne is the next one to sign, our defence pairings are all set now. The key is O’Byrne, he has to prove he can be consistently dependable and a punishing hitter — we need that from him. Josh Gorges and Komi will be even better this year.
For backup, we have Dandenault until he gets traded, Alex Henry, the guy we signed last week, Valentenko if he’s ready, and Mathieu Carle later in the year as he improves. From what I’ve heard, Alexei Yemelin is good enough right now to be a #3 or #4 defenceman in this league, but he’s locked up by his Russian club for a couple of more years.
with the amount of great defensive prospects we have i’m surprised we haven’t used a couple as trade bait to go after some young and nhl ready players from teams that are taking picks to rebuild. for example if the sundin signing fails, we could get patrick o’sullivan from LA 21 years old 53 pts last year on the second line. plus i’ve already heard the canadiens have shown iterest in him and were talking to LA a couple of days ago. could be a solid plan-B.
Well I hope you guys are right about our defence, to me we still need to add an experience defenceman to be around for two years until the youth movement takes over. As I see it we had two weaknesses in the playoffs this year and one was defence and the other was a power forward up front. If you look at what beat us most it was our defence, they did not protect Price at all and Philly’s power forwards had their way with our defence, basically they made Price look bad at times when technically it was not his fault on many of the goals. That is my concern so I hope I am wrong and you guys are right?
don’t look at the playoffs, komi and markov were playing injured. komi wasn’t able to dish out the huge hits and markov was scared of his own shadow. take any team in the nhl and take away their top two defenceman and their defence will also look bad. Some of it was price’s fault though… it’s all part of his development and the experience will make him better for years to come.
I cannot disagree with what you are saying but Komy and Markov were not on the ice all the time and Hamrlik played his heart out but could not make up for the mistakes of the other guys. I respect what you are saying but to me we still need that one more experience blueliner.
If we can’s sign sundin or primeau the 1st thing I would do is re-sign O’Byrne and surprising to you guys Brisebois. You have to remember he led our defencemen in points in the most important part of the season the playoffs withh 7 or 6 points.
Marleau won’t come here if we try to get him he has a NTC and won’t waive it. I think if sundin doesn’t end up here the habs will go after schneider to rplace streit on the pp and hes also an ex-hab from the last cup run in 93. If we still want that forward gainey can go after o’sullivan instead of schneider. he’s young and would fit in well with us for a good number of years. Plus he’s rly good so that doesn’t hurt either
not saying he’s worth it just saying we have the cap room withot sundin and this is the last year of his contract so we don’t even have to sign him next year
The Mats Update: Jason Smith to Ottawa (e5) Demitra done as well to Van?
July 8, 2008, 3:41 PM ET [704 Comments]
Rumours on Mats have started to accelerate today AGAIN.
There are some reports tha Mats is in Vancouver. I believe this to be the case based on my best guess, but I have yet to confirm this.
However, a source in Sweden who has been pretty good so far when it comes to Sundin and Foppa news tells me that Mats will NOT wait long to decide and that he does feel a sense of duty to the Canadiens, Canucks, and Leafs.
Another source told me that he had heard that Mats is leaning heavily towards a decision this weekend and that from all he has heard Mats may ask for a one year deal in Montreal.
“Gainey thoroughly impressed Mats, and although you often hear this sort of thing out there when teams are talking to players you honestly can’t get two people who are more true to their word and respectful of the situation than Mats and Bob.”
(I have a hockey tournament that’s why I’m up so early-6:45 lol) anyways things are starting to sound band for the habs. That’s if u want Sundin because It sounds like he’s getting close to the Canucks.
guys, I think It’s a win/win situation because we could get Mats and lose some players, we could lose Mats get Shanny(He really wants to play here) and don’t lose anyone!:) I know he’s expensive but Shneider would be nice.
If no Mats Sundin, Shanny & O’Sullivan would be nice! Some great leadership and real good young talent. Plus about 15 years ago when Shanny was on the Blues I had him sign my Habs hat….It’d just be cool to say he played for the team 15 years after he signed that hat!
I don’t think Schneider is a good idea….too much money for a guy that won’t make as much of an impact as a long term young forward like O’Sullivan or a strong forward like Mats or Shanny. At this point any short term investment needs to be to add size and leadership in front of the net.
Hey guys, another name to throw in the pot: Vasicek, big, skilled, should come relatively cheap. More solid than O’Sullivan, and still only 26. Van blogs are claiming Mats now [DieHard, too!], but if we don’t sign him, any big forwards still out there become more valuable
alias, I think Shanny is too old to contribute meaningfully, and will steal icetime from the K-kids. If he comes at a cup discount OK
We actually need a center to replace Smolinski on the third line. Vasicek might be the best guy [others to consider:Grats, Pohl (yes, a Leaf), and Konopka
Our lines WITH Sundin: 1st line LW Sundin C Koivu RW KOVALEV
2nd line LW A.Kostitsyn C Plekanec RW S.Kostitsyn
3rd line LW Higgins C Chipchura RW Latendresse
4th line LW Kostopoulos C Begin RW Laraque
Leave a Comment
July 1, 2008 pm31 2:41 pm
Tampa Bay has reportedly gotten Olaf Kolzig! Tampa Bay will come 3rd next year. I believe Montreal is still better though. And guys, it takes longer to get the big guns.
July 1, 2008 pm31 2:49 pm
Jagr could end up back in Pitt, and Souray could go to Ottawa. And spposedly we’re out of the bidding for Sundin.
July 1, 2008 pm31 3:27 pm
Habs resign Kostitsyn (3.25 million a year / 3 years). Good deal. Sundin doesn’t care about money, he wants to join a team that has a serious chance at contending for the cup next year and the Canucks aren’t that team! he’s not gonna sign with Vancouver.
July 1, 2008 pm31 5:20 pm
Should’ve gone after Malone, but that’s water under the bridge now.
I don’t think that Sundin is the missing piece of the puzzle. He can benefit this team, but acquiring him would not, in my opinion, be addressing this team’s primary need: a crash the net, mix it up, score key goals type of forward.
July 1, 2008 pm31 6:16 pm
so the fact that the habs haven’t had a big center for 15 years, even tho they desperately need one, doesn’t bother you? OMG
July 1, 2008 pm31 7:35 pm
We have yet to see where Sundin goes let all the others spend their cash now,we still have the money for Sundin,and if not then we are not a weaker team for it,we have a good team and there is room for trades and the season has yet to start,no panic hold a steady course.
July 1, 2008 pm31 8:12 pm
I agree with ya Don Carnage as for you hab faithful have I not taught you anything today?? I thought I told you to go outside and enjoy Canada Day, but you did not take my advice but rather write your comments that we need this guy or that guy…..seriously dude did you not watch the habs at all this year?? did you not see the game where they came back from a 5 – 0 against the rangers or that we finally beat the new jersey devils not once but 3 times or that we bet the Bruins 8 times this year and we scored the most games……after saying all that I guess we do that that big center.”OMG”
July 1, 2008 pm31 8:22 pm
I went out and played 18 holes of golf with my son and soaked in the sun’s rays.Came home and found out that the entire league has gone nuts and are throwing money at these players like no tommorow.There gonna be in trouble later some are thats for sure.There are alot of good players that have not yet moved and we can sit pat and still say we have a good team.
In Bob I trust !
July 1, 2008 pm31 8:37 pm
5 years, 20 million+ for Streit from the Islanders?
Wow Garth Snow and Wang are really desperate. Don’t let the door hit you, your poor defensive play, your closed eye shots into shin pads in the playoffs and soft play, in the rear on the way out Mark.
Good for Gainey for not throwing ridiculous money at mid level free agents though. You can bet most of those deals are going to look really bad. Jeff Finger at 3.5 mil per season by the Laffs? LOL
But they still need a big centre on the top 2 lines. I still want Sundin
July 1, 2008 pm31 9:11 pm
Remember Gary Bettman saying on Draft night that if teams talk to any impending free agents, they will be charged with “tampering?” Well, it seems to me that ALL the teams were tampering — how else do you explain the fact that there were so many free agent signings on the VERY FIRST DAY??? It takes DAYS to iron out a contract, not minutes. This is proof positive that these teams were talking to the UFA’s even prior to July 1.
July 1, 2008 pm31 9:16 pm
No a team can have an offer ready in advance,and it dont take long to say well look here we have an offer for x with y. Then the team says ok we offer x for y and its done,its all $ thats all.
July 1, 2008 pm31 9:35 pm
Don, even if the team had an offer ready in advance, the player would need some time to think about the offer, for example if there are multiple offers. For sure the teams have been talking to the player agents before July 1. So let’s see if Bettman holds true to his words
July 1, 2008 pm31 9:43 pm
I agree. There was some absolutely ridiculous money being thrown around today. 4 million for Streit? Redden at 6.5, 2.5 for has-been Holik and on and on. The best move of the day may be the GM’s who didn’t get involved in this.
July 1, 2008 pm31 9:51 pm
How could Washington pay more money to get Theodore than what Huet ultimately got?? Huet is way, way better.
July 1, 2008 pm31 9:57 pm
And the pick of the day……….
3.5 million per year for Jeff Finger from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
LOL!
July 1, 2008 pm31 9:58 pm
g’bye Mark Streit. Nice knowing you
July 1, 2008 pm31 10:09 pm
Boston signs Ryder for 4 million a year – 3 years.
Another grossly overpaid player. Can’t say I’ll miss seeing him, except maybe at the receiving end of a Komisarek hit.
July 1, 2008 pm31 10:18 pm
Streit and Ryder signing with other teams shows that there is interest in these guys from other teams. This is the one thing that I think Gainey has not done well — he should have traded these guys last year, and gotten something for them.
July 1, 2008 pm31 10:19 pm
Even Huet. We could have done better than a 2nd round draft choice.
July 1, 2008 pm31 10:33 pm
Its too easy to sit at home and play arm chair gm.
That kind of money for those players is daft.
You cant get anything when no one is giving anything.
July 2, 2008 pm31 12:12 am
This year I promised myself that I wouldn’t fall for the ‘free agent ****”.
Hey, if other GM’s want to GROSSLY overpay for talent – then go for it. I’m quite
proud of this team and its management. I’m sure BG pushed hard for Sundin, just like
he did with Shanny and Briere. As far as I’m concerned we got our man. AKOST.
A hefty raise, yes, but not a gross overpayment.
I like this team’s build-from-within kind of style. Last year, after all the so-called big names
were gone we got Roman and Tommy K. (stability and heart). Hopefully we could add one
or two players this year that actually WANT to play here and not just the cash.
I wish Ryder and Streit all the success in the world – as long as it doesn’t conflict with us. LOL
July 2, 2008 pm31 2:45 am
In my opinion, the best player signed today, all things considered, was Andrei Kostitsyn. He and his brother are going to be great players in Montreal for many years to come. And at $3.25M, Andrei is great value. Bob Gainey has exercised good financial discipline. We will be in good shape in the coming months and years. Even without Sundin, we have a chance at the Cup. The 4 guys I am interested in for our club (Fedorov, Bertuzzi, Shanahan, and Laracque) are still available. It wouldn’t surprise me to see us sign one of them in the next few days.
July 2, 2008 pm31 6:18 am
I would like Jagr even. If Pittsburgh ever got a hold of him look out! Pittsburgh would get presidents and maybe shatter montreal’s record of only losing 8 games. I believe in what Bob is doing, but guys sources say that the habs and Oilers are runners up for Hossa. Hossa will suck *** and probably for 8 Million.
July 2, 2008 pm31 6:40 am
Ryder will get his *** kicked 8 times this season. What a ***, signing to the Boston Bruins. The Montreal Canaden’s rival. Federov wouldn’t be that bad, but I want gainey to go to Burke and see what he could do for Mathieu Shneider. We need a D to take up Streit’s spot on the powerplay! If we got a forward to play D on the powerplay it better be someone good lol but no matter what happens, Gainey is a smart *** and he will get something done. alot of u guys are hoping he gets someone exciting or something, Hossa is probably 8 Mill!!
July 2, 2008 pm31 8:04 am
Selanne or Sundin are coming to Montreal. I’m sure of it.
July 2, 2008 pm31 8:22 am
Your Bloody Sick Stuey11!!!
July 2, 2008 pm31 8:33 am
Hey guys… on a side note. Do not confuse me with JackHab. I was reading through
some older posts “Alex Tanguay a Montreal Canadien” and came across that person’s
name. First off, my views make a hell of a lot more sense, and also I don’t take myself
too seriously. Notice the small caps.
Thanks Folks!
July 2, 2008 pm31 9:36 am
Just change your name!
July 2, 2008 pm31 10:39 am
lol thanks. But ummm I heard that Gainey is 2nd in the Hossa sweepstakes behind Edmonton. Gainey will get someone, even if it’s a crappy guy like Shanahan. Selanne might come because of Koivu and I can really see it. Bob won’t wait another 2 days for Sundin. Gainey will have his man by today or tomorrow.
July 2, 2008 pm31 10:47 am
guys remeber, Gainey is pretty much preparing for the playoffs, theres no way we are coming 5th or worse we’ll be in the top 4 for sure, and Selanne is a great playoff performer he had 4 pts in his short series last playoffs against Dallas, and is still a point per game player, Koivu led all players in pts in the olympics with Sleanne on his side!!! Yep,I have my guy, Go and get him Gainey!!!:)
July 2, 2008 pm31 11:13 am
Actually, Scotty, I’ve been posting on this site for a while, and will not change my
identity for anybody. Just note the difference… that’s all I’m asking.
July 2, 2008 pm31 11:22 am
way 2 go Micheal Ryder kick our *** the up and coming season you deserves it and laugh in carbo face go habs go.
July 2, 2008 pm31 12:05 pm
Stuey11
What color is the sky in your world?
I’ll have what U R smoking…..
July 2, 2008 pm31 12:39 pm
Selanne isn’t that bad, but it doesn’t matter anyways because Detroit signed Hossa. Detroit wins the cup hands down sorry fellow hab fans Detroit is soooo goood!!!!
July 2, 2008 pm31 12:41 pm
what the hell stuo11. I agree that with sellanne we would be a better team
July 2, 2008 pm31 12:51 pm
We might be better, but wouldn’t be good enough to beat Detroit
July 2, 2008 pm31 1:10 pm
k guys, sorry, I’m a little pissed that Detroit might win it again. I still think this can be the habs year, because Detoit won’t have the grit they did last year because they just won it. Montreal will want it twice as more! GO HABS GO!!!
July 2, 2008 pm31 1:14 pm
i thought Hossa wanted a long term contract. Cause all he signed was a 1 yr at 7.4 million.
July 2, 2008 pm31 1:17 pm
Don’t let yourselves get whisked away with excitement of possibilites to come. You know we’re not gonna do anything big guys….we never do…remember when Hossa was all but a Hab at the deadline? Remember our big off-season signings last year…Brisebois, Smolinski..ringin any bells? Tanguay is the biggest thing we’re gonna see…and that not too big…whats the diff between him and Ryder…2 guys who used to be able to score goals and now they can’t. Barring a change of scenery for both players…by that I mean, regaining there scoring touches because they find some lucky chemistry on their new teams that no one ever saw coming…it’s gonna be same ol same ol for both these guys. Right now…we traded one DUD for another…big gain !! A first line center is what we’re missing…it’s what we’ve been missing for years now…filling in bits and pieces of average players isn’t gonna do it…and it seem paying what you have to for a first line center is something we don’t do…guess our teams management likes watching other teams in the finals every year. Koivu doesn’t have what it takes to be one of this league’s top first line centers..how many years has he been proving this?
No, once again we’re gonna get all excited for nothing…we don’t bring big stars to Montreal. Get ready for the same faces doing the same things and ending up in the same position. Conference titles are fun, but not good enough for our Habs an us faithful.
July 2, 2008 pm31 1:19 pm
I think Sundin can happen, but hopefully it’s soon, It’s so painful sitting here just waiting for him. He won’t sign with Vancouver. He wants to win and he not ready to be a hero again. If he goes to Vancouver they will come 13th and Mats Sundin will retire after the 1st season. Sundin wants to win and he told everyone he doesn’t want to go to the western conference. Detroit is out of the bidding and now its Montreal and NewYork R.
July 2, 2008 pm31 1:40 pm
I don’t want to risk the Sundin thing though, go after someone like Jagr or Naslund or Selanne, and I’m still pissed off that Gainey didn’t go after Rolston! but Gainey will do the right thing.
July 2, 2008 pm31 1:44 pm
honestly, I’m very frustrated. We go thru this same scenario every year, and it’s getting old. We can’t attract UFA’s to come here, bottom line. I don’t know how much more I can take being a bottom feeder.
Even tho I will always love the habs, maybe it’s time to find a secondary team to root for, 1 than can attract players and having a chance to win a cup.
Because if we’re never going to sign UFA’s, and not enough trades,and have to rely soley on the draft, then I can’t see us ever winning another cup.
sorry to sound doom and gloom, but every other team gets a jump start on us,
finishing 1st was nice, but the cup is what it’s all about. If we can’t get to that next level due to signing restrictions, what’s the point?
i’m just a very very frustrated fan!
July 2, 2008 pm31 1:44 pm
Don’t you ever get tired of talking to yourself Stuey11???
July 2, 2008 pm31 1:46 pm
WTF is that supposed to mean? I’m trying to tell everyone about my ideas, and I’m just a fan like all of u wanting my team to do something, but maybe it never will happen! What do u think is gonig to happen?
July 2, 2008 pm31 1:52 pm
Listen Stuey11.
Sundork will never be a HAB. NEVER!!!
No top player wants to play in Montreal.
Nothing will happen……….
July 2, 2008 pm31 2:27 pm
With the insanity thats going on I’d rather see Gainey get more of our own players like Komisarek/Higgins etc signed for the future.Sellanne is over the hill and Sundin will wait till his sauna gets boring…..
July 2, 2008 pm31 2:28 pm
I’m starting to think that as well DieHard(#45). Avery just signed in the Big D. Why didn’t Gainey go after him or Rolston, etc…… Anyways lets just pray BG has something in the works. Afterall this is their 100th anniversary.
July 2, 2008 pm31 2:40 pm
Put some pillows under your knees Habby. U will be there for a while…..
Gainey can offer the moon to theses big name players. If they don’t want to play in Montreal, there is nothing any GM will do to draw them here….
Putting the problem of drawing top players aside(which Gainey has no control of),Gainey is not the Saviour that everyone makes him out to be.
He handled alot of things wrong so far……
July 2, 2008 pm31 2:50 pm
Gainey needs to make a trade. that’s the only way. maybe he can pry Marleau from SJ, by offering Higgins and a pick. I don’t see any other way.
July 2, 2008 pm31 2:52 pm
higgins is just as good as Marleau, if not better and 6 Million cheeper! I say just wait, we have enough power. If anything bad happens we’ll have 10 Miilion on the trade deadline.
July 2, 2008 pm31 3:11 pm
Jarko Ruutu is now gone as well as Sean Donovan.
July 2, 2008 pm31 3:11 pm
Get off your *** Gainey.
July 2, 2008 pm31 3:17 pm
if we dont sign sundin i say we get jagr for 2 years 6million a year or naslund for 3 years 3mill the 1st year then 4 mill the next 2 years. i would also offer sundin a 2year 13mill contract, 8mill the 1st year and 6mill the 2nd year. what do you guys think about my gm offers?
July 2, 2008 pm31 3:20 pm
for jagr i meant 5million
July 2, 2008 pm31 3:24 pm
I’d say Stand Pat………
July 2, 2008 pm31 5:38 pm
I say the same,wait it out Sundin has not said no to us,he has said he is waiting.We dont need to panic and can play the waiting game.
July 2, 2008 pm31 6:08 pm
I think that a player like Selanne,Jagr,Shannahan,or Naslund would be good for the habs. I have a feeling Gainey is Planning something great . I Guarrente tou that he will sign at least one of these people by sunday . by the way learn how to spell Selanne GimmeShelter27!
July 2, 2008 pm31 6:10 pm
Actually we should go into desperate mode because we can’t go into the season the way things stand. We lost Streit(quaterback on pp), Ryder, Smolinski(no loss), Brisebois(no loss),but have only replaced Ryder with Tanguay. When the season ended, we knew we needed to get a big center. That has not been addressed. We knew we needed an enforcer. That has not been addressed. We knew we needed a 4th defenceman, and that has not been addressed. Right now, unless Gainey signs someone or trades for someone, we’re in worse shape.
And you know TB, NJ, Boston, and Philly are better. OK we all know Gainey can’t sign UFA’s, but didn’t the Rangers just make a trade to get Zderdov?
Why couldn’t we make that trade? Why is Gainey sitting on his hands?
And please no more excuses, like “I tried”. That won’t cut it anymore.
How long are fans supposed to wait? totally fed up.
July 2, 2008 pm31 7:11 pm
Sundin told TSN he will probably only know whether or not he’s going to play next year in august. What should the canadiens do? spend their money on players now or wait for sundin and then possibly not even get him.
July 2, 2008 pm31 7:16 pm
Spend now!
July 2, 2008 pm31 7:18 pm
Listen. Sundin is an elite centreman. Everyone knows this. But I do not want him in a Habs uniform because if that happens, then that will be all that happens, and that wouldn’t be nearly enough.
July 2, 2008 pm31 7:33 pm
I just want someone with leadership or something. Markus Naslund?Jagr? etc. SOMETHING!!! But it’s not going to happen. I wouldn’t Trade hardly anyone for Marleau. He sucks *** and Higgy is better and is still growing. The habs would still come 1st in the east. Philly is a 6th place team if that the rangers will barely make it to the playoffs and Tampa Bay is just stocking up on Offence and soon they will be trading Boyle. Tampa Bay will barely make it into the playoffs. Montreal is still a growing team and their guys are getting better. Kostitsyns are going to be unreal and I wouldn’t be surpirised if Plekanec got 90 or even 100 pts next season! yep I’m serious. we are not the leafs ok, we have a future. But u guys are right we do have to get some size.
July 2, 2008 pm31 7:59 pm
Smokes is not lost,Brisbois is not lost. There is no news on them yet,we are alot better with Ryder out Tanguay in.Streit gone we al said we were in trouble when Souray left,that did not happen,we have OB that will get alot more time so I dont see the big panic.We can still sign and trade at anytime.Its not over yet its just starting.
July 2, 2008 pm31 8:03 pm
Joseph I missed you. I would hope that Tanguay more than replaces Ryder. He is a better all around player and he wanted to come to Montreal. Personally, I am sorry we could not sign Streit, but he is not worth what he got so we are better off in the long run. I would not panic about replacing him on the PP. We have his replacement in either moving Koivu back or Kovalev. Both these guys can double shift of an extra 30 seconds on the point. Gainey had offered 8M to Sundin so if he does not take it then he better sign in Detroit because going to Vancouver will not win him the cup. He at least has a shot with us. Hossa signed with Detroit because he wants to win the cup. Now isn’t that something a European who wants to win the cup rather than the money. I wonder is Sundin has the same sense.
I agree we need a big first line centre to be successful, but hehas to be capable of taking over from Kouvu point wise or we lose in the transaction. I have said it many times we need three players in this order.
1. A top four defenceman, one that plays with an edge.
2. A Power Forward who can score 30 goals and is willing to crash the net and screen the goalie.
3. A big centre who can score 70 points and is a good faceoff man.
If we get those three things and we stay healthy then I think we can win the cup.
Detroit will be strong again this next year but not as hungry. Someone from the west will knock them off before the finals.
Pittsburg will not be as strong without Hossa. Washington will probably miss the playoffs without good goaltending. Ottawa will miss the playoffs. Toronto will request a move to the European pro league. Oh I forgot they got THE FINGER ! Tampa will replace Ottawa in the top eight.
Other than the three priorities, Gainey needs to add some grit to the fourth line. He may have some of it in Hamilton.
July 2, 2008 pm31 8:10 pm
That’s funny. Tanguay didn’t want to come to Montreal before….
July 2, 2008 pm31 8:19 pm
I think we have to remember that we have a good team without Sundin, and we have improved it with Tanguay. So I would not spend foolishly, Gainey can go after the FA and he can offer them the money but the will have to want to come to Montreal. Taxes are a big deterent as well as the pressure of playing in the centre of the hockey universe. Some guys just cannot take the pressure.
I say lets look for a big puck moving defenceman that plays it tough. If there is one out there that is worth 5M then lets sign him. Lets see if we can sign that power forward, if not a young guy then maybe a Shanahan if he is willing. He should be worth 20 goals and his experience on and off the ice would be good for our team.
July 2, 2008 pm31 8:21 pm
All I know is that Tanguay said he did in his interview and that he also asked Calgary last year to consider Montreal for a trade. So one never knows the real truth, but I do not know very many French Canadien kids that do not want to play in Montreal. Even those would be Nordique fans.
July 2, 2008 pm31 8:39 pm
I read in Hockeybuzz.com that Pavol Demitra might be coming. one of my friends have the season pass on the site that costs $19.00
He said and quote”its a rumor and its listed as an (E3)- which means like hes close or just talking, but ya i want him”
July 2, 2008 pm31 8:47 pm
Maybe we should go after Naslund, and that might entice Sundin to sign with us. Not sure where we would put him?
July 2, 2008 pm31 8:54 pm
Demitra: Not sure we would want a 15 goal scorer. What line are you going to put him on? Do we want another European who does not score big? On the positive he does have a good plus minus. Maybe a strong thirdliner?
July 2, 2008 pm31 8:55 pm
Personally, if we cannot get a Sundin line centerman then I would rather trust in the offence we have and strengthen our defence.
July 2, 2008 pm31 8:58 pm
our defence is amazing guys Philly averaged like 12 shots against us and didn’t give up too much. With Price playing good this year, we will have the best team in the east!
July 2, 2008 pm31 9:04 pm
and If u want a D, I would like Gainey to talk with Burke and trade Boullion and something else lol for Mathieu Shneider. If we don’t want Brisebois, bring back another guy from the 93 cup winning team! but Gainey won’t do something like that! the reason why the Demitra thing is interesting is because he’s not really a superstar and it isn’t too far fetched.
July 2, 2008 pm31 9:29 pm
we can only get the leftovers that no other team wants. That’s been the case for the past 3 years unfortunately. But since that’s the case, a trade would be in order. Gainey should pursue Marleau, and give up Latendresse and a D man. the other player who wouldn’t cost much, is Chris Gratton, a big center, not afraid to stand in front of the net, and chip in a few timely goals. He would look great on a 3rd line, and good defensively.
July 2, 2008 pm31 9:36 pm
hab Faithful I totally agree, everytime I bring up Gratton, people bash me, but he’s huge and he’s getting older usually that’s a bad thing but I know that he really wants the cup and he’s a Umberger type player! and he puts up some ts also. finally, some one agrees lol
July 2, 2008 pm31 9:58 pm
pay attention to the Demitra thingy, Huselius is now a blue jacket. and that was an E3(which means it’s happening or close) and Demitra to Montreal is an E3 look out guys lol. but It could be nothing.
July 3, 2008 pm31 1:14 am
screw sundin
we need guys who WANT to play
why waste 8 mill for a guy who doesnt even want to play
why not go for sakic isnt he a free agent?
kostistyn was definatly the best signing of the day.
get rid of breezebye and pickup a offensive defencmen.
bob is still doing a great job
still got to be patient
July 3, 2008 pm31 4:46 am
I think Gainey is hanging his hat on Sundin and he sounds like a man who is close to retirement. I would like to see Gainey add a little grit (maybe Shanahan)along with maybe Selanne on 1 year deals. Both these guys would be great in the locker room. Please stay away from Jagr,Carboneau could not handle him. Bertuzzi maybe a cheap option if you could get him on for half his salary. Lets face it the habs lack physical size up front.
July 3, 2008 pm31 11:32 am
I know Gainey won’t do this, but here’s my wishlist.
Trade Dandenault and 3rd round pick for snheider(get a guy from the 93 team)
Sign a big guy like Chris Gratton or Georges Laraque.
and guys I already think we have our 4th defencemen. O’bRyene is gonig to be scary this year(good thing lol) he’s gonig to be a 6′7″ punisher!!!!
July 3, 2008 pm31 11:40 am
I wish for PEACE on this site.
I wish for good health.
I wish for……………
July 3, 2008 pm31 12:54 pm
Grabovsky to Toronto….
Details to follow… A second rounder was mentioned
July 3, 2008 pm31 12:57 pm
We get T.O.’s second round pick (2010) and defenceman Greg Pateryn.
We also signed free agent Alex Henry and G Cedric Desjardins.
July 3, 2008 pm31 1:00 pm
WTF IS GAINEY DOING? get someone already, we don’t need Sundin, we just want him. Get someone to play with Markov on the Powerplay! get something! theres so many guys out there! But I know, I have to be patient!lol It’s soo hard!!!!
July 3, 2008 pm31 1:36 pm
Here we go loop-ti-loo, here we go loop-ti-la
July 3, 2008 pm31 2:09 pm
we all want Gainey to do something. Is he now the only team in the league that hasen’t(can’t) sign a UFA? It’s embarrassing. And it wouldn’t take alot of $$$ to get Gratton? At this point,any decent goal scorer will do. just DO IT!
I pray Gainey doesn’t wait a month for Sundin, because we will be the losers. I just don’t see Sundin playing again, but if he does, it won’t be us. Just have a bad feeling about that. Why does Gainey always break the fans hearts?
We all know there are still players out there, that could help us. What is he waiting for? Maybe there’s a players conspiracy to NOT sign with the habs.
July 3, 2008 pm31 2:13 pm
Pitt just signed Fedotenko and Satan. the rich get richer!
Now I’m really really pissed! Gainey, you f***king loser!
July 3, 2008 pm31 2:15 pm
Something in the water…………
July 3, 2008 pm31 2:26 pm
Gainey and Brain Murray are in the Dan Boyle sweepstakes, but guys, hw’s 6.7 Mill!!!
July 3, 2008 pm31 2:43 pm
WE NEED A SCORER! Pitt goes out and gets 2 of them at the same time, and loser Bob can’t get 1!!!!!!!!!!
July 3, 2008 pm31 2:43 pm
Isnt Boyle way over priced at 6.7? Plus Habs would have to give up too much youth to make it worthwhile.Then you have Markov and the other defense guys to consider.Boyle doesnt add up….
July 3, 2008 pm31 3:57 pm
So we got Laracque. He’ll protect Koivu and all our other small scorers.
But where’s the scorer Gainey promised? say bye bye to Kostopoulus and maybe Begin. yes, Laracwue will be a wonderful scorer, netting maybe 3 goals/year!
July 3, 2008 pm31 3:58 pm
We need a scorer? WTF! We were the highest scoring team in the league last year, and then we added Tanguay! We need a D-man who can pound some ***.
July 3, 2008 pm31 3:59 pm
Laracque, I like.
July 3, 2008 pm31 4:05 pm
WE NEED A BIG CENTER, FOR 15 YEARS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 3, 2008 pm31 4:10 pm
I think this is just the beginning, with a marquee player coming soon. At least
they’ll feel protected!
July 3, 2008 pm31 4:18 pm
lol I just logged on. LARAQUE BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
July 3, 2008 pm31 4:19 pm
Get Chris Gratton or Pavol Demitra and we’re all set!!! or get a new D for the mr.Powerplay!!!
July 3, 2008 pm31 4:25 pm
guys, we arent getting anybody marquee. we get our hopes up every trade deadline and july 1st and what ALWAYS happens? nothing…little acquisitions but never a bigger named player…thats how gainey is guys, we should be used to this by now
July 3, 2008 pm31 4:28 pm
We don’t need a punishing D man. Komisarek ad O’Byrne is the scariest combination and O’Byrne will be amazing next season, just watch. I think we need an offensive D man for our powerplay and an Expierienced one is Mathieu Snheider who Brian Burke is looking to trade and he actually promised he will.
July 3, 2008 pm31 4:28 pm
I agree Stuo11. We should try for Gratton or Demitra. hell, maybe we can turn into a big team signing some BIG players. I hope he’s not done with signings. It’s fine to get an enforcer, but he won’t play every game, and on the 4th line. But Gainey STILL hasen’t addressed our problem, “needing a center”. And why sign Laraque for 3 years?? 2 years would be sufficient.
Now trade Latendresse, Dandy, Begin,.
July 3, 2008 pm31 4:33 pm
I would keep Lats, he’s still growing up, don’t trade Begin, he has alot of grit and spirit. I would trade Dandenault and one of our D for a good D.
July 3, 2008 pm31 4:38 pm
report: Naslund might be heading to the rangers
July 3, 2008 pm31 4:40 pm
NASLUND HAS BEEN TRADED TO NYR, ALONG WITH KALININ.
every team in the east is signing scorers, and we only sign an enforcer?
there’s not going to be anyone left for us, AGAIN!
July 3, 2008 pm31 4:59 pm
I’m more concerned about Vancouver’s cap space and their ability to sign Sundin.
True, at this point, it’s pretty safe to say that Mats will probably not wind up here,
but, we still have space for him. Guys don’t count BG out just yet. We had more than
just a decent season – and now we’ll be a lot tougher in the playoffs. We still have
scoring touch on this team – that elusive big center would undoubtedly push this
already talented team over the top.
July 3, 2008 pm31 5:14 pm
what do you think of jason williams.. he has had injuries but has proved he can put up some points
July 3, 2008 pm31 5:38 pm
Welcome to Montreal BIG George..thats one part of the equation….toughness…lets get a scorer now. Look out little Sid…George don’t have ya back anymore…good move.
July 3, 2008 pm31 5:47 pm
Hab Faithful is the whinniest baby on this site, stfu! You’re acting like the Habs are gonna blow. Their offense is fine plus there’s plenty of time till the trade deadline to worry about prepping for the playoffs. Goddamn babies are here!
July 3, 2008 pm31 5:56 pm
I wish some people would make up their minds, they say the Habs need toughness so Gainey signs Laroque, and people shoot him down for doing this. I think people just want Gainey to sign someone just for sake of signing someone. By the way good going Bob. I still think ther’s more to come yet. Mark my words.
July 3, 2008 pm31 6:08 pm
107 Dancan81
Posted on July 3rd, 2008 at 5:47 pm. About ‘Free Agent Frenzy?’.
Hab Faithful is the whinniest baby on this site, stfu! You’re acting like the Habs are gonna blow. Their offense is fine plus there’s plenty of time till the trade deadline to worry about prepping for the playoffs. Goddamn babies are here!
So who are you, smartass? Someone who belittles and criticizes others for not agreeing with you. The fact that you insult and denegrate me, shows how crass and immature you are.
July 3, 2008 pm31 6:13 pm
Settle down you chicken little. Every post you make is the same negativity over and over. It’s tiresome. I’m sorry I hurt your feelings hab faithful, such an oxy moron of a name btw…
July 3, 2008 pm31 6:15 pm
Now the prices are coming down. Tuesday Naslund would have got 7 mill per year. Bob wants to build from the inside. We wre going to be tougher with Stewart in the line-up anyway. Plus Chipchura, maybe Cote on defense. We’ve got Perezhogin, Locke as small gifted forwards. I like the Gratton call, is Hedican still available? There are still lots of no-nonsense defenders out there, if I’m reading right. If Gainey makes a splash, so be it. There’s nothing wrong with having cap space, and a handful of matured prospects at the trade deadline. I like George and Alex so far – its not standing still and its not rushing madly off in all directions (Hello, Leaf Fans). First comment, be nice.
July 3, 2008 pm31 6:36 pm
Hey there, Habknot. Welcome to the site. Your comments are pretty much bang on. I don’t
know why, but I just don’t think BG is quite done yet. True we still have Halak, and some others
to sign, but if we could land that center that we’ve lacked for some time now…OMG!
Right now we have a nice mix of finesse, heart, speed and toughness. Imo, we need that gritty,
live-in-the-blue-paint type to add to this team.
My list of expendable players are: Lats, Begin, Dandy, Breezer. Not that I would be overly
angry if they were part of this year’s edition, but I’d like to get some more quality.
By the way I’d try to keep Tommy K. This guy has great spirit. He may not be the best, or the
toughest, but he works damn hard. Begin at one time was one of my favorite players, but
I think he has turned into a bit of a cheap player – again folks that’s just my opinion.
I’d also like to see what Stewart brings to this team.
July 3, 2008 pm31 7:15 pm
STEWART-BEGIN-LARAQUE Imagine Gratton centering that line!!!
July 3, 2008 pm31 7:46 pm
But if we had Gratton, then Begin would have to be traded.
Stewart, Gratton, and Laraque.
July 3, 2008 pm31 8:23 pm
Wooooohooooooo!!! Laraque!! One of the classiest players in the game, and by a long shot the toughest. Let’s see Kovalev take those cheap shots now!!
Muhahahahaha.
July 3, 2008 pm31 9:13 pm
I think Brisebois must be the best practice player ever. Players seem to like him, it just seems to me that too much happens on the ice that he has no affect on. I’d like to see Latendresse develop, I haven’t been happy that its been happening in the NHL [one of BG's few misreads], but he could easily turn into John Leclair. I love Begin, he reminds me of Benoit Brunet, if they weren’t injured so often they’d be Guy Carbonneau. Tom K. is heart and soul, but he is bench strength on a cup team. Dandenault is a speedy utility guy, and Guy seemed to know how to use him this year. BTW, has anyone figured out why O’Byrne sat while Breeze played against Philly? [isn't that the series we lost?]
July 3, 2008 pm31 9:55 pm
Ok we have shored up our goaltending with two cabable backup goalies in the minors either one can be called up if needed as a back up.
I seems we have added some future potential with the Toronto trade.
We have added some depth to put down in Hamilton which should help our younger players develop faster.
We have added some physical present in Laraque which should help our D-man as well as our smaller forwards.
So are we set? we should feel comfortable going into the season with what we have, we have added additional scoring with Tanguay and toughness with Laraque. We still need to sign some of our RFA’s but we had signed the most important one.
I have not added it up but this should put us in a good position with lots of capping space to sign a UFA or make a trade mid season or pre season once everything settles down.
Yes I would like to still have Gainey address the big centreman, a power foward that has offensive abilities and another experienced D-man. But if we can’t without giving away the ranch I think we have a better team than last year, with room to make a move if needed. That is how I see it anyway. So don’t panic guys, Gainey has always erred on the safe side and the team has progress and got better each year.
July 3, 2008 pm31 10:10 pm
Do you think our backup goalie situation is good? Denis is a horrible goalie, and couldn’t make it on any team he played. TB couldn’t wait to get rid of him. He has sucked on every single team he’s played. He is a career minor leaguer. Yann Danis would have been much better than him. Too bad Gainey screwed up trading him. Anything to save a buck!
July 3, 2008 pm31 10:30 pm
Here is our current line up.
Higgins Kiovu Tanguay
A.Kost. Plekanec, Kovalev
S.Kost Lapierre stewart
Chipchura Begin Laraque
Latendresse kostopoulos
Markov Komisarek
Hamrlik Bouillon
O’Byrne Gorges
July 3, 2008 pm31 10:34 pm
Defence seems a little weak to me. We could also add Brisebois and Dandenault who can also serve as a fourth line forward.
If I had to pick one weakness on this team it is our defence. That is where I would concentrate my effort if I were Gainey.
July 3, 2008 pm31 10:34 pm
In response to Habknot post 116.
Begin lost my respect two seasons ago. Remember that final game between Montreal and
the Leafs in Toronto? Raycroft all but made sure we were heading to the post season – but
wait! Begin decides to take a blatant high sticking double minor. Bing, bang, Toronto scored
twice to tie the game. The rest is history. This last playoff season he decides to hit someone
from behind (a total cheap shot), again costing us.
I just feel that when players start acting like that that their best years are behind them. Hey
I could be wrong.
Lats… How long do wait? Can we send him to Hamilton? Let him develop there.
Breezer? Yes he’s loved but this isn’t a popularity contest. True, to his credit, he overachieved
last season, but again, at what point does the horse ride into the sunset?
Dandy – a -26 on a plus team.
By the way your read on Tommy K is dead on and I respect your opinion. I would still like
to keep him ahead of the four I mentioned.
July 3, 2008 pm31 10:39 pm
Laraque, a waste of 4.5 million.
We need a tuff guy that can score………..
July 3, 2008 pm31 10:51 pm
Laraque is a great acquisition for so many reasons. First off it’s 4.5 mil over 3 years.
Second he ain’t no goon or cheap shot artist. I think groundworking called him classy.
That about sums him up. Third, scoring wasn’t the issue last year – only in the playoffs
where finesse takes a back seat to grit. Now, our forwards don’t have to worry about
other teams taking liberties. Let’s see Halak was punched in the face, and Price was
tripped from behind.
Guess what? I can’t see that happening any more… at least not in the next 3 years.
July 3, 2008 pm31 11:06 pm
jack hab:
Lats… How long do wait? Can we send him to Hamilton? Let him develop there.
Well I agree that he should be sent down to Hamilton, but I do not think you can give up on a 20 year old who never should have made the team the last two years yet he still scored 16 goals last year. So he does have an upside with his youth. He just need to show up every game and start to use that big body of his. He needs a wake up call and sending him to Hamilton would be the best thing for him.
July 3, 2008 pm31 11:11 pm
Latendresse, has scored 16 goals in both his first two seasons. He also improved his plus\minus this year by +18 so he is progressing. I still would send him to Hamilton for a couple of months though.
July 3, 2008 pm31 11:15 pm
jack hab
In response to Habknot post 116.
Begin lost my respect two seasons ago.
He is anther player that could be used as trade bait we have a number of young guys in Hamilton that could move into his position. He seems to play well and then as you say he takes that unselfish penalty that costs the team. I am surprised that our coaching staff has not been able to correct that element in his game.
July 3, 2008 pm31 11:21 pm
I think the player who will benefit from Laraque the most is Komesarek, he will no longer have to be our policeman and drop his gloves all the time. He is much more valuable playing it tough but not in the penalty box. Laraque will take some of that pressure away from Komy. Anothe player that may benefit as well is Markov, he sort of played scared in the playoffs this year because Komisarek could not be the big hitter protector that he had been all season due to his injury. Markov may have more confidence knowing that Laraque is there to stop the cheap shots on the defence.
Kovalev should also benefit from the cheap shots he took in the playoffs and give him more confidence as well.
Lapierre should also benefit because he will be allowed to play his chippy style knowing that Laraque is there to help if needed.
So I can see the plus side of this signing, I only wish he also brought some goals to the table
July 3, 2008 pm31 11:24 pm
LATENDRESS LAPIERRE LARAQUE thats a scary line,man lol…
July 3, 2008 pm31 11:31 pm
Some good points (I overlooked) regarding Lats. Lapierre came back with a new attitude
after spending some time in the minors. Maybe the same thing could happen to Lats.
July 3, 2008 pm31 11:33 pm
120 jack hab
Posted on July 3rd, 2008 at 10:34 pm. About ‘Free Agent Frenzy?’.
Dandy – a -26 on a plus team.
2007-2008 Canadiens 61 9 5 14 -11 34 0 1 0 69 13.0
Not sure where you are getting the -26 because above is his 2007-2008 stats from the Habs web site show a -11.
You also have to remember he is playing against the top line as a forward many shifts because of his defensive style and the fourth line is bound to get more goals scored on it playing against the other teams top players.
To me he is a valuable player because he gives Carbo the option of having a forward who can drop back an play defence in case of injury or penalty trouble. That is what made Steit valuable to the team as well and obviously the Islanders thought so too because they gave him a lot of money.
July 3, 2008 pm31 11:35 pm
Xtrahabsfan
Posted on July 3rd, 2008 at 11:24 pm. About ‘Free Agent Frenzy?’.
LATENDRESS LAPIERRE LARAQUE thats a scary line,man lol…
I agree and maybe Lapierre and Laraque could put a little fire under Latendresse and make hime play with a more agressive style. See my earlier comments.
July 3, 2008 pm31 11:39 pm
La Hanson brothers ou francais,este
July 3, 2008 pm31 11:46 pm
Senet 1 you’re absolutely right regarding Dandy… maybe for a split second thought
he was Shelly. LOL.
My mistake.
July 3, 2008 pm31 11:54 pm
Different topic altogether.
If YOU are the GM of Vancouver, would you continue to wait for Sundin or do you go
out and pick up Jagr or someone else as quick as you can.
Imo, there must be even more desperation now that Naslund is gone.
July 4, 2008 pm31 12:03 am
Good Points here!
I agree that Komisarek will benefit as much as anyone. Pressure’s off, he can be mean if he feels it now, not because he has too. I’m not sure Stewart will crack the everyday line-up, but he looked good to me agaonst the Leafs. Streit was protected by Carbo’s outstanding coaching, NYIles will be disappointed if they think he is top 4 defence. If not, that’s a lot of cash for PP specialist.
Latendresse does need more development, the minors would be good for him. I doubt it will happen, but when that package matures, you’ll have a guy who can play any role, on any line. I liked how he got in a couple of fights near the end of the year last year, I think he was surprised at how good he was, and how it felt pretty good. I remember that happening to Chara in Ottawa [though to a greater degree]
I’d still like another rock solid d-man. I wonder about Cote and Emelin and thought we had a couple of Minnesota Badgers about ready to step into the line-up. (others: Hedican, Malek, Matvichuk, Carney, Montador etc) and how about Keith Primeau is he healthy and could he be our 3rd line center?
July 4, 2008 pm31 4:17 am
If Laraque doesn’t score a goal for the next three years, the youtube video of a Montreal Canadien pounding the bejeesus out of Brashear or Boogard is worth every penny of the money that they’ve spent.
And those who criticize Laraque should note that he’s one of the top 5 or 10 players in the NHL at freezing the puck on the boards — a) he’s huge, and b) nobody wants to push him hard enough to get him mad.
This is HUGE confidence booster for this team–guys can play a gritty style now without being bullied. Huge addition!
And yes, he’s actually known as a gentlemen in the NHL. He never fights small players unless they absolutely beg him to drop the gloves, and he almost always fights the big guys unless they ask him not to.
July 4, 2008 pm31 7:53 am
Komesarek never droped the gloves much.
No troulbe to count them on one hand……..
July 4, 2008 pm31 8:35 am
“Carbo’s outstanding coaching”
HA, HA, HA………….
July 4, 2008 pm31 8:38 am
“Markov, he sort of played scared in the playoffs”
If he can’t handle it then he sholud not be playing………
July 4, 2008 pm31 9:12 am
carbo sucks now that they got great goal scorer in laraque at least he has a french last name not like ryder!!!
July 4, 2008 pm31 9:43 am
Diehard,just die already would ya,jeesus man,lol……
July 4, 2008 pm31 10:14 am
Did I hit a nerve there Xtra………..
All of what I said was true…………. Is it not?
July 4, 2008 pm31 10:15 am
Komisarek was told not to fight pretty much the whole year, Markov played injured in the playoffs, and Carbo’s coaching was outstanding.
July 4, 2008 pm31 10:51 am
Carbo’s coaching was outstanding? Are you on dope or something? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
July 4, 2008 pm31 10:52 am
OK, DieHard, if you’re going to make a comment, back it up, please. I say Streit was kept away from the big boys as a defenceman, was used more when the other team was trying to play defensively, and was used mainly as a forward because his behind the net decision making was often poor; inspite of being a gifted first breakout passer. He didn’t shy away from the rough stuff, but was not particularly good at absorbing punishment and this often lead to unwise moves [in this respect he's like Brisebois- except breeze deliberately avoids traffic and runs around aimlessly more]. These faults were concealed in Montreal last year, as far as I’m concerned , by the coaching staff. Now, if Streit turns into a shut-down type of defender together with the blessed offensive skill that he will display, I will be glad to post that I was wrong. I still won’t like criticism without some sort of critique.
As far as Markov is concerned, I think he was logging lots of intense ice-time which supports my point that we need another rock in the mould of Komi or Hamr, whether as a signing or promotion, Give Markov a little room and he will hurt you, and his defensive zone coverage is awesome. He is not an intimidating physical force, but is top 4 on any NHL team [I think we have 3 top 4 guys]. I like O’Byrne, but suspect that his coaches saw something they didn’t want exposed by the other team’s top lines, because he seemed to be kept away from them. I didn’t notice what it was and wonder if its just a case of not accepting ‘rookie’ errors even against players that can make any defender look human.
July 4, 2008 pm31 11:16 am
hab faithful, see above. Did your hockey team play way below your expectaions last year due to players being mismatched and with no clear idea what they or the team should be doing WITH, and WITHOUT the puck? That’s what a coach does. Then they have to motivate the players to follow the plan [I think that's what cost Julien his job here]. So yeah, Carbo should have known Umberger was going to score everytime he touched the puck and sent Bobby Clarke out after him, oops, sorry this is the new NHL. I say Montreal became absolutely the best team in the NHL at clearing their zone and sending their quick forwards off on their merry way last year and that doesn’t happen without outstanding coaching [which reaches back into Hamilton IMHO}. Now some might point to Detroit, and I say not bad, I'll sttle for second best [LAST YEAR].
July 4, 2008 pm31 11:53 am
hey hab faithful, what exactly are you faithful to? because it doesn’t appear to be the Habs.
July 4, 2008 pm31 12:11 pm
OK habknot:
WHAT DO U WANT ME TO BACK UP?
July 4, 2008 pm31 12:14 pm
habknot
“Shithead” Carbo could not even get his players to stand in front of the net to screen the Goalie. They only Screened Price.
It is the Coache’s job to direct players……..
July 4, 2008 pm31 12:19 pm
DieHard, you laughed and hurt my feelings about Carbo’s outstanding coaching
]. I also think he and his staff are on a steep learning curve, and keep improving. But, what do I know?
Seriously though, I thought Carbo and company used players to the best of their abilities, especially the second half of the year when games seem to count more. If you think he’s a bonehead, tell me why [I may even agree with some of your points; no-one, not even me or Guy, is perfect
July 4, 2008 pm31 12:32 pm
Well habknot:
One major fault of Carbo was in the playoffs. No Habs were getting the the Goalies faces……..
July 4, 2008 pm31 12:42 pm
Yeah, that’s a role ideally suited to Latendresse, but he is trying to learn too many things at once. This is one guy that Bob and Guy have done no favours to by keeping up in the NHL instead of seasoning on the farm. Still, you can only coach the players you have, and I’m sure lots of goalies felt extremely pressured by the habs relentless puck movement. I expect Lats to get it all at once, and hopefully this year.
July 4, 2008 pm31 1:34 pm
If the Coach tells you do do something you do it right…….
Peace to all of my fellow Hab fans………….
I love to yank your chains……LOL…..
July 4, 2008 pm31 1:35 pm
O’Byrne is gonig to be as good as Komisarek was last year! But If I were Gainey I would take a shot at Mathieu Shneide.(sorry If I’m making u guys sick with his name lol) but this guy has done it in Montreal before. and guys 6′6 Marek Malik is still out there I think! I think 1 more good forward wouldn’t be that bad, but first I want Gainey to re-Sign all the RFA’S
July 4, 2008 pm31 1:39 pm
lol I know it’s not going to happen, but what if Marc Denis stole the show from Carey Price? wouldn’t that be something? hey,Marc Denic was awesome 4 or 5 years ago in Columbus. but Price is still the man(obviously lol) PRICE 4 EVER!!! gainey go and get a D lol
July 4, 2008 pm31 1:50 pm
I said before, I like Malik [or carney, matvichuk, montador]. STU, what do you think of Primeau? I think Schneider’s a little long in the tooth, and not as strong in his own zone.
Diehard, I like debate, you should see [hear] me and my buds watching a game. I just dislike words like shithead.
July 4, 2008 pm31 1:50 pm
Patrick; I’m not faithful to you. You sound like a doper.
July 4, 2008 pm31 2:55 pm
U Guys need a kick in the ***……..LOL………
July 4, 2008 pm31 3:12 pm
ha ha ha, same ol’ blah blah blah, Habs rule, they will win the cup this year,
Habs Rule!
July 4, 2008 pm31 3:13 pm
Ye Haw ………………..
July 4, 2008 pm31 4:01 pm
Premeau would be pretty sick atualy, I’ve seen him block shots like a mad man. I would like to see someone who has done it all before with th habs though. Hamrlik is kind of a defensive D man and Shneider is and OD it would make good chemistry. just like KOMI the DD and Markov the OD. But Malik would be fne, I’d have to disagree with Matvichuk, but what about Hedican? he just won the cup like 2 seasons ago or whateber lol
July 4, 2008 pm31 4:26 pm
STU, Hedican is the top UFA Dman on my list[see previous post]. Primeau, Yelle and Demitra are the only forwards left that I can think of off-hand, but I don’t think we need Demitra’s touch [though he is scary-good} BTW, I think we can safely conclude were all a little nuts- I’m going to the Jazzfest, and I’m wondering what Gainey is up too!
July 4, 2008 pm31 9:16 pm
Is Paul Meara from the rangers still available?
July 4, 2008 pm31 9:21 pm
One thing I will point out that proves the management ,coaches and players are on the right track…we’re still posting ,unlike last year which means we’re turned on fans,you know …excited …smell victory…hell ,it’s july,lol…GO HABS GO…
July 5, 2008 pm31 5:12 am
Hats off to Bob Gainey for acquiring native Montrealer Georges Laraque. I have been saying for years that the Canadiens needed more toughness, and finally we get it (why did it take so long??). Anyway, Laraque is probably the toughest guy in the NHL, a feared fighter, and a monster at 243 lbs! He is going to be VERY popular in Montreal. With the hard-hitting 6′5″ O’Byrne getting more ice time next year, Montreal will finally have some size, and our skilled and speedy forwards will get a chance to play their game without being intimidated. The Kostitsyn boys, Kovalev, Koivu, and Tanguay will have a great year coming up. I think the Laraque acquisition will be a factor in bringing Sundin to Montreal, because Sundin too, will benefit from Laraque’s presence, even though he can take care of himself. This team is starting to look like a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, and Gainey deserves a lot of credit. He just may be the best GM in the business.
July 5, 2008 pm31 10:27 am
some size? I can’t think of one tem that Montrealers should be afraid of. Laraque has never lost a fight and Komisarek hasn’t cleanly lost a fight either. and with O’Byrne, OMG!!!!LOLand we have that anaheim like 4th line. BEGIN LARAQUE KOSTOPOULOS OR STEWART!!!
July 5, 2008 pm31 11:05 am
we do have anaheim’s 4th line lol(bum 2.0?) anyways yeah Hedican would be great.
July 5, 2008 pm31 11:05 am
Mara re-signed with Rangers
July 5, 2008 pm31 1:05 pm
Thanks Bum 2.0.
July 5, 2008 pm31 3:08 pm
Guys, we haven’t got any good French-Canadian players. This club has to give up on the “affirmative action” of putting French-Canadian players on this team, even when they shouldn’t be there, just because its a Quebec based team. It worked 30-40 years ago when the “backyard” rule was in effect….but time to give up on this horse ****, and acquire players who can best fill the role to help the team….NO MATTER WHERE THEY’RE FROM !!! Unless their names are Lecavalier, Briere, or we can find another player like Carbs…find some guys who can fill these lines and deserve to be there.
Sorry if some of you don’t agree….but none of the guys we have helped out and added something great to this team, and, in this day and age, it’s time to give up on this ridiculous format if we wanna hold that Cup again.
Now don’t quote me as saying there should not be any French players on this team….if they are worthy because of their ability…they should be there no matter where they were born.
Just something that been bugging me for a while….watching a waste of space like Begin skating for our team, just because he’s liked and French-Canadian…when the reality is, he arguably not even an NHL calibre player.
July 5, 2008 pm31 4:43 pm
lol what a wierd name. but ummm Is Gainey just waiting for Sundin. I read an article on RDS.CA and it’s sounds like he might be.
July 5, 2008 pm31 5:34 pm
Montgomery was never considered a brilliant general in WW2, too cautious and not willing to absorb losses [I'd have wanted to be in his army, though]. Gainey is also cautious, and I think he knows Sundin is about as safe a place to make an investment as is out there, no matter how much money you spend. I hope he is having other discussions, but he’e certainly not going to panic. Sundin makes us instant contenders [assuming our goaltending is as solid as I'm sure most of us think], and favorites in the east. Gainey’s got to like the position he’s in, a solid team, then either Sundin, OR the ability to make a big move during the season or trade deadline.
July 6, 2008 pm31 8:59 am
If we don’ win the cup this year, It’s probably gonig to be because of lacking heart. We have so many euro’s. but I’m not worried because the kostitsyns can hit and they are gritty. Kovalev is amazing and Koivu is pretty much a canadian. I doubt it would happen but I think Sundin is coming. Gainey is probably going to wait.
July 6, 2008 pm31 9:09 am
It would be funny if Grabovski didn’t resign with the leafs and the habs resigned him lol
July 6, 2008 pm31 11:55 am
Grabovski signed, I think one year, I don’t know the amount
July 6, 2008 pm31 2:35 pm
I don’t think Gainey is after anyone right now. but If he’s waiting for Sundin, sundin beter not reject us in the end!
July 6, 2008 pm31 5:21 pm
I read on one of the other blogs that Sundin is in Vancouver today meeting with team management. Canucks have several good Swedes there, including the Sedin twins and Mattias Ohlund. You combine that with $20M, and Sundin may be gone come Monday. It’s time for us to move to Plan B. Fedorov is still available, 6′2″, 207, about the same age as Sundin. He has championship pedigree, and would do well in a Montreal uniform.
July 6, 2008 pm31 8:39 pm
I don’t mean to start some ****, but do you think that the stereotype that European hockey players don’t have “heart” is xenophobic or racist? I mean seriously would you say that the reason Koivu, Sundin, or Ovechkinhave not won the cup is because they are Europeans and therefore have no heart? Or would you say that Detroit won the cup despite the fact they were led by European players and have no heart. This ain’t a personal attack on you STOU11, in fact you are one of my more favourite bloggers on here (despite your Lecavier fantasies), but I think that this stereotype is in fact inaccurate, and am open to debate. Remember there are lots of Canadian guys who don’t appear to have “playoff heart” too (i.e. Joe Thorton, Jason Spezza, etc.)
July 6, 2008 pm31 10:03 pm
Where did you get the info about Sundin being in Vancouver?
I doubt it’s true because Sundin said last week, it would be weeks before he made a decision.
July 6, 2008 pm31 11:07 pm
no I know there’s some exceptions like Koivu, like I said Koivu is pretty much a canadian, just like Sundin. Some of them have heart, some of them don’t. but come on, we have lots of euro’s and as a canadian I want more canadians. I don’t mind them though.
July 7, 2008 pm31 12:05 am
doesnt matter if their european or canadian
their representing your favorite team/city and thats all that matters
July 7, 2008 pm31 12:27 am
well said and fedorov is a good plan B
July 7, 2008 pm31 1:01 am
i’d rather selanne over federov.
July 7, 2008 pm31 2:05 am
i think gainey should sign his RFAs like o’byrne and gorges before he does anything else. Then he could possibly sign either demitra or straka (dont know if straka is planning to leave for europe)to play with koivu and tanguay on the second line. I’d rather see higgins on the third line cuz he has the speed and strength to check some of the league’s top players. sergei k is a real pest on the ice and could play on the 3rd line as well and when koivu retires he can then replace him on the second line. The only reason i could see sundin coming here for is to piss off all the leaf fans and management who caled him a traior for not waving his no-trade clause.
July 7, 2008 pm31 2:14 am
oh by the way the habs have around 9.4 million dollars left to spend and if they sign sundin for a couple of years at 7-8 million well b very close to the cap without having signed o’byrne or gorges. This could also pose a problem for next year because we have to give some pretty big pay raises to plekanec, komisarek and higgins so we might not be able to resign kovalev or koivu should they decide to continue playing.
July 7, 2008 pm31 2:15 am
yeah now that you say it i forgot about him
July 7, 2008 pm31 3:00 am
I saw it on HockeyBuzz.com. One of the bloggers there said he saw it on ESPN Insider. However, it isn’t anywhere else, so I really can’t say for sure if it’s true or not. I guess we’ll know soon enough. Another comment there by Eklund, the guy that runs the blog, was that Montreal was showing “heavy interest” in Patrick O’Sullivan.
July 7, 2008 pm31 10:46 am
I read that as well. Patrick O’Sulli wants to come to Montreal or the Rangers, guys he had 53 pts last year on the 2nd line of the kings! potential for 90 pts on the 1st linev with habs!!!:) and he’s like 21years old. If we win the cup Koivu will return, but I have a feeling that he’s leaving if we don’t. Panic? no if we get O’Sulli, he’s our next superstar. Kovalev loves Montreal he would sign hwere for 2 Million even. but he’ll get 5 lol Plekanec should take 4 and Komi 3 higgy 3. and there will probably be a 6 Mill raise next year. so after this season, with all the players leaving, we’ll have around 25 Mill to re-sign everyone.Kovalev and Tanguay wil get extensions soon.
July 7, 2008 pm31 11:13 am
2 things….
The mention of going over the salary cap next year, does it not get increased every year or is it random?
Imagine for a minute, going on the ice against the Habs….looking up to see who you’re facing off against and you see LaPierre, Laraque, Latendresse, Komisarek, and O’Byrne. Did you just **** your pants a little? Toughest 5 in hockey?
July 7, 2008 pm31 11:40 am
Lapierre tough??? Latendresse tough? ?
=0
July 7, 2008 pm31 11:42 am
Lapierre and Lats are tough man. Lapierre’s actually really strong, he’s like Jarko Ruutu, he likes fighting but he tries to get the other team’s superstars in the box. Latendresse is tough believe it or not. lol not that tough though, but the thing is is that our team is scary. but iwth all these teams getting superstars, we must get 1 more.
July 7, 2008 pm31 12:28 pm
out of all the d men out there in the ufa, I want Jason Smith! that guy is as gritty as you can get! get Jason Smitt, Pavol Demitra and Chris Gratton. Gratts for 1.5 Mill, Demit for 4 Mill and Smith for 3 Mill. if u can’t affornd it then take away Chis Gratts! that’s my idea people, because I feel Mats is going to Vancouv. before Gainey does anything he should warn Sundin when he’s about to sign Demitra or something.
July 7, 2008 pm31 1:19 pm
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Jason Smith is/was having off-season shoulder surgery. He played with 2 separated shoulders in last year’s playoffs! He is a warrior, but his best days are behind him. He is 35 years old, which is a lot when you play the kind of bruising physical style that he does. I like Smith, but no thanks!
July 7, 2008 pm31 1:25 pm
We have plenty of defensemen, and plenty more in the pipeline (McDonagh, Fischer, Mathiew Carle, PK Subban, Yannick Weber, Valentenko, Emelin). We don’t need to trade for another D-man, we just need to give Ryan O’Byrne plenty of ice time. He is just as tough as Jason Smith, and bigger and younger.
July 7, 2008 pm31 1:32 pm
I’ve never seen O’Sullivan play, he sounds pretty good, a little wild maybe [not always a bad thing, not always good]. I still say Demitra is too much like our young guns [Plek and the bothers K, even Corey Locke], and might just steal ice-time without improving us in areas we are weak in. Jason Smith, Bret Hedican, I think we all want one more solid D. If he’s going to play here he has to be able to move the puck quickly. Our 5,6 7 Ds are as good as on any team [IMHO] whether or not we sign Dandenault [please, not Brisebois again] with Jorges, O’Byrne and Bouillon.[all three are tough, too!]
I’ve seen Lats one puch win near the end of the year, another aspect of his game he’s had to work on up here intead of Hamilton. He’s strong, though.
Speaking of Jarko Ruutu, I was hoping we might sign him. but I agree he’s too much like Lapierre, LaRac is a much better pick up!
July 7, 2008 pm31 1:37 pm
By the way, Alex Henry, the D-man we signed last week, is 28, has NHL experience, and is 6′5″, 220. Last year, he was second on his AHL team in penalty minutes, and played in all 80 regular season games.
July 7, 2008 pm31 2:14 pm
Bertuzzi is signing with Calgary 1yr/1.95mil. Someone wanted him here, I’m glad we didn’t get him, he’s slow and selfish
July 7, 2008 pm31 3:22 pm
Looks like the shopping is over for now.Gainey waits for Sundin but I doubt he decides until late August at the very earliest.Does anyone know or have idea of how good some of the recent picks like Max P etc are?Is the pipeline solid?
July 7, 2008 pm31 3:27 pm
according to hockey buzz shanny wants to come here, demitra looks to be heading to vancouver and brendan morrison will probably go to either anaheim or LA
July 7, 2008 pm31 3:33 pm
gimmeshelter27: Does anyone know or have idea of how good some of the recent picks like Max P etc are?Is the pipeline solid?
We have focused all our picks in recent years strengthening our defence which we now have tons of skill and depth in but we don’t really have many upcoming forwards in our system other than max p. i think thats what gainey will focus on in the next couple of drafts esp seeing how koivu and kovalev dont have many years left in them
July 7, 2008 pm31 3:41 pm
Have Leafs offered Sundin something, so far???
July 7, 2008 pm31 3:48 pm
yes a 7mill 1 year deal
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:06 pm
what would u guys think if Pat O’Sulli came and Shanahan?
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:06 pm
Thanks, Pricefor#1job.
The most concerned for Sundin is “Retiring Jersey”, not money thing, not “play or not” thing, not… He HAS to choose where to put his retiring Jersey, Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver.
If he remains staying in Toronto he will be retiring the No. 13 Jersey.
The hesitation shows he might not be interested in Toronto. The only answer I can get is that he is giving TIME for Toronto and Leafs fans to forget him in order for him to go to a new place with new glories…
So, if BG still holds the money for Sundin, that would be nice for everybody.
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:10 pm
Max Pacioretty is a great prospect. He has size and speed, and plays a prototypical power forward type of game. He was on the US National team and did very well. By all accounts he had a great season at the U of Michigan, where, by the end of the year he was on the #1 line. At the Draft this past month, Gainey and Timmins said that there was no forward available that was a better forward prospect than Max, which is one of the reasons they traded away the 1st Pick. If any of you guys live in Montreal, you should take a drive to where all the Hab prospects are taking part in the Development Camp, and report back to us! In my opinion, we have one of the best pipelines in the NHL, and that is why Gainey is more ready to make trades. Incidentally, Greg Pateryn, the 5th rounder we got from Toronto in the Grabovski trade, is also going to the U of Mich next year, so he will get a chance to play with Pacioretty. It’s one of the best college programs in the U.S., with former NHL’er Red Berenson the head coach there.
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:18 pm
My thoughts on the Sundin thing- If he wants to paly he’s a hab. but do we eally want to risk it?
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:46 pm
we should sign a cheap bargain then save for sundin. i hate to say it but selanne is too much he will probably want 3-6mill unless koivu can convince him.also i think fedorov is cheaper and can be even more cheap if kovalev AND A.Kostitsyn convince him to take less money what do you guys think about that?
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:47 pm
Thanks Radical Dude.I live in south USA and dont get much Hab info here.Yes the prospect camp would be good insight to have.
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:48 pm
Sundin is a decent responsible player. He will be trying harder in a team he chooses. That’s no doubt.
We were the 1st of Eastern Conference which means we ALREADY have a good roster. (holding money) fishing a talented player is not risky that much.
Thanks to the so-many new NHL coaches, there will be more trades after 2008-2009 Season starting. If we don’t obtain Sundin (or Sundin style player) in the UFA market, we will be looking at trading.
(Bob is a good business man besides the hockey talent)
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:51 pm
after we re-sgin the rfa’s we’ll only have about 7 Mill left. so It’s up to Gainey, what he thinks.
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:52 pm
i think now we need just 1 or 2 players and we are great bets for the cup.these are the players i would go after:Fedorov,Sundin,Selanne,Primeau,Demitra and, I know a lot of you will disagree but Brendan Morrison also.
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:53 pm
Koive, Sundin, Fedorov, Selanne… They have the same concern: reluctant to change team before retiring, unless becoming a new hero in a new team.
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:53 pm
I think we need to sign O’Byrne and Josh Gorges ASAP. They are going to be our 4th and 5th defencemen next year. That will barely leave $7M for Sundin, so in order to sign Mats, we will have to trade away some salaries, perhaps M. Dandenault, which will free up $1.5M, and one 4th line forward.
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:54 pm
primeau,demitra,morrison?
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:57 pm
come on guys why did you leave so early?!
July 7, 2008 pm31 4:58 pm
Fedorov has no such concern, neither does Sundin. Selanne is a different story. According to his agent, there is no way that Selanne, if he plays, is going anywhere but Anaheim.
July 7, 2008 pm31 5:10 pm
Actually, Bouillon will be #4. Gorges #5, and O’Byrne #6
July 7, 2008 pm31 5:14 pm
# 206 STUO11: My thoughts on the Sundin thing- If he wants to paly he’s a hab. but do we eally want to risk it?
– Risk what? The money? The chance to win a Stanley Cup?
July 7, 2008 pm31 5:29 pm
take the risk that he might not play. By the time he makes up his decision there will be no one left.
July 7, 2008 pm31 5:38 pm
Gainey knows what he’s doing. Remember, he’s been talking to Sundin and his agent for 2 weeks now. If Sundin decides not to play, or go somewhere else, Gainey will be the first one to know. That’s why it was a brilliant move to get the negotiating rights for those 10 days, it gave us a head start on the best free agent on the market, and a chance to win his confidence. Bob Gainey is the architect of this team, and you can bet he has got all kinds of contingency plans if Sundin does not sign with us.
July 7, 2008 pm31 5:41 pm
ok, that makes me feel a whole lot better lol
July 7, 2008 pm31 5:41 pm
primeau,demitra,morrison????
July 7, 2008 pm31 5:42 pm
now really what do you think about primeau,demitra,morrison?
July 7, 2008 pm31 5:51 pm
theres no chance morrison’s coming here he’s close to signing with LA and montreal isn’t even in the race for him
July 7, 2008 pm31 5:51 pm
Price, I like Demitra. The others I don’t know much about. Due to the fact that we will have only about $7M left in cap space after signing Gorges and O’Byrne, we are not in a position to sign any free agents until the Sundin matter is resolved. I think we’re on hold now.
July 7, 2008 pm31 6:00 pm
i heard demitra narrowed down his options and is close to deciding on a team. I hope he comes here, he would fit well with koivu and tanguay imo
July 7, 2008 pm31 6:11 pm
I agree. And Higgins is really good friends with Lapierre so our 3rd line would be Higgy-Lapierre-Kostitsyn. butn then again, I rather have Mats!
July 7, 2008 pm31 6:13 pm
imagine our 4th line: laraque, begin, kostopoulos LMAO sooo tank
July 7, 2008 pm31 6:13 pm
no one would mess with us after seeing that!
July 7, 2008 pm31 6:24 pm
montreal signed this guy Flinn or something. who cares lol.
July 7, 2008 pm31 7:53 pm
Well I seem to be a little late getting into the blog as usual, so I will try to catch up. Euro verses Canadian. Having Euros on our team is a bonus, but there is one thing that seems to concern most of us Canadians when we see our team fold due to lack of character come playoff time. Yes Detroit had a lot of Euros on their team and they performed extremely well, where as our main players Kovalev Markov etc seemed to not raise their game but lowered it. Now maybe it was because we did not have a player like Laraque to give these guys more confidence? Who knows, and yes there are some Canadian players that seem to have the camel on their backs as well but I would not class Thornton as one of them. Thornton has always lacked the scoring winger on this line and lets face it, he can score goals but he really is a set up man not a true goal scorer. Just look at his assists. He has never scored more than 37 goals in any year. So the debate will continue, Detroit just had too much talent on their team to and they never really were challenged with physical play. I truly think that is there weakness, than and their goaltending. But until someone exposes that weakness like Anaheim did two years ago. They will be hard to beat.
July 7, 2008 pm31 8:04 pm
Bottom is if we sign Sundin, we have to trade some salary. We can carry 10% over until the season starts but someone like a Koivu is going to have to go. Someone mentioned earlier that in the last few drafts we have been building up our defensive depth and we do have a lot of pretty good defenseman waiting in the wings within two years that should step into our lineup. So I agree that we will have to see more on the offensive side in the next few drafts to replace our aging stars like Koivu. However, in order to do that we need to pick in the top five. Next year there are two race horses coming available. John Tarvarus and I believe a Russian. Koivu would make good trade bait in order to get one of these two young stars, yes it is a gamble but that is the only way we are going to get a superstar through the draft. The difficulty is the draft lottery. You have to pick the right team to do the trading with and at the right time.
July 7, 2008 pm31 8:12 pm
I might be alone, but I do not want to see captain Koivu leave. Trade Boillon and Dandenault for Draft Picks. we have really good young Defencemen coming up that have no chance to jmake our team right now.
July 7, 2008 pm31 8:19 pm
I am not say I want to see him leave but it you sign Sundin where is Koivu going to play. If you move Plex to the third line and Lappiere to the fourth then you are going to slow down their development. Koivu at best has three years left and you will never get a top five draft pick with Boillon and Dandenault.
July 7, 2008 pm31 8:27 pm
Plekanec used to play left wing in the AHL and sometimes in junior. PLEKS-SUNDIN-KOVALEV. Koivu will have more leadership than Sundin. If we get Sundin and lose Koivu we won’t win the cup. the leafs will stick with Sundin forever.
July 7, 2008 pm31 8:36 pm
Right now our top six defence are:
Komisarak,Markov, Hamrlik, Bouillon, Gorges, Dandenault.
In the Wings we have:
O’Byrne, Valentenko, Carle, FISCHER, KISHEL, McDONAGH and a few more.
I do not know about you but I can see at least three of the top six that could be replaced right now and not hurt our team.
I think we all like O’Byrne is realy for prime time but that still leaves two more spots available unless we pick up a free agent which I would like to see because I think the rest of the lower group are at least a year or two away.
July 7, 2008 pm31 8:47 pm
well based on the past two seasons Sundin will put at least 10 more goals on the Board and 20 more points than Koivu. He plays tough and he is hard to move when he does go to the net. He is a better passer and he is better at faceoffs. So I do not see where we do not improve. To move Plex to the wing is not going to help his development. To me that would be a mistake. I Wish that Koivu was 5 years younger but he is not. To me the only downer would be is that next year is the year we are suppose to win the cup.
July 7, 2008 pm31 8:50 pm
I don’t think there is any need to replace Bouillon or Gorges. Dandenault could be bumped out of the top six and used more as a utility player who can play forward or defence, but Bouillon and Gorges and quite capable as the number 4, 5, or 6 defenceman. Teams need a proper mix of players and can’t have all one type of player. Bouillon has tons of heart and determination. He can’t always get the job done, but he is pretty good for his position in the lineup. Gorges has proven to be a good acquisition as he is nearly as good as Rivet is right now and is surprisingly calm under pressure and makes very good outlet passes.
Using Dandenault as a utility player or moving him would make space for another defenceman, but why rush bringing in a new defenceman and taking up payroll when this could be done at the trade deadline? And waiting allows Bob to see exactly what he needs for a playoff run, rather than quessing now.
July 7, 2008 pm31 9:10 pm
Well the talk was about making a move to improve out offense down the road as our aging players such as Koivu retire or leave the team. What we were discussing was a way to get a good draft pick maybe a top five pick. So we are not moving these players just for something to do but for a purpose. Having said that our defence and I think most have agreed to date is still weak and if we can get a good solid defensive player as a free agent then we should try. The Sundin signing may not happen and therefore moving Koivu is a none starter. Hopefully OByrne will fill in nicely and that should help players like Bouillon or Gorges play better than they did in the playoffs. Our defence in the playoffs just could not handle Boston’s and Phily’s power forwards/
July 7, 2008 pm31 9:15 pm
how many of you would have realistically predicted where the habs would have ended up this year.. everyone said ¨maybe ninth place if they have a good year…we are never satisfied. We have an amazing legacy. The way to rebuild a new dynaasty is shrewd drafting, holding on to good draft choices, not trading away good veterans, and getting people with character (chris nilan, brian skrudland, mike mc phee). The habs have always been a team of hard nosed ******** with heart and talent. Long live howie , maurice. doug, jean, henri, guy, larry, guy, serge, guy.butch…hey i could go on forever…bob is right behind sam pollack in making the moves that not everyone agrees with but watch us get stronger… go habs go …and to all the rest of you whiney assed cry babies …move to toronto and go get whatever action you can get because you have something in common with bohecapsie.idaho…no nhl team. adios you wannna be hab fans
July 7, 2008 pm31 9:28 pm
I agree there is room for imrovement. But I also beleive, as I think you do, that Gorges and O’Byrne will be better this year. I don’t beleive that the habs need to go and sign a free agent defenceman when the price is high right now. Thber is a lot of room and ability to trade during the season when strengths and weaknesses of this team are better known.
July 7, 2008 pm31 9:28 pm
Since Georges Laraque comes, I don’t even think we need any expensive players.
As I have been talking long enough that the Habs only need a Enforcer Forward. Here we go, Laraque!
(Wikipedia highlights of Laraque
Georges Laraque (born December 7, 1976) is a professional ice hockey forward, and a radio host for CFRN. He is currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League. He is an enforcer.)
July 7, 2008 pm31 9:29 pm
Oh by the way I like Dandenault as a utility player and I have said that many times. However, it all depends how fast our defensive draft picks develop. If one or two are ready this year then we have some available defenceman to trade.
July 7, 2008 pm31 9:31 pm
we must buy dandy out
July 7, 2008 pm31 9:33 pm
Habs PP long shot: Souray did well; then Steit did well.
Who will be playing the role in 2008 season???
July 7, 2008 pm31 9:40 pm
Dandy is an asset. There will be no buyout.
July 7, 2008 pm31 9:41 pm
My bet is Markov kicks in more offence this year.
July 7, 2008 pm31 9:44 pm
I see your point about the timing of picking up a FA defenseman, however, I do not think we need to spend big money on a free agent defenseman but 1.5-2M if we can get a good steady defencemen nothing flashy then I believe that we built from the net out. We have one of the best Offenses in the league and it got better this year with the addition of Tanguay and Laraque as support. The one place we have not improved is defense Laraque will help out defense somewhat with the physical play but we still need to improve in that area if we are going to challenge for the cup. I also agree with you that O’Byrne and Gorges will be better this year hopefully they have not peaked in their development.
July 7, 2008 pm31 9:57 pm
If I had to bet money on who has the most upside of all the young players we saw for the first time last year it would be O’Byrne. I think he has the ability to be a monster on defence. And I agree with you regarding making room for young defence as it becomes available. Young developing players are cheaper and often better than free agents at this time of year.
That’s why I think there is no rush to get an expensive free agent defenceman right now. And not many available would be happy with being the #5 or 6 defenceman.
July 7, 2008 pm31 10:09 pm
on the PP 1st unit point:Markov and Koivu. on the 2nd PP unit point: Roman Hamrlik and Pavel Valentenko/or Sergei kostitsyn. so we take Boullion out for a while for Valentenko. Trust me I like Boullion but Valentenko is souray,markov and komi or rhino burn combined after 5-10years in the NHL. If Gainey does it it will be worth it.
July 7, 2008 pm31 10:25 pm
I would have to agree that OByrne is the one defenceman that is worked into the lineup this year that he should be ready for the NHL, however I would not be surprised if we can get a #4 to #6 that Gainey will make the move. He did not pick Henry for nothing, he expects Obyne to make the big team and maybe one more will be brought up from Hamilton to see what they can do. It may be a revolving door for about three defenceman in Hamilton give each one their chance to prove they belong. Some asked who would take Streit’s place. Right now I do see anyone on the current defence that can handle that positon. So we may see a forward back there for three quarters of the powerplay. In my opinion we still need to upgrade our defence either from within or from outside. If the right player is available then we should get him. If not we may have to trade for him sometime late in the fall. I do not think you can wait until the trading deadline to add that important of a part to your team because it takes time for the player to adjust to the new team and system.
July 7, 2008 pm31 10:40 pm
I am not familiar with Valentenko all I know is he is 20 years old and probably is a work in progress. Hopefully, he is a keeper.
July 7, 2008 pm31 10:41 pm
If we lose Koivu we won’t win the cup. Sudin might have more points but won’t have the heart. We would lose to philly in the 2nd round lol. hes our captain not sundin. i rather keep koivu and sign o’sully and shanny.
July 7, 2008 pm31 10:57 pm
Re: Demitra, Primeau, Morrison I still say we don’t need a Lady Byng winner [demitra], even though I like him a lot- he has skills we already have. As a third line shut down center I love primeau, I know he has injury concerns [less than Demitra, though], but he is as close to Gainey the player as there’s been lately. Morrison could also do that job, but may not be ready to accept third line status. Some have spoken about Fedorov, and I’m starting to come around because he could be poit on the #1 PP with Markov, and be above average shut-down center.
On D, our top 3 are obvious. I like O’Byrne and still don’t know why he sat for so much of the playoffs, but is he #4 on a cup team already?
July 7, 2008 pm31 10:58 pm
Valentenko is also a rugged SOB
July 7, 2008 pm31 11:01 pm
Timmins on Pacioretty, Fischer, McDonagh, and Weber:
http://www.habsinsideout.com/main/8705
July 7, 2008 pm31 11:11 pm
Well I guess we all have out opinion on Sundin but I believe you are wrong about Sundin. He has heart and he has carried the leafs on his back for a number of years knowing full well they had a poor team and yet they still had a chance of making the playoffs every year right up to the end. You certainly could not fault Sundin for the leafs not making the playoff, it takes a lot of heart to work that hard when you are on a loosing team with no support on your line or on your team. I would hate to loose Koivu too but he has slipped every year and here is a stat for you he has only scored 20 goals twice in his career with the habs and although he has heart we need more than his heart we need someone that will go out and score when needed. Here is another stat for you Koivu has only played more than 80 games a season three times in his career,average 14 goals and less than 50 points per season. Sundin has player 80 or more games 10 years and has averaged more than 30 goals and 78 points per year. To me anyone to questions his heart and/or his abilities to help this team is being to anti leaf and not recognizing his abilities. These fact do not lie, and as they say the proof in in the pudding.
July 7, 2008 pm31 11:39 pm
first of all, dont bash on koivu cuz he could have had 90 points last year if higgins would have scored on half the open nets he missed and also ryder was on the last year of his contract and tried to do too much so he would look good instead of sticking to what he did best the previous three seasons. As for the defense, im not worried about it at all since we have one of the top defenses in the league right now (dont look at the playoffs where markov and komi were hurt) and for the next 10 to 15 years. Gorges and bouillon are a good pair of 5th and 6th defensemen while i think o’byrne will be paired up with hamrlik again as he was last year but i think he’s more ready for it this year.
July 7, 2008 pm31 11:41 pm
David Desharnais sounds like a Grabovski type of player, only younger. That would explain why we traded Grabovski.
July 7, 2008 pm31 11:42 pm
The only reason the habs wont buy out dandenault and carbs has said it himself is because we have to pay him two thirds of his original salary (from 1.7 million to 1.2 million) and then we have to replace him with someone getting payed 500,000 so it comes out to the same thing anyway. might as well keep him for his experience and use him as a utility player instead of bringing up some random guy who hasn’t layed an nhl game in his life.
July 7, 2008 pm31 11:46 pm
Sundin won’t be the same here! Do u think he’s just gonig to forget those days in toronto. He’s a great leader but when we play the leafs he’ll feel really bad. there must be a way to keep both. just put Plekanec on the 1st line. He used to play wing. If we won the cup, It wouldn’t feel right without Saku. If we bought out Dandenault that’s a mill. then trade boullion for a Draft pick. then we have 11 Mill re-sign the RFA’S then u still have around 7 Mill to get Sundin. Sundin is better I admitt it. But letting go of Koivu and brining in sundin could ruin the chemistry. Kovalev wouldn’t be as good either, him and Koivu get along very well. I understand that he’s not as offensive as the other guys but he was our best player in the playoffs. We all know that we’re coming 1st in the east already. It’ time to build for the playoffs.
July 7, 2008 pm31 11:48 pm
Seems to me we should be able to get at least a 2nd Round draft pick for Dandenault from a team like Phoenix that needs helps defensively, or even Florida. Gainey is waiting for Sundin to make up his mind, but after that he will make a move.
July 7, 2008 pm31 11:50 pm
remember the last time we went crazy during free agency. Samsonov,Johnson = no playoffs. Sundin is great but do you want to risk the chemistry our team has. Our team plays more like a team than any other team in the NHL!!! Everyone likes eachother, trading the heart of the franchise could reck thecore of the habs!!
July 7, 2008 pm31 11:51 pm
If Gainey gets Sundin and keeps Koivu, forget what I’m saying lol.Imagine if Pleks could go back to wing! PLEX-SUNDIN-KOVALEV = CASH MONEY!!!!
July 8, 2008 pm31 12:21 am
Thanks for the link, Radical dude.
And getting Sundin does not mean getting rid of Koivu. The coach and the players can handle that. How’s this: Sundin Tanguay S.Kots // Plek Kovi A.Kots[don't break these guys up]// Higgins Koivu Latendresse// LaPierre Begin Laraque
That third line is not your traditional shut down line, but the 4th line is better suited to that role anyway. You could roll those lines against anybody!
July 8, 2008 pm31 1:03 am
i would switch lapierre to third line center and bring down lats. and switch koivu to 1s instead of sk. this gives us a big fourth line that can hit with the best of em and give our other lines a chance to do whatever they want without worrying about it, a good mix of speed and **** disturbers (sk and lapierre) on the third line which would shut down other lines well, a solid proven line that we all know can score with the second line and a talented first line where koivu would play wing (i think he has tried it in the past and if he hasnt he better learn quick lol). defense: markov-komi (given), hamrlik-o’byrne (did well last year) and gorges-boullion (solid and not too expensive third pairing). What do u all think? any changes?
July 8, 2008 pm31 1:08 am
at 7.5 mil we can afford sundin and sign our rfa’s. If gainey can i’d like to see him trade dandy for some picks and bring up valentenko as a 7th defenseman while we would have kostopoulos and maybe stewart as our 13th and 14th forwards. I dont want to see a buyout though.
July 8, 2008 pm31 7:44 am
We’ll have to make a move though, to free some cap space after we get Sundin. I rather lose Boullion and Dandy. I also want to see Chipchura get ice time.
July 8, 2008 pm31 9:16 am
I’d like to lose my “Love handles”…………..
July 8, 2008 pm31 10:37 am
another great move by gainey and carbo ,signing that great offenceive player ryan finn dont need sundin now what a joke
July 8, 2008 pm31 10:55 am
Flinn has to be a fill-in for Hamilton. He’s just a fighter from what I can see, and we don’t need that. Is it a two way contract?
Right now, you could slide Chipchura into the third line and move Koivu between S,Kots and Tanguay and the lines still look like post 265. That leaves Tom K. and Smolinski off the roster.
July 8, 2008 pm31 11:46 am
I don’t want to lose anyone liek Koivu, if that’s on Gainey’s mind. I rather just get Gratton and Shanny. Shanny really wants to win a cup and Gratton is getting old also. This will be a very good chance for them to do it, and they will both be very good believe it or not. lol I know Sundin is the big Centremen that we’ve been looking for but I’m not losing my captain. If we can get Sundin without losing anyone huge go for it!
July 8, 2008 pm31 4:38 pm
Great deal on Halak, 2 years 750k per season, I thought he was a gonner.
July 8, 2008 pm31 5:31 pm
Halak will earn $750kthis year and 800k next season. Hence the 1.55 mil contract.
July 8, 2008 pm31 5:40 pm
Know one wants to get rid of Koivu including me, however, the original discussion was about obtaining a top five draft pick to replace Koivu in one to three years. Someone commented that we need to work on our offensive draft picks. Also, Plex may have played wing before but do you really want to stop his development as a centre while he has the experience wingers like Kovalev to help in his development. I do not think moving him to wing is a good idea. He is our second line centre right now and long into the future. If I were going to move anyone it would be Koivu to wing. He does not mind playing along the boards and he protects the puck well. That allows Plex to develop at the centre position. I do not think he would survive in a heavy hitting series on the wing.
July 8, 2008 pm31 5:52 pm
I agree with you 100% Senet.
July 8, 2008 pm31 5:57 pm
Then sign Patrick O’Sullivan this guy is a superstar. He got 53 pts on the second line with the kings! Imagine if he was on the 1st line of the canadiens! 90 pts!!! I just want to win the cup. We won’t win it without Saku. I do understand all of your points very well, I’m not mad at u man, It’s the damn situation I’m in lol. get Sundin lose someone, Don’t get Sundin and ur chances of winning the cup are as great as Pitts.
July 8, 2008 pm31 6:16 pm
the habs are trying to get o’sullivan but the only way were getting him is through a trade, were not giving him an offer sheet we still need our picks to draft some offensive guys to replace koivu and kovalev in a couple of years. what do u think the habs would give LA? i’m sure they’d want a roster player and probably a good prospect. i’d say maybe lats or lapierre and david fisher (he’s not completely developed yet so i’m not too sure what he’ll become).
July 8, 2008 pm31 6:20 pm
give them Boullion and Dandenault. La is stuggling, they have no defence. Boullion is sick and Dandy needs help lol. Give them Dave Fisher.
July 8, 2008 pm31 6:24 pm
I would not trade Lats, Lappierre maybe Fisher. Lats is a big kid that should start to come into his own maybe this year or next year. He has improved his defensive game this year and still scored 16 goals, hopefully next year he becomes tougher along the boards and improves to 20+ goals. You cannot trade this kind of player, we are trying to find this kind of player right now with no luck. Lappierre is the spark on the third line he stays as far as I am concerned. O-Sullivan is a average plus player but not worth giving up current roster players to get him. If he was he would not be bouncing around from team to team.
July 8, 2008 pm31 6:30 pm
thats only because LA is having trouble signing him and by the way he’s only 21 years old so how can u call him average when he got 53 points at that age last year. I agree with you on lats i think he can get better and score a lot of goals. as for lapierre i think you have overrated him because i think chipchura will be our third line center within the next two years if not this year and also higgins can play center. I dont think lapierre is good enough to be a third line player right now and o’sullivan is an easy second liner.
July 8, 2008 pm31 6:31 pm
but if we get him we wont be able to afford mats so i guess we should wait and see what hapens with him first we can always make that trade later if we want
July 8, 2008 pm31 6:40 pm
Sorry got the wrong Osullivan?
July 8, 2008 pm31 6:43 pm
Well Word has it out of Montreal web site that Chipchur could be used as trade bait so don’t sell Lappierre short he was one of our best playoff players last year as far as energy is concerned and played rather well defensively as well. I would bet money he stays before Chipchura, although I like chipchura too. Problem is we have a lot of good third and fourth line players available and we cannot keep them all.
July 8, 2008 pm31 6:52 pm
then i’d rather get rid of guys with higher salaries like lapierre, dandy or bouillon instead of chipchura
July 8, 2008 pm31 6:57 pm
Trade Latalentless. he’s worthless. Scratch that. He is worth something- a bag of pucks! what a loser! go get O’Sullivan. Now that kid is going to be a star. 22 goals on a 2nd line, on 1 of the worsat teams in the NHL. Go get him Bob!
July 8, 2008 pm31 7:05 pm
You should look at Latendresse stats. He has been in the league two years scored 16 goals each year, this year he improved his plus minus by 18 goals. He is only 21 years old. He already gave up on one power forward when we lost LeClair and he killed us every time we played agains him. I would suggest that if Latendresse had not played in the NHL in his rookie year and stayed one more year in Junior he would be a better player than he is but that is always a hard decision to make for a GM. He is going to develop into a power forward, something we are looking for and could have used in the playoffs this year. He need to mature. He is a big kid that needs time to develop. It would be a foolish move to get rid of him. If he does not develop in two years then that is the time to unload him but not now. O got OSullivan mixed up with Sullivan the small speedy forward who has been around for a number of years. I agree that this guy looks good and would definitely be a player to sign if we could get him. But lets keep the big guys we got they are hard to find.
July 8, 2008 pm31 7:18 pm
Another note on Lapierre, he had the third most hits 31 of all our players in the (12) playoffs GAMES and he has the third best percentage of all our penalty killers, only Higgins and Kovalev have better percentages in short handed situations. This guy reminds me a lot of Carbo in his youth and I do not think any of you would have traded carbo. He is our guy that gets under other players skin. These guys are hard to find as well and every team needs one.
July 8, 2008 pm31 7:56 pm
hes basically a chicken with his head cut off lol doesnt really know what he’s doing. he has no hockey sense at all but he is energetic so hes kind of useful for the pk, other than that though hes pretty bad and very replaceable
July 8, 2008 pm31 8:11 pm
random predction but I the our 4th round draft pick G Jason Missaen or whatever will be Price’s back up in 2 years(I think after this year Desis will sign for 1 more year then because of Missaen, Halak will NOT be back because that’s when his contract expires and bececause Price will get all the minutes he will want to go somewhere he can have a chance to play) And think about it: he’s 6″8 and he’s 18 so he’s still growing. He is huge in net. I think he can be 6″10 and a half and be taller then Chara! And also to me he is my wildcard for the next Patrick Roy. hey the were both 4th round picks AND those picks were from not the habs picks but picks they traded for. Just a predication guys don’t be harsh on me about this.
Pricefor#1job
July 8, 2008 pm31 8:21 pm
IPricefor#1job: IF YOU ARE RIGHT THEN Halik is only here for one year and he will be traded before the end of his contract. In that case hope he shows that he has something in the games he does get into because if he does I expect there will be a lot of teams that will need a goalie by next year. He will be good trade bait.
July 8, 2008 pm31 8:23 pm
289 naslund19: Well although I respect your opinion. But respectfully disagree, about Lapierre. I like his style and I believe that he will prove you wrong .
July 8, 2008 pm31 8:53 pm
The Fans in here can Praise Carbonneau & Gainey all they want.
Carbonneau is an IDIOT. Just like many players that were forced out of Montreal because of the Coach, Carbonneau is another one.
Gainey is a Great Man BUT he will not lead Montreal to the Promise Land.
Carbonneau has always had the “I’m better than you” attitude. He has always had a chip on his shoulder. He went up to Montreal and felt he had to be on the first line. He had attitude in Dallas…..
Montreal Management have always traded away star players and will do again.
Former players on Montreal should never coach that team. It never works out….
July 8, 2008 pm31 9:13 pm
Well I would not say it never works, Toe Blake one of the best coaches canadiens ever had. scotty Bowman played for/in the montreal system and would have played for the canadiens had he not got the eye injury.
July 8, 2008 pm31 9:17 pm
So here we have this Habs Die Hard Fan, who just saw his team play the best they have played in 15 years. Improve from a non playoff team to a first place team and has three former players as coaches as well as a GM and this never works. Our coaches are bad and our GM will never produce a cup team. These four have been in the system now for what three years in total and we have had the most exciting team in years and all we hear is negative because our coach is an idiot and the GM not smart enought to produce a winner! Man I think I will give up on these guys right now and cheer for the leafs??????????????
July 8, 2008 pm31 9:31 pm
How to Become an NHL Head Coach
Hey kids, wanna grow up to be an NHL head coach? No problem, the “formula” is dead easy. We’ll even give you tips on the path you’ll need to follow to get a top job in the NBA, NFL or Major League Baseball.
First, you will need to make it to the NHL as a player. The majority (19 of 30) of active NHL coaches played in the league.
July 8, 2008 pm31 9:41 pm
We will see Senet1 won’t we……….
July 8, 2008 pm31 10:17 pm
Yes I GUESS WE WILL BUT I AM NOT ABOUT TO GIVE UP ON MY TEAM BECAUSE OF SOME FOOLISH NOTION THAT BECAUSE THE COACH AND GM WERE PLAYERS THAT THIS TEAM CANNOT IMPROVE ENOUGH TO WIN. IF YOU HAVE THEN I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU FIND ANOTHER TEAM TO CHEER FOR.
July 8, 2008 pm31 10:30 pm
Carbo is far from an idiot. He very easily could have been considered the coach of the year last year.
July 8, 2008 pm31 10:35 pm
Gainey is the best GM in the business.
July 8, 2008 pm31 10:41 pm
And Senet, stop yelling.
July 8, 2008 pm31 10:43 pm
Carbonneau was quoted as late as yesterday that he thinks Sundin will sign with the Habs. I would think his comment carries more weight than any of us — he is an insider.
July 8, 2008 pm31 10:47 pm
He said he lieks our chances to get him. that is good. but I just hope we don’t lose anyone valuable.
July 8, 2008 pm31 10:49 pm
Why would we? You are always worrying for no reason.
July 8, 2008 pm31 10:52 pm
“Carbonneau told the Gazette he believed Sundin will eventually sign with the Habs.” Here’s the link:
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/mtl080708.html
July 8, 2008 pm31 10:55 pm
301 Radical Dude
I THINK HE GOT MY POINT YOU OBVIOUSLY DID. My appolgies if I offended you.
July 8, 2008 pm31 11:11 pm
TSN says that Demimitra first choice is to sign with Vancouver.
July 8, 2008 pm31 11:12 pm
demitra’s*
July 9, 2008 pm31 10:01 am
not to be a complete *** about this, but….. wouldn’t u guys rather have him for 1 season, that way we can have a better chance re-signing ou guys next year.
July 9, 2008 pm31 10:54 am
Well, Federov is gone; but 4M/yr is more than I would want to pay him
July 9, 2008 pm31 11:26 am
Signing Halak is a great move in case Price slides or gets hurt.If Pavol D signs with Canucks as it looks like he might then Habs chances for Sundin go up a bit I think.When you look at all the crazy signings there are few if any I wish the Habs had matched.Look to continue farm system growth and sign the young guys like Komasarek to long term deals.
July 9, 2008 pm31 12:46 pm
are u sure Halak will win the position over Denis? I liek Halak more, but how could you be so sure? Denis might get his game back in front of his home town!(but i doubt it.) I would sign Higgy and Komi 6 years worth 2-3 Mill. remember if we want to re-sign these guys we need money and Sundin will take it all away! We could see alot of players leaving if we get Sundin!:(
July 9, 2008 pm31 12:46 pm
Federov is still a great player, and was my 2nd choice all along. The fact that Gainey didn’t go after him after he has said he would like to play in Montreal tells me that there is a high degree of probability we will sign Sundin.
July 9, 2008 pm31 12:49 pm
Komasarev will be in high demand and there is no way he will get less than $5M/yr. Probably closer to $6M, depending on how this season goes. Higgins maybe, but never Komy in the price range you are talking about. Did you see what Campbell got in Chicago? I would take Komy over Campbell any day of the week.
July 9, 2008 pm31 12:52 pm
Komy is from NY, and both NY teams will be bidding for him big time next year.
July 9, 2008 pm31 12:58 pm
that’s why we need to re-sign him! Higgins will re-sign no prob, the habs were his fav team growing up as a kid, I don’t know about Komi. Komisarek would take less then 5 Mill though. If it gets to the free Agent market, then no. I understand what Senet1 was saying now. Trade Koivu and get a pick in the top 5. clear up some cap space.(I cant believe I’m saying this.)lol
July 9, 2008 pm31 12:59 pm
speaking of defensemen in our system I wish p.k. subban was a couple years older….he would be a great PP guy, 15 goals & 56 pts, in 68 games and 13 pts, +11 in 15 playoff games with Belleville. He’s a good shooter, but still defensively responsible. Can’t wait to see him and Pacioretty (fantastic power forward) in Hamilton (my hometown). But I think O’Byrne is ready to step into the #4 position. My only concern on defense right now is who do you put on the point on the PP beside Markov?
In Gainey we trust.
July 9, 2008 pm31 1:00 pm
Komy is an UFA. Of course it will “get to the free agent market”. He is not stupid.
July 9, 2008 pm31 1:02 pm
As Timmins said, defensemen take longer to develop. He isn’t even talking about Subban yet. Subban is probably about 5th or 6th in the pipeline, behind McDonagh, Fischer, Weber, Carle, and Valentenko.
July 9, 2008 pm31 1:06 pm
318 alias
Posted on July 9th, 2008 at 12:59 pm. About ‘Free Agent Frenzy?’.
speaking of defensemen in our system I wish p.k. subban was a couple years older….he would be a great PP guy, 15 goals & 56 pts, in 68 games and 13 pts, +11 in 15 playoff games with Belleville. He’s a good shooter, but still defensively responsible. Can’t wait to see him and Pacioretty (fantastic power forward) in Hamilton (my hometown). But I think O’Byrne is ready to step into the #4 position. My only concern on defense right now is who do you put on the point on the PP beside Markov?
In Gainey we trust.
Pricefor#1job: Hey that’s where I live too!
July 9, 2008 pm31 1:07 pm
You Put Valentenko there so he can show us what he can do
July 9, 2008 pm31 1:08 pm
then hamrlik and sergei Kostitsyn
July 9, 2008 pm31 1:16 pm
319 Radical Dude
Posted on July 9th, 2008 at 1:02 pm. About ‘Free Agent Frenzy?’.
As Timmins said, defensemen take longer to develop. He isn’t even talking about Subban yet. Subban is probably about 5th or 6th in the pipeline, behind McDonagh, Fischer, Weber, Carle, and Valentenko.
Which is why I said I wish he were a couple years older
July 9, 2008 pm31 1:19 pm
Don’t trade Koivu just yet! First give him a chance to win a Stanley Cup in Montreal this Spring, he deserves that opportunity. With Sundin, I would have to say Habs become co-favorites to win the Cup, along with Detroit. Pittsburgh will take a step back this year, they’ve lost too many players in free agency.
July 9, 2008 pm31 1:21 pm
Marc Denis will not take Halak’s job. Halak is a future #1 goalie….Denis is there simply so Halak doesn’t waste his time on the bench all year. Like Price last year he will be sent down from time to time for “conditioning” and he will be groomed for a starting position, most likely elsewhere, but they want to increase his trade value first. Great signing by Gainey to keep Halak for 2 years. We will get a great value for him before his contract expires, I guarantee it. We have some good goalies in our system, (Desjardins, and now Missiaen) IMO Denis is simply there for his experience for those youngsters and to keep Halak conditioned, and progressing.
July 9, 2008 pm31 1:40 pm
I want to keep Koivu soo bad, but I can’t see anyone wanting Dandenault or Boullion to free up some cap. but there will be a trade guy, because were not ready to let some RFA’s go.
July 9, 2008 pm31 1:52 pm
Dandenault and Bouillon will both be expiring, as will Kotsopoulous and Begin. I think Higgins might be one that will be traded. He has trade value. Let’s see how Tanguay performs this year. And remember, Sundin, if he signs, will probably only play for 2 more years. A year after that, Hamarlik’s salary will be off the books. It seems now that NHL Hockey is as much about financial management as it is about hockey.
July 9, 2008 pm31 1:56 pm
I have to get going, I’ll talk to you later. Enjoy your day, and our soon to be great hockey team. And stop worrying so much, you’re worse than my mother! lol
July 9, 2008 pm31 2:02 pm
Well if ur saying Higgy might be traded, that’s very bad. He has some heart and he would re-sign for cheap also.
July 9, 2008 pm31 2:32 pm
I think we may see Higgy go to one of the NY teams in the future because he has stated that he would love to play in his own backyard. It would suck losing him but like everyone is saying- He does have a bit of trade value and potential. We would probably get a good return.
July 9, 2008 pm31 2:35 pm
Don’t get rid of Bouillon or Dandenault. As 5,6,7 D they are fine, and Dan may be dandy on the PP. You don’t need a booming shot [even Brisebois showed that], just accurate passing and shots on net [Streit missed the net all playoffs]. Especially if Latendresse figures out how to park his big body and deflect or rebound. I agree that O’Byrne is ready as a 4th D, but add a veteran and then you’ve got Gorges and O’B as your 3rd pair, not many teams could match that. That would leave Bouillon as spare, injury protection and regretably trade bait. In the past 4 years no one has hustled as much for the Habs, I’d like him to win a cup [oops, did I just say that...OK I'll take a few deep breaths, now
]
Komisarek is going to get big money, but not huge. He can’t skate like Campbell, and doesn’t have the flashy numbers. I think he’s more valuable, but GMs like scoring stats more than hits and blocked shots. I’d say 5M /yr for 5 years- that’s nearly what the Ilse gave Streit for one good offensive year. Bob will be working hard to extend these guys before free-agency. He’s always been known as a GM who rewards his veterans.
July 9, 2008 pm31 2:43 pm
Emery is going to Russia:
Emery’s agent J.P. Barry to the Sun Media. “I think if people knew the things that he’s done over the last little while to turn the corner, there might be more interest out there.
Does that mean he’s putting the white powder and all night parties with beautiful women behind him? [I am NOT jealous]. 2M /yr will buy lots of fun anywhere. To be honest, I hope he pulls himself out of it, he’s a real fighter on the ice [pun kind of intended], and I hate to see talent wasted on frugs. I think Ottawa is still going to find themselves hard pressed to get through a round in the playoffs with the goalies they have.
July 9, 2008 pm31 3:17 pm
The bottom line is were gonig to be trading players away for cap space. I don’t want good players to go, that’s why I’m saying Dandy and Boullion.
July 9, 2008 pm31 3:37 pm
You “arm chair” GM’s make me laugh…………HE, HE, HE
July 9, 2008 pm31 4:28 pm
Montreal re-signs Josh Gorges.
July 9, 2008 pm31 7:30 pm
dandy and boullion’s contracts will b up next year so they’ll free up about 2 million in cap space if we bring up two defencemen from the minors at 800,000 each. we should get another 6 milion when the cap goes up again next year. this should give us enough to keep sundin, kovalev, koivu at the same price and give raises to plex, higgins and komi. i would say komi should get 5 million, plex 3.9 million and higgins 3.1 million. that would be an addition of 5 million from what we’ll have this year if you take out boullion and dandy. we could give the last million to chipchura
July 9, 2008 pm31 7:35 pm
gorges signed for 1.1 million per year for the next three years. that means we won’t have enough cap room to sign mats and o’byrne… trade dany for a draft pick, any pick it doesn’t matter lol. bring up valentenko at 850,000 and we save 1 million dollars. it all works out. we can give o’byrne 1.4 mil and sundin 7 mil.
July 9, 2008 pm31 7:55 pm
Assuming O’Byrne is the next one to sign, our defence pairings are all set now. The key is O’Byrne, he has to prove he can be consistently dependable and a punishing hitter — we need that from him. Josh Gorges and Komi will be even better this year.
Komisarek — Markhov
O’Byrne — Hamrlik
Bouillon — Gorges
For backup, we have Dandenault until he gets traded, Alex Henry, the guy we signed last week, Valentenko if he’s ready, and Mathieu Carle later in the year as he improves. From what I’ve heard, Alexei Yemelin is good enough right now to be a #3 or #4 defenceman in this league, but he’s locked up by his Russian club for a couple of more years.
July 9, 2008 pm31 8:12 pm
with the amount of great defensive prospects we have i’m surprised we haven’t used a couple as trade bait to go after some young and nhl ready players from teams that are taking picks to rebuild. for example if the sundin signing fails, we could get patrick o’sullivan from LA 21 years old 53 pts last year on the second line. plus i’ve already heard the canadiens have shown iterest in him and were talking to LA a couple of days ago. could be a solid plan-B.
July 9, 2008 pm31 10:11 pm
Well I hope you guys are right about our defence, to me we still need to add an experience defenceman to be around for two years until the youth movement takes over. As I see it we had two weaknesses in the playoffs this year and one was defence and the other was a power forward up front. If you look at what beat us most it was our defence, they did not protect Price at all and Philly’s power forwards had their way with our defence, basically they made Price look bad at times when technically it was not his fault on many of the goals. That is my concern so I hope I am wrong and you guys are right?
July 9, 2008 pm31 10:18 pm
don’t look at the playoffs, komi and markov were playing injured. komi wasn’t able to dish out the huge hits and markov was scared of his own shadow. take any team in the nhl and take away their top two defenceman and their defence will also look bad. Some of it was price’s fault though… it’s all part of his development and the experience will make him better for years to come.
July 9, 2008 pm31 10:39 pm
I cannot disagree with what you are saying but Komy and Markov were not on the ice all the time and Hamrlik played his heart out but could not make up for the mistakes of the other guys. I respect what you are saying but to me we still need that one more experience blueliner.
July 9, 2008 pm31 10:40 pm
Can never have enough good D men.
July 9, 2008 pm31 10:43 pm
Smith would have been great
July 10, 2008 pm31 11:09 am
A Goalie is only good as his D-Men. Price is screened on 90% of his goals allowed. The D-men must clear the players out of Price’s way.
Look who Dryden had in front of him. Robinson, Lapointe, Savard….
July 10, 2008 pm31 1:58 pm
HockeyBuzz.com said that there sources telling him that the hab’s back up plan could be to get Patrick Marleau.
July 10, 2008 pm31 1:59 pm
so sundin and primeau is all that’s left for the habs
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=243038&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl
July 10, 2008 pm31 2:22 pm
On bidding Sundin:
Vancouver has 10,069,167 cap space now. That’s the bidding value for Sundin.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/cap-central/team.php?team=VAN
Montreal has 7,506,366 ca[ space now. That’s also the bidding value for Sundin.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/cap-central/team.php?team=MON
For both teams, wait (and trade) or run away.
July 10, 2008 pm31 3:32 pm
If we can’s sign sundin or primeau the 1st thing I would do is re-sign O’Byrne and surprising to you guys Brisebois. You have to remember he led our defencemen in points in the most important part of the season the playoffs withh 7 or 6 points.
July 10, 2008 pm31 3:32 pm
with*
July 10, 2008 pm31 3:48 pm
Hot of the press!!!!
Gainey is in Sweden where he and Sundin have a verbal agreement. Sundin will sign with the Habs at 7.45 million for one year.
Oh Happy Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 10, 2008 pm31 4:02 pm
SOURCE????
July 10, 2008 pm31 4:15 pm
Come on, DieHard, don’t be joking like this.
July 10, 2008 pm31 5:10 pm
well demitra singed with the canucks
July 10, 2008 pm31 5:53 pm
His source is that little voice in his head.
July 10, 2008 pm31 6:06 pm
DieHard, we are dying here, man. Fess up, where did you hear this?
July 10, 2008 pm31 7:01 pm
Relax guys, he made it up. Can’t you tell?
July 10, 2008 pm31 7:21 pm
Marleau won’t come here if we try to get him he has a NTC and won’t waive it. I think if sundin doesn’t end up here the habs will go after schneider to rplace streit on the pp and hes also an ex-hab from the last cup run in 93. If we still want that forward gainey can go after o’sullivan instead of schneider. he’s young and would fit in well with us for a good number of years. Plus he’s rly good so that doesn’t hurt either
July 10, 2008 pm31 7:28 pm
No way we’re getting Schneider at $5.9M
July 10, 2008 pm31 7:42 pm
not saying he’s worth it just saying we have the cap room withot sundin and this is the last year of his contract so we don’t even have to sign him next year
July 10, 2008 pm31 8:56 pm
The Mats Update: Jason Smith to Ottawa (e5) Demitra done as well to Van?
July 8, 2008, 3:41 PM ET [704 Comments]
Rumours on Mats have started to accelerate today AGAIN.
There are some reports tha Mats is in Vancouver. I believe this to be the case based on my best guess, but I have yet to confirm this.
However, a source in Sweden who has been pretty good so far when it comes to Sundin and Foppa news tells me that Mats will NOT wait long to decide and that he does feel a sense of duty to the Canadiens, Canucks, and Leafs.
Another source told me that he had heard that Mats is leaning heavily towards a decision this weekend and that from all he has heard Mats may ask for a one year deal in Montreal.
“Gainey thoroughly impressed Mats, and although you often hear this sort of thing out there when teams are talking to players you honestly can’t get two people who are more true to their word and respectful of the situation than Mats and Bob.”
July 10, 2008 pm31 9:08 pm
Old news, Senet.
July 10, 2008 pm31 9:41 pm
Just confirming what someone else said. Not need to be critical
July 11, 2008 pm31 4:40 am
Ben Maxwell sounds like a pretty good offensive player, and has decent size. He’ll probably play around 195. Has anyone seen him skate?
http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=368114
July 11, 2008 pm31 4:52 am
Latest Sundin buzz:
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=16186
July 11, 2008 pm31 6:48 am
(I have a hockey tournament that’s why I’m up so early-6:45 lol) anyways things are starting to sound band for the habs. That’s if u want Sundin because It sounds like he’s getting close to the Canucks.
July 11, 2008 pm31 6:51 am
guys, I think It’s a win/win situation because we could get Mats and lose some players, we could lose Mats get Shanny(He really wants to play here) and don’t lose anyone!:) I know he’s expensive but Shneider would be nice.
July 11, 2008 pm31 9:10 am
If no Mats Sundin, Shanny & O’Sullivan would be nice! Some great leadership and real good young talent. Plus about 15 years ago when Shanny was on the Blues I had him sign my Habs hat….It’d just be cool to say he played for the team 15 years after he signed that hat!
July 11, 2008 pm31 9:13 am
I don’t think Schneider is a good idea….too much money for a guy that won’t make as much of an impact as a long term young forward like O’Sullivan or a strong forward like Mats or Shanny. At this point any short term investment needs to be to add size and leadership in front of the net.
July 11, 2008 pm31 10:01 am
Hey guys, another name to throw in the pot: Vasicek, big, skilled, should come relatively cheap. More solid than O’Sullivan, and still only 26. Van blogs are claiming Mats now [DieHard, too!], but if we don’t sign him, any big forwards still out there become more valuable
alias, I think Shanny is too old to contribute meaningfully, and will steal icetime from the K-kids. If he comes at a cup discount OK
We actually need a center to replace Smolinski on the third line. Vasicek might be the best guy [others to consider:Grats, Pohl (yes, a Leaf), and Konopka
July 11, 2008 pm31 10:42 am
konopka signed a 2 year deal with tampa yesterday
July 11, 2008 pm31 1:29 pm
Hey guys I just put this up to break the tension.
Our lines WITH Sundin: 1st line LW Sundin C Koivu RW KOVALEV
2nd line LW A.Kostitsyn C Plekanec RW S.Kostitsyn
3rd line LW Higgins C Chipchura RW Latendresse
4th line LW Kostopoulos C Begin RW Laraque
July 11, 2008 pm31 1:30 pm
Sorry forget my last comment I forgot Tanguay:D
July 11, 2008 pm31 1:34 pm
OK so: 1st 1st line LW Tanguay C Koivu RW Kovalev
2nd 1st line LW Plekanec C Sundin RW A.Kostitsyn
2nd line