7th Defense spot up for grabs

J.P Cote who was considered the probable front runner to complete the Canadiens defense was injured in yesterdays training camp after Aaron Downey fell on his knee.

Cote will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury.

This leaves the 7th defenseman spot wide open.

Who will step up and get the chance to star the season with the big team?

It won’t be James Sanford. Habs prospect James Sanford was sent home by Guy Carbonneau who was not impressed with his physical conditioning. It must be kind of embarrassing to be the first person cut and for being out of shape.

Dan Jancevski is the only other prospect with NHL experience. Although very little, 2 games.

But The Canadiens signed him this summer for a reason. They must like something about him. At 25 he’s paid his dues in the minors and this might be his lucky break.

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21 Comments

#1 nilan says:
September 18, 2006 at 7:55 am

I had not even heard of a potential injury. That would be a shame for Cote, who has certainly done what the club has asked of him. This in no way reinforces my confidence in the Habs D for the opening of the season.

#2 Alestar says:
September 18, 2006 at 8:32 am

How does a proffesional hockey player, in this day and age, show up for camp out of shape?!? Two years in a row!!!

Does James Sanford work at a “Krispy Kreme” in the off-season?

18

#3 Lafreniere says:
September 18, 2006 at 9:00 am

That’s too bad for Cote, this was his chance. I believe the HABS will pick up someone from waivers once the season starts.

#4 habs heart 1 says:
September 18, 2006 at 11:55 am

are the talks with Jason Wooley still ongoing?If so, I think we need to sign him, especially with the injury to Cote.

#5 Habs Blog says:
September 18, 2006 at 12:33 pm

Apparently the Habs decided against him and he’s now talking to Carolina

#6 Vallee says:
September 18, 2006 at 12:41 pm

What are the chances of Benoit getting somegame time?

#7 snake says:
September 18, 2006 at 1:51 pm

I think we will be fine. Boullion will be back sooner then everyone thinks. He is a tough one. As long as we have our number one D man healthy(Huet) we will be okay.

#8 Razz says:
September 18, 2006 at 3:11 pm

Yeah, not to worry. With Rivet, Markov, Souray, Dandenault, Komisarek, Streit, and Boullion coming back pretty soon we have an ok base. Besides, the injury to Cote isn’t that bad either. No need to sign anyone, unless we bring a real quality defenceman.
The Canadiens will play their first preseason game on Tuesday in Montreal against Boston. The line up will be:

Higgins-Koivu-Ryder
Begin-Bonk-Milroy
Perezhogin-Chipchura-Ferland
Latendresse-Maxwell-D’Agostini

We will have to wait before seeing some Kovalev (Ribeiro/Grabovsky) Samsonov line in action, but you gotta give those newbies a chance.

#9 Habs#1 says:
September 18, 2006 at 6:36 pm

Gainey signed Jancevski for a few reasons and they’re the reason’s that he will be the #7 d-man.

1)Gainey drafted him when he was the GM in Dallas, that’s were he was signed from.

2)He knows this guy fairly well.

3)From what I understand he’ll bring some sandpaper to the d-corps.

4)He has more experience than anyone else.

These are may my reasons why Dan Jancevski will be the #7 d-man.

#10 jack tornton says:
September 18, 2006 at 9:38 pm

Don’t giv the chance to any of our prospect this is the time of the year we have to aquire a professional defence(period)

#11 snake says:
September 18, 2006 at 11:32 pm

Let them fight it out for the spot. Thats why we have preseason. I really dont care who it is as long as they get the job done.

#12 snake says:
September 18, 2006 at 11:42 pm

Dont know if anyone here has been to Winnipeg but if you are ever in town I would recommend you dont start a hockey conversation with anyone. WE are invested with leaf fans. Ever since the crappy Jets left all of those fans who chose to continue to watch hockey(still some crying)converted over to the dark side. Mostly cause the leafs get the most publicity and all of their games are on TV out here. We have a small french community here who love the habs but other then that its all leafs fans. I do my best to convert a couple here and there but there’s way too many to deal with. Just thought I would let everyone know.

#13 snake says:
September 18, 2006 at 11:44 pm

Poeple here laugh when I tell them I watch RDS to see my team play. They dont understand why i would watch a game in french. Obviously if you are a habs fan you understand. I actually enjoy the games in french. Dont know a word of french but I fell during the game I understand everything they say. Call it hockey sense.

#14 Rob says:
September 19, 2006 at 2:23 am

I agree with Habs #1. Gainey acquired Jancevski as an unrestricted free agent for a reason, and like most of the deals that he has made as GM, I think he knows something that the rest of us don’t. Gainey seems to have pretty good hockey sense when it comes to defensemen. I mean who really knew that Patrice Brisebois was really such a lousy defenseman, and why were the Habs holding onto him all those years before Gainey arrived on the scene?

Gainey did draft Jancevski originally, and obviously feels he has something to offer since he acquired him for a second time this year as an unrestricted free agent. Also, don’t forget that it was Gainey that was smart enough to steal Stephane Robidas to Dallas from Montreal for nothing when he was GM in Dallas.

There are still enough potential prospects available to do the job on D until Boullion is ready to return. No need to panic. Great opportunity for some prospects to gain some NHL experience.

#15 Phil says:
September 19, 2006 at 10:30 am

Snake as HABS fan for life!! I watch RDS also.I don’t understand french,but hockey is the universal language…But I prefer to watch RDS to the **** CBC pours out about the laffs.You can put TSN in that grouping as well..Both stations anouncers have nothing good to say about the Canadiens.

#16 Papineau says:
September 19, 2006 at 4:04 pm

Phil is so right, CBC commentors are ****.

Anyways, Tonight watch out for the O’byrne Komisarek pairing. O’byrne is huge but he can skate, hit and he has a shot. Janceski has notthing on him.

#17 PACTUM SERVA says:
September 19, 2006 at 4:20 pm

I also dont speak a word of french but i love RDS.Some ppl just dont understand lol.

#18 jack tornton says:
September 19, 2006 at 5:31 pm

REspect for all those fans that watch hockey in french! This proves how much you guys are down for the team.

This gives more hope to the team in my opinion. Us, Quebecois, are proud to have fans outside the province. And hockey is not only for the actual province, its most likely considered as a culture. You accept and follow it or you don’t you don’t give a damn!

Montreal is not only a team but a portion of our history.

#19 jack tornton says:
September 19, 2006 at 5:32 pm

Guys be ready for the action to begin! ( the war over the 7th spot!)

#20 Snake says:
September 20, 2006 at 2:58 am

I even watch the intermissions. My girlfriend thinks its weird that I watch a couple of guys talk to eachother in french at a desk and I listen to every word. SHe also thinks it is weird that I talk online to other habs fans. WE will call her POISON SNAKE.

#21 gpctc says:
September 20, 2006 at 11:12 am

the link to the off-season conditioning done by Higgins and Komi is back working.. http://www.institute3e.com just click on “play movie”. You will also see Rick DiPietro and Eric Nystrom

GP

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Avatar37 : pressure playing in Montreal, since he has problems with the expectations in Washington and Montreal isn't any easier. Then again, the media were very easy on Kovalev, so maybe it's a Russian thing? No idea. Anyway, yeah, it would have to be an established star that gives us an immediate drastic upgrade at forward, that's the only way I'd trade PK, because we'd be giving up a potential QB on our blueline for the next decade.
Avatar37 : Goalie - Sure, the only player I'd say who is untradeable (meaning I wouldn't trade no matter what) is Carey Price. You build a winning team from the net out, and I don't think there's a better goalie for his age in the NHL than Price, so I wouldn't trade him. Otherwise, every player would be open for offers, but for PK Subban, it would take (for me) an already established star, like Carter or Crosby or Ovechkin. As much as I like Ovechkin, I'm not sure he could handle all the media pre
goalie : I'm not suggesting at all that we judst dump or get rid of PK. I do however believe that he is a very valued commodity in the NHL adn that the Habs will receive offers for his services. If someone ffers us young, strong, puck handling forwards who can score, I think the Habs have to look at that possible trade.
Avatar37 : Agreed. It would be a big mistake to trade PK just to move up 2 spots in the draft. PK, Emelin, and Gorges are the bright future of our defense.
Senet1 : I am with you Avatar, Subban stays, it is not often that you get a stud defenceman who can play 25+ minutes. The mistakes he makes are for the most part not that serious and people forget he is only 23 and been in the league 2 years. He has come a long way in those two years. He has offense, defence and he hits. You cannot bet much better than that. Two more years experience and he has a shot at the Norris. If Markov does anything I hope he teaches PK how to work the PP.
Avatar37 : «link»
Avatar37 : go.
Avatar37 : round exit. Heck, even the year they won the cup we almost took them out in round 1. I believe in the corps of this team, I really think we just need a few tweaks. Adding Larry Robinson to run the defense would be a BIG help, keep Cunneyworth as offensive coach, and get a head coach who can get these guys back on the right path. We need to establish an identity again, a team that won't let itself be pushed around like it was under Martin. A few scrappers on this team and we'll be good to
Avatar37 : Yeah, the only way I'd trade PK is if we were getting an established star in return, like Carter or Crosby. I don't think we're miles away from competing deep into the playoffs, the NHL has become so competitive because of the salary cap that really there aren't huge differences between the teams. Add into the equation the stupid scoring system (some games worth 2 points, some 3) that the standings don't truly reflect where teams should really be. Look at Boston, cup winners to first rou
Senet1 : It would have to be something pretty special before I would trade PK. To me he is the #1 building block of our defence. I would trade any other defenceman we have before I would trade PK.
Senet1 : An improvement in our offense and strengthening our defence. Personally, I do not think we are that far off, five players at best could get us there. One thing that has always been true about the playoffs, Defence wins and you need a strong 3rd and 4th line.
goalie : I'm more optimistic now about the Habs than I have been for the past three dreadfully long seasons!
goalie : 2: I think GM Bergevin will make somewhat of a 'blockbuster't rade either before or on the day of the draft adn I believe PK Subban will be in that package. WE have t rememebr we have to give away some talent to get back other talent. No one wants players like Moen to move up in the draft etc.
goalie : Some thoughts:The more I see the playoffs it becomes even more obvious that we're miles away from being able to 'compete' dep into the playoffs
Avatar37 : «link»
Senet1 : Young Subban might also be an option if the Russian goalie is not available. However, to me I would wait another year and attempt to use my draft 2nd round draft picks to improve out forward situation.
Senet1 : Although Rinne contact is another example of long term at the wrong time. He is 29 years old. A case could be made with Price that double his money now with bonuses if we win the cup, I think that is still allowed in contracts?
Senet1 : Problem is he is going to want Pekka Rinne money and term. That is closer to 7M. On the other hand, the contract could have step up clauses in it over the 7 years.
Avatar37 : With Price, I wouldn't blink twice about offering him a 7 year contract now, especially if he'd be willing to give up dollar value for length. 7 years at $5.5 million a year would be just fine in my book.
Avatar37 : I think the goaltending void in our current system would push me to draft Vasilevski with our second pick, if he was available. He's young and has lots of potential, but is at least 5-6 years away from starting to be ready to play on an NHL roster.
Senet1 : Long tern contracts are a risk, but if you have a super star not as much. Luongo's contract was long term but signed too late in his career.
Avatar37 : Senet - Yes, you were clear in your post, my question was directed at goalie. I'm with you in that I'd be willing to sign him to a 7 year contract. I'd be nervous about anything longer, because every single long term goalie contract I can think of turned out to be a disaster for the team signing it.
Senet1 : I think that Budaj is a better goalie than many give him credit for, is he a Price no but with a tight defence he could be a good goalie. Many teams have average goalies but have great defence and still win. Look at Detroit, for years they have had average goaltending, but won cups. Goalies can get on a roll in the playoffs, look at Huet as an example, he was not really a good goalie but played great in the playoffs, next year he was a wash. Defence makes the goalie a winner, just ask Price.
Senet1 : Having a young equivalent goalie in the system right now is not important, three years from now it will be, so we have three years to make that kind of move in the draft. I think we have more pressing needs aat the moment.
Senet1 : Personally, I do not see this as a negative because of Price's age, you wait to draft a goalie of a Patrick Roy or Brodeur some teams wait a life time. To me we have on so why would we want to not play that out for as long as we can. Bottom line is this, regardless, right now you have a stud goalie, you are either going to pay him the money he deserves for not sign him and lose him. There is no middle of the road here.
goalie : Avatar made a great point. We don't have an NHL or up adn coming NHL goalies in our system. Another great move by Gauthier. Price is sitting very pretty.
goalie : WEll Price has us by the nads. I guess I'd have to go as far as a 7 year contract due to his play adn his age.
Senet1 : Luongo is now 33, he has been a good goaltender for a number of years. I would sign Price for 7 years and at age 31 then we deal with UFA at that time. Hopefully, we could provide him with another 5 years at that time. That is my opinion anyway, I would never risk losing him as a UFA at this point in his career to me that would be a very poor management decision. Even a 10 year contract would put him only at 34 years old. If you are going to sign him to long term now is the time.
Senet1 : If you have a young stud you have to gamble a little and give him a contract that is worthy of his abilities and his potential. It can have escalation clauses or reducing clauses like Kovalchuk's contract.
Senet1 : Avatar, I thought I was clear Yes I would sign him long term. My previous post said. The problem is if you have a out in the contract after 5 years then the player also has an out after 5 years. So no self respected lawyer would accept a contract that did not have equal escape clauses. So no I would not sign only for 5 years, if Price was 28 years old yes but not a 24. Seven years still only makes him 31 when the contract is over. If you have a young stud you have to gamble a little and give him
Avatar37 : Cammalleri trade. Given the fact that we have no NHL starting quality goaltenders in the system currently, aren't we held hostage to having to sign Price?
Avatar37 : There are many bad goalie contracts, just look at Huet. However, your post didn't answer my question as to what you'd do with Price. He's an RFA now, but for argument sake, if he were a UFA, what would you do? If he wanted a 7+ year contract, you know some other team would give him one. Would you risk losing him for nothing because you didn't want to sign a contract over 5 years? And if we lose Price, our goalies are Budaj and Robert Mayer, as we sent Karri Ramo to the Flames in the Cam
goalie : .. a 5 years contract again based upon the experience he has had AND he likes Bobby Lou!
goalie : Ditto for Philly, Ther goaltender 'situations' have both become the number 1 story line for both teams, and in Vancouver one could see the exaspiration on Gillis' adn to some extent Vigneault's faces when continously being bombarded by the loooong term contract that the Canucks are stuct with. (Gillis even said last February or so, thank goodness it looks like more than few other teams will be looking for a starting goaltender for 2012-13. He said he would never again do more than a 5 year c
goalie : I've spent the past four winters in BC thus I am very aware of the Canucks situations. I'd first say I give Gillis adn Vigneault 100% credit for being VERY supportive of Roberto L. even when Corey Schenider has vastly out played him. (I too like Bobby Lou but facts are facts).