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Canadiens sign Tom Kostopolous

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  1. #1 Rubberman says:
    July 10, 2007 at 1:05 pm

    I agree with “Dan Im feed up”. I read the most comments (almost daily)on this blog but I’m tired of the **** that’s going on. One guy keeps bashing the Habs, Gainey, or whatever. Others always address his comments and encouraging him. Isn’t this blog about hockey??!!?? So, I too am finished with this bullshit. Habsblog you got to put your foot down, if not see ya…

  2. #2 Xtrahabsfan says:
    July 10, 2007 at 2:35 pm

    Thank-you coutNY, for stating the obvious about the postings on little blog,you a good HabsBRO. I’m sure H.B. knows who’s been the ***-dits making those messed up postings and he should let us all know who the idiot is,you bet I’d love to know!!!! As for some of my other Habs bro’s ,WHAT A BUNCH OF HYPERCRITICAL RAT ******** ,some of you guy’s should be extras in the remake of Mississippi burning,lol!AND RUBBERMAN you want to talk hockey ? nobodys stoping you so lets talk Hockey,but please don’t be so naive to believe I’m going to agree with everything you post,most chanses are it ain’t going to happen,eh.lol.Question for all ,how do you think our Habs year will go???

  3. #3 fuzz16 says:
    July 10, 2007 at 2:44 pm

    It all depends on Huet….we will go as far as Huet will take us

  4. #4 Dan Im Fed UP says:
    July 10, 2007 at 6:03 pm

    They will struggle to make the playoffs. Because of this Habs Nation and the media will freak out and pressure the team to make a push for the final playoff spot. They will pickup a deadbeat, over the hill, former 40 goal scorer and trade the farm to do so. This pickup will not re-sign the next year and before you know we will be back at square one.

    This team is like Edmonton, to a tee almost. Except Edmonton has the problem of being in the middle of nowhere and is a small market and Montreal has the problem of the french media and high tax rate.

    PS. Koivu is the worst captain. Get rid of the Euro Trash.

  5. #5 BarrieHabFan says:
    July 10, 2007 at 6:29 pm

    thanks Xtrahabsfan. Happy to contribute to some REAL hockey talk.
    I actually think that this team isn’t as bad as many think. They have replaced those they lost with perhaps even a little more grit, they have great prospects coming up and the young players they have that are playing well (Ryder, Higgins, Komisarek, Halek or Price, etc) are most likely going to be better this year. Pair that with improved performances from the coaching staff and I beleive that this team can do well. Probably still a few years away from serious contention, but I think a good bet for playoffs.
    And frankly, I can’t see why so many are down on this team. The development of prospects seems to be going ahead of schedule and that’s how this team is going to be built. Not through the signing of over-paid veterans.

  6. #6 Habs#1 says:
    July 10, 2007 at 7:24 pm

    “Koivu is the worst captain. Get rid of the Euro Trash.”

    Saku Koivu is the best captain the Habs have had since Guy Carbonneau. You obviously don’t watch the Habs game in a game out. When Saku is there the team has a chance, when he isn’t they’re screwed. Or did you not watch the Carolina series a couple years ago?

  7. #7 Higgy21 says:
    July 10, 2007 at 7:28 pm

    This team will be better prepared for battle this year then last: why?

    - Hamrlik, Smokey and Greek are an improvement over Bonk, Johnson and SS.
    - HIggins, Komi, Pleks Kost, Lats?, Laps? and streit will be better.
    - Our goaltending duo will be competitive every night. No Abby
    - Carbo will make less rookie errors.
    - Kovy cant get any worse
    - Gainey should not have to leave the team again in January. HE is our general without him we sunk fast.

    negatives:
    - Lats will still be the slowest skater in the league
    - Laps will get too confident and think he is a 6 goal a year superstar
    - 5/6 d are weak

  8. #8 Higgy21 says:
    July 10, 2007 at 7:30 pm

    I love Josh.

  9. #9 nigelski says:
    July 10, 2007 at 9:30 pm

    I expect a tough season, myself. Replacing Bonk and Johnson with Smolinski and Kostopolous is still not guaranteed to be an upgrade, to me at least. Smolinski has probably a better offensive sense than Bonk, but Kostopolous is an unknown factor. The media say good things about his work ethic and drive, so I’m hopeful…

    Hamrlik isn’t an upgrade, he’s a stopgap. He’s coming off a season in which he had 26 fewer points than Souray, isn’t a factor on the power play, is no more physical than Souray, and isn’t appreciably faster. He gets too much credit for the play of Dion Phaneuf–I saw Phaneuf at the world juniors, hitting everything in sight, scoring and setting up plays, and Hamrlik was nowhere to be seen. If you ask me, he has been insulated by playing with Phaneuf, not the other way around. Phaneuf is a star, and future Norris winner.

    Hoping on our rookies from Hamilton to make a big difference has some basis in fact, as they just won the Calder Cup. Or Price won it, I should say. When I was reading the boxscores during the ‘Dogs playoff run, I thought I was looking at Canadiens’ stats. They were outshot almost every game, just like the Habs usually are, sometimes by more than 20 shots.

    And AHL stardom doesn’t always translate into NHL success–just ask Jason Ward, former AHL scoring Champion.

    I don’t believe the team’s most glaring weakness, the lack of a big offensive threat, was addressed. I certainly hope that we see improvement from guys like Higgins, Plekanec and Lantendresse, number-wise, but will it be enough?
    The pessimist in me says no.

    That said, nothing would make me feel better than to be wrong. I hope I am…

  10. #10 BarrieHabFan says:
    July 10, 2007 at 9:46 pm

    I agree that Hamrlik certainly is a step down from Souray on offence and he may be slightly overrated, however he is a big upgrade defensively. Not to say Hamrlik is one of the best defensive players in the game. But for as good as Sheldon Souray was offensively, he was that bad defensively.
    The key this year may be how much offence the habs can pick up from the forwards. They will lose offensive production from the defence, so they have to pick it up somewhere else.
    And you’re absolutely right, nigelski, when you say that AHL success doesn’t necessarily turn into NHL success. But to elaborate on what I had said about the farm team, I think they are drawing form a pretty large pool of AHL talent (relatively speaking)and although many will turn out dissapointing, some will undoubtedly turn out to be legitimate NHL talent. A strong farm system is a key to most if not all of the strongest and most successful teams in the NHL. They suplement their lineup with trades and free agent signings, but the base is made through the draft and farm team.
    I think Montreal finally has a good development system. The rest will follow. It’s hard to be patient, but the best is yet to come.

  11. #11 Dan Im Fed UP says:
    July 10, 2007 at 11:42 pm

    Habs#1. First of all I have RDS out in Calgary so I never miss a game. Second two years ago? A lot has changed, I think he’s tired of carrying the team and the was evident during druing the HAbs slide last year, remember last year! He was horrible. Taking stupid penalties, not caring, pretty much acting like Kovalev or Samsonov. I give him credit for the end run but by that time it was too late. Souray was a more consistent leader even at -25(?). Now with Shelly leaving and Koivu most likely not caring anymore, who will lead? It won’t be Koivu,Gainey gave him no reason to be optimistic. Carbs?

  12. #12 wpgghabsfan says:
    July 10, 2007 at 11:43 pm

    I think the solution to the habs problems has to be drastic…as much as i love koivu..i believe we should use him as trade bait for marleau or lecavalieror even richards ….I think we should get rid of kovalev at any cost..and also ryder. I know this sounds like i have no faith in the habs but I really do believe we need a change at the top. I think we need a star centerman…and i dont believe koivu is him.

  13. #13 Signings says:
    July 11, 2007 at 9:23 am

    As far as the awarding of contracts go, wouldn’t it be a lot better to pay the players based on performance? For example, a player like Kovalev could have a 1.5 million dollar guaranteed salary. Give him an extra million if he plays at least 41 games. Give him an extra million if he passes the 50 point mark. An extra million if the team makes the playoffs. For what is expected of him this next season, that would earn him 4.5 million, which is what he now gets anyways. That way, he will be sure to really try.
    One could do this with every player. You get paid to perform, after all.

    As far as Kovalev is concerned I think he will try hard to have a good season this time because his contract expires by the end of the year and he will be looking to sign for the most possible amount come next summer.

  14. #14 fan4066 says:
    July 11, 2007 at 10:00 am

    all comes down to – no playoffs this year either. Nobody wants to play here, thats the bottom line, its obvious

  15. #15 habsandwich says:
    July 11, 2007 at 1:39 pm

    still waiting on those t-shirts HB

  16. #16 nigelski says:
    July 12, 2007 at 6:08 am

    http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=213273&hubname=

    There’s Yashin’s latest crybaby story, if anyone cares…

    While I agree that performance based signings would be good, Signings (post#162), the problem is that the collective agreement only allows for such after a player hits a certain age, and has had health problems in the past limiting them to a certain # of games. I don’t have exact #s on the requirements, but past incentive laden contract getters include Jason Allison, Lindros, and most recently Hasek last season.

    By far, the best solution, is to go after guaranteed contracts in the next CBA, and eliminate them altogether. Buyout issues would become a thing of the past, and you’re only as good as your last season. It seems to work well for the NFL–the NFL being THE model for pro franchising, revenue sharing, and television contract.

    To quote Homer Simpson,”…I liked your hustle out there…that’s why it was so hard to cut you…” Let the cuts begin!

  17. #17 netcase says:
    August 7, 2007 at 4:35 pm

    I always waited for Gainey to make that stellar move that makes us understand what he’s doing.
    I’m still waiting.

  18. #18 TrueHabFan says:
    April 4, 2008 at 2:09 pm

    Well, solidly in the playoffs and division champions.

    Now, it’s been a while since all the experts on this thread gave us their opinions. Time to explain yourselves.

    Go Habs!

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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).

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