Guillaume Latendresse is a Pro
-
I eat my own words.
Guillaume Latendresse has been retained by the Montreal Canadiens and is now an official NHL player.
Latendresse’s strong play made it virtually impossible to send him back to Junior without raising hell among fans and media. But it wasn’t the media and fans that made the decision. Gui deserved the chance after showing he can score, play physical and not be a defensive liability in the NHL game.
Latendresse seems to excel when the competition and opposition is strongest. With Latendresse the Canadiens mediocre physical presence is now improved and the Habs now have a potential ‘power forward’ which they’ve lacked for years.
So what happens next?
Latendresse is now ineligible to return to Junior and will be spending the rest of his days in Montreal.
The pressure is on. Making the team is one thing, pre-season games are pre-season games. It’s the big time for Gui now. Will he go on to surpass expectations and perform like Patrice Bergeron did for Boston? Or will the pressure get to him?
Either way, having him on the team makes the games even more fun to watch.
Congratulations to Latendresse.
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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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Copyright © 2010 montreal canadiens hockey - habs blog
September 29, 2006 at 9:25 am
His contract is $850k a year for 3 years.
Not bad for a 19 yr old.
September 29, 2006 at 9:29 am
congrats kid, i remember watching this guy in last years camp, i knew he had something special in him. it’s not certain that he will dominate as a nhl superstar but if we didn’t give him a shot we would never find out. i like his SIZE, it’s something the habs have been missing up front. it’s going to be an great season! the french media now have their hero! let’s hope he doesn’t choke under the microscope, good luck guillaume. guillaume latendresse for prime minister!
September 29, 2006 at 9:36 am
Some excitement to kick of the 2006-2007 season…schweeeeeeet!!
Good work Guillaume, now show everybody they made the right decision!
Go Habs Go!
18
September 29, 2006 at 10:20 am
man, between guy’s size and ribeiro’s new three pounds of muscle we should be set, lol.
congrats to him. i havn’t had a chance to see him play but should be interesting and fun to watch.
September 29, 2006 at 10:23 am
WE’ll see what happens…kostitsyn should be up with the club too though, by getting rid of downey. We’ll see..
September 29, 2006 at 10:42 am
Why Why Why Why Why….do we care about Lats…yes, good player. I saw him play against Ottawa last night at Scotiabank Place. Yes he is good…yes we have a better offence…WHERE the HECK is our defence…wtf!! Traverse?? MY GOD!…Just once I would like to see a game where the defence can clear the puck out of the zone in PK and where the D isn’t getting split on every drive! Phew…sorry, had to vent…it was painful to watch the game last night…kinda felt embarrased to be wearing my habs jersey in enemy territory.
September 29, 2006 at 2:10 pm
Grats for Tenderness! Latendresse deserved his spot on the team. Can’t wait to see him in the real season!
September 29, 2006 at 2:19 pm
Yeah you better eat your words.
For the dude that runs this blog you should try to not write coments that will blow up in your face.
Latendresse is full of energy and thats what we need.
The best thing he said was after he got kicked out of the game against Tampa.:
Je n’essayais pas de le blesser mais de lui faire mal.
Thats what we need finally a french guy that can hit and is not afraid to get in traffic.
Congrats
Chapeau
September 29, 2006 at 4:11 pm
I honestly thought that he never was going to be given a shot by management. KNowing the way they like to mold their propects. But it was obvious he did not give them a choice and earned a spot. 20 goals this year? I think so.
September 29, 2006 at 4:19 pm
Great that Latendresse is in the team. Now, it’s time to trade Perezhogin and move Kostitsin up.
September 29, 2006 at 5:03 pm
hey louis,
relax budy…its just an opinion and people are entitled to their own. (unless you’re a leafs fan…just kidding)
September 29, 2006 at 5:05 pm
i am so happy right now, he is gonna be a great player. congradulations latendresse
September 29, 2006 at 5:08 pm
I enjoy seeing up-and-coming players like Latendresse, Ferland, Danis, Maxwell, Cote, Milroy, Locke, and Chipchura. For once in a long time the Canadiens have a good set of prospects. Nothing against the European players (Kostitsyn, Perezhogan etc.) but in Montreal it is good for the fans to see Canadian players suceed…especially the ones from La Belle Province.
September 29, 2006 at 5:50 pm
Some people fail to realize I sometimes write ‘controversial’ things to generate traffic to the site, generate links and generate discussion.
Which apparently works quite well.
September 29, 2006 at 7:22 pm
I heard something about a leafs fan? where? Lets kick his ***!
September 29, 2006 at 7:53 pm
Hahahahaha IT MUST BE TUCKER
September 29, 2006 at 7:59 pm
Great to have this guy….he could score 20+ goals this year with attitude!!!
Kostitsin will get his chance and develope nicely.
September 29, 2006 at 10:59 pm
There are several ways his season could go. He could be the next Marek Svatos or Peter Prucha and tear it up in his rookie season out of nowhere.(Let’s face it, no matter how much media attention he get’s from the Quebec media, with Malkin, Wolski, Radulov and Kessel, Latendresse is basically flying under the radar everywhere else.)
Or, like most young players straight out of junior(with the exception of Crosby) and much like Perezhogin, Guillaume will get of to a great start but the riggers of a full 82 game non stop scheduale will catch up with him and he will wear down before getting used to it in the later portion of the season.
Other intangibles include, were is he going to play? There’s no way he will play on the fourth line because that would be a waste of his talent and would stunt his growth or the #1 line which is set(Higgins, Koivu, Ryder). So it comes down to the #2, #3 lines or spare part who spents most of his time in the press box.
Ribeiro, judging by the preseason games, is not going to work with Samsonov and Kovalev, who are guaranteed to play on the second line maybe just do to their big contracts, because he can’t keep up to them. So I’d like to see Plekanec play with those two because I think he’s going to breakout this season and have a huge year, he could be the European Brad Richards(Plays the powarplay, penalty kills, has offensive upside and is great in his own end).
The third line is the Enigma. I believe that Ribeiro and Latendresse continue to show a chemistry between each other so I’d like to see them together but what to do with Perezhogin? Do you platoon them until one proves to be better than the other? Johnson will definitly play the other wing on this line.
To be frank, with the injuries to Coté, Souray, and Bouillon, we need a defenceman. So I believe we should trade Perezhogin and a draft pick or two for a quality top 4 defenceman. We may need to include more than that like another prospect but I think Gainey needs to do that. Maybe try and pry Paul Martin or David Hale from Jersey or a veteran from another team.
On a side note I’m shocked that Rutherford traded Jack Johnson. What and IDIOT. That guy is going to be an absolute stud for L.A. To bad the Habs didn’t have what it took to trade for him.
September 29, 2006 at 11:10 pm
SEE……………
See all those that were up against me! Now I need some serious apologies..I got bashed at; they called me and described as a leaf fan…And where is this “What are mumbling about Jack thornton”?? You better stick with your intial name…lol! Im just kidding..no offence! I’m just amazed about the news! Not only congrats to Latendresse but to all the Canadiens fans since the success of our team is systematically ours too!
Mistakes happen and “Reality Check” I forgive you for being against my idea which was to bring up Latendresse to our lineup. I just hope he proves he deserves the spot.( And to all those who wish he scores 20 goals; always wish and for more! I think he’ll attein the 35 goals plateau!)
September 30, 2006 at 2:24 am
One guy I love to watch is Plekanec. What a talent and so over shadowed.
When talking about our young guys, in my opinion Plekanec and Higgins are the best.
Time to get Plekanec some major ice time.
Before game #20 he will replace Ribeiro as our second line centre.
Latendresse will be the superstar we so long craved for.
Good luck kid and bring home the hardware!
Stanley 2006!
September 30, 2006 at 8:26 am
I know i am getting ahead of myself here but what happens next year?I know we will lose a couple of players to ufa and that might not be a bad thing with our prospects who are so close to making the jump (kostitsyn,chipchura,grabovsky,yemilen,ferland ect)but is it really a good idea to have this many rookies make the team?Dont get me wrong i am not saying that all of them will make the team lol but these kids are going to be n.h.l ready real real soon and they should not be held back.Its a good problem to have but i think gainey will pull the trigger on some kind of trade involving a prospect or two but who knows when that could be.I my honest opinion i would hate to see any of our young guys leave but what do you do?
September 30, 2006 at 11:55 am
Habs#1 may have something going on with the talent of rookies in the nhl. there’s no doubt that the montreal media wil be ALL over him this year. but with Malkin, Wolski, Radulov and Kessel all dooking (sp?) it out this may be a great opportunity for latendress to fly in under the radar and have that much less pressure on him.
pactum, no clue what to do will al the prospects. its sad but true…someone is going to have to go and even though your list is just a portion of the up-and-comings i don’t really want to see any of them go to an eastern team (especially within the division.)
my idea is to try to give a couple to LA and someone else (not sure what they are in need of but we do have two golies) and have Jack Johnson head over here (and maybe someone else…depending on what we give them)
September 30, 2006 at 4:09 pm
Jack thornton;
I dont think I really gave you a hard time for saying that I think I was just pessimistic about him actually making an impact. However I am thrilled the way things turned out. HOwever I will hold you to the 35 goal prediction.
September 30, 2006 at 4:22 pm
35 pts i think
September 30, 2006 at 5:14 pm
My dead grama knows more about hockey than you
September 30, 2006 at 7:41 pm
Hey everybody! Mike Ribeiro just got traded to Dallas with a 6th round pick for Janne Niinima and a 5th round pick. That Gainey is unpredictable.
September 30, 2006 at 8:04 pm
I am in heaven! no more Ribeiro! Thank God! Also , thank you Mr. Gainey. I couldn’t bear the idea of Ribeiro for another year. Should we all sing Na Na goodbye? We probably will be out of Dallas in 1 year, and out of hockey in 2 years. I wonder who will center the 2nd line. Plekanac? Now, go and get Yanic Perrault. Nobody has claimed him, and I think hw would be a great asset for the habs. Also, he’s great at winning facoffs, and he scored 20 goals last year. comments?
September 30, 2006 at 8:09 pm
Talk about Gainey pulling a rabbit out of his hat: great work, though it makes the Travers signing even more of a mystery. It also clears up the dilemma resulting from the Latrendresse acsention.
I agree with HH1: get Yanic now. We all remember the face-off troubles against the ‘Canes in the last 4 games!!
September 30, 2006 at 9:44 pm
Kovalev-Plekanec-Samsonov line explotes in the third period with 3 goals to give Montreal a 6-5 win over the senators! Not bad!
Ribeiro for Ninimaa: well, this could be good, though I was hoping that Ribeiro would be a part of a trade for a better player. Ribeiro might have an explosive year in Dallas. Ninimaa isn’t too bad anyways, he is underrated as a defenceman, is pretty solid and has size. The trade also clears some room, Montreal has an excess of forwards. Because of this, Im not sure how Perreault could be accomodated in the team. We would have to trade Perezhogin for some draft pick. But I don’t think Gainey even likes Perreault, since he let him go for free a couple of years ago.
Latendress didn’t get too much ice-time this game. Less than 8 minutes I think. The only other player to get a little less was Perezhogin.
September 30, 2006 at 9:49 pm
Canadiens Acquire Niinimaa From Stars for Ribeiro
October 1, 2006 at 1:10 am
To Jack – I don’t mean to kick up dust here, but I never once stated that Latendresse would or wouldn’t make the team. I have not posted anything here in two weeks. If you’d like to reference where I said that – good luck finding it. I also noticed, looking back that you mentioned my name a few times concerning certain things. Maybe my ghost had a presence, but again – it wasn’t me saying anything. Sorry about that, I just hope it clears up the confusion. Did you miss me that much – didn’t LOL.
For the record, I have always beleived that with the right effort Gui could make it. With the addition by subtraction that is the Ribeiro deal, I am excited as hell about how much better the Canadiens have just gotten in the last 72 hours!
Way to go Bob!
Way to go Gui!
Wat to go Pleks!
I’m also grinning from ear to ear – I stole Plekanec as a late pick in my pool!
October 1, 2006 at 9:58 am
ribeiro gone is great news. how do you guys think the lines will look like?
October 1, 2006 at 2:55 pm
the lines will be as follows now:
Latendresse-Koivu-Ryder
Samsonov-Higgins-Kovalev
Perezhogin-Plekanec-Johnson
Begin-Bonk-Murray
rumours that kostystin might be called up for the 3rd or 4th line.
the newly formed samsonov-plekanec-kovalev line is clicking, doing most of the damage last night, so the lines mentioned earlier might be changed slightly.
i can’t figure out the d-fence pairs exactly, but the six on friday will be markov, souray, niinamaa, dandenault, rivet and komisarek.
montreal has improved by just getting rid of reberio, because he is a bad influence. many blame him for distracting theodore and turning the once vezina trophy winner into nothing.
great summer for gainey and co.
go habs go
October 1, 2006 at 2:57 pm
by the way, i am expecting gainey to now waive traverse since aquiring niinamaa
October 1, 2006 at 3:00 pm
latendrese will score 20-25 goals, and have 40-50 points.
October 1, 2006 at 3:42 pm
lines:
Higgins-Koivu-Ryder
Samsonov-Plex-Kovi
Latendresse-Jonhson-Perezhogin
those little monsters(Downey-Bonk-Begin)not too sure ’bout the order
October 1, 2006 at 6:25 pm
NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GOOD BYE. NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GOOD BYE.
See ya! Good Riddance and So long Mikey you lazy underacheiving whiner. The last straw was probably when he said he’d help out Latendresse. Gainey didn’t want Ribeiro coming anywhere near Guillaume.
As for Niinamaa, i’ve seen him play a lot over the years since I live in Edmonton and I can tell you that Gainey just fleeced the Stars. Niinamaa has had a couple of injury plagued seasons and he was never happy playing on Long Island but I believe that he will have a rebound year and can be a really good 3rd, 4th , 5th defenceman.
October 1, 2006 at 6:42 pm
Niinamaa HATED where he was playing in the last few years. He needs good coaching and perhaps a more positive mindset which he never seemed to gain from thes teams. He does give up the odd no brainier from time to time…But this guy I believe is fairly good and can improve. Last year because of injuries and benching lost his confidence. He was unhappy with the Stars. Ribeiro…ever since he faked his injury and started mouthing off about other players I never had much use for him.Too bad he didn’t put his play (abilities) where his mouth was.
October 1, 2006 at 7:00 pm
Can someone tell me how did Guillaume Latendresse perfomed yesterday??
I MISSED THE GAME…………..
October 1, 2006 at 8:16 pm
He only saw like 8 minutes of ice time but had a few good hits.Carbo working him in slowly now.They are not going to rush this kid.
October 2, 2006 at 2:14 am
Site moderator on vacation?
October 4, 2006 at 12:18 pm
Hey I’m new to this site, but you guys have alot of interssting things to say.
I think we expect alot from Latendresse and I have a feeling that if he doesn’t get those 40-50 points,since he’s on radar for the french press, he will be criticized by everybody. But other than that I’m excited about Mikey’s leaving and wish all the best to Latendresse. Can’t wait for friday!!!
GO HABS GO >