Habs Trade Day

Will the Habs make a move? Will Souray remain a Hab? Is there a goaltender coming after Abeischer’s struggles?

Post your trade day comments and analysis here.

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261 Comments

#1 smiler2729 says:
March 1, 2007 at 11:08 am

I’d rather have Sergei Samsonov than Mike Ribeiro. You know which ex-Hab I want back? Arron Asham! He’s a great gritty hard work player, he’s like Aaron Downey and Garth Murray mixed into one but with some occasional scoring touch added, he’s a poor man’s Chris Simon.

#2 R habs 4 real says:
March 1, 2007 at 11:52 am

Here are some reasonable doubts why Bob Gainey is NOT a good GM: Lost Ron Hainsey, 13th overall pick, claimed off of waivers by Columbus. He is still young and leads Columbus defensemen is scoring with 28 points. We have nothing to show for him.

2) Traded Mike Ribeiro for Janne Niinimaa. Ribeiro has 41 points and is +7. Niinimaa has played 31 games, is a -8 and spends most nights watching from the press box. He is an unrestriced free agent that we will gladly lose but will have nothing to show for the trade. I don’t begrudge trading Ribeiro but we have to do better than Niinimaa.

3) JP Dumont wanted to play in Montreal, was willing to accept a hometown discount, has 51 points and is a +9. Yet we were not interested. Instead we actively pursued the likes of Elias and Shanahan, neither of whom wanted to play in Montreal.

4) Instead signed Sergei Samsonov to 3.5 million per season. He has 25 points in 60 games played. We can’t even give him away and his 3.5 million will count against next years cap.

5) Held onto Sheldon Souray who will walk at seasons end. Once again we will have nothing to show for him. Souray’s stock was at an all time high as he is playing for a new contract and big payday. There is no arguing he is having a tremendous season but he will not duplicate this season again productionwise and has always been injury prone. I know we need Souray if we are going to make a run at a playoff spot. However, the reality is that we are an average team at best and don’t have the horses, combined with the injury to Huet, to do any real damage in the playoffs that is providing we actually make it in. (Andrei Markov is another unrestriced free agent at seasons end, wouldn’t it be tragic to lose him as well!? I know he claims that he wants to remain in Montreal but nothing is guaranteed).

6) Traded Craig Rivet for Josh Gorges and a first round pick which seems like a good deal at the time as Rivet is an unrestricted free agent at seasons end. Unfortunately we lost some leadership and toughness in losing Rivet. Ironically we receive a “most sportsmanlike player” (Memorial Cup) in Gorges. Just what we need, another soft player.

When will Montreal’s management realize that we need some size and toughness. We have too many European players and too many small, soft players. We must be the easiest team in the NHL to play against. We definitely don’t intimidate anyone.

I hope Bob proves us wrong but thus far he has given us Habs fans little to cheer about.

“

#3 coutNY_HabsFan says:
March 1, 2007 at 11:53 am

Next year I vote we MANDATE flu shots. You would think this day and age this day and age we would be able to avoid this sh*#t, but we are now on our 2nd bout. Is there some sort of a bio-terrorist crazed Leaf-fan trying to sabotaging our playoff chances? Frank perhaps?

#4 smiler2729 says:
March 1, 2007 at 12:17 pm

R Habs 4 real, Bob Gainey didn’t get rid of Ron Hainsey, he was claimed by Columbus on re-entry, meaning the Habs called him up late last November from Hamilton when we were down a couple of defencemen and the CBJs stole him under the new NHL’s stupid re-entry waiver rules (which is why Los Angeles can’t call up NHL calibre goalie Jason Labarbara from the AHL this season cuz they can’t risk losing him this way).

I hated losing Hainsey too and since my wife’s a nutso Blue Jackets fan, I’ve watched him a lot on the Center Ice package and he’s good, or getting better but still very iffy in his own end and YOU GUYS WOULD BE ALL OVER HIM FOR IT IF HE WERE WITH THE HABS much like you’re on Mathieu Dandenault and were on Craig Rivet.

As for J.P. Dumont, can you blame Gainey for preferring to chase down Patrik Elias, Jason Arnott and Brendan Shanahan? Dumont’s a great secondary type winger but is not a go-to-guy which is what Montreal was seeking last summer. I wish you people would get off Sergei Samsonov’s back, granted he’s holding onto his stick too tight and underachieving but to deride him constantly is not helping his brittle psyche (as everyone here has pointed out, this town pretty much eats their own if they falter and is a major reason why not many players wish to come here).

Bob Gainey’s not a perfect GM but neither is Brian Burke but he’s a quality man and he chose to be here where many others would not have the guts to run this team in this market (again, see how we eat our own!)

#5 Xhabsfan says:
March 1, 2007 at 1:04 pm

And what about Kovalev sniler0000,lost for words dud.lol.

#6 Pico says:
March 2, 2007 at 5:16 pm

Hey Joshtm

I bet you were complaining about Houle and Savard before that.
Face it, nobody wants to come here.
Ever think that Gainey took a chance with Niiniima and Samsonov. Now that he doesn’t take a chance you criticize him also.
Taxes are the problem. Guess you make below 30k family income
Nuff said again

#7 Scott says:
March 6, 2007 at 6:39 pm

Anybody want to make this a gambling site?! I’ve got a thousand that says the Habs don’t see the playoffs. And I’ve been optimistic honestly! It’s over unless Halak does something otherworldly. This group does not have it. the Bruin (joke) game/effort was the nail for me. Bring up PRICE!!!!

#8 Scott says:
March 6, 2007 at 6:44 pm

How did the once mighty Habs freefall so terribly? It, for me is the hardest year that I remember and I’ve been playing hockey since three and a Montreal fan I’m sure just as long LOL now 37 and so at a loss for words. Please read this blog Bob (ya right) and demote the deadweight and bring up some players with some pride and let us have look at C Price as well

#9 Scott says:
March 6, 2007 at 6:48 pm

Last thing— I will gladly eat crow on this site if my words come back to haunt me and they salvage this year but honestly; HOW? ANYBODY? What a F@%in disgrace.

#10 shmillemse says:
May 18, 2007 at 2:04 pm

never get Sundin He’s old and washed up Leighton nor Abby would never be sent down to replace Halak hes better than both of them and besides Price is there who is Better then all of them As far as Centres go they should get on Briere quick

#11 jo says:
March 2, 2008 at 2:02 pm

sergei kostityn vien comenser

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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).