With Hossa in the mix, Montreal could put two lines on the ice that needed to be shut down. That would be a huge advantage. First line: Kastitsyn, Plekanac, Kovalev. Second Line: Higgins, Koivu, Hossa.

I think that Montreal would have to give up something important. My money is on Hamrlik. He’s a good player, I agree, and we need him, I agree, but he’s making 5.5 million dollars this year, next year, the year after, and the year after that. That’s almost as much as Markov and more than Daniel Alfredson.

Hossa will command in the 6/7 million dollar range. So the question is: “where are the Canadians going to find the cap space?” And, of course, “is he worth it?”

Ryder frees up some room this year, but he’s UFA on July 1 anyhow. Hmarlik is the only asset that could really free up enough space for Montreal to sign Hossa to a longer term contract. Kovalev is also a UFA at the end of next year, and my best is that he’ll need a pay increase after playing the way he’s been playing. My bet is in the 5 million, maybe 6 million, range for Kovalev at the end of next year…

I’m not sure I’d be willing to pay Hossa the 7 million he is currently making. If Montreal can’t sign him for less than 7 million, I think he eats up more cap space that he’s worth–good of a player as he is. The best value might come by adding some grit to this team–two or three solid 3rd or 4th line players could be added for about the same price as Hossa.

So, my bet: Ryder, Hmarlik, and a first round pick or a prospect, for Hossa; unconditionally. Montreal won’t make this deal unless they get a sense of what Hossa is asking for, money-wise, and unless they can sign him right away to a contract. That’s probably where the rumours come from that Atlanta is ok with Montreal talking to Hossa–even though Montreal can’t legally make Hossa an offer until after they own his rights.

If you don’t think Montreal would trade Hamrlik for Hossa, then a) what can they offer to Atlanta and b) where do think Montreal will find the cap space?

There’s also no question that a deal is being considered, so Montreal not being interested isn’t an option that is consistent with the evidence.

C’est pas aussi pire que Don Cherry en tout cas…

Jaker1 – I totally agree with you. Morons comes in all shapes and colors and can speak any given language. I am French Canadian living in Ontario and do not see the racism there. Stupidity, vulgarity, yes, but racism, no. You have to understand that the French Canadian society, whether it wants it or not, is heavily influenced with English-Canada/USA culture. For those French Canadians who do not know better, the ”f”word is a cool addition to their English vocabulary, not at all offense. When I hear the ”f”word, I don’t even twitch. It means nothing to me like the ”T” word in French. You have to be in someone’s head to declare something of that sort is racism.

Anyways, 110% is a broadcast I could never listen to for more then 2 minutes. Nobody is respectful enough to listen to any of the other panelists. The Broadcaster, TQS, is on the verge of bankruptcy. That certainly does not mean that the French Canadian society supports them a whole lot, you’ll agree, if you’ve got enough good faith. Enough with the racism claims already.

After seeing Sunday’s game, I grew more and more convinced we Need Ryder for the playoffs. If Ryder gets traded now, getting out of his slump, we will definitely be robbed on the short term. Hossa is too expensive, and not good for the team on the long run. Smolinski never understood what his role was in that team, and neither did Dandenault. If they have any value on the market, I say trade them and get a big solid forward that can stand the heat in front of the opponents net (and stay there!). We have most of what it takes to go far, Goaltending is far from being a problem in Montreal. Defense is good with O’Byrne slowly taking the much needed experience, he’ll soon be as useful as Komo. The Defense scores enough goals that One dangerous offensive line is way enough to go far, with sporadic goals from the other lines.

My two cents.

Maxime: Don Cherry est un twit, j’en conviens. Mais des twits, il y en a partout…..Don Cherry est même pas raciste, à mon avis. juste maladroit. Les racistes ne font pas d’exceptions. Don Cherry a toujours beaucoup apprécié LeCavalier à ce que je sache…

Sorry for the long post.

If Quebec seperated, that would be the stupidest move ever. I think for hockey alone, let alone no one else in Canada would ever want anything to do with us, our real estate valus would fall through the floor (everything ive worked for), the jobless rate would be about 50% and my sacred montreal canadiens and their legacy would be over. the new team, the montreal quebecers which would eventually lose its franchise because no one would be a fan anymore.

thanks

Are you guys crazy !?!? Where is the racism in what he said? He sure is dumb, but those implying that the “tone” he used was derogatory? Are you insane? It’s just a way of calling him talentless, that’s all. I see french-canadians bashing Latendresse and Brisebois all the time, why is bashing Kostopoulos a racist crime? PJ Stock is often insulting Latendresse, is this racism, or he just knows enough about hockey to see that he is slow?

Don Cherry, the hockey god of western Canada, says things 10 times worse about french and european players, and I don’t see the commotion…

Beaudry is just an idiot, dont make this a international crisis..chill a bit…

Michel Beaudry is a stupid guy and most of the french fans of hockey hate this guy. I am sorry about a stupid racist like im.

Go Habs GO

Hi guys. I just wanted to say that this has absolutely nothing to do with racism. By the way, Kostopoulos isn’t English, he is Greek. I know I’m very late (hahaha!) but I hate when people see racism everywhere. Michel said that only because of Tom’s play at that time. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with racism.