The Canadiens announced on Friday morning that they have signed centre David Desharnais, 26, to a four-year contract extension worth $14 million. The deal will kick in next season and run through 2016-17.
In 27 games this season, the 5-foot-7, 177-pound Desharnais has 8-8-16 totals and is minus-2.
“David Desharnais is a talented young player and his contribution is essential to the success of our team,” general manager Marc Bergevin said in a news release. “David has shown perseverance and determination which enabled him to reach the NHL and succeed. He has earned this contract extension and the Canadiens organization is pleased to have secured his services for many years to come.”
Said coach Michel Therrien: “David deserves everything that’s happening to him. We’re pleased to have a good guy like that on our team.”
Tweeted teammate Brandon Prust (@BrandonPrust8): “Congrats to Davey Desharnais on his new deal. Habs future is looking great!.. Good thing I’m not gm I woulda gave the guy 20 mill!”
Tweeted Josh Gorges (@jgorges26): “Congrats to #DD on signing with the #Canadiens for 4 more years!!! Great day for both #Habs and Davy #wheresdinner”
In other moves Friday, the Canadiens assigned forward Petteri Nokelainen to the Hamilton Bulldogs after he cleared NHL waivers and called up Michael Blunden, who had 10-12-22 totals in 54 games with the Bulldogs. Blunden will replace Michael Ryder, who is sidelined with a lower-body injury.
Desharnais, a native of Laurier-Station, was never drafted and joined the Canadiens as a free agent in November 2008. In 157 career NHL games, he has 32-67-99 totals and is plus-4.
Desharnais was on the ice for practice Friday morning in Brossard as the Canadiens prepared for Saturday’s game in New Jersey against the Devils (7 p.m., CBC, RDS, TSN Radio 690).
Also on the ice was defenceman Jarred Tinordi, the Canadiens’ first-round draft pick in 2010, who was called up from the Hamilton Bulldogs on Thursday and will make his NHL debut Saturday with Francis Bouillon as his partner. Tinordi will wear No. 42.
The other defence pairings at practice were: Markov-Emelin; Gorges-Subban.
Forward lines were: Ryder-Plekanec-Gionta; Pacioretty-Desharnais-Gallagher; Galchenyuk-Eller-Dumont; Moen-White-Armstrong.
Carey Price will start in goal against the Devils.
(Photo by John Mahoney/The Gazette)
Habs GM Bergevin making all the right moves, by Stu Cowan
Owner Geoff Molson proud to watch his new-look Habs, by Stu Cowan
Crosby would like to see NHL team in Quebec City, by Stu Cowan
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A few people don’t seem happy with DD signing. We have good team chemistry right now and DD is part of it.
4 years to complement Max Pac. Good contract for an excellent playmaker. MB is the real deal.
Congrats to DD. This contract is as much about Max Pacioretty as it is about DD. Pacioretty has played very well next to DD, whether the other winger is Cole or Gally. DD and Pacioretty have chemistry that dates back to the AHL. Solid signing in my book; a reasonable price for a top 6 center (though I’d have preferred three years instead of four).
I’m so tired of this argument.
Max is the better of the 2 players and the one that keeps this line alive. I’m sure both of them could do well without each other, but clearly Max has the better skillset.
Max was scoring goals even when playing with Gomez, so it’s not all about that chemistry and DD magic, it’s about a great player and a good center.
Max also said Deharnaise was he best Hockey player he has ever played with , so suck it up!
I would argue that Max is wrong on that statement. But Max is a great team-mate and likes playing with DD so there’s nothing wrong with saying that.
You have no basis for saying Max is “wrong” in making this statement.
It’s not a relative argument — who is better than the other. The argument is that DD makes Max better. Max has said as much. You can’t divorce Max’s success from DD facilitating that success.
Beginning of the year I said Desharnais owes everything he’s got to Pacioretty and Cole.
That is clearly not the case. Desharnais has proven on several occasions this year that he’s fine on his own. He’s cooled off a bit lately but I expect him get it going again soon.
He reminds me of a mini Doug Gilmour.
Glad he got a good deal and will be with the team for a while.
It appears to me that the players in the organization are all committed to winning and realize the implications of their cap hits. I think MB is going to try to instill a Detroit type culture whereby players can stay if they wish in an organization that will run with class and be perrenially competitive with a chance to be part of something special (there would be little in sport as special s winning a cup in Mntreal) or they can walk or be moved if their values contradict with that mentality.
I can’t help in the back of mind wonder if that wasn’t a secret plus to moving COle…he was very vocal during the lockout and would be a guy as mangement you amy not want around considering the direction (patches=discount, dd=discount=Eller= discount=Subban=discount)
I can’t imagine a guy like Cole approved of those deals….I am completely making this up but I always wondered it with how vocal he was.
desharnais’ extension was not signed by the player as a “discount”.
it is a function of a player who has come from modest (rural Quebec) upbringing, told all his life that he would never make big money playing the game, and now achieving the financial security of a long term NHL contract.
desharnais is now set for life. that was his priority.
He could get more on the open market over that same time frame…ost palyers require more money to play in montreal….or at lest they used to…the last several contracts have not included that surcharge we were so used to seeing.
Neither did Eller sign a discount. He had no leverage, nor had he earned more money based on performance.
Max signed a stupid deal – sorry to say – he left a ton on money on the table.
I think Eller deserved a bit more than he got…no he had no leverage….Subban had the same lack of leverage in theory but we all know he is also making far less than he deserves. Max left money on the table..sure did…I thought by your logic thoughhe was “setting himself for life”…they all left money on the table..money that will be used by better teammates down the road and make them competitive year after year. IF it were a one off I might think agent error…it is now a trend. Great way to run things. I like every move made by MB so far…
Max signed a fantastic deal.. 23 years old when he inked a $27million dollar deal, UFA at 30. His deal comes with far less pressure than a mega deal.
Excellent post krob1000!!!
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
Maybe MB is not that smart,,,,,,,DD is just not that good,,,,not someone I want around real long term for 3.5M per year.
I guess we have to carry on tradition of last 20 years,,,,at least 1 player under 5’8″.
This move doesn’t excite me at all. But L’Antichambre Bozos are all smiles. He’s french and “he comes to play chaque soir”,,,whatever.
He’s a non impact player, – so easy to find someone better.
Actually the tradition goes back 100+ years. Naslund, Richard, Cournoyer, Morenz…
But the only tradidtion I care about is the tradition of winning Stanley Cups, and MB IS that smart, and is the guy to bring it back.
Good Move!
Do you watch any Habs games? He’s a VERY good player. He needs max, yes, but Max needs him too! Max was quoted as saying that DD was the BEST player he had ever played with. I’m pretty sure Cole wouldn’t have had the season he did, last year, if it wasn’t for DD. The contract isn’t a terrible one. He’s not easily replaced. He works hard, makes plays, and is an ASSET to the team. Good signing.
Wow, he must be good,,,,best player Max has played with,,,,,,who the F has Max ever played with?? other than other habs of last 2 years!! Dumb statement.
You’re of course entitled to disagree with MB and believe “DD is just not that good.”
But you’re also suggesting that short is bad. That’s one you can’t win! Examples? Martin St Louis, Marcel Dionne, Yvan Cournoyer, and of course Henri Richard — 11 Stanley Cups (not even Gretzky has that).
If you think Henri was reason they won 11 cups,,,,,,,,,and don’t compare DD to marcel Dione or Marty St. Louis, or the roadrunner,,,PLEASE!!!
I never loved DD. Even when we brought him up in favor of Lapierre, I was a bit disappointed. But this is a very fair contract. He truly earned it. His grit and work ethic are perfect for the system, I keep hearing that the ‘boys love him, especially Pacioretty (remember when he was going to be the next 1st round selection to become a bust? But DD saved him!), and while perhaps he is unproven in the playoffs, he is an offensive threat to be respected nonetheless.
As for our long-term centre situation, MB will not move any of our top 3 centres for a long time, so it looks like Gally will remain at wing. Not in love with that thought, but I like to keep in mind that Tyler Seguin was also drafted as a playmaking centre and has adjusted pretty darn well to being a full-time winger in Boston. Gally is also having a much better rookie season than Seguin did (he was a healthy scratch for several games remember?) So I’m sure Gally will be fine!
https://twitter.com/mikelangerr
I hope they tell Gabriel Dumont to find an apartment in Montreal and keep him around for the remainder of the season. I like what he brings. Even when Bourque is healthy. Dumont is a great 13th forward until he can land a regular spot on the 4th line.
Do all you guys listen to yourselves? – what he brings??? How about getting someone who brings some scoring!!!
A great 13th forward!!! 70% of the players in NHL are great 13th forwards.
Doesn’t take much to excite some people.
Ouch! Declare your top 6.
Better for Dumont’s development to go back to Hamilton once Bourque is back.
Likewise Tinordi, goes back once Diaz is cleared to play. Tinordi is still very green for this level, but will be a very good player for us in about two years.
Oh man, I bet some ppl are mad DD is signed long term. Sadly this might mean the end of Plek, not now, but when Gally is ready to take over at centre, specially if Eller plays the way he has been playing, if not I guess maybe Eller gets moved to the wing.
Look at at our cap space, Perry here is your 9M
Patches-DD-Perry
Ugh no, no Perry at 9 millions, please! Those contract never seem to work out ok.
The only 2 centers that have an assured future with the Habs are Pleks and Galchenyuk because he is the best C right now, he has a NTC and some would not value this, but I do, he is the second longest serving Habs playing right now, about 80 games behind Markov.
#27 is the hope for the future of the Habs, and on an entry deal, not likely moved.
Both DD and Eller are attractive pieces, it’s been said Bergevin got alot of calls inquiring about Eller. DD is signed for a decent term and hit considering the shrinking cap.
There are maybe 4 or 5 players in the league I would pay that kind of money to, and Perry’s not one of them.
Crosby, Stamkos, Malkin, Toews, Konopka.
Hahahahahaha.
Well played, especially as you had my first 4 perfectly.
First of all ,for all you Deharnaise HATERS out there… you SUCK! If you ask me I’d say Gionta is on the trading blocks.
IF he weren’t captain. Even when Philly dumped theirs, it was post-season. Does a team ever trade its captain coming up to the playoffs?
Dumping Gionta can be reworded to making Cap Room by moving a real good hockey player to a team that needs his services more.
Ain’t nuthin like spin!
Love the new deal for Desharnais.
Marc Bergevin locked up a good player at a reasonable dollar amount. He gets to contribute without eating up a ton of cap space.
Heck, even if Bergevin wants to trade him down the road, the contract would be easy to move (not that I’m lobbying for Desharnais to be traded, mind you).
What’s not to like?
Glad to see DD sign a big fat contract
He took the hard route by not being drafted, playing in the AHL and ECHL and biding his time there before being given a chance in Montreal.
Met him several times in Hamilton while playing for the Dawgs, a true gentleman and so much speed and skill in the guy.
But, I believe you can’t have 3 small forwards on our team with Gionta and Gallagher included , both of these players can be good trade bait for Bergevin.
Still, we need some big bodies to address our issues for the team.
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
Gallagher will be a cheap player for a couple more seasons so it’s more likely one of the higher paying vets that MB considers. The Cole trade showed me that MB has a plan and that none of us here know what it is. Glad to hear/read a positive post about DD. He’s well like by Patches and that’s good enough for me.
I think you have to get players who like it here and are loyal to play for Montreal many, many seasons and lock them up.
It shows when you sign Pax, DD, Pleks and Price to name a few who wish to remain here and not some players who know they will be here 2 years or so and go elsewhere.
Right PK?
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
Agreed Amigo. Patches loves playing with DD,he said so since the farm. That”s good enough for me too.
Great post. Didn’t trash players but made the same point. I agree.
Has anyone picked up Nikolannon off waivers yet?? And what do we do with him if no one picks him up.??
No harm in playing him in Hamilton, no?
If there is room, but I feel they want the roster in Hamilton to reflect with players that are under development instead of has been’s.
He’s a 27 year defensive first guy who was good in the faceoff circle. He’s not Crosby Ian, but hasbeen is a little tough.
That true my friend. Has been is not appropriate.
They better leave some room for PK’s extension next year!!!
Someone said the cap goes back up after next season which would help PK’s situation. As a side, I wonder if MB may regret not signing PK to an extension earlier. His play this season is warranting a HUGE contract.
Going to get real interesting this trade deadline.
oldschoolhockey….
the playoffs are rarely old school hockey.
The Habs are proving they can beat anyone right now. Of course, we don’t know how they will do in a 7-game series against Boston, but one could argue we were even smaller and less physical in 2010 and we took the bruins to game 7 OT.
There is more to hockey than physical play, toughness and fighting. That said, we are slightly tougher already and there is a chance we get slightly more tough, but what’s important is that we are quick and avoid the rough stuff as much as possible and make them pay with our PP.
No reason to doubt a 1st place team.
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
Hey Habsrule1 — maybe it would be a 4-game series…
RAAAAAAAAWWWWHHH — and I’m watching on NESN. What say you Mr Edwards?
Yes. A healthy Habs line-up could wrap it up quickly.
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
I feel like helping the Leafs, poor buggers in the midst of a multi-game skid. C’mon Hab fans let’s get together and help out the Leafs.
We have the “missing piece” to get them out of their skid.
Tomas Kaberle.
It would be tough to part with him, but a competitive Leaf team is great for hockey.
We will give him to the Leafs for next to nothing… a first round pick in 2013 is all… I know people will be upset at the Habs for losing such a ‘highly touted” asset for just a 1st rounder, but hey, sometimes you have to be nice.
Let’s start the rumor here, maybe it will spread like wild fire and TSN can push the deal.. and Nonis will fall for it.. it is… the… Laffs!
Perhaps Mr. Boone can forward this post on behalf of all us to the Hab’s management.
Package him up with Armstrong as well!!
Where’s all the hate for a 4th liner come from? He’s on the ice about 10 minutes a game and the puck isn’t ending up in the Habs net.
Not every player on the team contributes offensively. With Armstrong, it’s the plays he prevents by keeping it in the other team’s end that matters.
I think he’s played much better of late. I think what most of us were expecting was a more in your face physical presence. We haven’t seen a lot of that thus far from him nor Moen for that matter. But I think your right, most nights the 4th line is eating some minutes and not getting scored on. That’s a big positive.
No hate Cal, just think there are better players on the way up is all.
You need Armstrong on the team, he brings team unity and chemistry in the dressing room.
That goes along way than having a skilled player such as Sergei Kostitsyn who never amounted to anything here but wagging his tail and following his brother all around in Montreal.
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
Very frustrating. This is the down side of the Candiens. Most other teams would just commit to play Galchenyuk at centre. But because it´s the Canadiens, they can´t the temporary growing pains and production drop-off of sticking him there.
If you stick Gally at centre, by the end of the season he´s already competent at the position, and in the meantime he´s probably produced around 40 points, maybe more who knows; not gonna kill the team. CERTAINLY not gonna kill them at the third centre position.
Look at almost all of the other top three selections in recent years, most of them made an impact their first year and were real good players by their second year. I think only Seguin consistently played out fo position his first year, and none of them played out of position for two years in a row. That´s detrimental, unless you secretly believe and are convinced he doesn´t have what it takes to be an NHL centre. Given that´s the reason we drafted him, he would be a failed draft pick in that case.
They have had Galchenyuk and Gallagher getting significant ice time since the beginning of the season. They are not afraid to play them. Therrein has a good track record developing youth, if you didn’t notice Eller and PK are definitely breaking out in a big way. Bergevin has been spot on with all his moves to date I have faith in him to make the right decisions. Just because DD was signed for 4 years doesn’t mean he will be here that’s long. For now he is a skilled veteran center who can be relyied upon to produce. If he continues producing he will be attractive as a #2 center at his price. Look at Seguin he is still playing the wing and he’s developed into an impact player non the less, 67 points last year and on pace for 68 points pro rated this year.
I’m good with their plan. It’s much easier to learn other aspects of the game without the responsibilities than come with playing centre at the NHL level.
If we were hurting at the position, we might throw him in there, but we have the luxury of other strong centremen.
I trust MT & MB cause they’re doing what I’d do.
Damn, they’re smart guys.
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
Don’t forget to trust the assistant GM, Rick Dudley as well!
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
Whether he ends up a center or not does not dictate pass/fail…..not at all that is a very weird way to look it. IT is already a pass that the kid is i the NHL now…that does not mean he has to be a center now….
I mentioned this on the other post…NONE of PLeks, Eller or DD ever played a consistent minute center until age 23
The team is in too good of aposition to compete to endure growing pains and it would be a horrific blow to the accuntability that MT has created to play himat center and hose one of those other guys who do the little things better.
On Tomas Kaverle MB takes another what could be perceived as hard very rough stance on a player’s ability to play hockey, but you have to respect Canadiens new no prisoners or no excuses attitude going forward.
It has become overly apparent that Kaberle’s few games played this year were more of a showcase to the rest of the league in hopes of moving his contract. Kaberle will not play again in fear he may get hurt thus losing any chance of moving his contract at the deadline if someone is in deep need of a veteran puck moving Dman. or lose the ability to use our 2nd compliance buyout next year if he can not be moved.. I wonder if they let Kaberle use sharp objects or even drive to and from arena.
Can not risk injury to Kaberle,, as his contract must come off the books and be added or handed right over to PK in his extension that will follow.
As far as DD contract go at first glance i thought it was a tad too much, but really not too bad at all, and at 26 he has paid some dues for sure and it remains a movable contract if need be. I would be more inclined to worry about what to do with Brian Gionta’s 5 Million this is a contract that can hurt us next year if we can not get it off the books, Although i like Gionta his services are duplicated and improved by a certain rookie, and we could use a little more size upfront for that 5m would be nice to see Moen and Gionta’s contract come off the books. Lars will be needing an extension or bridge contract soon as well.
You are wise Shamrock. Nobody has mentioned Gionta. Another smurf who is good in the room. I want the team to be a respectable organization again, to treat it’s players with respect, but Gionta has not been effective this year, last (yes, he was hurt) and we need size if Gally is to stay and improve on his current energetic, spark-plug play.
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
Gionta not effective this year?? he is on pace for 27 goals over 82 games…his line consistently plays against top lines and he is the captain of a team that all appears to get along and are in first place.
Yah! That’s so brutal! He should score 82 goals!
Montreal’s Salary Cap for 2013-14.
- new DD signing puts the team at $56M for 18 players (which includes Kaberle and Tinordi)
- Tinordi and/or Bouillon cancel each other out. I am assuming the Habs use the amnesty clause on Kaberle.
- new cap is now at $52M for 17 players.
- team needs to sign the following: (a) back-up goalie, (b) 7th defenseman and (c) four forwards to replace/re-sign to fill the spots presently held by Ryder, Armstrong, Noke and White.
- a + b + c – Ryder = 6M tops.
- subtract cap cushion = 1.3M
- in theory, the team could have 5M in space with only Ryder needing to be replaced.
Good summary, but that ain’t no Cup team! If Bergy is looking for a Cup, then we still need a good sized forward that can score, a shut down deference and some anti-anxiety pills for Pricey!
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
thanks steve…its going to be an interesting summer.
Habs Cap in a nutshell. Nicely done, Steve.
They will almost assuredly want to extend PK in the off season.
But that would not have any implications on next season`s cap seeing that Subban is already signed.
Nest year is a breeze. It`s the following season that things get interesting.
Gionta, Markov, Emelin and Diaz are all UFAs. Subban and Eller are both RFAs.
Maybe all of this so that they could deal DD. Easier to deal someone with a long term “reasonable” cap space hit contract, no?
Eh, whatever.
Who’s picking up a 5’7″ .5 point a gamer? We aren’t the only team looking for a good sized center, with hands and good hockey sense, that’s for sure! (Inject gobs of cynicism here Mr.Timo)
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
.5 point a game? 99 points in 157 career NHL games is .63, and even .5 is not something to sneeze as derisively.
Comparables, which isn’t easy, since all below were drafted and are younger:
Tyler Seguin has played 180 games, and has 110 points, 0.61;
Lars Eller, 188 games, 62 points, 0.32;
Tyler Ennis, 166 games, 110 points, 0.66;
Mikael Backlund, 149 games, 52 points, 0.39;
Marcus Johansson, 161 games, 75 points, 0.47.
Seguin, 5.75 mill cap hit until 2018-19.
Eller, to be resigned.
Ennis, to be resigned, already cap hit of 2.8 mill.
Backlund, to be resigned.
Johansson, to be resigned.
I think it’s a damn good deal, and as much about keeping a productive duo in DD and MaxPac together, as about salary cap and team chemistry.
“Only a goalie can appreciate what a goalie goes through.” – Jacques Plante
You must be squirming in your seat waiting for reaction about that statement Timo!
I am feet on the desk eating a donut, Ian. Going for a massage later today. Life’s good.
Appreciate your restraint and choice of cuisine!
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
does anybody know how much cap space the habs have given this recent signing and excluding any amnesty buyouts.
http://www.capgeek.com/canadiens
Oh and for all ya’ll talking about a playoff run, despite our 2010 happy days with Cammy as our sniper, does anyone think this version will play well against the dirty, sized-up Bruins? We really aren’t much bigger than last year (Armstrong is a ghost, Bork, Bork, Bork is good this year but hurt, Cole is gone and Rider on the storm is 6 feet and under 200 and not a checker) and our speed and peskiness a la Gally and DD is frequently simply cross-checked out of the crease regularly. We need a crease clearing meanie that doesn’t take penalty minutes and can start a rush (Tinordi isn’t ready, maybe Beaulieu) Diaz has been good but is small and not a fighter or tough a la Emelin and who’s going to step in and score for us? Nothing in Hamilton (Not LL, sorry nos amis de Quebec).
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
I forget, how many fights were there last time Habs and Bruins had a 7 game series?
Who won last game against “the sized up Bruins”
Which team has the better PP?
Promote the youth.. but Tinordi isnt ready? Have you seen him play at NHL level???
I’ve seen him play at AHL level and he will be torn apart by the likes of Lucy, Neil, you name it, not to mention Crosby and gang. He isn’t as slow as Gill, but he hasn’t developed Gill’s eye yet. I wasn’t a fan of Gill’s either as he didn’t fight, wasn’t a checker, didn’t score, ever. He was more than a stay at home D-man. He was a camp at home d-man. We don’t need that again. I miss Larry!
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
You have no idea how Tinordi will play in the NHL. Galley wasn’t exactly lighting the world on fire in Hamilton. He’s producing at a better pace in the NHL than the AHL. Some guys are just gamers. Let’s give the kid a shot. Bergevin is clearly getting a good look at what’s in the system before decide what deadline moves to make. Very shrewd on his part.
Also Tinordi isn’t a Gill clown he hits fights and clears the crease
I agree Lizard… we need to give the kids a look and I’m glad we’re in a position to do it this year. Would love to see Tinordi work out, we need the size and spirit, despite his reputation and black eye (some say he was knocked out in a fight on the Knights last year, but I didn’t see it) as being soft.
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
iam kinda sure that the management teams sees this issue. how they deal with it is anyones guess…
I’m sure they see it to. Plenty of things to deal with still, but I do like Bergevin’s measured moves so far, although $3.5 a year for DD… not excited about that level especially when we have to grow Eller, Bork, Bork, Bork, Gally, etc…
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
more i think about it 3.5 is excellent value..not to much but just enough to wet the whistle.
oldschool – It’s still too early to be talking about any Cup run. If Diaz and Bourque can’t play, then the team takes a huge step back. There is no one in the system to replace them (at the same level of play) and I’m not keen on selling off the future to plug those two holes for a few months.
However, if they can return then I think there’s a glimmer of hope. You could assume that Boston and Pittsburgh are better than Montreal. I wouldn’t argue with that point. But the Pens goaltending is suspect. As well, Rask has never had any playoff experience. If Price can somehow regain his form, then the Habs stand a chance. A hot goalie is usually what eventually wins the Cup.
Who the hell would have thought that back in January.
I´m a bit surpised they couldn´t sign him for less.
In fact, I´m surprised at the whole tging, shows i don´t know anything about hockey. For me, it´s the first eyebrow raised during the Bergevin regime.
DD is an offensively creative centre, and he´s been good for us at a time when we needed an offensively productive centre. But because of his size he will never be a dominant centre they way that Galchenyuk and Eller can be, and is limited defensively So I don´t understand the signing unless it´s a case of sign and trade. But that´s a risky proposition; the team would have to be 100% sure that Desharnais is an attractive asset to other teams with that kind of contract. Is he? Being French-Canadian, he is probably more likely to be more heavily rewarded by the habs than other teams, because of the fans he will help draw. Also the habs usually behave quite ethically with players, they don´t sign somone long term, for that money, unless they plan to play them.
The most likely conclusion to me is that they plan to play Gally next year on the wing, further inhibitting his development at centre by yet another year (and beyond)I think that would be a terrible mistake. The only way Gally wil become a better centre is…by playing centre. Won´t two years playiing out of position confuse the young kid? He´ll have to relearn everything when he is switched back, and precious development time will have been lost.
Apart from this, though I like DD, I am not sold on him being a long term answer at centre. If a guy is that small he has to be basically a point per game player to make up for it. He isn´t that.
+27
Even his junior team had hmi playing out of position…if I recall correctly the US Juniors had him on the wing too. He is not complete enough right now to be a center..and quite honestly I think he is more than a year from it…he is hands down the least aggresssive forward, wins the fewesty puck battles and often skates away from his forecheking role. More oftne than not Eller ends up assuming his pressuring role anyway and he plays the high man on the forecheck.
In todays game they play F1,F2,F3 anyway and guys aren’t stuck on one side of the ice offensively. Once they croiss the redline it postions go out the window…and even on the beckcheck they play f1,f2,f3 until theya re able to get into their correct positions…Eller is the guy you want helping out down low.
I see no dilemma with the current situation.
The team if a lesser team or if a team that played a more runa nd guns tyle and less aggressive forecheck may be able to have Galchnyuk play up the middle the whole time….but he cannot in MT’s system and I can’t see him being able to next year either.
I
It’s a fair deal, and with a diminished cap, there’s bound to be some teams that would be willing to trade for DD.
I think they will evaluate after the playoffs what they want to do with the center situation.
If DD is not able to produce in the playoffs I doubt he comes back, same could be said of Eller, but at least Eller has more to his game than just offensive side.
Desharnais would be really hard to move unsigned and coming up to UFA. A gaining team would think “Well, they could acquire our player, then resign David as a UFA.” This is a smart move if you want to keep DD and a smart move if you are open to moving DD. He is actually worth more now.
Why is PK is forced to take the bridge, while Desharnais gets his money up front?
Because PK will get 5.5 million or more
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Exactly. This also begs that question. The team maintained that it is a proponent of “modest” bridge contracts, but DD gets more money and more term than Subban, who is clearly a more valuable player. What gives?
Agreed. I’m not saying DD doesn’t deserve more money. But what other team would’ve given him more than PK? This was a home town bonus.
As far as PK and Price are concerned, it doesn’t matter that DD’s older or that he played most of his entry level contract in HAM. Bottom line, he was an RFA with similar NHL experience.
If I’m PK or Price, I’m thinking they played hardball with me and rolled over for DD. No way I sign next time without testing free agency.
First of all this is DD’s 3rd contract with the team so technically speaking his 2 year 1.7 mil deal was a bridge deal. Also DD probably tops out at 3.5-4 mil he’ll never be worth more because he’s one dimensional however 3.5 for a second line center who can put up 60 points is a pretty good deal. PK on the other hand has so much potential that he felt a his best he’s worth 6+ mil. That’s a lot of money and a fairly big gamble so it’s understandable they wanted to see if he was going to develop properly and be worth it.
DD`s contract was not a bridge contract in the true sense of the word. He`s technically a six year pro. Subban was a three year pro.
Because PK is three years younger?
We’ll see. 3 years would have been more than enough.
Galchenyuk had 8 points in his first 13 games while at centre.
He’s since scored 5 in 14 games while on the wing.
This(forgive the expression) hard on to keep him on the wing is misguided. I’m not saying he’s ready to be a full-time centreman today. I’m saying you don’t put players like Galchenyuk on the wing. He is already this team’s most creative and skilled player offensively. When he has the strength to compete and win in close quarters he’ll be there for good.
If it takes three years then there’s no issue other than slow development, but Bergevin can maintain the status quo in that case. But if he develops that strength earlier, one of Desharnais, Plekanec or Eller are gone.
Plekanec again has a NTC and Desharnais just got his extension. One of them could be moved to the wing but none are as good there as they are at centre and since no team is perfect it makes sense to trade one of them when Galchenyuk’s ready to be a full-time centreman.
Eller is the most logical considering the Plekanec and Desharnais contracts.
It’s true that it’s great to have more offensive centremen than needed but players capable of playing prominent roles on a team don’t take too kindly to being relegated onto a fourth line with little to no special teams play.
The term numbers game didn’t come out of thin air.
While all your points are valid, you also have to recognize that (assuming Desharais continues to produce at the same level he has so far) a $3.5 mil cap hit for an experienced second line centre is a very movable contract, especially if the cap ceiling starts rising again after next year. The contract doesn’t lock the Habs into Desharais the way they were with Gomez.
Why sign him today with the intention of moving him? He just came off of a 60 point season. If there was a time to move him, now would be it.
Desharnais’ a lifer.
It’s not the intention of moving him, it’s the option of moving him. It’s always better to have options. What if Pleks gets injured? What if Eller gets a sweet offer sheet? MAlkin played for at least two years on Sid’s wing when needed so that the Pens would have a lethal first line, why not do the same with Chuckie? Habs didn’t have options last year and look at what happened
Malkin came to the NHL as a centreman and played as one in his first season.
But during the Pen’s Cup runs he played on Sid’s wing (at least part of the time)
When he has the strength is the key….once he can be a more complete player …at that point I would still argue he should then take DD’s role….as the offensive centermen. The teams stregth lies in its strong two way play and Eller/Pleks IMo up front along with PK/Markov ont he back end are huge parts of the team.
I’ve stated reasons why I feel Desharnais won’t be traded and there’s another big one that happens to be the elephant in the room.
Plekanec controls his fate to a large degree.
We can only hope that Galchenyuk is as humiliated for being kept on the wing as Eller was with his benching. If he is, the sky’s the limit for the kid!
Do you really think that getting benched isn’t a humiliating experience?
No, I think calling it ‘humiliating’ is too harsh.
Really, I’m sure we disagree more about the word than the feeling.
I think you’re getting ahead of the situation, Tom. There is no immediate need for a trade, period. This contract doesn’t change that. What MB has done is preserve his options. The absence of an NTC in DD’s contract is noteworthy. No, that doesn’t mean it’s a sign and trade deal, but it does mean that MB has preserved his options. DD’s new contract is far from unmovable.
Yup, we appear to have four top three centres. I tend to agree that Galchenyuk will need some time at centre sooner rather than later. He’ll get it. There will be injuries. Perhaps Eller’s size and more physical play of late opens the opportunity to have a look at him on the wing again. And, yes, perhaps the right deal will come along for one of those centres, not necessarily Lars, opening the door to Galchenyuk moving into the middle.
The future is, well, in the future. Right now is where the action is. There has to be a balance between the two and I think that is about keeping options open while maximizing your present strengths. I think MB is doing very well in that regard, including this deal with DD.
I’ve said in this entire thread that it isn’t something that’s going to happen today Gerry.
It’s an x date. When Galchenyuk has the strength, one of Plekanec or Eller are goners.
…or DD. That they have chosen to secure this asset doesn’t mean they’re committed to it permanently. There’s no NTC. What he’s done is get this contract signed. I think it’s wise to have that done before the summer trade/UFA frenzy. It’s very difficult to include a player in trade discussions when he is unsigned.
I think it would be a miracle if Desharnais were traded.
.
Re: The trade of Iginla. Part of me really wants the Bruins to get Iggy. I want to see them overspend big time for Iggy, sacrifice their future somewhat. Of course part II of this wish has Iggy coming down with pneumonia (not life threatening) just as the playoffs begin.
In the meantime Calgary continues to plummet in the standings giving us the 31st pick in the upcoming draft.
Bruins have an excellent GM. And they are stacked with talent.
That combination is a recipe for them to take the Flames to the cleaners on the Iginla trade, and I fully expect that to happen.
Sorry to be such a downer.
What is all this Plekanec trade talk?! The guy is one of our most, if not the most consistent, dedicated player. Sure he’s only 5’11″, but look at the other smurfs that we have besides DD? Gionta (who’s been a ghost this year-but good in the room…Ha, love that comment!) and Gally. Yes, the latter get’s in the tough spots, but DD had a slow start and we need guys like Cole, who we all fell in love with last year and now we’re serving him up. I liked Cole all around, but Bergy didn’t like his contract, so he signs DD, another smurf…
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“Gionta is a ghost” Really? He’s on pace for a 27 goals if the season were 82 games. Can we have more “ghost-like” 25+ goal scorers, please?
Grim, I sit corrected… at 16 points in 27 games, he is doing fine. I guess I just don’t want fine, although our team has the most players with over 10 points each in the league and that is what is keeping us in first. So yeah, Gionta, despite his size, is contributing.
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
If there were no salary cap, the Canucks would be ecstatic with their goaltending tandem (in spite of this season’s mediocre performances). Only when it became necessary to pay Schneider market value did the combined salaries become a major burden.
Contracts are good value, average, or poor value.
Our best value contract is P.K.’s. Pacioretty’s and Desharnais are good value. Carey Price’s contract is average value. Plekanec’s, Gionta’s, Markov’s, and of course, Kaberle’s, these contracts’ bargain value are open to debate.
Peace/Out.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Bulldogs sign Peter Merth to P.O.T. contract this AM. Looks like Bergevin is serious about size on defense. This fellow is 6’3″, 225 pounds, knows how to fight, has good plus/minus numbers, defense looking to get bigger.
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
or more likely the habs injurys are more longterm than we think.
I don’t see that guy making the NHL any time soon.
Might be wrong, but a 25 year old that just made the ECHL? Size ain’t everything.
True, but Tinordi has been called soft and hasn’t been turning away shots as the Bulldogs are one of the highest in goals against. I won’t even get into the lack of scoring on our farm team. Glad we’re finding ways to score here, but THAT is our major weakness, the need for a solid, center, or LW with scoring capability, along the lines of Cole version 2011-2012.
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
Who has been calling Tinordi soft? 1st year pro, still growing into his frame. I have been to many Bulldogs games this year and saw zero evidence of him being soft. I fail to understand how rumours like this get started.
Bulldogs simply put are a young inexperienced team with little offensive talent. Therefore puck stays in Hamiltons zone for too much of the game. Next year will be different there. Not to mention first year for the new coaching staff in Hamilton.
I may be reading this wrong but it looks like he’s been playing in the ECHL for the past 3 seasons, with a few AHL games thrown in.
http://hamiltonbulldogs.com/pressbox/news/?article_id=315
At first glance I thought you said BUlldogs signed Peter North, figured HF72 would have been very happy!
Unfortunately not…
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
MB is doing all the right things for a reason. so far he has proven he can put a winning team together. The way he’s doing things. One piece at a time and he will bring a cup to Montreal. IMO he’s a very smart GM along with his staff and the coaching staff.
Great job MB.
at first glance I thought the $$ were a touch high, but if Brad Marchand is worth $4.5M/yr. DD contract is a deal.
Marchand is probably a steal at 4.5… 30 goals and inspires a ton of hate. He is a clutch player and has won the Starley Cup.
2012-13 Cap Limit is 70.2 million for 23 allowable contracts which averages out to 3.52 mill per contract. DD is being paid 0.95 mill so anyone who says he isn’t producing overlooked this fact. $950,000 well spent.
Next season, confirmed Cap Limit is 64 million which is 2.78 mill per contract average. If DD’s production drops off next year, then the contract will be a “bad” one. DD’s play won’t drop off. How do I know this? He doesn’t smoke two packs a day, right UCe?
“May you live in interesting times.”
I believe he buys the smaller packs, in order to blend in to his pocket better, everything is relational due to his stature. THerefore really the two packs are more like 1.35 packs per day, that should be okay.
DD should have been on a Canadian team when our dollar was worth 62 to 65 cents. Man, the jokes would have been flying (most of them over DD’s head)!
“May you live in interesting times.”
I don’t see this meaning any center trade this season.
In the off season, at draft? Could be.
DD with his new contract certainly holds more value than he did before.
It’s a fair deal, but one would have hoped for more of a discount, and before someone post about DD’s last season, well he’s not on pace for 60 points this season.
Carefully scroll down Shiram, I see your old avatar has been stolen, it simply looks out of place without your name beside it.
heartandgoal can keep the poutine avatar, I’m fine with my bearded warrior.
Besides I was tired of getting health advice from strangers…
Okay, but you will always be the King of Poutine as far as i am concerned and I mean that as a compliment. In fact prior to my next trip to Montreal, I will probably be asking you for recomendations again. CHeers bud!
Heheh well thank you!
I’ll be glad to help out when the time comes.
I thought Gui ate the avatar while passing through on his way to Ottawa. It goes to show what I know.
4 centermen capable of playing in the top 9 == good problem to have.
Just not so good for the odd man out. That guy will sour on the organization if he’s kept in the basement.
wing == basement?
The player won’t sour. I think you’re overstating the negative effect moves like this have on a player, on a personal level.
I seem to recall you saying the Eller benching was “humiliating”.
Ever played hockey? Being benched is humiliating bud.
Oz you didn’t tell me you never played hockey. This changes everything!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsKpShq2X6s
Would it be better for me to say that the idea of being benched isn’t humiliating is a moronic opinion?
Don’t worry, HiB. I am a player too!
My comment was “hockey player certified”.
another day, another 50 online battles for ol’ Loon.
why so grumpy?
Had you considered for a moment that debating hockey is something that I enjoy and with that in mind would be something that keeps me entertained and thus not grumpy?
Probably not, language is still proving to be an obstacle for you.
make it 51!
Four centres capable of capable of cracking the top six on many teams is an even better problem.
I’m convinced now – unless they trade directly for a centreman, the Habs will hold on to all three of their pivots for at least the remainder of the season. It’s far too soon in Galchenyuk’s career to be slotting him in for a top 3 centre position, and there’s no way we sacrifice offense when this team is thriving on its balanced attack.
So if either Eller, Pleks, or DD go, there has got to be a warm-bodied centreman coming back in return.
Good for DD.
And if you pro-rate his new contract for height, he’s making 6.5 million per year.
___________________________________________________
Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.
Haha, an even better deal when put in those terms!
I don’t think this means that Eller is necessarily gone.
I know the protocol of the internet mandates a rush to judgement and dealing only in absolutes, but I think this could play out differently.
We are already seeing the morphing of an NHL team’s make up from 2 offensive lines, one defensive line & a 7minute grind line to 3 balanced lines, all capable of offense and defense and a 4th line that can eat up the clock and play decent hockey.
I think what we are also seeing is the need for centres. OR rather people who can take faceoffs. With the refs being giddy to kick players from the faceoff, some teams (including our own) have actually sent in wingers to line up first (Gionta, Chris Neil, others; can’t think) to get tossed and then the true centre comes in.
Keeping that in mind, plus the fact that both LE and AG can play the wing (and the same one to boot), I think what you will see is an Eller/Galch/Winger tandem for a bit. Too bad they are both Lefties!
Not saying he won’t ever get traded, just saying there are other permutations out there. If you have a trade offered that makes your team better you do it. No matter how much you like the player… I really enjoy watching Eller, but if Edmonton comes offering Eberle… good bye Lars!
I find this a little sketch.
DD was in line for a bridge contract. Why didn’t the Canadiens wait until he was an RFA and then play hardball with him like they did Subban. Why give a guy who’s size always makes him a questionable top 2 center, term and money?
At 3.5 per, he’s at a discount already. Would it mean that much to you to see the club pay him, say 500K less?….at that point you’re splitting hairs for the sake of it.
Another DD fan comes out of the woodwork.
I’m just saying, he has 157 career games to PKs 181.
Why did they play hardball with PK when he wanted term but DD gets both term and money? I hope the implications of making this type of deal with one guy while playing chicken with a guy who I think is far more valuable to the club are not too costly.
Because they are totally different situations.
DD’s on a bridge contract right now.
DD may be on the bridge, but I am starting to see a great cast of characters here that seem to live under the bridge!
*slow clap*
(and walks away)
this contract takes him two years into his free agency
RD, David was slated to be a Restricted Free Agent this summer, with arbitration rights. There was no waiting necessary.
As far as “playing hardball like they did with Subban”, that may be what’s required when the player’s agent is asking for a much higher contract than what the team had in mind. Evidently in this case, this wasn’t a problem.
As far as the ‘bridge contract’, that’s applicable to a player who made the NHL at a young age, has played out his Entry Level deal and will have at least one more contract before he gets to the third, the one that will usually carry into the player’s Unrestricted years. In David’s case, he made the NHL at a later age, so that his Entry Level deal finishes when he’s 26, one year before he’s eligible for UFA status. There isn’t an opportunity for a bridge contract.
Thanks for explaining how age factors into this. If all things had been equal, I did not think this was a fair approach to negotiating with players.
My first instinct says this is for a “sign and trade.”
Hmm… But what other plans do the Habs have for centre?
Desharnais now has a super palatable contract and is locked away from his first UFA window for several seasons. And, by signing him for 4 years at a bargain, it makes it easier to get return offerings in a trade. He’s undersized, but the contract is so good another GM would jump on it. Or if he’s here to stay, the Habs have a cheap, productive, hometown hero who can play in the 1, 2, or 3 spot.
You think to Pittsburgh, and they loved having a glut of talent at centre. We don’t have a Crosby/Malkin/Staal down the middle, but our pivots will be millionsssssss cheaper giving the team flexibility.
Staying or going, this signing is brilliant.
Sign and trade? Who pays a 5’7 center with 1.5 seasons under his belt 3.5 for 4 years?
Nobody will want to pick up this contract unless they need to pick up cap money because they are too low.
No offense, but you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Who pays a tireless 60pt centre 3.5mil for 4 years?
Not many.
(‘cuz, you know… they get things that start with 5).
It appears the first place team in the East pay that.
Which was the last place team in the east last year with the same player. David Desharnais has not been the difference this year.
Furthermore, people can talk about how he’s tireless but try to find a comparison of an undersized top 2 center that does not usually win faceoffs that makes 3.5.
Grabovski
Interesting exchange on LEblanc below….I think that boy deserves to be moved…he should be in the NHL right now but has no role on Montreal. If he isn’t with the team to start next year they shouold move him….he still has an NHL future but it isn’t up the middle in MOntreal…and it isn;t as a top 6 winger in Montreal. Might not even be in a top 9 role. I think he deserves to be moved…as he seems unhappy and this iorganizatin does not want to have unhappy young prospects…you do not want to sour the organziation from the inside. Let the boy go to somehwere he can play if he is not a part of a real plan.
I am in no way giving up on him…more just a respect thing…I thik he deserves to play and maybe they are waiting to see if he regains his fire
Leblanc is still finding his game after a high ankle sprain. These sprains take longer to heal and longer to feel right. He should be ready for training camp this fall.
I realize that but he ha ssounded very dejected about his future role…and witht he talent the team has now with Glachenyk and Gallagher being locks for winger positions moving forward, Kristo coming and the likely cap room to acquire another robust guy it loks like as 24 put it below…his best chance is a third lie winger role or 4th line center…which would be great for the Habs I guess but will he be happy with that?
If he is dejected when he faces a challenge, do the Habs want him? I’d say not. He needs a little more DD in him if that is the case.
Leblanc isn’t talented enough to be a top 2 center, not tough enough to be a bottom 2. Perhaps he can find a small market team like Chipchura did…
Have you seen him play this year? Injury withstanding, he’s not putting up great numbers in the AHL. One could make the argument that he is not surrounded by the best linemates, but don’t real great players make those around them better rather than being dependent?
Anyway, he IS only 22. But if the Habs have their centers lockup up already and if there are more talented wingers coming up (Colberg, Kristo, etc.) what is his future with the club?
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Rob – The Habs mishandled this kid. I bet he’s kicking his ass that he didn’t stay at Harvard for another year. The injury also didn’t help.
It’s still early. The other two draft choices at the time, Kreider and Josefson still aren’t at a high NHL level. Looking down the road, Leblanc’s choices appear to be a solid 3rd line RW (glass half full) or as a versatile 4th line RW/Center/PK (glass half empty).
In a perfect world, he takes Armstrong’s job next season. If not, he could be the 13th forward.
He can be in Ryder’s spot next year IF HE EARNS IT.
Not sure what he deserves, or why you think he deserves something. Aside from being a draft pick who has struggled but done what’s asked of him … and that doesnot put the puck in the net or the banner in the rafters.
I see ether a signing or Kristo there before Leblanc
When a kid is going to Harvard and you lure him away…he does deserve something IMO
He got, what? (quick look to correct) 42 games… 10 points. 5g 5a.
I like tha you feel loyalty to him (I do as well) but the reality is do you want him on the second or third line or do you want Eller/DD?
No I think they should move him and benefit both sides.
can almost guarantee that if the habs make a deal at the deadline involving a prospect, he will be one of them (Leblanc).
I think that if we all gave suggestions before he signed, the numbers would have been between 3 and 4 million. Not sure about the years. Still think MB should have waited till after the playoffs. If DD disappears in the playoffs and the Habs lose early…it will be ugly this summer.
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
Am I totally off the wall in thinking that Galchenyuk played mainly wing in junior this year?
Maybe he’s not going to be a centre?
Full Breezer 4 Life
He might play center, he might not play center, but he’s what 18 stuff changes he’s going to have a long career and next year he’ll have his first full season I’m not worried about his position just yet.
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Who really knows…there is no rush regardless to put him at center.
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
Shhh! Stop stating the obvious.
He was moved to the wing around halfway through his time in Sarnia this season.
I equate this to putting a five tool baseball player in left field. When you have a player who can hit for power, has a cannon arm, lightning fast speed and a great glove you don’t stick him on a wall.
Galcheyuk’s among our best puck distributors already, is very quick and has a laser shot. He also has a compete level that is right up there. He doesn’t have the strength to play centre today. But he will soon and when that time comes you don’t stick a guy who can be an elite centreman on the wing just for the sake of leaving a very good centreman(Plek, DD or Eller) in that position.
He struggled at centre a bit in junior as I recall. Well, if he needs a couple of years to grow into being a centre, DD’s deal still makes sense.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Galchenyuk on the wing for the next few years is a perfect answer. It solves so many problems.
Eller and Pleks become 1A centers. DD is the perfect 3rd line guy.
All that is missing is a top six RW to replace Cole. I guess the Habs will have to bank on getting one more breakout kid to eventually fill that role. Collberg might be the best bet.
If Galchenyuk becomes a centre in 2014-15, then either Pleks or DD will have to switch positions or be moved out.
Either way, the Habs win.
DD is extremely undersized to be a 3rd line center. He’s also more of an offensive player, not a defensive guy.
He needs to be top 2 or his place is in jeopardy.
Bil
I believe that he most commonly lined up at LW to accommodate a linemate playing center, but once the puck dropped he did his thing, essentially playing center.
Appatently he had the defemsive side covered in junior but i expect the thinking wad to let him get used to the NHL level on the wiing befote throwing him in the deep end
That beimg said I think too many grt tied up on the need for a big. Skilled elite center vs big skilled elite forward
“Et le but!”
Off topic, but interesting point in an article about Subban by Martin Leclerc today.
“Quand Erik Cole a été échangé aux Stars de Dallas il y a exactement huit matchs, quelqu’un qui connaît intimement le vestiaire m’avait prédit que Subban allait rapidement s’épanouir.
« Cole était constamment sur le dos de Subban. Il lui criait après et ses attaques étaient parfois très personnelles. Maintenant que Cole est parti, je suis sûr que Subban deviendra un meilleur joueur », m’avait-il raconté.
Basically saying that someone with intimate knowledge of the Habs dressing room (Darche????) said that PK would breakout and become a better player. Cole apparently was always on PK’s back, yelling at him which often seemed to be personal attacks on PK.
Edit-BTW PK has 4 g-8A= 12 points in the 8 games since the Cole trade.
We’ll never know for sure. But it did seem like Cole was being a whiner and a downer.
Who cares, Ryder is on fire and Cole is doing nothing this year.
Rumours and unnamed sources.
Full Breezer 4 Life
I saw him whining about retiring and get off to a dreadful start. Doesn’t really give you the impression that he’s buying into the whole team thing and excited about the future of the Habs.
Something had to be wrong because he’s a Bergevin type player…
What is the rush to put Galchenyuk at center? What if indeed it turns out Eller performs great at center and Galchenyuk performs great at wing? Is this really such a bad thing? Seem to recall a winger named Guy who dominated games, perhaps one day Galchenyuk does the same. Yes he could eventually move to center, but why rush the transition and again what if he and Eller develop a great chemistry!
People are paranoid of break of breaking our rookies now haha
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
The following are reasons you put Galchenyuk at centre……
Stamkos
Toews
Tavares
Malkin
Duchene
You don’t do it tonight. But you don’t wait three years either.
It’s not a list of reasons to put #27 @ C.
It’s just a list of centermen.
I think the plan is to put him in the middle, but only when he’s more capable than one of the other 3. My guess would be after 2 more years.
Why assume it’s going to take Galchenyuk two plus years?
It didn’t take those players that long.
And what if in 2 years he is scoring 40 goals a year at wing?
yeah, 2 years is my guess. just a guess.
Mind you, this is when i think he’ll surpass one of the others, not when i think he’ll be able to play the position.
Keep in mind Galchenyuk might not be quite at the level of the players that you list. Further, the teams these players landed on had no depth @ C.
Cross that bridge when you get there. If he scores fourty from the wing you’ve got a great problem.
But I think it’s accurate to say that Galchenyuk was much better offensively at centre this season than he was on the wing.
And that’s a very strong indication of what things will be like in the future. He’s great in space.
Tom – None of those guys played wing for two years, especially right out of junior with one 1.5 years of real hockey under their belts.
Exactly Steve. They didn’t play wing for two years because they had elite talent and it wasn’t pushed aside to make room for others.
They were given priority because they’re the keys to their franchise’s future.
Like some have said down below its nice to see an extension before the off season! Also this isn’t a gigantic contract and with the way he plays could easily be a steal of a contract down the road.
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
This is ideal Center rotation of the future.
#1 – Galchenyuk (assuming his development gets him there)
#2 – Eller (offensive, physical, 2-way Pleks type)
#3 – Plekanec (takes a hometown discount after his contract ends and finishes his career with the Habs in a shutdown role)
Desharnais on the wing in the top 9.
That gives us the best chance to contend IMO – I’m not anti-desharnais I’m for what’s best for the team.
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Lars, PK, Galchenyuk, Pac, Emelin – @J_Perez22
Desharnais is too small for the board work and corner work required to play the wing!
He’s struggled with the defensive responsibility at Center so I don’t see other options.
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Lars, PK, Galchenyuk, Pac, Emelin – @J_Perez22
You’ll have to trade him then. He’s too small for the wing. It’s not like he’s strong on the puck like Gionta and there’s only so much room on a roster for 5’6 wingers.
Why should Pleks take a hometown discount?
After you work for your employer for 10 years are you going to turn down a 6% raise and say, 4% is fine?
No.
Don’t expect him to do something you won’t.
This boggles my mind.
Eller. Is. Not. Getting. Traded.
A team should carry 6 centres and those centres should all be comfortable on the wing.
Can. I. Borrow. Your. Crystal. Ball?
Seems mine is broken.
Wait a minute.
You said “Eller will be traded.”
Now HH says he won’t, and you reply with a ‘crystal ball’ comment? C’mon, man.
I wasn’t intending to insult anyone Oz.
The statement that Eller won’t be moved under these circumstances is as speculative as saying that he will.
Nobody’s correct. Yet.
insulting? nah, i didn’t think that. too harsh. just…ironic, perhaps?
Good for DD!!
He deserves it.
My guess was right on the $$, but wrong on the term. I thought he’d get 2 or 3 years @ 3.5, figuring the term would line up with when Galchenyuk would take over the #1 spot.
One of the best players on the Habs DD deserves every penny and I’m glad he’s still with us. A small Player who plays like a 6’4 – 215 pound guy. Good for DD. I hope he’s here when we win the cup someday.
These are the comments that kill me.
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Lars, PK, Galchenyuk, Pac, Emelin – @J_Perez22
OK, a few points…
1) What a refreshing change to actually re-sign someone before the season is over. Gainey and Gauthier were never willing to negotiate during the season claiming they didn’t want the distractions of contract talk to interfere with the player’s on-ice performance. Complete nonsense..
2) Were the terms of the contract disclosed in the initial press release. Again, something the previous regime had in place that was complete nonsense (As per club policy, terms were not disclosed…) As if the Internet and social media were not available
to give us the info…
3) What does this mean for Louis Leblanc becoming an effective centre in the NHL… if anything…
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
I might be wrong but I believe Leblanc was seen as a winger even when drafted.
I’m worried Leblanc might be flaming out… he seems to be struggling in Hamilton this year and might not be developing into a true NHLer – of course his injury didn’t help.
If memory serves me correct, Gallagher wasn’t necessarily having a lights out season in Hamilton either…then he got to the big club…
After that injury I’d give Leblanc some time. I’m guessing he’s going to come into next year’s training camp with something to prove.
Gallagher was leafing the bulldog in scoring for most. Of the time after Geoffrion. Went down
“Et le but!”
Thanks.
Louis has had to deal with injuries the last two seasons, that has delayed his development. It’s way too early however to worry about him flaming out, he’s very young, playing on a young team having a difficult season. He has lots of time to develop and come around.
For every precocious Brendan Gallagher, we should allow that there will be another prospect having a difficult year.
You’re wrong, he was supposed to be a center with some size.
Leblanc needs to first prove that he is a capable NHL’er be it at wing or center. He has had a rough season in the AHL with his well documented high ankle sprain, along with the fact he has little talent surrounding him there. Next year I am hopeful will be his coming out party, with players like Kristo, Bozon etc… joining the Dogs.
I think the question to #3 should be: Is LL an effective player in the NHL.
Currently he looks like he’s on the Chipchura developmental path.
I know… High ankle sprain… and those are brutal… and are misnamed as a sprain when they are more of a tear… its better the break it… but I digress…
Even before his injury, LL was looking… Chipchura-y or end of tenure Higgins…
I am a fan of people spending time in the AHL, so hopefully he can get straightned out.
Chipchura completely severed his Achilles. He was left a pretty borderline NHL skater by that. He’s used his smarts to forge a decent career anyways. Point is, Leblanc’s injury is not as serious as Chipchura’s, he just needs time. Whether he makes it or not probably depends on how bad he wants it. He has the skills.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Do you know how serious a high ankle sprain is?
Granted, achilles tear is the mother of all tears but high ankle sprains have a permanent impact on the ankle. Rehab can increase strength but you don’t grow back those torn lateral ligaments.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Zewi7Qzmac4/TPudd0aY8iI/AAAAAAAAArw/yXJyxfVaQF8/s1600/DSC00359.JPG
Good morning folks!
As much as I hate to say it, I think Loonie is right. Eller will most probably be traded. That, or MB will trade Plekanec in a year or two, as others have suggested.
Any of you think this might depend on where the Habs are in 10 days/ 2 weeks from now ? As in, if they’re going for a serious cup run, they trade Eller for a missing piece (big defenseman/ rugged forward who can score/ whatever), otherwise they don’t make any major change and Pleks leaves before the end of his contract ??
I’m confused (stop laughing Bill)…was DD arbitration eligible this summer? Next summer?
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
This summer, haha.
Full Breezer 4 Life
For DD’s production and upside that becomes a very tradeable contract.
Either some of you must’ve been very bad at math in school or you’re on crack! Ellers not going anywhere. This deal is not about the configuration of our centers, rather, the due reward of a player in his prime who went undrafted and has worked his tail off in the face of adversity because of his size and had succeeded on every level and had played at a very minimal salary, plus, has ridiculous chemistry with one of our key core players in Max pacioretty ever since they laid eyes on one another in Hamilton and its been lights out for these 2 ever since.
Eller will get his contract soon and there’s no reason to suggest that either him or pleky will be moved until at least galchenyuks entry level is up in 3 years… so just chill, alright?
In the cap era, teams can’t afford to just reward players. The idea is that this is exactly what he’s worth, though I would have put the number lower.
Tom…there is no logjam at center until 2 years from now if Galchenyuks play is any indication. At that point you can evaluate everything but right now that thought of trading Eller or PLeks makes me sick to my stomach. For next year the team has PLeks/Eller and DD locked up for under 10 million dollars…leave Galchenyuk at wing and roll with that again next year. 3
If the team wasn’t a legit team than sure Galchenyuk gets the minutes..but in the foreseeable future assuming this team is still this good next season…there is no logjam. Once Galcehnyuk is defensviely responsible enough and stable enough then we have a n issue…from what I have seen that is a not as soon as next year.
Agree, don’t understand how this means Eller is being traded at all.
Plekanec controls his fate, Galchenyuk will be a centreman and Desharnais just got four years.
The team may want to move Plekanec eventually, but they’ll have to go through his NTC to do it.
Which is why I didn’t say Eller was going to be traded today.
But I’m saying he will eventually be the odd man out yeah.
In an ideal world I see it this way….Dd is as good as he is going to get, Pleks is likely at his peak and will remain there for another 2 years hopefully, Eller is on the incline and should peak around where Pleks is right now, Galchenyuk will surpass Dd as an offensive centerman…hopefully by enought o compensate for teh loss of having two 2 way guys in Eller/Pleks. At that point Pleks becomes movalbe..or you evaluate Pleks vs Dd at taht time based on how Pleks is still playing, Dd is still playing and what the team makeup and comptetive level is.
Trying to predict who will be traded 2 years from now? Yikes!
Whoever doesn’t think that desharnais is worth 3.5 a year isn’t watching him play.
MB has done really well with his contracts. First Pacioretty at a discount, then PK (he will get his money next time around though – hope MB doesn’t wait until the contract expires) and now DD at a discount.
Hope I’m not forgetting any others.
Great work MB.
When we were embroiled in the P.K. holdout, a lot of Toronto-based media would intone that Marc Bergevin was facing his first big contract negotiation and had to make a stand. And I would think “What about the Carey Price contract? Max’s? Lars Eller’s? Travis Moen, Brandon Prust?” And on and on.
I agree with you, Marc Bergevin has done well with the contracts, giving fair deals, staying professional, working outside of the media spotlight. Great job.
Yup. Max was an absolute steal last summer.
If these discounts continue, the term “Lidstrom/Detroit model” will begin to be bandied around here and that’s a great thing!
Yeah but we need to stockpile the cups like detroit did in order for the model to gain any respect.
3.5 million is more than fair for a centre who can put up 60 points. Four years is no problem at all for a guy who, at 26, is just entering his prime.
A lot of people seem to think that any contract that is more than two million or longer than two years is some kind of millstone. E.g., “wow, lucky we got rid of Cole, he was signed for two more years! That’s eternity! Who would pay 4.5 million for a 35 goal power forward??” These beliefs are not realistic.
It’s a good deal considering the alternative was Desharnais maybe getting more in arbitration this summer before becoming UFA.
Full Breezer 4 Life
But Cole is not 26, he’s 34. Cole is not in the prime of his career and will never score 35 again. So yes, it is a big deal to get rid of the last 2 years of Cole’s contract.
He might and he might not. But since we are being psychic, I get to say that he would have scored 25-35 goals each of the next two seasons playing with DD and PAC, good production for a power forward at the salary.
Full Breezer 4 Life
If the brass thought so, we all agree they would have kept Erik instead of dealing him. I’m convinced they saw what we did, which is a player who, for whatever reason, had noticeably diminished output compared to last year. They decided to sell high.
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.ca/2013/03/is-erik-cole-out-of-shape.html
The team will certainly be very different in two years time but if our 4 centres are Plex, DD, Eller and Gally is that so bad?
You don’t absolutely have to have grinders.
When you have holes to fill on the wing and on defense you don’t keep centreman capable of anywhere from 40-60 points on your fourth line.
No. You put them on the wing on one of your top 2 lines or at worst the 3rd line. A team should carry 6 centres and those centres should all be comfortable on the wing.
In my opinion Eller on the wing is a huge downgrade from Eller at centre. Desharnais doesn’t have the speed to play the wing full-time and Galchenyuk will be among the league’s elite at the position.
If any of these guys can be more effective on the wing than at centre in the near future I wouldn’t speculate that Eller’s a goner. But I don’t see it happening.
3.5m per ?
Thats an awesome number. If you take DD and his contract and compare him to the 25 highest paiod centers in the league. Points vs $$ you would be very surprised. Now does that mean he will finish that contract in MTL? Maybe… Maybe not… but as a business decision and a CAP situation… amazing work by MB
great for DD… only thing I don’t like is his contract in comparison to PK’s. has DD shown his net worth more so than PK?????
Fair deal on both sides, and truthfully, a very tradable contract should Eller and/or Galchenyuk make DD expendable.
Habs paying their centers Plek-DD-Eller (5+3.5+1.3) 9.8 million next year…not bad. Eller’s progression and next deal next year will be interesting.
BTW DD is a good guy who has worked hard and always been professional (like Pleks)…good for him.
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
oSo let’s imagine they traded Pleks, Dd and Eller for Getzlaf….which is almost where the cap dollars end up…great deal
Good for him. He’s earned it which is more than you can say for a lot of these guys.
There is no “i” in team or “chuck” in Galchenyuk.
Great Deal.
Consider that the going rate for a 60 point centre is 5 million plus.
As I said in my post on it… you can never have too many good players on good value contracts. A good player on good value gives you lots of options. Centres converted to wingers, guys traded for assets you need, whatever it may be. DD at good value gives MB plenty of options.
Go Habs Go!
Check out Top Shelf Prospects, my Team by Team prospect reports
http://lastwordonsports.com/
Desharnais has one full season under his belt. Does this track record translate into him being a perennial 60 point center?
Plekanecs had a 69 point season on a line with Kovalev, is he a perrenial 69 point getter? Now way no how…
I hope he gets tons of points but who actually knows how consistently he’ll be able to produce? He cracked the NHL too late in his career, now MB is rolling the dice on him.
Very pleased for Desharnais, a good story getting better. He deserves every dime and it’s a good deal for the Habs as well.
I like this signing, reasonable money and term and DD plays with a lot of heart. Now I want to see him and Tinordi on the ice at the same time
…..facing off against Tyler Myers and Nathan Gerbe……..
“May you live in interesting times.”
Good for Desharnais, he earned this contract and he definitely gave the Habs a discount.
As much as anything this contract is an indication that Galchenyuk will be a full-time winger next season barring injury.
I can’t help but think back to Pierre LeBrun’s comments early in the season that Bergevin was getting a lot of Eller inquiries. I think his fate is decided. Only a matter of time until Eller is moved.
Edit: Allow me to clarify, I don’t want Eller moved, but this team is jammed at centre, Plekanec has a no trade clause and the team just committed to Desharnais for four years. Eller will be traded.
They won’t move Eller, way too much upside, playing great and young and cheap so far. Can’t see it.
Plekanec, Desharnais, Eller, Galchenyuk, Dumont, Bournival.
Plekanec has a no trade clause, Galchenyuk will be a centreman within the next two years and they just gave Desharnais a four year commitment.
Eller’s gone.
Right, and the Dumont call-up indicated a trade. And Pateryn was never going to see the ice. Oh, and Kane is coming. With all due respect, your prophecies are getting old Loonie.
Chrisadiens and HabFan10912, one of the few father son tandems on HIO.
Prophecies?
Settle down kiddo. If you’re going to quote me, quote me, don’t put words in my mouth.
I said Pateryn wouldn’t stick on the first call-up. A reasonable statement regarding a wet behind the ears college player. And it turned out to be true.
The Dumont call-up was odd timing and I said it COULD indicate a trade was coming. And it was odd because the team didn’t need him at the time of the call-up and the Bulldogs had 4 games in the following 7 nights.
As for Kane. Did I say done deal? Nope.
You can disagree with my opinion but you don’t need to fabricate slugger.
Just saying, most of the time you’re wrong pops. That’s a very Eklund-like response, gramps.
Edit: You’re right about one thing, I will quote you from now on.
Chrisadiens and HabFan10912, one of the few father son tandems on HIO.
Thanks I appreciate that.
I notice you didn’t feel like bringing up that I said we’d be acquiring Kaberle two days before it happened.
No worries.
I was unaware you predicted Kaberle. Nicely done. But I’m going to need to see a quote…
Isn’t there a saying, throw enough (stuff) at the wall and eventually something will stick?
Chrisadiens and HabFan10912, one of the few father son tandems on HIO.
Fortunately for me I don’t make it a habit.
Eller moved? Over my dead body. Did you see Wednesday’s game, Tom? Eller reminded me of Mats Sundin.
If anyone get traded in the next few years, it should be Plekanec. Trade him for the missing piece that we don’t have for a Cup run in 2014/15.
Steve the kid is among my top three favourite Habs but he’s going to be the victim of a numbers and language game.
Just you watch.
No he isn’t.
Galchenyuk just turned 19. He’s probably got a good 2-3 years to go before he becomes a top line centre.
Besides we need four centres.
Yeah let’s have a centreman regardless of which one of the four it is buried on our fourth line. Brilliant.
It would be better to move one of them for something than to keep one toiling along at 9 minutes per game.
And I don’t recall saying that Eller would be moved tomorrow. It will happen when Galchenyuk’s ready to play centre full-time. Which won’t take three years. Have a look around the league at the dynamic players who’ve made the transition. It isn’t going to take that long.
Don’t want any of them moved in the next few years.
Plekanec would have to waive a No trade clause and he’s bring a good return, But having said that, none of the three kids are anywhere close to being able to fill Plekanec’s role.
Earl – two years from now Eller could be Pleks with size.
Galchenyuk is going to take at least two years to get up to par as far as playing center goes. DD is your perfect firefly type player.
No trade clauses don’t mean much in today’s NHL. It just allows the player to have a say in his relocation.
Really hope not, centers with size are valuable. Depth at center is never a bad thing. I honestly think Pleks might be the one to go in the long term scheme of things.
Disagree. Eller won’t be moved unless it is in a package for an “impact” player.
Chucky stays on the wing for another season and Pleks may be the one getting moved in a season or two. Like in the old days, when the Habs moved aging players.
If Eller keeps progressing it would be, well, “loony” to move him and keep DD. I like DD but Eller is just the total package.
Full Breezer 4 Life
I hope you’re wrong Loonie (as I’m sure you do as well).
At 3.5 per, I’d like to think it’s an indication DD over time moves to a 3rd line center role as Eller progresses to a 1st or 2nd ….
as I type that though, that seems far fetched…
Was he a UFA or RFA? Just confused as to why PK was worth gambling with and signed to just a two year deal, and the little DD gets a 4-year commitment. Like the guy though, good for him.
Desharnais’ mature and has some other inherent qualities that I’m sure lead to a four year commitment.
Good question. Desharnais would have been an RFA after this season.
I think it’s because PK is much more valuable long term. Not quite sure DD would still be in a Habs uniform in four years time.
_________________________________
“Obviously it would be great, but they don’t really hang conference titles in this rink. They raise Stanley Cup banners.” – Carey Price
If Bergevin didn’t see Desharnais as a Hab for the full four years he wouldn’t have given him a four year deal.
I see what you’re saying, I just think there’s more to Bergevin’s strategy than the maturity factor, etc. There must be an end-game strategy for why this isn’t a “bridge” contract like they’ve done with Price, Pacioretty and P.K.
_________________________________
“Obviously it would be great, but they don’t really hang conference titles in this rink. They raise Stanley Cup banners.” – Carey Price
Because they couldn’t do a bridge contract. Desharnais would have been a UFA following a one or two year extension.
Dd is older and that magic 27 age is in the middle of this contract…they don;t have his rigths for longer like with PK,Eller, PAtches,etc
PK wasn’t arbitration eligible, therefore no leverage. DD would have been eligible for arbitration in the off season.
IMHO it is bit too much. Between 2.5M and 3.0M per year would be more reasonable. I hope it does not include NTC or NMC.
I want to remind you that I am not a DD hater. I always enjoy watching him play because he is fun to watch eh.
Good signing, however does this mean Galchenyuk will pretty much be a winger for the foreseeable future?
Trade bait for Parros
3.5 million for 4 years is a good deal for everyone. At least Bergevin didn’t overpay and it is a very movable contract if they decide to do that down the road. I am not even one of DD’s many cheerleaders on this site and I still think it is a fair deal.
Good for Desharnais!
Re-post from previous thread:
I don’t understand what the problem is?
3.5M is VERY digestible!
Why does everyone get so concerned with term? At 3.5 per the contract is MOVEABLE (if need be).
Look what happened with Cole. Everyone was concerned PG gave him too much and too long a term…did it really matter? He was simply traded.
Term has to be one of the biggest red herrings out there.
Yes but the Cole trade only happened because we had our mole in Dallas.
Boy did we ever rip them off.
The only issue I have is the timing of the contract. What was the rush? He has not proven himself in a playoff setting against the other team’s best for seven straight games. What if he disappears? Maybe I’m missing something…
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
could be that i f he proves that, his price tag would be a lot higher
To be honest, I think MB and the coaching staff simply believe in DDs determination and perseverance. Everyone knows his story and understands how hard he worked to get to this level. Frankly, I just don’t see him disappearing in the playoffs.
I think you’re missing the fact that good players are good players regardless of how they would possibly do in a seven-game playoff series.
There’s a guy in this league who was signed to a pretty hefty contract a couple years back having only played in 4 playoff games. He got one goal and one assist.
Does that make him a bad player?
—Hope Springs Eternal—
A player that does not perform in the playoffs, for me, is not good (e.g., Marleau) and not worth a big contract. If a good season player has not played in the playoffs, then an assumption has to be made when giving them a contract. In this case, the Habs will be in the playoffs this year. Why not see how he does? Maybe MB thought he would do well and it would cost the Habs more. I don’t know…but I don’t think he is that valuable to rush it.
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
maybe a tad high in both salary and term but Bergevin has hit everything else out of the park, so it’s hard to question him on anything at this point
I would consider myself an Eller supporter. More specifically, I’ve always believed Eller has more upside and would prefer to see him getting more ice time, especially on the PP over Desharnais. That said, I really like Desharnais and this is a good contract for him and the team.
DD worked hard for this and deserved it. The contract is not outrageous at all.
Next up Eller? lol
neither an Eller or a DD supporter, don’t really understand all the DD vs Eller crap myself. Both are helping the Habs have a very good season, that’s good enough for me.
comment not directed at you, just a general observation
For myself it was more of an issue when rolling only 2 scoring capable lines…now that Eller is at least getting an opportunity to put points up and prodcue I am not as hositle re that situation. The talks of moving Eller and that he doesn’t produce and DD is so much better promtped all of that…it was also led into by the “Eller sucks becuase we should have kept Halak” crowd. Then you factor in that many thought they would move Eller and continue to give the opportunity to DD based on his heritage and that combination of everything made it very dicey. I prefer to have both…especially now that DD’s contract does not mean someone will have to be moved.
still don’t understand it but thanks for trying
on a side note, Cole now has a wopping 1 point in 6 games in Dallas. Ryder has 9 points in Montreal, Cole has 7 for the year, do you think there is still a debate about that trade?
Eller is the one who signed the sweetheart hometown discount deal last summer. Still can’t believe he signed for $1.3M for two years. Let’s hope for everyone he earns a massive raise next time.
not sure what i think of this. he is a good player with lots of heart and desire. i dunno…
A decent contract for both parties. Well done all.
BTW, what’s with CapGeek, they haven’t updated the Canadiens’ page yet. Those guys are slipping…
Sorry, Normand, but where did the poster who was first go?
“May you live in interesting times.”
I refuse to participate in that infantile behaviour.
(vomit)
Iginla =/= what Habs need.
“There has to be a reason Kaberie is sitting.”
Yes, he sucks!
The Flames won’t want a smallish 30 year old centre in return for their franchise player. They’ll want established young roster players, blue-chip prospects, and high draft picks in some combination to rebuild.
“He played very well…”
Really? He barely played 9 minutes in those games, and didn’t get any power play time what so ever. There is no mystery to this, he simply is not good enough, he is soft, MT has zero faith in him. He has zero trade value and not one GM is stupid enough to pick up that horrible contract, other than Pierre Gauthier. If MB manages to trade him, he should win Exec of the year award hands down. But more than likely he will be bought out this summer.
Except he played VS TOR and BOS, was a plus player & put up points.
So while he may be kept as deptha nd insurance your arguments of ‘soft’ and ‘zero-faith’ are incorrect.
Personally, I think it is because in this line-up he is redundant. He plays a different game of hockey than Boullion. That Boullion is physical is what keeps him in the line-up and Kaberle out.
Markov, PK, Emelin (surprisingly), Diaz (when Healthy) can all move the puck.
If Kaberle had an average physical game, it’d be Boullion sitting. kabs is a better, smarter player that Frankie. But Franklie is a bull and that’s what the team misses on D.
You’d think so. But with Jay Feaster, who knows
Yeah Brodeur would still play the Habs even if he had a broken back!
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
LOL, I agree. I’ve noted that as well.
++
As a supercilious stickler myself, I have to agree with you. Precision is important.
good goal?……opposite of shut goal?
I thought DD was 5’6 lol
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
I agree with what your saying.
Some might say this is you’re pet peeve but irregardless your correct.
You know size is a serious issue if being labelled as 5’7″ is an exaggeration
Cube’s second the other night was not a good goal!
I see your point!
Embelishment
In terms of the french media, I’ve really seen nothing but praise for Desharnais, I think the naysayers are referring to people before his NHL career started.
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Lars, PK, Galchenyuk, Pac, Emelin – @J_Perez22