The Canadiens — along with half the NHL — continue to have interest in Shane Doan, so let’s check in a week after our last Doan update to see what’s new — and a few things are new.
First, the Coyotes captain had been reluctant to fully explore his free agent options while former Sharks president Greg Jamison was pushing forward with plans to buy the team from the NHL.
Doan did meet with the Rangers and Flyers when he was on the East Coast earlier this month for CBA talks but, as Flyers GM Paul Holmgren revealed last week, “I don’t believe he is going to do anything until he has some answers in his mind as to what is happening there. I think he is a very loyal guy. He is loyal to (Coyotes GM) Don Maloney, and the Phoenix franchise. I give him kudos for that. We will see how it plays out. I think in the end he would rather be in Phoenix in a perfect world. It’s where his family has been raised. If he is ready to make a move, we have interest.”
Doan wasn’t getting any answers for a while. His agent Terry Bross said Jamison wasn’t being very communicative about his situation despite pledges Doan and Bross would be kept informed of Jamison’s situation. That supposedly changed this weekend when, according to Mike Sunnucks of The Phoenix Business Journal, Jamison and Doan got together on Friday night after an ultimatum from Doan and Bross.
The substance of those discussions have not become public but a few other related developments have.
The biggest development is that Jamison seems to not have sufficient money at the moment to buy the club. He’s reportedly $20 million short.
Sunnucks wrote late last week one of Jamison’s partners backed out of the deal and Sunnucks wrote on Saturday, “The Coyotes deal is on tenuous ice but could still happen, according to multiple sources familiar with the team’s three-year ownership saga and uncertain future in the Phoenix market. Jamison is courting new investors and partners to help him cobble together the money and financing needed to purchase the team from the National Hockey League.”
What this means for Doan is uncertain but if the sale to Jamison is delayed much longer, eventually, he’ll have to decide how much long he can tie himself to Phoenix.
That brings us to the second point: Where might Doan go? Lots of clubs want him but his visits with the Rangers and Flyers indicate that he was interested in seeing if there is a potential match with those clubs. Then this past week, TVA reported a source close to Doan said he would visit the Canadiens this week. If true, it would be an indication that Doan, who loved playing in Winnipeg, has interest in returning to play for a Canadian franchise.
The TVA report came out before Jamison finally spoke with Doan but there’s been no indication yet that this meeting with the Habs has been pushed back or cancelled. While other clubs have said they’d like Doan to visit them, there have been no other reports of him scheduling visits elsewhere, which doesn’t mean he hasn’t or won’t.
And this brings us to Point Three: What would it take to land Shane Doan? Doan made $4.55 last season with the Coyotes but John Gambadoroa, a radio reporter in Phoenix, tweeted earlier this month that one unnamed Eastern Conference team supposedly offered him a four-year, $30 million deal. That figure has been bandied about freely and seems to be rather high for Montreal or any team to pay Doan.
Yes, Alexander Semin got $7 million from Carolina last week, but that was for just one year and he’s 27. Doan will be 36 in October and while Doan at that age might be a better player to have in your dressing room than Semin at any age, the fact is that even the most productive older players don’t get that kind of money (see Adam Gretz’s CBS Sportsline very good blog post on Doan’s value for those figures).
Additionally, you have to keep in mind the CBA’s Over-35 Rule: If a team signs a multi-year deal with a player who will be 35 or older, starting in the second year of the contract, the full amount of that contract counts against the team’s salary cap regardless of whether the player is on the active roster or not. Putting aside for a second whatever changes may be made in the CBA going forward, this is a large number for an aging player that won’t go away even if Doan retires before the four years ends.
Nevertheless, that four-year, $30 million deal became the subject of lots of discussion last week, especially when TSN’s Aaron Ward tweeted “All indications Detroit #RedWings out of Shane Doan sweepstakes. Asking price too high.” No one from the Wings confirmed that, but most assumed GM Ken Holland would find better things to do with that money.
That was followed up with a story by David Shoalts of The Globe and Mail that reported, “A source familiar with Doan’s talks with other NHL teams said it is thought it will take a four-year contract worth a total of $30-million (all currency U.S.) to get him.”
But Shoalts was quick to add in the next paragraph that, “Terry Bross, Doan’s agent, said they have not made any specific demands although they are in possession of offers from six teams.”
Shoalts concluded that, “There are teams willing to pay Doan between $7-million and $7.5-million because of his leadership and two-way play but only for one or perhaps two years. However, the source said there will probably be at least one team willing to cough up that much for four years.”
Maybe, maybe not. Perhaps Doan will be more interested in playing for a club where he feels comfortable than one that may be less to his liking but will throw a huge contract at him. In this very interesting off-season, we’ve already seen players decide to not take the biggest dollar amount on the table to play where they feel some sort of emotional attachment.
None of this is to suggest that Shane Doan is destined to wear bleu, blanc et rouge when the next NHL season starts. He’s got to decide to leave the Coyotes first, still no sure thing, and then he’d decide where he’d go, why he’d want to go there and for how much. Each team that interests Doan will have things in their favor.
Still, Doan’s interest in the Habs doesn’t seem as remote as some might have thought even a week ago.
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NHL training camps start on September 12, which is basically 6 weeks from now.
What are the odds?
CBA doesn’t expire til September 15, so the players can’t be locked out before that. I’d say pretty good.
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So…a 3 day training camp?
Very good odds! I’m quite confident that September 12 is basically 6 weeks from now.
Do I see some people below suggesting we not sign Subban? If yes, that is pretty stunning.
If you look at PK’s stats over his time in the NHL, he projects to be a very good – one of the best – number one defenceman in the league.
I can’t fathom why we would not sign him. I recently read an article on an Edmonton Oiler blog that suggested it would be a great idea to trade Eberle for Subban – and they might have to sweeten the pot to get PK. They made a good case that PK is one of the best young defenceman in the league right now and only getting better.
I know we have some good defensive prospects – but why would we switch out a very young, proven (and improving) commodity for the hope someone could take his place?
The suggestion was completely ridiculous. The idea was we don’t sign PK, in order to have the cap space to sign Doan.
One of the dumbest things I’ve ever read on this site… seriously.
That suggestion is such a ridiculous non-starter.
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Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
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I agree. Get rid of Gomez and sign Doan = a better solution if Bergevin is serious about getting him.
The only problem with that is that if as suggested he will be signing a 4 year contract at 7.5 mil, the contract becomes worse than the Gomez contract…you wouldn’t be able to bury the Doan contract when the time comes to signing our young players/prospects. Wouldn’t you rather have some of patches, Leblanc, DD, Beaulieu and Tinordi on the team over a declining Doan?
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
I have a suggestion. Why don’t we start to fantasize about all the great picks that Timmins got us in the draft? Make up future line combinations and the like? I’m getting tired of Shane Doan.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
+1
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
PK is a cornerstone of the future and MB has already even said that him and price are priorities. PK is part of this teams future no doubt about it. The only way I see him moving is part of a blockbuster trade but I don’t see that happening cause our current D is too weak without him and he is only going to get better.
He also sells tickets with his showmanship and style of play. He gives the team a little swagger
“Like Canadian Hip hop..check us out http://www.groovecontrolmusic.com“
Okay, if Bergevin is done making moves for now and is waiting for two things, 1- the new CBA, 2- See what happens in training camp, then how will the lines look. Since Dudley told us during his interview on the team 590 that they signed Prust for the 3rd line, then just maybe this is what we will see.
Armstrong plays left or right wing and Bourque does much better on his natural right wing ( 27 goals twice). so….
Pacman, DD, Cole
Armstrong, Pleks, Gionta/Bourque
Prust, Eller, Bourque/Gionta
Moen, White/Noks, Blunden
If Amstrong rebounds and stays healthy, this might not be bad at all and it would give all the prospects a year in Hamilton to develop.
Habfan17
The lineup has very little depth. Doan would give us a legit second-line forward. I would try hard to get him. Any key injury would quickly turn us back into the AHL squad we were last season.
Pacman, DD, Cole
Doan, Pleks, Gionta
Armstrong, Eller, Bourque/Prust
Moen, White/Noks, Blunden/Bourque
Bourque has to play better or he should be sent packing. He was truly gutless last year.
Doan is also a RW along with gionta, Bourque and Cole
“Like Canadian Hip hop..check us out http://www.groovecontrolmusic.com“
Doan played left wing for three seasons in Phoenix, didn’t he? Anyhow, get him and let Therrien figure out what to do…
Are you sure about that….everything I read has him at RW
Bergevin’s moves are not exactly making a huge difference. On the ice we’ll still be too small, and easy to push around. Our so called tough guys Emelin and Subban are wimps who don’t fight and our fighter has to basically get a step ladder so he can actually throw a real punch to a real NHL player. Sure Prust got into a lot of fights but probably with other small tiny tykes, battle of the midgets!
Today’s Top Shelf Prospects is out, and features the Dallas Stars.
http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/07/31/top-shelf-prospects-dallas-stars/
Go Habs Go!
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so here’s a question for the group today:
You are Brian Gionta, captain of the team, long time friend and linemate of one Scott Gomez; with whom you have had great success in the past in NJ, winning the Cup, and each having their career years.
Off the record question to Gionta (suggesting he will give an absolutely honest reply, not a B.S. public relations reply for the media, and his answer will never be given to the public)
“Brian, what do you think of Gomez? Can he still help this team? If he has a bad training camp what would you do?”
How would Gionta reply if he was expected to be completely honest and straightforward?
Business is business. Buy him out or send him to Hamilton.
So now we have the mighty small smurf Prust to add to the other tough little guys. Too bad they can’t be tough on the ice…..and too bad the Habs got taken to the cleaners by the three smurf amigos, Prust, Gionta and Gomez…..
Brandon Prust
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight 192 lb (87 kg; 13 st 10 lb)
TheHockeyNews lists Prust as
LW/RW
Brandon Prust
Age: 28
Date of birth: March 16, 1984
Place of birth: London, Ont, Canada
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 192
Shoots: L
Salary: $800,000
NHL Seasons: 5
Drafted by Calgary in 2004 (3/70).
Acquired as a free agent in 2012.
Not that smurfy, really.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Friend or not friend, a player will never call out a team mate, specially to the public. He’ll probably give some PC answer, like “Gomez knows he needs to be better, but the guy works very hard, and is a good team-mate, and knows how to win”
BS answer but pretty much all of it is true. Crazy meaningless stat, in 12 NHL season, this is the only year that Gomez’s team hasn’t had the playoffs.
Particularly when Gionta hardly ever shoots on the net, hardly ever crashes the net, and most of all fighting back in our zone as a team member. No, Gionta like Gomez and now Prust, know they are too small to make a difference and spend the game skating around the centre ice….waiting for a pass so they can well pass it on so they don’t get hit…..
Great question Ed. I’m guessing that he and Scott are probably pretty tight given their history. He would support him until the bitter end. The thing is this very well could be the bitter end.
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Don’t forget they also now have their tough guy friend Prust….in Prust we trust to punch Charra in the knee……
Prust is 5 foot five inches wet….hmmm…that must mean that Gomez must be wearing a huge toupee and trick skates to make him look short…..battle of the mighty smurfs of Montreal, a proud tradition of signing small in the tradition of Trevor Timmins, Bob Gainey, Pierre Gauthier and now with Marc Bergevin….apparently Marc Bergevin chose to keep the “you must be no taller than 6 feet tall to join the habs” cutout they use to measure against. TOO BAD that Shane Doan will be too tall and too heavy for the Mighty Smurf Habs
Habfan is rigth. Gionta’s also a PR machine. “I know Scotty can help the team. He’s done it before… blah… blah…. blah….”
This is to me the flaw with Gionta. You need a guy that would say (privately at least), “if he can’t do more than he shouldn’t get ice time – he’s not playing like he has too obviously”
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
Gio is definitely a non-controversial, non wave making, team spirit guy that excels at hockey player talk.
And PG traded the only outspoken guy the team had, and most were happy about it.
I wanted Cami for Captain when they picked Gio. There were a couple of us here, but not many. And for exactly that reason. Cami was upbeat, articulate and just wanted to WIN. Everything else was 2nd. Would’ve been an itneresting captain – and better than Gionta IMO.
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
He certainly didn’t play like he wanted to WIN last year.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
He was much maligned and I feel it was all taken out of context and overblown. I do think the Habs have yet to replace his production and talent.
I’m not talking about what he said in the Media, I’m going by what I saw on the ice, and that was a player who didn’t engage himself in the play and looked like he didn’t want to be there. I don’t doubt that he had talent, but his 18 goals per season (avg over 4 seasons) with the Habs shouldn’t be that hard to replace. That was his ACTUAL production while with the Habs, he COULD have scored more, but he was often injured and/or slumping. His actual production is what the Habs have to replace to keep the status quo. It is our youth improving and our prospects stepping up that should put us above the status quo, not UFA signings.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
Well Kfourn, I was replying to Smartdog, but I’d say the way Cammy was used might have had something to do with it, on his first season here he was a 32 goal pace, and we all saw what he could in the playoffs.
I would not want him back here, but I just feel the hate he gets for the comments he made is overblown.
You have a point Kfourn. I think he was unhappy in Mtl and it showed. Which is not a good endorsement. But I think he was pissed like WE were all pissed about the direction of the team and the mistakes being made. That he showed frustration and eventually (after a long time) publicly expressed it to me is an aspect of leadership that we’re missing. Some f-n HONESTY. And tell me how we’re going to replace his OUTSTANDING playoff goals. If we ever get back there….
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
@SmartDog
I hate to say it, but making the playoffs to me is a long shot anyway. If and when we get there I suspect we’d make a couple of moves to acquire that goal scorer IF that goal scorer isn’t already in the system. I would much rather develop our own talent and have them bring their winning attitude, than some guy who can call the team out, but not lead by example. It also take 6 mil off our cap.
Don’t get me wrong I loved Cammy as much as anyone and was hoping he could turn it around, but I don’t think that his production would be that hard to get back through our youth and a few tweaks.
I will stay patient until we can become a real contender, accumulate assets and then make some big plays.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
@Shiram
Yes he was a playoff hero, and got a lot of bad press. I think my only point was that his actual production on the Habs roster (I guess i’m talking more for the regular season as the playoffs are a long shot) can be replaced.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
Brian Gionta: “Who’s Scott Gomez?”
Let’s see if MT can light a fire under Gomez. I for one hope he can. Would give us some interesting options and really put some pressure on others for playing time.
I don’t think Gomez is done… might be, but really rooting for him to raise his game.
Do we know for a fact that they’re friends?
Maybe Brian Gionta thinks what most people think: guy’s a joker who hasn’t given 100% effort in years.
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
I think Gionta would definitely be loyal to his teammate, it would be poor form to throw a teammate under the bus even if you didn’t like him. A good captain advocates for his teammates, he should not be management’s man in the room.
Gionta would say that I still think Gomez has some game left, but you have to create conditions which will allow him to succeed. Scott Gomez needs to play with the puck on his stick, so the “chip and chase” tactic of the Martin system absolutely has to stop when Gomez is on the ice. You have to allow him to carry the puck or pass the puck into the O-zone.
He needs wingers who can match his speed. He needs wingers who will go to the net and who can score if you want to take advantage of his ability to distribute the puck. D-men must be allowed to pinch and be the late man in with Gomez on the ice to take advantage of his play-making. There will be more turn-overs as a result of this style of play, so his linemates must be committed to a hard backcheck. Play me on the right and Pacioretty on the left and I think he can get you 60-70 points again.
I also think Gionta would say if Gomez has a really bad camp that is obvious to everyone, I understand how the business works and I would accept any decision management makes if it is in the best interest of the team as long as it’s perceived to be fair.
would sending Gomez to Hamilton be considered “fair” treatment to Gionta?
I would like to think that a pro athlete would understand that if a player is no longer able to crack the roster, then the team has to make room for the player who legitimately earned the roster position. It should be a meritocracy , not an aristocracy. Gionta would also have to think of the kid who had a great training camp and earned a roster spot.
The path to Hamilton includes a stop on waivers which allows Gomez to continue his career which is fair treatment. If no team will take him, this clearly will prove that the Habs were fair to send him down. If someone does take him, Gomez gets a fresh start. Win-win.
But I think the key to being perceived as fair treatment would be that the decision to send Gomez down must be a hockey decision, not a manoeuvre to free cap space. If Gomez is good enough to crack the roster, they should keep him. If not, another kid should get the chance.
Edit: Gomez also gets to keep his salary, which is very fair in the big picture. This is what the NHLPA negotiated.
Another name for chip and chase is dump and chase. Not an ideal way to score goals when you are a smaller team. Worse, it’s an exhausting, boring way to play hockey and an insult to skilled players to insist that they play that way night after night.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Anyone who does not think that Doan will not be able to contribute significantly to the Habs is nuts. Is he worth 4 years 30 million, if that is market value then the answer is yes. People talk about the cap space and saying we do not have room for him is also not thinking straight, IF we get him we will make room plain and simple and there are loads of ways to do this. Take advantage of the allowable over the cap space we have, move Gomez off the payroll, do not sign Subban (this will cause some concern), move Plakanec, Bourque, Markov etc etc….
So tanking, but with Doan…
Also, re-read the post you made before this one.
Somehow I think not signing PK would do more than cause some concern. In fact I think it would be an absolute Sh*t Show here on HI/O if that were to happen.
In other words, business as usual.
LOL
Wow so signing a 36 year old with declining production for 4 years instead of signing a 25 min/game Dman who is only 23…yes some people are not thinking straight and it starts with you.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
I think the Habs acquiring Doan would contribute considerably… to their being an also-ran play-off bubble team for the next 4 years.
I am categorically opposed to the notion of signing a 36 year old player to any kind of ludicrous term and/or salary.
I’d prefer AK46 over Doan.
How does AK 46 make this team any better though? I don’t like Doan on a 4 year deal either don’t get me wrong but we have had Ak 46 and this team wasn’t any better. he could not crack our top 6 before why should he be able to now?
AK is better at scoring goals than Moen, Prust, Armstrong or White, for example. And if I remember correctly he’s been a consistent plus for the Habs, so not necessarily a liability on defence.
Not that I think we should sign him.
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
I view Bourque as a 3rd liner with Moen. We need a legitimate scoring threat for the second line
You don’t get Kostitsyn for the top 6, you get him so Eller has some scoring talent on his wings… and he’s better than any other bottom 6 to help out if someone on the top 6 is hurt.
As a depth player I can see BUT we need a 30 plus goal scorer in order to improve and Bourque to be on the third line with Moen.
We will be a one line team again until we get a legitimate scoring threat for the second line.
If they sign AK that will be it, there will be no more scoring threats added and this team will still struggle to score goals
Look at it this way….
We lost Cammy last year and replaced him with an inconsistent Bourque…..this leaves a scoring hole that still has not been addressed and the addition of AK which we had last year with Bourque this team still had no offensive pop other than one line
I disagree with most of what you just said. Sure getting a steady 30 goal guy would help, it would probably help most teams… I think it would be easier, more feasible, to try to improve scoring overall instead of just adding one piece and hoping that solves the goal scoring issue, less expensive too.
Habs functionned without 30 goal scorers before, and we have at least 3-4 guys that could get to 30 right now.
Habs won’t be a one line team if they have the balls to break DD’s line from last season, doing so can bring a balanced top 6, to me this is key and it needs to be done. If DD is so great as I’ve been told countless time, he can continue his good work without one of Cole or Patches, immediately giving Pleks 2 legit top 6 forward.
signing AK to play with Eller would also improve the scoring chances from that line, I don’t see how you could think otherwise.
It is okay to disagree Shiram…cause I still disagree with you on this on LOL. The habs need a more consistent forward and have a glaring hole on the LW wing on their top 6.
Say you break up your top line…ok. Cole wasn’t doing so well until he played with Max and DD. Cole plays RW and so does GIO and Bourque (preferably). What line combo’s would you propose?
So you could Do Max-DD-GIO, Bourque (off wing)-Pleks -Cole
Moen (or AK if he was signed as you want)-Eller-Armstrong
White -Prust-Gomez (or Moen if AK was signed)
I just don’t see the offense out of this teams top 6….we are missing a winger on the left side
It’s easy.
Keep Cole with DD, play Bourque with them.
Have Gio with Pleks and Patches.
Bourque was scoring a good number of goals before, and DD does not get the tough D assignments, I think he could thrive with DD.
Moen and AK with Eller were doing great things last year for the short time they were together, definitely a worthwhile 3rd line.
And Prust with Nokia, White or Armstrong…
I’m not sure what you wanted your first sentence to mean… double negative and all… don’t mean to be a stickler.
Get rid of Gomez, sign Doan. I would overpay Doan instead of Gomez. More points, a physical presence, a leader… what’s not to like?
The Canadiens have to sign Subban. Having a tough sophomore season is kind of a rite of passage for most players. Off the top of my head, Tyler Myers comes to mind. Subban will only get better with maturity. It would be a colossal error to trade him before he’s 27-28 and has had a real chance to prove himself as a top-2 defenceman.
I like to be called nuts and then read the rest of the comment that just sends back to the poster the insult.
Must be cool on your planet !
Seems longer in time, but it was only one year ago that Derek Boogard, Rick Rypien, and Wade Belak died in the offseason. The issue devolved to Don Cherry maligning Chris Nilan, Stu Grimson, and Jim Thomson in an early season episode of Coach’s Corn.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Wade Redden?!?
Living in Hartford is tougher than I imagined.
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
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Trying to save MSGM corp $6.5 ml. What a …guy!
I think he means Belak, not Redden
major oops
I specialize in oops my friend. He’s probably dead to Sather.
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While Redden cannot like WC say that the rumor of his demise was premature…his death is another story
Hey guys, how about that Tim Thomas?!:-)
“May you live in interesting times.”
I doan think Doan is worth that kind of money. Doan want him. Doan think he’ll help. Doan want to finish ninth. Doan want to argue. I’m doan with it.
You’re on the Con-Doan side of the debate.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Funny
Early morning Hab chuckle from twitter.
Josh Didier to a Denver team mate – Boarding flight to Montreal – Great city – Passionate fans – Everywhere there, people are wearing Josh Didier jerseys –
Drum roll…Josh wears number 4 for his Denver team
still need a good 2nd line left winger which may come out of training camp than we’ll have a half decent team that could compete barring injuries. always have to add that in when you’re talking HABS….
uh?
He should take old crash’s advise and check his post before he hits submit. .
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I like the upgrades managment has done to the bottom 6 of the lineup, but we still need to replace Cammalleri spot on the roster, Bourque replaces AK, but Cammalleri spot is still needs to be filled. I actually wouldn’t mind leaving that whole up, and try to sign Clowe next offseason (Numbers don’t show much, but he is great all around top 6 forward).
And sadly, we still haven’t replaced Hamrlik, a top 4 d-men that isn’t great, but just eats up minutes. Maybe Emelin can surprise this year and be his replacement.
I think we’ll be fine w/ Prust, Moen, White up front but would like a tough D man added to the mix to round things out. Staubby was great – I have a feeling he didn’t really consider coming back to the Habs…2 years on ANA sounds pretty good.
I agree Adam. A move the pile dman would have been at the top of my wish list but they don’t grow on trees, huh?
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We picked up Bouillon for that job, not sure of that logic.
Great minds think alike..
I love Frankie B. My thought when he was signed was he’d pair up with Emelin. Frankie would drop the gloves since Emelin cannot.
Just one moment as I check my post before I hit the submit button…………….. ………….Ok. good.
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I prefer your raw unedited heartfelt posts Jim, no proof reading allowed!
Thanks Bud. Probably wouldn’t help if I proof read anyways.
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Does anyone read their post before hitting submit??? I’ve read this a few times and still don’t understand what it means.
“A move the pile dman would have been at the top of my wish…” Say WHAT???
Forbidden
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Define pile?
LOL, now I get it!
A “move the pile” d-man!
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Over my head which happens a lot.
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I’d also add Bouillon, not sure if ppl remember him that much but the guy one is one of the leagues to toughest pound for pound fighters in the league.
Fav Bouillon moments, when he KO’d Darcy Tucker,
and when he laid out Ovie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vPURa95SvQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK7HcZYp12s
Someone asked recently when we should start worrying re P.K. I think when Ian Cobb starts joking about trading P.K it’s time to worry. At the very least it means even he is worried.
He just did today.
He was joking my friend. Doan is an UFA and Ian was suggesting PK be traded to Phoenix for Doan and a couple of draft picks…total sarcasm.
That’s exactly my point. It is not like Ian.. and while it is definitely ‘a joke’ it shows that he is at the very least wondering what’s going on re P.K.
Ian will on occasion throw one into the pot, some are pretty subtle… almost dry, so be on alert
I find it funny at how many posters are already questioning our new team toughness with zero games played.
My question to them: Would you back up your claims in the ring with Brandon Prust??
I thought not.
I think alot of the concern is the lack of a true heavyweight in our lineup, which Staubitz did bring to the table. However, given the roles which a healthy Armstrong and Prust bring along with Travis Moen not having to carry the workload there is much more sandpaper spread throughout the bottom 6. Hopefully Ryan White with a healthy offseason of training can also show some of the promise we saw the season before. There will be battles amongst the forwards to make the bottom 6.
Team still has lots of “What ifs”, but at least there is some options for the new coach to use in those groupings.
I think true heavyweights done are in the league, at least ones that cant play, Staubitz was a horrible hockey player. I think the only true heavyweight left in the league that can somewhat actually play is Shawn Thornton for the Bruins, and Moen and Prust can easily put up a good fight vs him.
I am in agreement, if indeed a team can find those rare players like a Thornton that is great but indeed they are hard to find. I am quite happy with the additions MB made from a perspective of making our team tougher to play against. It would have been great if we could have added a Bryan Allen on the D, but I guess we need to wait for Tinordi or perhaps MB trades some of our offensive dmen for a different flavour during the season.
I was really expecting the Habs to add a top 4 D-men this offseason (not over yet), and I’m surprised they haven’t. Only legit top 4 D-men we have are Markov,Gorges, Subban, Emelin could be that, but not sure he is ready.
If we could get Kaberle to hit the Timbits for the rest of this summer, we could have a heavyweight there.
Staubitz was not a heavyweight, Prust is a better fighter then Staubitz, and he can also log lager amounts of ice time and play an important 3rd line role if necessary, Staubitz was a marginal Fourth liner at best.
I probably wasn’t clear enough in my post to you, I agree Staubitz was not much of a player, but was able to tilt with most every other teams “tough guy”. I was fine with the decision not to resign him.
Yep. Prust will fight anybody and even win some on occasion. Big diffetence is you can play Prust a regular shift. Upgrade.
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Prust will be more effective than Tom-the Bomb-Kotsopoulos was.
“May you live in interesting times.”
So does PK goes to Phoenix, Doan and two picks come here.
Would only happen if Marc Bergevin got too much calcium into his neurons during his playing days
.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Or if he became a vegan…
Oh Ian. I never knew you to be a pot stirrer.
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Another view of the forwards from the 2012 entry draft.
http://nhlnumbers.com/2012/7/28/forwards-and-nhle-2012-draft
Nice find Two-Four. It’s not a very useful analysis from Desjardins in that the hypothesis is, “if these 18 and some 20 year olds had played in the NHL last year, this would have been their point total.” Alex Galchenyuk is conspicuous by his absence, and of course, this is because of prolonged injury reserve time. More than anything, the Desjardins equivalence compares the strengths of the different leagues (KHL vs. AHL; QJMHL, OHL, WHL vs. each other). Still think the Sabres did superbly in nabbing both Grigorenko and Girgensens.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Morning Steve, that is a great deal of information to absorb in the morning. I am happy that MB was able to find a few forwards for the team in this past draft. It will be a few years until we see the fruits of this draft aside from Galchenyuk whom I expect to see on the roster next year.
Steve, whenever I see this exercise I think of this example and any of the 100 players who scored 50-60 goals in the CHL but couldn’t play pro. Check out this player’s CHL scoring record; http://habsprospects.hockeyhq.net/moen.html
That big bad bruin we love to hate is another example.
hitting the bc bud a little too hard maybe? err… I didnt know kelso was a habs fan….
no new news till this page hits 1000+ comments
It would be great if they added Doan but it looks as though the most complacent fan base in hockey is satisfied without crazy moves like that. Teams who had a real shot at the cup last year landed big name players and the Habs, who finished last in the east, got a couple of grinders for the bottom lines, and a 48 year old midget defenseman.
Hey but Markov will be healthy and play just like he did a few years back.
Hey but there isn’t a single player projected to make the jump from the minors this year. That just shows how deep we are.
Hey but Carey Price is ready to bust out. Just you wait and see, it’s coming.
The defense is shite, small and frail. The top two centers are still Plekanec and Desharnais give me a break. Neither was addressed unless something is still coming. As for the talk about the team being tougher, they are, but hardly tough. They were the rest of the league’s bitch before, they addressed it slightly. This will be another year of talking about all our prospects.
Ideally, you’d mortgage the future to win now?
There’s not a trade or signing(even less a signing actually) that would maybe us a Cup Contender/Champion, so why bother wasting our prospects? The team is deeper and they are at least better defensively(whether or not you choose to notice).
Markov will be better, I guarantee. He couldn’t be worse than he was, so yeah.
Also, the comment on our prospects not being able to make the jump really has no relation to the quality of our prospects. We’re set in the top 10 in prospects by many experts, and we might even be better than that. Just because our prospects aren’t ready, that doesn’t mean they’re bad by any means. In fact, they might win us a Cup in a few years.
Pessimists will be pessimists.
^This
The signings made in the off season were stop gap signings until some of our prospects are ready and that made the team a bit tougher. I prefer these signings to some of the insane money and terms given out for marginal talent.
We have a smart GM and it will take more than one year for him to turn the team around. I know it’s easy to be pessimistic coming off the season we just had but give the GM a change for f sake.
I`m not sure if you realize that we are in the bottom of the pitt. Since we are there we might as well do things right and climb step by step our way to the top.
That being said there are many positive points that came out of that pathetic season. We now have a complete organization with a totally different outlook on the decision process making preventing it to be a one man show.
We have a farm team ! Obviously what we had until last season was not enough to make a difference but the players that will start their career in Hamilton have a proven track record so far and we have quite a few players that will make it to the NHL with talent and character. Let`s just hope that we do not follow the usual path of bringing them in the NHL before it`s time. Last year we were hoping the Blundens and the Palujah would come eventually save us. This year we are talking Galchenyuk ,Gallagher,Tinordi,Ellis,not the same ball game.
Although a bit easy to say the big team cannot do worse than last year and our new G.M. is now on a mission to evaluate the strenghts and weaknesses of the roster and to gradually make the changes that will match the young talents upcoming.
Not sure that you have the clear picture here. We are back to the ol`drawing board,back to square one,at the bottom of the barrel…How can it be any more obvious ? It`s as if you think that we are cup contenders or would be with a twitch here and there…
He thinks a “Big Name” player like Doan will get us the Cup. Give me a break, the Habs finished last in the East for a reason and it’s not because they didn’t have Shane Doan on their squad. This team is in rebuild mode and it would be foolish to sacrifice good prospects who are the future to the success of this organization for an aging forward with declining production.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
Cloudy today with 100% chance of rain.
“May you live in interesting times.”
alwayssunny…I think not…gloomy
…if I may suggest a different subject, that has not already been flogged to death, I would be interested to read Your different opinions of which NHL player with at least a 5 year career behind him, whose elite talent has been wasted in ‘a wasteland market’ …someone, that in a hyper-media hockey market would be considered today a near legend, based on his sheer elite-skill level, if not his points realized
…I nominate Rick Nash …who, in My opinion, would be today a multi-Rocket Richard or Hart winner on almost any other reasonably competitive team or in a genuine ‘hockey-market’ …on a near Steve Stamkos-level
…that’s My opinion, and would be interested to hear Your opinions of other players similarly ‘lost’ in the boondocks of the NHL that need to ‘get out of jail’
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Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
Campaign to Retire Toe Blake’s Number 6 !!!
how about all those kids in edmonton?
He is not at the 5 year mark yet, but I think Jamie Benn could be on his way to becoming a prolific scorer in this league. He has that goal scorers touch and extremely quick release on his shot.
Like Galchenyuk. Promising.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
- Loui Eriksson, in my opinion one of the most underrated forwards in this league, and who is always a sleeper in my fantasy drafts.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
This team could be great, or it could suck. There’s pretty much no way to know. The Canucks looked like world beaters and didn’t make the finals last year. Lots of teams look good and then fail to deliver the goods. Conversely, lots of teams don’t look good and end up being far better than anyone expected. There is simply no way to know at this stage of the game which way this team will go.
Will Cole repeat? Will he be better?
Will MaxPax repeat, will he be better? I like the odds on the latter with him.
Will DD repeat? I don’t like the odds on that but I’m really hoping…
Will Pleks return to form?
Will Bourque be the Bourque in Calgary or will he continue to do a Jonathan Cheechoo impression and disappear forever?
Will Gionta be healthy?
Will Markov be healthy? Can he be the player he once was? If he can, this is instantly a better Habs team than last year’s model.
Will Subban and Emelin continue to grow?
Will any of Gallagher, Leblanc, Tinordi, Beaulieu, Ellis, Bournival, Galchenyuck, Pateryn or that Palusjah guy contribute anything at the NHL level next season?
Can Armstrong, White and Prust stay healthy and add the needed grit?
Will the Gomez nightmare finally end or will the Habs force us to suffer through another 2 goal 6 assist exercise in pathetic hockey?
Will they even play?
I sure hope they do play. Against all odds, I’m excited about this team. All negativity aside, I like the youth, I think the management is better, so whether it is this year or next, the future looks bright to me. And it doesn’t need a Doan in it. Now let’s sign PK and go to camp!
Hear, hear!
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
I do not consider myself a pessimist or an optimist, merely a realist.
And it has become obvious to me that the Montreal Canadiens stand a fairly good chance of exceeding expectations this year, and maybe making the playoffs.
Here’s what I see:
One clearly dominant scoring line, we all know that
a world class penalty kill
real toughness, for the first time in almost a decade.
A very good goalie who is only going to get better
young players who could have breakout seasons: Eller, Subban, and Emelin.
three players, Markov, Bourque, and Kaberle who have something to prove next season.
we must remember that last years team had basically a petty draconian, isolationist GM, an owner with balls the size of snowpeas, and an intensely idiotic coach who makes Forest Gump look like he belongs in MENSA. One of the reasons for last years collapse could have been that most of the players simply hated the teams puppet-masters, and did not care any more. New arrivals were immediately put off by the poisonous working environment of the Habs. Now the team has an intelligent, engaging GM, and a passionate coach who will push the players to win. The whole team could be re-vitalized by this change in culture.
Another reason was that the team was absaloutly forbidden from engaging in aggressive, physical play of any kind by Martin, and had no means to do so. Now, in addition to Moen and White, we have a notorious agitator/instigator that we will all grow to love (Armstrong), a tough defenseman (Boullion) and a legitimate enforcer/protector (Prust) The new toughness will not be limited to the above mentioned players, we all saw the brief, beautiful stretch late in the season when Staubitz joined the team, and White came back from injury. We all noticed that the whole team played bigger, more aggressive, how they all stood up for one another, hell, even Plekanec was throwing hits and Eller roughing it up in scrums. This year, the Canadiens will playe bigger, play in-your face, and stand up for one another.
Bourque came into a bad situation last year, like buying an apartment, only to find that it is a sh*t-hole. He was having a hard time with suspensions, bad press, and a bad Calgary team. He was throw into an even worse Montreal team, and drew immediate flak. He was playing for Gauthier and his madhouse, knowing that he would never see the playoffs, and watching his back because of his suspensions so I don’t blame him for his poor play. He could have a comeback season under new management, who actually care about winning. let’s get this straight: he will not be an instant 50 scorer, he will more then likely be a 25 goal, 50 point guy in case of a comeback. Such a comeback would give us two scoring lines, making our offense that much harder to shut down.
In my mind, the three catalysts for next season will be:
Markov’s health
Bourque’s possible comeback
Team toughness
Last year the Canadiens were not an NHL team, they were a collection of individuals, this year, they will be a team. If they play as a team, play aggressively and give their all, they will surprise opponents expecting an easy game.
Anything is possible
GO HABS GO!
I agree EOHF.
Last year, by the end of the year…this team started playing alot better. Maybe it was because all the pressure was off by then, as we knew we weren’t going to make the playoffs….but they really started playing like a team. Not to mention we were still missing some key players who were injured.
We absolutely need our verterans to step up next year….if they do, I don’t see why we can’t make it into the playoffs in the 6-8 spot. Once in, anything can happen…as we showed a couple of years back.
As fans, I think alot of us are relieved that we seem to have a front office now, which has respect around the league. I’m positive that that will also rub off on the players. I think it will make a huge difference having a healthy lineup*please* to start the season…as opposed to last year where Markov was held up….and just everything seemed off. The pre-season completely got us off to the wrong start….and our season continued down from there.
As for the team toughness….when we had Staubitz and White in the linup at the end of the season…..as a fan it looked 100% as if the team played bigger…..and with the additions this year….I think they will play bigger then ever. Boston won’t seem so tough, as the past few season. In fact I think Moen will thrive…not having to be the toughest guy on the team. There’s at least two ahead of him…who will be more willing to drop the gloves. Moen has shown flashes of goal scoring ability….hopefully he can pot 15…..he was on pace at a point last year.
“I think I may have found a way for us to get Griffey and Bonds, and we really won’t have to give up much” -Costanza
This is in no way intended to diss your post…just for shits and giggles look up depressive realists versus delusional optimists.
Even better match up some poster names under those categories.
***Subbang Baby!!!***
+1
Look at the team´s record after Staubitz arrived. I´m pretty sure it´s around 500. Could be less.
Bottom line: you need talent to win. You need six good forwards in the top six; we have five. Actually many a contending team will have nine decent forwards.
Talent and toughness is awesome. Toughness alone may make you “tougher to play against” but it won´t translate by itself into more wins. Maybe your opponents just get a bit more bruised while they beat you on the scoreboard.
And I´d sure rather have talent with a bit of toughness than toughness with abit of talent.
The moves so far have been depth moves and for the added toughness which so many posters here salivate over. There haven´t been any moves for adding scoring talent so far. I don´t believe either Prust or Armstrong will pot even 10 goals. I´d even be surprised if Armstrong is a regular in the lineup beyond mid season.
Everyone thinks they’re a realist.
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Down below some one posted that Gomez could get 50 pts and someone responded in Hamilton.. And well my initial reaction to Gomez being able to get 50 points in the AHL was to laugh. My reactionary guess-timating reflex was like “I bet people on average only produce around 100% more points in the AHL as compared to the NHL… so based on that though, it’s likely to see someone who is an NHL pro possibly double his production if he went to the AHL but probably not too much more than that. but that was just out of the blue in my head with no numbers to support it at all. So I figured I’m bored at work and luckily I have the best job in the world where I can do what I want, when I want to, so I decided to see if there was any validity to my guess-timations.
I went through the numbers for Montreal Canadiens centres in Both the NHL and the AHL to determine what is reasonable to expect in terms of what % your point production might go up if you go from a NHL to the AHL. Now I ain’t no Mathologist so don’t take this as me saying this all absolute or anything. I am aware there are other variables to consider.. And I’ll get to them.
Well here is my “I’m at work and I’m going to half ass something to keep me entertained” findings:
(keep in mind I’m not putting up the original numbers I had to work with and all the equating I had to do and am not showing cause again, I got time to kill, but I’m lazy)
…………. AHL ……….NHL
D.D. 1.05 ppg 0.63ppg = 60% of the point production from the AHL in the NHL
Plec’s. 0.75ppg 0.65ppg = 86% of the point production from the AHL in the NHL
Eller. 0.81ppg 0.28ppg = 34% of the point production from the AHL in the NHL
White. 0.42ppg 0.15ppg = 35% of the point production from the AHL in the NHL
That translates into an average of 53% of the point production from the AHL is seen in the NHL. This means if you reverse that to go from the NHL to the AHL you should on average see a 94 % point production increase, in other just under double the point production. Now that’s not going to apply to everyone… is someone who get 104 point in the NHL going to get 201 points in the AHL? Is someone who only gets 2 points in the NHL going to only get 3.88 points? Not likely, but hey nothing is impossible… we except to get 3.88 points cause I don’t think they give out .88 points for anything lol.
Now If we use my theory and apply it to predict how many points Gomez can be expected to get based on the average we’re looking at 21.34. Now round out the “.” And were looking at 21 points if he’s in the AHL based on the production we saw from him last year
I know this isn’t a very large sample size to work with, and well again… let’s face it I’m lazy. So this has satisfied me enough to believe my initial reaction of “Gomez getting 50 pts. Even in the AHL isn’t happening” is pretty damn close to true.
So now we look at all the factors that could be brought up to show Flaw in my theory. So I’ll touch on some that I played devil’s advocate to myself on:
1. But He only had one 11 pts season, he used to get 60, 70, 80 pts … Well hockey has a short memory and he’s been on a steady downward spiral. So until I see it reverse I will believe that last year wasn’t a fluke.
2. But you didn’t use any of Gomez’s numbers from the AHL and NHL to compare, wouldn’t that have been the better numbers to use … Yes they would have been if he had played in the AHL and I had any numbers to go on or to include him in this little exercise
3. But they are pros now; they are used to playing against the best in the world. They would kill the players in the AHL if they went back now! … This may be true for someone like Sidney Crosby or someone who is any good at all. But Gomez isn’t exactly a Pro anymore; maybe his pay check is pro, but definitely not his hockey playing.
And there you have it folks, my theory on what to expect from Gomez if he is sent to the AHL… which is about 3 – 4 goals and 21 points. And what does this all mean or prove? Not a damn thing! Well at least nothing that we didn’t know in our guts all along, which is that Gomez sucks now…
That and the wonderful fact that I have officially wasted half my shift!!! YAY ME!!! Hope you enjoyed my time wasting exercise too
(If anyone feels the need to go and redo all the math to see if my math is at all correct I’d love that cause I’m intrigued to see if I did it all right .. and I think it will just re affirm what I did
)
“When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.”
Mark Twain.
Stephen, it’s your boss here, I went by your work space this morning and couldn’t help but notice all these calculations and hockey stats and reports scattered around your desk. Come see me when you get in tomorrow.
Oh, and bring your office keys and laptop.
***Subbang Baby!!!***
LMAO awesome!!!
but I’m a DJ at a strip club, so needless to say i’m the last thing the bosses are watching
lol
“When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.”
Mark Twain.
OK then…DJ in a strip club you say? I think I should personally inspect your workplace to ensure it meets the high standards as set by the HI/O Workplace Standards Committee. As President, Secretary Treasurer and Rules Enforcement Officer of the committee it behooves me (see, good word there…behooves) to inform you that said site visit will be performed forthwith (ha…another good word there!).
***Subbang Baby!!!***
Perhaps Summit has one extra day added to it and we go by Rozz’s workplace to visit him?
Ooops, big problem Ger…he’s in Kamloops BC…we may have to pick a closer site.
***Subbang Baby!!!***
Okay, so Summit is back on at UCe’s place with a brief layover in Kamloops. How is the golf game Dave?
Golf…(sigh)…the ongoing struggle of man against the elements. In this case the elements are the base metals and woods clanking around in my golf cart. I may just as well just go out there with a 6 iron and nothing else since the rest of my set seems to have abandoned all hope in my learning this game.
It’s great Ger…my game is just freakin’ great.
And yours?
***Subbang Baby!!!***
i’d gladly invite you guys to come check out my work, its a wonderful place.. sports on the tv’s, naked ladies on the stage, HI/O on my computer and good tunes in the air… I run to work every day LOL. so yes please bring the summit this way one day as I wont be able to make the trip out there this year
hell the first round is on me.. (for the first 10 ppl here lol)
“When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.”
Mark Twain.
You forgot to add Donald Trump’s famous last words: You’re fired!
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Havn’t something like 3 of 4 of the past Stanley Cup winners opened in Europe??
Fun fact…..the last time Habs won the cup, they opened pre season in England.
LET’S GO BACK TO EUROPE PLEASE!
“I think I may have found a way for us to get Griffey and Bonds, and we really won’t have to give up much” -Costanza
Maybe it was the steak and kidney pie, fish and chips? English women?
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Top 10 goals for Montreal last year. I’m sure there were nicer goals then some of these….but none the less.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QpxOVN3jQs
All the goal scorers in the count down, are still with us,……except of course for Kostitsyn, who has two of the ten goals. Reminds me of how good he and Eller did look at some points. They had such a great game together….when Eller potted 4
here’s the 4 goal game: man that was a good night to be a fan!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0kOxHEq2V0&feature=fvwrel
“I think I may have found a way for us to get Griffey and Bonds, and we really won’t have to give up much” -Costanza
EasternOntarioHabsFan,
I just saw your post from earlier, don’t worry. I’m pretty sure everyone here likes you. If my post (ribbing you) seemed malicious or disrespectful in any way, I’m sorry. I’m a goof, I don’t take anything seriously except treating people with respect but sometimes my idiocy gets the best of me… for what its worth you’d be on my list
You’re my boy hotsauce!
Occupation: Professional Hedonist… aiming low and exceeding expectations
Hobo with a laptop in one hand hot sauce in another
you have nothing to be sorry for.
now enough of this sentimentalism, lets talk HABS BABY!!!!!!!!
wait….
nothing major going on
Go Gomez!
Occupation: Professional Hedonist… aiming low and exceeding expectations
Hobo with a laptop in one hand hot sauce in another
GOMEZ
GOMEZ
GOMEZ
I need some help boys and girls. I have been on the Gomez fitness program the last 5 months and it has worked like a charm.
I seem to have developed a spare tire around my stomach area that I need to work off. What are some of the best exercises to do in order to get rid of this.
I am also looking to add some muscle mass and someone told me those wrist and ankle weights work well. Can anyone confirm or deny.
Gomez if you are reading this please don’t respond. Thank you in advance to any helpful advice.
Welcome to the Tim… yawwwwnnn Thomas….. and Shane….. yaaaaawwwwnnnnn Doan… blog….. we…. hope…. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
Well put up a quiz or something! Geeeeze!
How nuna didn’t make anybody’s top 10 list is beyond me. Mofo’s on a roll.
Bottoms up!
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Doan for four years at $30 million or whatever absurd amount he is asking for is a tad crazy. I’d be allover two years at $6 million per but I’d be nervous about three and sick to hear we’d signed him for four.
I might be crazy but I have faith that a young player is going to step up in September and challenge for a top six or minimum a nine spot, if there’s hockey.
Would it be completely unheard of if a guy like Leblanc, Gallagher or even Palushaj had a dynamite training camp? Or maybe Eller is “lights out” and bumps Bourque or Desharnais out of the top six.
We’ve got a lot of young players, Price and Subban are still very young too, that could take it up another level. That’s what we’ve got to hope for.
And with that said, we’ve still got Galchenyuk, Tinordi, Beaulieu and a few other highly regarded prospects making their way into the lineup over the next 1-3 years.
We should be happy with 8th place the next two years. I hope we sneak in this year, improve the next and start looking dangerous in three.
Both Eller and Leblanc were rehabbing injuries last off-season, so it will be interesting to see how they perform after a proper off-season of training.
Since HIO is still “ALL DOAN! ALL THE TIME!” and the rest of the world has Olympic Fever maybe I could put in a little plug for my favourite Olympian Doan: Catriona LeMay Doan. While not quite up there is the sizzle factor with the fancy skating crowd (vis: Sale, Jamie) Ms Catriona displayed admirable stamina, quads of steel and oh, my that mouth. Maybe not the Top 6 Power forward the other Doan-ites crave but she really juggles my lines, if you know what I mean.
That is all.
“Et le but!”
If C Doan played with the Habs there would probably be plenty of line juggling.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Beckie Scott and Clara Hughes are the two Canadian Olympians that I admire the most.
Gaetan Boucher didn’t get the recognition he deserved. And poor Sylvie Frechette received her gold medal long after her Olympics were over in a ceremony that was quite sedate.
“May you live in interesting times.”
A moment of silence and some life reality;
http://www.ottawasun.com/2012/07/30/former-67s-defenceman-succeeded-on-and-off-ice
Bill kitchen, former Hab….I remember him…
Thanks for the post HF. Respectful condolences to his family.
“May you live in interesting times.”
The best thing that could happen to the KHL is for the NHL to take a year off. If that happens I expect a number of players, not just Russians, will make a jump across the pond, and may choose to stay when NHL play resumes.
If 10% of the NHL players go over and if the games are televised in english, wouldn’t you watch?
“This Team is Less than the sum of it’s parts while Gomez is one of those parts.”
Google the phrase “time zone”
“Time zone” is a term, not a phrase, smarty pants.
7 o’clock games in Russia, one in the morning here. Past my bedtime.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
It’s a phrase. “Term” is not a meaningful grammatical designation.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Google “dictionary”
Gomez Gets 50 points this year – whose with me??
In hamilton…..
In hamilton…..
This writer doesn’t think we get Doan;
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=638849
Man, this guy has become the Konopka of 2012. Admittedly he’s an actual hockey player, as opposed to that stiff some people prayed for last summer, but at the rumoured price and term…ludicrous.
***Subbang Baby!!!***
Agreed. 4 years is 2 years too long for a power forward his age.
The Summer Insanity of HIO continues.
This summer has been sane if compared to the last two.
I just hope he doesn’t end up with the Bruins. I can feel the pain already.
Bruins are at CAP. They’d have to move a significant player or 2 to make room
Go HABS Go
the best part is $9M of that cap hit isn’t even going to be on the ice for them next year in Savard & Thomas
———————————–
It’ll always be Habs Inside/Out to me
They get relief on savard
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
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For older players in the league, the break down for last year was:
21 born in ’74
11 born in ’75
11 born in ’74
7 born in ’73
4 born in ’72
1 born in ’71
2 born in ’70 – Lidstrom and Selanne
The odds of playing beyond 38 are not in Doan’s favour.
He has fooled a lot of GM’s into thinking he can play a few more years. Without even really trying. The same GM’s that were tepid about Jagr …
Rebuilding is for Losers!
Win the stinking Cup! Give it your all to win the Cup every year. This is big boy hockey!
Another example of small boy thinking.
of**
Come on Soft Habits.
ETA: Nice edit. You’re welcome.
Another example of a smart ass comment.
Now that’s a good one!
***Subbang Baby!!!***
Okay all… vote… best name of the olympics.
Yoshie Takeshita (Japan Women’s Volleyball)
Aichen Wang (China Men’s Sailing)
Destinee Hooker (US Women’s Volleyball)
Dong Dong (trampoline, China)
Kim Yoo Suk (pole vault, South Korea)
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
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That is hilarious. Can’t stop laughing, I copied, pasted and e-mailed it to some friends.
I say it’s a 5 way tie.
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
No. 3 – easily. Have you heard the NBC volleyball announcers yet? “Hooker pounds it!” “Hooker takes it in the face!”
How can it not be Aichen Wang?
———————————–
That one is my favorite too.
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
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Our Habs are rated 24th this week by TSN. This is probably in the hockey rink, unless a Leblanc or Gomez catch fire.
Only way Gomez catches fire is if you douse him in gasoline and actually set him on fire. Not that I’m encouraging anyone to do that…
Methinks we can definitely hope for Leblanc though.
Kevin Snow @kwsnow
Patrick Kaleta has agreed to a multi-year contract with the #Sabres. More details to follow at http://Sabres.com .
I hate that Kaleta guy…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOu4CZ7jAVE
Hope that helps
I know most people didn’t like Obyrne but he would be useful
yea, that trade hurt. wish we still had him instead of Weber/Diaz.
Ya, cause you just can’t have enough delay of game calls.
***Subbang Baby!!!***
don’t forget own goals. but I’d still rather have Obyrne.
I find it interesting how many people on here have Doan using a walker and such already. There is a reason that Ray Shero (the favorite GM of many hab’s writers) offered him $24 million, and someone else has been reported to have offered him $30 million. There is a reason at least 16 teams are interested in him.
The claims of his decline do not register with NHL gm’s and scouts. They are all in line for him.
It’s not his decline specifically. Almost any player declines after 35. Sometimes precipitously.
Teams that might win the cup next year are willing to risk giving him a long term contract.
A rebuilding team has no reason to.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Exactly….. Pittsburgh and Montreal are not in the same situation
One of these teams is a Stanley cup Contender, one isn’t.
The Cup Contender can afford to pay now to get the piece they need (a winger for Crosby), and worry about his decline later on.
The Habs need to set themselves to be in a good position to add this type of piece in 2 years when Galchenyuk, Beaulieu, Tinordi, Collberg, etc… are part of the core of a club with Price, Subban and Pacioretty. The Habs do not need to mortgage future cap years right now.
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
http://lastwordonsports.com/
To say when, whether in 2 or 4 years or in between will only be known at the moment it happens. The good news is it looks up from here. At the moment I’d have to side with those that say it isn’t the time to plunge into a contract like Doan will get or Nash, Weber and Parise received.
The raw data is that the Gomez (and to a lesser extent Kaberle) situation act as a major impediment to acquiring an elite player. And to dump that type of money I still wouldn’t go for Doan, who is in the twilight of his career. I’d like to see the Habs make a play for a younger generational player like Stamkos or Weber. A player to build around.
I think what you are suggesting is something I can also buy into, and that is letting the prospects develop and when the Habs look like they have a winning combination, good young players and a culture of winning brought up from the minors to the big league then the time to make forays into free agency would be more opportune. Of course when some of the current contracts are shed.
This is in direct contrast to what Max_a_million is suggesting and to what the Habs have been doing for the better part of since the Roy trade and that was promoting a culture of mediocrity and middling play, eking wins with occasional squeaking into the play-offs, all the while with no real identity other than having once been a proud and winning franchise.
Rebuilding is not for losers, however putting together a patch work hodgepodge of ageing veterans and career 3rd and 4th liners all the while having no organizational depth is.
I can be patient with a rebuild if it portends to an elite team coming into fruition in the near future.
If there is a player out there who signs for one year or two and would help us make the playoffs…. i’m all for that too. I think there is value in the “winning culture” and in having young kids learn about playoff pressure.
I just don’t like the 4 year deal to a guy 36 years old. To me that mortgages the future.
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
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Regardless of whether or not he is a fit for the Canadiens.
The point was that many on here have him decline. I don’t think the hockey people in the know in this league agree in the least.
Also the fact that 16 teams have contacted him means that some of these teams are not stacked teams, and I guess should be rebuilding by the standards of the HIO crowd.
Every human over a certain age is in decline.
Some things start to whither away at age 14, like your memory. Other in your early 30s, like dexterity, or mid-30s like muscle strength, and stamina. Heck, some things start the downward spiral while you’re still in the womb.
But it’s safe to say that nothing, and I mean NOTHING, gets better after age 35.
And please don’t give me that BS about wisdom and experience.
So yes, Shane Doan is in decline.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
No teams are stacked these days. Another sad example of parity in the New NHL.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
I have not heard about any official offer to Doan yet, even the 4years/30 millions is only a rumour, AFAIK. That said, it makes alot more sense to offer a deal to Doan from a Pen’s point of view than from a Habs point of view.
We’ve been conditioned now like the stupid Laffs fans to accept nothing but the worst of the worst, only the smallest Mexicans, only the laziest Russian defensemen who break their legs just skating etc…..add to that alcoholic managers who yell like some FASD psycho behind the bench to add to the clown GM who pretends he knows players like some Mexican guy we know….ok so who signed after Gomez came? No one. So why should we pay him the 7 million we owe? If Gomez can’t BS Doan into coming, oh wait scratch that, why would Doan want a small Mexican guy who runs fast but can’t score?
Lol.
_____________________________
“Access Forbidden” gettin’ ya down?
Hold down Shift while clicking refresh.
Don’t ever stop. Never. Ever. Stop.
You are gold.
*******************
Bring on zee Fembaahhts!!
I think you mean pyrite
bazinga!
Easily amused.
wjc
nunacanadien: Do you even try to make sense anymore. Biggest pile doggie do and drivel that I have encounter in a while.
wjc
so clearly you don’t actually read the crap you post … its all starting to make sense!!!
“When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.”
Mark Twain.
Some one?…..reported? Some one has reported. Ray Shero offered 24 million dollars….link?…There is a reason why 16 teams interested, how do you know there are 16 teams interested????????
Detriot has declined and dropped out. What do they know?
Who is the someone that reported what the offers were?
wjc
Man, Olympic women’s soccer is awesome in all the ways that women’s Olympic hockey isn’t.
much more competitive. It isn’t just US and Canada whopping people
“Like Canadian Hip hop..check us out http://www.groovecontrolmusic.com“
It’s also a really entertaining style of soccer – really fast-paced with lots of clean breaks. Easily the most entertaining female team sport.
(well volleyball is also pretty awesome – but for entirely different reasons)
Most definetly agree. Watch a Japanese game. I watched them play Canada and man it was quite the game. they are a good team
It would be even more awesome if there were at least two more players on each side of the net.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Whats taking so long with the PK contract?
Go HABS Go
copyright for the triple low five is getting hung up in the courts.
I thought they are hung up on a definition of “white way”. That could take a while.
LOL
“Like Canadian Hip hop..check us out http://www.groovecontrolmusic.com“
Gomez’s approval.
goHOMEz…
nice
————————————-
Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
How do we all feel if Gomez gets 25 goals and 60 ish points this year once Therrien gets his hands on him and becomes worth the 5.5 mil he’s going to be paid.
Go HABS Go
I’d feel shocked.
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He would only do that if we were paying half of his salary, and he was picked up by another team.
Why not just send Gomez down to the juniors so we can get real Canadian players from Quebec or at least Canada and who are over 6 feet 2 inches and heavier than 200 pounds…..
I look forward to that! Could happen.
I’m sure we’d all love it.
I find it highly unlikely though.
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
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Gomez has only scored 20 or more once in his career.
He scored 21 for the Habs.
In three years.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
DD could do just about the same on a 850k$ cap hit, at that point I rather they give the PP and wingers to DD than Gomez. Maybe Eller could do it too…
HABSOLULTELY: So anyone that disagrees with you is pathetic and a troll. So who do you sign with all this cap room, Doan for 4 years.
Even though I am a pathetic troll, at 36 years young, this will be coming back to haunt the Canadiens in 2 years or so.
You hate Gomez, yes even a pathetic troll gets it. You hate Gomez and you sound like a broken record. I am a pathetic troll so it is expected from me, but someone as positive about everything like yourself. Well perfect people should not act like that.
You are setting a bad example for us pathetic trolls.
wjc
Habsolutely sounds like a broken record? have you ever posted more than once or twice on this site with out obsessively and repetitively cheering for Gomez like a lil school girl or speaking condescendingly and ignorantly towards the other posters because they fail to see thing the same way as you?
does the reason behind the fact that you always seem to be in an argument with someone while your here really allude you that much sir?
its the same reason I made it my mission to be on you like white on rice… you’re clearly a leaf loving troll, you deserve it.
“When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.”
Mark Twain.
Rozz I think you and Habsolutely act like a couple of school girls. Neither one of you can stand alone. Habsolutely should be able to stand up for himself.
Leaf loving troll and you are a Gomez hating troll. On me like white rice……what the hell does that mean?
Arguing, well I call it debating. Leave the other posters out of it. Stop acting like a little girl.
You are the broken record. You hate Gomez, I (we) get it. Try something original for a change. You are going to look guite the fool come fall and you know it. You are running scared.
wjc
Extend him to another 5 year 6 million per?
“This Team is Less than the sum of it’s parts while Gomez is one of those parts.”
Montreal will be more then the sum of its parts once Gomez makes his long anticipated comeback.
wjc
So question! Is Doan at 36 at 7.5 mil a year for 4 years worth more than a Gomez at 5.5 mil a year IF and only if Gomez would produce lets say 50 points this coming year and maybe next and then we’re done with him but yet we would still be stuck with Doan at 7.5 mil for 2 more years maybe only getting 30 points a year 2 years from now. Hypothetical thoughts here!
Go HABS Go
That was formulated in quite a confusing way, but even with Gomez getting a potential 60 points, I think with the centers the Habs have right now Gomez is redundant.
I’d rather a 60 points Gomez for 2 seasons than a declining Doan for 4 years at 7+
Selanne is doing well at 40+ and Alfie is still doing well. The question with Gomez is credibility. He laughs when losing and goes for dinner when not playing? I hope he rebounds, but if he is still getting a shot it is because Molson is a cheapster. Surely the 7 mill could be better spent (without question).
Exactly! Lets face it Doan won’t get better! At 7.5 mil he will almost surely decline over 4 years you would think or bet on! This is almost funny but Gomez can only get better.
Go HABS Go
The difference is Doan actually helps to quarterback plays, whereas Gomez only pretends he does that……and Doan actually helps to bring goals to the game.
They are exceptions… they are certainly not the rule. And there is a reason even their own teams take it year by year, or two years at most with them.
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
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Look at it this way, if Gomez fails you have less then a year to look at Gomez. Canadiens will trade him and eat about 2 million is salary.
If Gomes makes the comeback and hits the 50 plus points then it is a win/win. He can be kept around for another year or traded at the deadline. Gomez would like a third Stanley cup anyways. You would have the pleasure of watching him carry the cup around the ice in June, perhaps.
wjc
EasternOntarioHabsFan would be thrilled, as would all of the Commentariat, and a lot of YouTube visitors.
———————————————————————–
This isn’t “Billionaires vs. Millionaires.” Only a willfully uninformed fool would apply that sloppy shorthand designation to this disgraceful power grab crafted by some of the wealthiest individuals and corporate entities in North America aimed against professional athletes.–Larry Brooks of the New York Post
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
Too many would be upset about not being able to say “I told you so”, he sucks,
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
The Habs will give him another big contract
Habsolutely, it is official you cannot stand on your own two feet. You have to have Rozz jump in with his drivel.
You do the attacking, I do the defending. You need to see the light. You are embarrassing yourself come the new season. You will have to change your name and aviator.
Trying to prepare you for the Gomez comeback, but you can only see blind hatred….peace brother. A different opinion should not upset you so. For all I know you are 15 years old and that would make me feel bad, fighting an unarmed little boy.
wjc
We would be mostly surprised. Under the circumstances there is nothing that indicates Gomez would be worth his 7m cap hit and therefore it would be better to drop him. One way or the other. What moral does Gomez really teach the youngsters on the team? Get paid and then suck or you suck but nô worry your cap hit is not at the magnitude og Gomez’.
So how do you drop him and avoid the cap hit…..geez….why do I bother. Isn’t it better he gets his game back….oh well what can I say. I am after all just a pathetic troll.
wjc
Yes! why do you bother? you are just a pathetic troll.. have you finally seen the error of your ways?
“When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.”
Mark Twain.
Hi Rozz, you are developing quite a interest in me, happy to see you like trolls. Sorry a pathetic troll.
Yes I do see the error of my ways, a different opinion is not allowed on here. I should jump on the band wagon with the little boys/girls and not except that Gomez will be given another chance to restore his game.
Before you jump through the screen with the “white rice” take a moment and consider how embarrassed you are going to be, hoping for Gomez to fail……..and the amazing comeback you will refuse to enjoy. Maybe hating a member of the Montreal Canadiens should be criteria for being a PATHETIC TROLL….peace brother.
wjc
I’m with you wjc. Don’t take any guff from posters who disagree with you. The name calling and mud slinging should be kept to a minimum, though. It just begets more name calling and futile bickering.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
honestly, even with all the ribbing I give to the guy (see the long post above lol ).. how could you not love it if it happened.. and I would gladly eat some humble pie too cause we’d have 60 more points than last year.
the problem is I don’t think it will happen.. I was one of the ones hoping and pulling for Gomez to really come back this past year and then well look what happened .. and well how do they say, fool me once shame on you etc. etc. etc.
but I’d love Ryan white to score 37 goals and get 95 pts… but I don’t see that happening either. at least right now White has some use to us and gets paid appropriately for what he does for us.
Edit: one last thought, why hope for a miracle when you could bury him in the AHL and us the space for someone who you don’t need to hope for, someone who will actually put up point for sure!
“When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.”
Mark Twain.
Fool me once shame on you, Fool me twice shame on me.
So disappointment over last year drives you, welcome to the club. I however recognize that he was being held back from playing his game. Re: Gill interview when he said “Gomez was excited when Cunnyworth took over, we can finally play some hockey” and it was just more of the same.
Injuries slow players down, but Gomez is supposed to be the same player regardless, apparently.
I was predicting good things last year, but Martin upped the defensive system, so Gomez was chipping the puck and not moving in offensively like he did when he was putting points up.
A player does not usually have 10 good seasons and crash and burn for two without there being a reason. If Therien can’t get him going then I will be the first to say good riddance…just don’t see that happening.
wjc
Max Vasilyev is back with NHL happy hour. I find this stuff hilarious.
http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/07/31/nhl-happy-hour-cheaper-side-of-things/
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
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UCE, I like your idea swapping Gomez for Wiz, I would take that all day.
CH = Les Glorieux!!!
They’d go for it right? Rid themselves of a long-term over-rich contract they signed to show Rick Nash/The World that they meant business. Obviously the conditions there have changed. We’ll take him off their hands. Heck, we missed the guy last year.
Mr. Gomez would give them a nice salary cap cushion, and a big name star/curio piece that would undoubtedly sell lots of tickets in Columbus.
———————————————————————–
This isn’t “Billionaires vs. Millionaires.” Only a willfully uninformed fool would apply that sloppy shorthand designation to this disgraceful power grab crafted by some of the wealthiest individuals and corporate entities in North America aimed against professional athletes.–Larry Brooks of the New York Post
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
Heh, I was doubtful that the Jackets would go for a swap of Gomez for the Wiz, though I would welcome it, long term and overpayment and all… but this : “Mr. Gomez would give them a nice salary cap cushion, and a big name star/curio piece that would undoubtedly sell lots of tickets in Columbus.”
How do you get to this conclusion, how would a slumping non-star help them sell tickets?
I was agreeing with you all the way UCE until your penultimate paragraph. Shiram said it better than I could. Or maybe one of my professors did. “Never let the conclusion of your essay spoil the conclusions of your essay”. Am afraid you kinda did UCE.
Did I push it a little too far guys? Was that the oversell that might trigger Scott Howson’s alarms?
Dang, I hate it when I tiptoe right to the line, and then fall on my ass on the other side.
It was using Gomez has a ticket seller, that was just too much.
But as Batman knows, the reason we fall is to learn to pick ourselves back up!
I use the word ‘possibly’ instead of ‘undoubtedly’ in that paragraph and I make a clean getaway….
I’d revise “big name star” while you are at it.
I agree Gomez became a big name, but it aint for his game – its for getting paid and sucking bigtime. Where is the point in getting rid of a big contract (Wiz) and then replace it with another big contract, only this time the player useless???
Bring back The Wiz.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
All I’m Gonna say about AK. He has better stats than any player we have right now in the bottom six. if there’s one player better. name him.
all im gonna say is he’s not a bottom 6 forward
And I don’t think he was looking to be paid as one.
———————————–
Today’s Top Shelf Prospects is out, and features the Columbus Blue Jackets and newly acquired defenceman Tim Erixon, part of the Rick Nash deal.
http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/07/31/top-shelf-prospects-columbus-blue-jackets/
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
http://lastwordonsports.com/
Trial balloon/daydreaming time:
The Jackets have a logjam of defensive prospects. They’re a revenue-poor team who struggle to make the cap floor.
The Canadiens need toughness on the back end, as well as a guy with a good shot who can play on the point during the power play. Ideally, this guy is a right-handed shot.
Scott Gomez to Columbus for James Wisniewski anyone? We can throw in an assortment of odds and ends and non-prospects or roster players to square up the deal.
———————————————————————–
This isn’t “Billionaires vs. Millionaires.” Only a willfully uninformed fool would apply that sloppy shorthand designation to this disgraceful power grab crafted by some of the wealthiest individuals and corporate entities in North America aimed against professional athletes.–Larry Brooks of the New York Post
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
I’d do it, but I doubt Columbus would.
Then again, we’re dealing with Scott Howson here.
Only thing that bothers me is how much longer Wiz’s contract is vs Gomez, but even then its not enough to stop me pulling the trigger.
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
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Article on Leblanc, kid seems driven IMO to make it sooner rather then later. Interesting point towards the bottom of who is in town working out together, some had inquired previously.
http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=638527
Glad Markov is in town. See some or should I say one bashing him today but he really is a big part of any potential success we’ll have the next couple seasons.
———————————–
He is an important cog in both the offense and defensive machine.
Likely, the Habs will go as he goes.
So I thought Kaberle was too or so he was played up to be, but hey didn’t we say that about Markov but he didn’t really post any real stats to support both is offense and defense. Mind you when you have no scorers on the team, a defenseman scoring one goal before he breaks his own leg…….
Nice little article for Pleks, JT will love.
http://www.allhabs.net/feature/tomas-plekanec-value-that-kills/
Frank, I appreciate you posting these here as I am too lazy to go and find them myself. I’ve read some posters stating that such and such player was misused by the previous coach(s). I think one could make the same argument for Pleks especially last season. I thought his assignment on the point on power plays was not the best use of his 20+/- minutes of ice time again. Plus he wasn’t exactly surrounded by great players on his wings was he?
———————————–
Enjoyed the article. Could of done without the graphs maybe. Nobody has to convince me of Plex’s contributions to the Habs, he’s a keeper IMO. Way too many fans look at only points when comparing players, huge mistake. I rate Plex as one of the top 2 way centers in the NHL and I think him and Josh are 2 of the best PK specialists in the NHL.
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
Could not have said it better. I hope Plekanec ends his career in MTL…
I let some things bother me on this site, but what probably bothers me the most is that the 2 players most often mentioned in trade scenarios are Markie and Plex, the 2 that have been with the organization the longest. I don’t like these 2 guys always being thrown under the bus on here, fans expect loyalty from players when they are entering free agency, I think that should go both ways.
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
It’s not something that shows up on the score board, but to have a player drafted by the Habs stay with the Habs for as long as those 2 have, well it means something to me. That they are good players helps out too.
As has been stated before. These guys are mentioned in trades because so many other teams on the brink could use these guys to get over the hump. They are very good players. The prospects or draft choices we might get,may put us over the hump in a few years.
I would rather have these 2 guys here in a few years when we are at that point. i think they’ll fit in great with our youth.
You still need vets with the youth.
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
I think there is value in known quantities, and Plekanec fits into that quite well, Markov does not as much because of the injury, but I’m quite hopefull that he can get back to a great level of play.
Picks are nice, and the Habs have a good prospect pool already, I’d like to see management make sure we have a good veteran presence down the line to help them along.
EOHF. You have nothing to appologize for Amigo. I like reading your posts and Keep “em Coming! Hola!
haha, thanks man!
Thanks for putting me on your list. I was very surprised to see my name on it. Flattered as well. There are dozens of people who come to this site whose comments and humour I enjoy reading who probably should be on that list instead of me. So, just say what you think and say what you feel. Some people will disagree with you or try to shout you down. So be it. Stand your ground. This site is a forum for rabid Habs fans. It’s a community that has no borders, with equal opportunity for all.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Back to AK for a second. Now I know a lot of people on here think he is a lazy player and inconsistent. well my thoughts:
1) Big physical player
2) played well with Moen and Eller, but wasn’t used efficiently by the coaching staff most of the time and I would have liked to see him play more with Eller again.
3) A 20-25 goal scorer is by nature an inconsistent scorer because there are 82 games in a season. I have no doubt that he can even put up 45-50 points which is on par with the production that Doan would give.
4) He could be had cheap and on a short term contract which wouldn’t handcuff the Habs in signing players like Patches, DD, Leblanc etc.
5) I think he would feel he has a lot to prove because the Habs already traded him away once. Perhaps he has had his wake up call.
6) The Predators seemed to have used him efficiently as he got 12 pts in 19 games for them.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
I agree with you on this except on one point, the fifth one. I feel like his last contract, one year at the same money he had on his previous contract was the time when he needed to prove himself, to step up and get a big contract.
He did not really step up.
But I still feel he can be a 40-50 points guy, depending on how the coaches use him, and that production could help the Habs.
Yes, but at the same time how many players can you say had a good 2011/12 season on the Habs? I remember a 3 week period where it was a line of Moen, kostitsyn and Eller that were the only ones producing, and then an injury broke that line apart (I believe?).
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
I think that was when Moen went down…
I just would not expect much more than what we’ve already seen from AK is what I meant, he’s got good runs and slower ones, and over 82 games it usually averages about 45 points.
45 points would have meant he was 5th in points on last years roster.
Exactly, and on a third line with that production would be great playing alongside Eller. It also gives Eller a winger which he has shown to have chemistry with.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
I think it’s really nice that we’re giving Therrien a second chance, and a third go-round with Bouillon, but let’s not turn the Bell Centre into retread central. Those tires have already been kicked real good and the results were underwhelming.
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GO HABS GO! Maybe 2012-13 will be our year!
“Scott Gomez is an elite NHL player” – VancouverHab
Chat with me on Twitter @TheRealRGM81
The results have been fairly consistently at around 45 points. I’d say that’s pretty good for a player than can be had for cheap/short term and can step up into the top 6 when there is an injury.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
The optimistic view:
- he had a bad season on a bad team with coaches who didn’t know how to get the best out of him.
- he had good numbers in Nashville. Leading goal scorer for them in the playoffs. Compare his stats to good Canadian boy Mike Fisher for example.
- maybe he gets it now.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Stats are all perspective….
He had 4 points in 10 games in the playoffs….Frankie B had 3 points….
if you intend to call AK big and physical, please dont compare him to Doan afterwards
Have you even seen AK play? he’s a freight train.
Doan 2.3 hits per game over the past 4 seasons
Kostitsyn 1.7 hits per game over the past 4 seasons.
I really don’t see your point.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
Quality of hits….
Doan is much more physical than AK and brings it every shift. AK isn’t physical every game.
I would disagree, Doan goes out of his way to “Finish Checks” yes, but being physical implies you don’t get knocked off the puck easily as well and can come away with the puck more often then not along the boards…I don’t see a HUGE difference as pmaraw sees between the two of them.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
It is ok to disagree. it is all perspective. Doan will go out there and rattle some bones and make people move the puck quicker and rush there decisions…..I don’t think AK does that but he does lay people out sometimes. I would rather have a Doan than AK but not at 5 years.
We won’t have either so it is all for debate
AK
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight 215 lb (98 kg; 15 st 5 lb)
Not a smurf. With more hockey skills than Doan any day of the year.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
I never minded AK but when you have Bourque they are a similar type player. Can score you 20 plus goals but also vanish for long stretches. The only way though he would have an option of scoring 20 is getting top 6 minutes. If he is on the 3rd line he would score around 15 to 18 goals would be my estimate.
I think the Habs are trying to build with character guys and I wouldn’t be surprised if Bourque is also dealt.
I don’t see them bringing AK back. They would probably rather leave Bourque in the top six. He could be a depth guy as Shiram mentioned earlier but I don’t see him as anything else as he isn’t an upgrade on what this team already has
I would again like to apologize for my “list” and for my shameful recent behavior on this site in general.
I most certainly did not intend this post to cause the amount of havoc and turmoil that it has caused, I only intended it as a shout-out to all the posters here whom I respect and admire greatly.
I take back every word of it and offer my sincere apologies to all who may have been offended.
My behavior on this site recently (*hot sauce*) has been shameful, and not in keeping with the traditions associated with Hockey Inside Out. I wish nothing more then to be a respected poster who’s inputs are appreciated, as you can all see, I flushed that down the toilet.
I am deeply sorry for my behavior recently, I do not wish to be known as a troll, I wish that we can start again under good circumstances, but if that is not possible, then I will leave HIO if you wish.
Sincerely
EasternOntarioHabsFan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd_Fdly3rX8
To be honest, I was going to have fun with the “hotsauce” thing. Everytime if/when Gomez scores during the next season, I was gonna exclaim HOTSAUCE!!!
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“Access Forbidden” gettin’ ya down?
Hold down Shift while clicking refresh.
Yes I vote for that to stick…don’t tell me you’re taking that back now
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
I am bringing NAG back.
Some would say that you never left
Heh… good one, HabFab
Dave, since you have only been a Hab fan for 4 years, you are indeed a rookie. So you just might have to enter Hurley’s Pub at the HIO Summit this year, on your hands and knees my friend!!
I have been a serious fan for four years, but I have been a Habs fan more or less since I read Roch Carrier’s The Hockey Sweater at age 9.
It was only in 2008 that I knew the names of all the players, watched all the games, ect. ect
OK then DAVE! I drink single malt!
I’ve missed a bunch of stuff in the past few days due to moving back to BC. What did you do/say? And don’t fret too much – I’m sure many people have said much worse much more frequently. LOL
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GO HABS GO! Maybe 2012-13 will be our year!
“Scott Gomez is an elite NHL player” – VancouverHab
Chat with me on Twitter @TheRealRGM81
First, I made a list of what I thought were the top ten most respected HIO posters
then, I said I would drink a shot of hotsauce if Gomer played in more then 20 games and scored more then 5 points
I was not being serious about the hotsauce thing, but it took hold here
I’ve noticed nothing that warrants an apology. God knows we’ve had our share of trolls the last few days who’ve acted like jerks, you have not been one of them. Cheers!
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-Your list was really whack. I stopped reading it after the first couple of names, so consumed was I with shock, outrage and disbelief. The mind reeled. It made no sense! Up was down, bleu was rouge, dogs and cats, living together! Mass hysteria!
-The Picante Pledge was awesome though, I have no problems with that. Nothing like a little collegiality to relieve the dog days of summer. You’ve certainly added some excitement to next season, I await training camp and puck drop with even more trepidation than usual.
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This isn’t “Billionaires vs. Millionaires.” Only a willfully uninformed fool would apply that sloppy shorthand designation to this disgraceful power grab crafted by some of the wealthiest individuals and corporate entities in North America aimed against professional athletes.–Larry Brooks of the New York Post
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
I don’t think you have anything to apologize for.
Of course you listed me tops on the list, so maybe I’m not the best person to be saying this.
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
http://lastwordonsports.com/
Never apologize on HIO.
Guilt is a non-existent concept on forums
. You’re innocent until.. well, you’re always innocent.
One thing I really dislike about the Gomez hate-fest other than the sheer volume and constant posts about him, is that often people will discredit him and his career, he’s been awful for the Habs for one and a half season, but before that he was a legit top 6 center for sure.
He started his NHL career by winning the Calder and the Stanley cup in the same year, he’s been pretty consistently getting about 60 points for most of his career and he added another Stanley Cup on top of that.
Sure he’s been bad lately, and I rag on him too, but I don’t think there’s anyone here that would not dream of accomplishing the same things he has accomplished in the NHL.
I never rag on Gomez. I rag on those who traded for him. But they are gone and he remains. So some people take out their frustration on Gomez.
No one is debating what he accomplished. People are debating if the team should replace him with someone who accomplished more than him last season.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
I’ve seen plenty of people dismiss him and his career and all the things he did accomplish, I think that’s unfair.
I’m in the camp that thinks Hamilton is the place for him, or Europe if that can be worked out.
I agree it is unfair to rank on a player that gives full effort but is no longer performing to prior level. There also has to be some kind of statute of limitations. I no longer complain about deals signed by prior GM’s. I try to limit my criticism to current shortcomings, of which there appear to be fewer. You are welcome to criticize current management should Gomez remain on the roster and not contribute.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
People have to remember something else as well, the system implemented by JM wasn’t doing him any favors.
His main asset is his speed and puck control and he was asked to dump and chase the puck which nullify those two.
I’ll be curious to see how it’s going to play out with MT. I’m not expecting any miracles but it might be less crappy than what we’ve seen the last two years.
Markov to Subban, he scores!
He WAS a good player. I won’t say great but he was good.
He accomplished a lot and the Defensive style of the devils mixed with Marty in Net helped him get his cups. Not sure why he ever got the contract he did because it didn’t make any sense cause he was never an elite centremen. He has been more of a GOOD player
He is consistently a 60-70 point guy who had one huge season in 05-06. A season where a ton of players had career years and scoring was way up league wide. It was also a season where the amount of PPs handed out were nearly double what they are today.
It was an anomalous season, but few recognized it at the time. Many thought the NHL was serious about the crackdown on obstruction and the much hyped “new rules” of the post-lockout NHL would continue.
They havent. Putting Gomez back into a 60 point player when he joined our team.
Now he’s regressed further, with 2 straight poor seasons.
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
http://lastwordonsports.com/
He led the NHL in assists in 03-04. I think he had great chemistry with Mogilny and later with Gionta, helping both eclipse 40 goals. But he was never recognized by the NHL as All-Star.
His salary, awarded in arbitration, for his final year prior to free agency was $5 million. At the time he signed, the bump to $7 million annually in his free agency deal was probably $1million too high and the deal was probably one year too long. But he got the deal because he was in the Cup finals, averaged 70 points and from 04-08 and the rebuilding Rangers wanted to poach from the contending Devils.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
@PhilC
You say trade Gionta to Jersey for prospects. Even with signing doan this doesn’t really improve our team. Doan is older and has about the same production as Gionta (measured over Doan’s last 3 years). He’s also more expensive and Gionta brings the same leadership and intangibles. Sure Doan hits more but Gionta is the better penalty killer. At an older age he’s more a risk to fall off the map as well.
Still I like Doan and would sign him for 1 or 2 years. But the idea here is we only have 3 true top 6 forwards. Moving Gionta out and bringing Doan in is a lateral move. We need to add a winger.
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
http://lastwordonsports.com/
lets change the subject. 45 days till training camp. lets put the real team in place and see where we go from there.
On the subject of top 10 poster lists, I would plead with people to stay away from this type of thing. A forum like Hockey Inside/Out is great because all of the posters bring something to the table.
Over the years, we’ve had some wonderful contributors that have subsequently meandered off to other interests. But for every poster that disappears, we’ve had a poster who has joined the site and added greatly to the community.
Top poster lists and like buttons and such are tools for flattery, but ultimately they don’t do much more than pad our egos if we happen to be on those lists or receive those likes.
I suspect I am in the minority with this opinion, but I actually appreciate that this website does not have “like” buttons. Some of the posts that I learn the most from are posts that might be down-voted by a lot of people. Some of the most appreciated posts are the ones that hold my feet to the fire when I’m being unreasonable, even if I don’t like it at the moment it is happening.
I don’t think anybody here really needs the flattery. We all have our own preferred posters and personal ban lists, but I’m not sure that it does much good to make such things public.
And I would definitely encourage more of the people who are lurking and/or shy about posting in what can be a bit of a confrontational environment at times to definitely add their voices to the conversation. New opinions and outlooks are always welcome!
With that post, you just fell out of my top ten.
Let’s be honest…I fell out of your top ten when I was whining about the Gomez trade in the summer of 2009. You rightfully called me out for being too negative that summer.
Did I? Wow. Oops.
And that was a clever way of saying “I told you so.”
Back in my top ten due to sneakiness.
Definitely not a “I told you so.”
All things considered, Gomez did okay in his first season and then the wheels fell off in years two and three. I never liked that trade and nothing that has happened since has changed my mind. But going on about it for a month was rather annoying I suspect for a lot of posters. Yours was the post that stuck in my mind calling me out for it, and you were absolutely right.
More truth, I really liked the Gomez deal to begin with. No one knew how good mcdonagh might be. Even now, if Gomez was a 60 pt guy, the trade would be fine.
I try not to call sensible posters out too often. I must have had a bad day.
It’s not possible to be too negative about Gomez.
Doan is sometimes way over hyped, he’s a good player for sure, but he’s a pretty similar to Cole, and Habs are only paying Cole 4.5 millions. He’s the best free agent available to help in the top 6, and he seems to be using that to get the most $ and term, but I’d rather they give a try for someone else on a more reasonable deal.
I agree Shiram. I also think MB isn’t stupid and won’t blow the future on a player Doan’s age. He probably has a bunch of scenario’s he is currently working on and this is one of them. I personally don’t think he is done with the Roster at all. i think there will be some more moves before September. there will be some moves on our Defense for sure and if possible another top 6 will be added but that isn’t so easy.
Defense will happen though
“Like Canadian Hip hop..check us out http://www.groovecontrolmusic.com“
People are just trying to rationalize giving a 36 year old ridiculous money, while his performance does not warrant it, especially given the Habs situation with young/rookie players and their finish last season. I’d rather they get AK46 on a one year deal, and if it does not work out you flip him at the trade deadline.
With signing Subban, that’s too many D’s so something’s bound to happen, a winger would help for sure, but I don’t think it’s as bad as the D situation.
I’m anxious to see how Bergevin does with trading assets, his UFA signings were ok, but not impressive.
Yes, that’s who I think we should sign is AK on a 1 year deal. Younger than Doan, brings a physical element and can pot you between 20-25 goals albeit he doesn’t bring the same intensity as Doan. I would do it now that his market value is still low, because once Doan signs somewhere, AK’s stock will rise.
I would give him a 1 year 2-2.5 mil contract. None of this signing Doan for 4 years crap. If Doan were be willing to take a 2 year 5-5.5 mil per year deal then maybe.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
I don’t see any major trades coming I just see some of the fringe D being dealt and them bringing in a stay at home D man with experience.
As for the winger that will be tough to address. Adding AK I really don’t think makes this team better and I would almost rather a younger player getting more ice time. His inconsistency is to great to have him as a top 6 forward.
I have faith in MB so far. He realized the team was too small and wouldn’t let us have an extra D man in the bottom 6 again and addressed the sandpaper.
There is still a ton of work to do yet though and I think the D is the next target.
Top 6 wingers unfortunately are hard to get
I’d bring AK to play with Eller on the third line, he can bump either of Armstrong or Prust as far as I’m concerned, and would be good depth in case one of the top 6 is injured.
The only way I would bring AK back is if they dealt bourque
In all fairness to you (or MB) majority of people here thought the same about BG, until he went out to get gems like Gomer and set us about 5 years back. My regard for hockey people en mass is rather low so by default I choose to assume that a GM will screw things up rather make things right. Could be just me.
I have faith because he is new and won’t want to make a huge blunder or his career as a GM will be tarnished. Dudley is a smart cookie as well and I don’t think he would have made the gomez trade. I think the gomer trade was a panic move to try and get a number one centre here.
Maybe it is time to cut strings with Markov and others like Markov, who are perpetually hurt. Wasting cap space on perpetually hurt players only shows that the management of the Habs are not about winning but saving their own necks by signing and keeping lacklustre players like Markov who doesn’t pull his weight healthy. We could find another higher scoring defenseman for less and someone who actually protects Price. This would free up cap space for signing a Doan should a player of Doan’s calibre consider Montreal. It’s too bad that we signed Gomez to be like a Doan but he was a dud.
You have an issue with Markov?
We didn’t sign Gomez.
Markov did not pull his weight when healthy? That’s a fail right there.
Players on LTIR means the cap gets cap relief, another fail.
Those deals were all signed by past management, fail.
Signing Gomez was about trying to get a top 6 center, not a top 6 winger, that’s your 4th fail… good thing this is not baseball!
Then what was getting Gomez about? And if he was not a top6 center then why did bob so overpay him? Explain.
Sorry Brad, there was one “no” too much in there, and I removed it.
“Then why did bob so overpay him?”
Bob didn’t, Glen Sather did!
From 05/06 to 08/09 Marvkov averaged 54 points/yr (217 total) and had 34 in 45 games in 09/10. The last couple years were write-off because of knee injuries – this doesn’t make him perpetually hurt. If you have an issue with a player, at least base it on fact. He was our best player prior to blowing out his knee.
Don’t feed the trolls
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
http://lastwordonsports.com/
wow someone here doesn’t have a clue about the Habs.
-Doc
The Bulldogs lineup:
Blunden – Leblanc – Palushaj
Dumont – Geoffrion – Gallagher
Shultz – Bournival – Holland
Berger – Nattinen – Avstin
Lefebvre – Qualier
Tinordi – St.Denis
Beaulieu – Ellis
Nash – Pateryn
Stejskal
Desjardins
Mayer
Delmas
A very young team, at all positions. I think that we still need to add more players considering we have a ECHL affliate now too.
Wouldn’t it be great to have the Bdogs play in Laval. I would certainly go to games. They could sign a TV deal with a local station, and Molson would have another venue to sell beer. Win for everybody.
I would be surprised if all those young defencemen play in Hamilton. Most of them need top-4 minutes and PP and PK time if they are going to continue to progress, and there are too many guys to get that in Hamilton. I wouldn’t be surprised to see at least two of the above play in the ECHL.
Imagine Gomez and Markov playing down there to improve the quality players we have….and using the cap space to sign Doan….
Markov???? why would markov play in hamilton. The guy is our best d man
Nunacanadien is not a Habs fan.Sounds typically like someone from Leaf Nation here for a few laughs.
-Doc
Where is Gomer?
Rodeo w Price.
“Win for everybody”
Well….except all us Bulldog fans in the Hamiltion area.
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It’ll always be Habs Inside/Out to me
I just don’t see Doan a Hab, IMO I think MB is going to take a pass on Doan, especially if the asking price is 7 mil/yr. Now I’d consider a 2yr 5mil/yr deal, but nothing more or longer.
CH = Les Glorieux!!!
What Samuel Beckett might have written if he had been born in another era:
En attendant le vingt-cinquième coupe Stanley.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Can we sign PK? This is really annoying…
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Lars, PK, Pac, Emelin, LL – @J_Perez22
What’s the rush, as long as deal gets done before training camp, no issue, well expect that it would give us something new to talk about.
Carey Price signed the night before the golf tournament, which is the start of training camp.
Whats the rush?
Go Habs Go!
NHL Free Agency and Trade Analysis now.
Team By Team Prospect Reports coming soon
http://lastwordonsports.com/
It’s a good test to work on your patience.
To me it does not matter when PK signs, as long as he does sign and he does so before pre-season.
Will current management negotiate contract extensions during the season? Pacioretty is scheduled to become an RFA at the end of the 2012-13 season. If he continues to perform in the first half of the season, I would favor granting him a contract extension before his current deal expires.
The Doan rumors are contradictory. Wanting to stay with his current (finacially strapped) team and wanting to be the highest paid over 35 forward for the next four years seem incogruous. I guess he wants to be massively overpaid to leave the Coyotes.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
Funny, I thought the same thing. Doan wants to have his cake and eat it, too.
I had to chuckle yesterday when some people said we should trade Gionta and sign Doan. I grant you there is a huge difference in height, but that aside, they both bring the same attributes and yearly production to the plate. So why would we trade our captain (who is under 35 and has two years left on his contract of 5M) for a guy who is 36 and wants (according to rumour) four no cut/trade/minors/retirement/injury years at 7.5M a season?
And all of this is to help a team that finished dead last. I don’t get it.
This is why I do not believe the Doan rumours. There is no Doan bidding war. Should he test the waters, I think Doan is more likely to get up to $20 million for four years, including a meaningful upfront signing bonus.
I am not against trading veterans to rebuild a younger team. I fully agree that trading one veteran for a more expensive older veteran is not a rebuild.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
Over the last 4 seasons while playing with perhaps the most offensively challenged team in the NHL, Doan has averaged 0.29 goals per game and 0.75 points per game. Like you say, those numbers aren’t too far off the 0.35 goals per game and 0.63 points per game that were put up over the same time period by Brian Gionta.
But there are some pretty big differences in their style of play. Gionta is a perimeter player that is very defensively responsible, while Doan is a very physical forward that can be a very punishing bodychecker, something that you can simply never say about Gionta.
Like you, I don’t think Doan should be on the team’s radar. He might be the right style of player to add, but he is the wrong position and it is the wrong time. His addition would not be enough for Montreal to become a legitimate contender, and I would think that Doan can get an equivalent offer from a true contender as any offer that Montreal can throw together.
All things considered, keeping Gionta makes more sense. He is younger and he can kill penalties, a valuable skill to go along with the equivalent production that he brings to the table when compared to Doan. And it gives a team that has been turned inside out a couple of times in recent years a level of constancy and poise…an NHL team could do far, far worse than having Brian Gionta as its captain.
I think your analysis is very well reasoned. Doan and gio are apples and oranges in terms of what they bring. And gio is a useful guy, but is he a captain in the Habs tradition? My position is no, but I am old enough to remember our great captains. And Doans value as a warrior is more important than what Gio brings.
Not to mention that Doan can actually see eye to eye with the competition. It’s pretty sad when the referee has to bring a step up ladder so Gionta can be seen…..no wonder the habs finished in the basement of the league….
What exactly makes a captain in the Habs tradition?
Gionta is a good, hard-working player, albeit not a star. He carries a lot of respect amongst his teammates and from players around the NHL.
Gionta is not a flashy captain like Maurice Richard or Yvan Cournoyer. He has the dignity and class of a Jean Beliveau, but is clearly not in the same class when it comes to talent.
But the Canadiens have featured many captains who I would argue weren’t so different from Gionta. Guy Carbonneau, Bob Gainey and Émile Bouchard were all men who were first and foremost leaders. They were all great players in their own right, but their leadership qualities stood out.
I think that the same can be said about Gionta, although I am sure that some would consider comparisons of Gionta to Hall of Famers like Gainey or Bouchard to be close to blasphemy.
I would argue that Gionta, who plays at 5’7″ and 175 pounds in a league full of players who are 5-7″ taller and 25-50 pounds heavier than he is, has few lessons to learn from anybody on what it is to be a “warrior”.
I don’t mind Gio as captain, to me he was always the safest choice, the guy is a good example for any young player, he works hard on the ice all the time, and he’s got the hockey talk down pat, he’s not going to cause any controversy.
I think I got to like him more when I learned he was involved in getting Cole here, I think he wanted to be involved with our rookies during the off season also, those are the kind of things a captain should do nowadays, besides all that Gio already does.
I’m not saying we should necessarily do it, but the thinking would be that we’re better off with Doan and the return for Gionta (say a 1st and a prospect) than we are with Gionta alone. Can’t say I disagree with that — my only concerns would be cap space and term.
But that is the REAL issue with a Doan contract is the cap space and the term. No one doubts that he is a solid player and brings intangibles, but I can’t support a 4 year term at 7-7.5 mil for someone with declining production, who by all accounts might continue to decline in production. Not when there is no possibility of burying his cap hit and the fact that we still have our young players to sign to longer terms.
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Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”
“It’s sad when our rookies have no NHL experience before they jump up to the NHL.” – nunacanadien
If you are gonna leave your wife, it had better be with someone super hot and worth it. I think it makes perfect sense. If he is going to leave, he is only going to leave to get paid.
In regards to negotiate contract during the season, I don’t think current management has problem with it, all the teams upper managment worked for before had no problem with them, Bergevin with the Hawks, Dudley most recently as GM of ATL, Carriere as ast GM when Gorges was re-signed . Even PG didn’t have a problem with it, it was only Gainey that didn’t do them.
But Pacioretty and DD both being RFA in the summer, I don’t think there is going to any rush in getting a deal done.
Great quote from Puck Daddy today on Sharks’ Douglas Murray reportedly dating Tiger Woods’ ex-wife Elin Nordegren:
“They have a lot in common too. Both are Swedish. Both are 32. Both only pick up a golf club when something’s gone wrong. Plus, by dating a Shark, Nordegren doesn’t have to worry that the guy’s personality will be poisoned by a steady stream of championships.”
Apparently Jesper Parnevak hooked them up. He was the one who also hooked up Tiger and Elin and called Tiger a piece of horseshit after the scandal.
Advice to Jesper… stop playing matchmaker. You no effing good at it. Go stroke some balls.
Funny! Especially the “go stroke your balls part.”
EOHF: Wagering can be a vicious and brutal business. Remember,”Sure,you can pray to God, but Row away from the rocks”.. Hunter S. Thompson.
P.S. Try Cholula Hot Sauce. It is hot but leaves a satisfying after glow.
Thanks for the advice my friend, I have a feeling that I might have to change my name here and start from scratch, but you’ll know who it is when you read the first post.
I hope UCE and Boomer do not…….
One wonders if some of the best trades in recent history were more a consequence of incompetence or desperation of one of the GMs as opposed to the astuteness of the other GM. Methinks LA’s Dean Lombardi won last summer’s blockbuster over Paul Holmgren.
In the name of fairness, I suggest the following categories:
Top 10 cynical posters
Top 10 humorous posters
Top 10 factual posters
Top 10 curmudgeon posters
Top 10 posters in favour of Ice Girls
Top 10 posters from Shanghai
Top 10 posters with premature tendencies (“MB is messin’ up”)
Top 10 idiots who slam Boonie
Top 10 arguments between 2 posters
Top 10 top ten suggestions
The list is endless……
“May you live in interesting times.”
GL – Winning the Cup is paramount. In my mind, almost any decent deal justifies that achievement. LA won this year’s Cup due to their strong building blocks playing at an optimal level. Carter and Richards were there in secondary roles. The fact that the team won it’s first Cup in 40+ years of existence has to be considered a crowning achievement.
Having said that, I seriously doubt that Philly feels like they lost the deal. They traded Carter and Richards for: Voracek (23), Couturier (19), Schenn (21) and Simmonds (24). They also received 2nd and 3rd round picks which were flipped over for Nicklas Grossman (27)
All five pieces are in the line-up taking a regular shift yet are also still very young with lots of upside. Couturier could eventually turn out to be better than either Carter or Richards.
I think you also have to consider that the emergence of Giroux into one of the top five forwards in the game allowed the Flyers to move both high end 1st rounders from the 2003 draft season.
Lombardi really gambled with these deals but he did win the Cup. That’s all she wrote if you’re a LA fan. Holmgren totally re-worked the core of the roster in about two hours. I still think his moves displayed pure genius.
crowning achievement, ouch.
The deal would have worked great for Philadelphia had Pronger returned to assert leadership and had Bryzgalov played to his potential. The Richards trade was to create a new culture, contingent on Pronger and the Carter trade was to free cap space for an All-Star netminder. The reason for trading them was not the direct return for them. In that sense, the deals failed because neither led to what was expected. However, the franchise had sufficient depth and young talent to mostly offset this failure.
If Philadelphia ended up with a goalie as good as Quick and if Pronger returned to play like a Norris candidate, the deal would probably have led to a Cup.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
Good morning my friend. I your top 10 list. I remember a while back someone started a list of famous Hab fans. The only one I remember was Shania Twain. As a matter of fact I probably stopped reading it at that point.
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This is just weird. ducks ice girls are way cuter than Kings ice girls. No idea why.
According to RDS, Alfredsson will play another season.
He played really well last year so I was expecting he would be back. That is pretty big for Ottawa as he is still a good player.
I think this will be his final year though
“Like Canadian Hip hop..check us out http://www.groovecontrolmusic.com“
If he’s coming back, it may be a sign it’s for two years. He’s only getting paid 1M this season so Ottawa is going to have to sweeten the pot on the second year to make up the difference.
Alfie is one of the first players to reach the end of these phony long term deals where the last few seasons are for low pay in order to lighten the overall cap hit..
Two-four comes through once again. I was going to look up DA’s salary but you saved me the effort, thanks. That’s a lot of skill and leadership to put in the line-up for a very cheap price. Great value. We should have a list of top ten best-value NHL players.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Four years for a 35 year old is not crazy. I do not think it was a phony deal. If Alfie at age 35 was worth $19 million for four seasons, what is Doan worth?
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
what???, I committed HIO suicide last night!!
Why Am I still alive!!!????!?!??!
In real hockey news, it appears Douglas Murray the defenceman for San Jose may have had the best off season of any player.
http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2012/07/elin-nordegren-dating-swedish-nhl-player-douglas-murray
No more phenoms for Ellen, eh?
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
She seems to be “settling” lol. Good catch for Murray though.
Will Alex Anthopoulos of the Blue Jays get criticized league wide by the media the same as PG after last night? He traded Travis Snider in the middle of the game, he pulled him from the lineup in the 6th inning and then informed the player he was traded.
I am in no way shape or form defending PG, but do believe sometimes trades happen at odd times and peculiar moves follow as a result. I am also no fan of AA of the Jays, he is a glorified scout given the role as GM of the BlueJays in order to appease the fans (he is Canadian) and to also be a yes man to Rogers and the Upper Mgmt of the Jays. He will never take the ownership to task for not spending money despite being the 4th largest marketplace in major league baseball with the 23rd highest payroll. (rough guess on payroll standings)
Hi Gerald. I know you’re not defending PG but the biggest difference between the two events was PG was pissed at Cammy and that move was a reaction to his anger. The Snider move perhaps nothing more then a baseball move. The issue of timing is up for debate I suppose.
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Morning Jim, yah perhaps, but AA also hasn’t really given Snider a fair shake with the big club either. I also believe he should have gotten much more for the kid. Not a fan of either GM end of day.
How is the fishin going bud? Another gorgeous day here in Southern Ontario. Found another 30 old golf balls my brother can lose on the golf course with me today.
Mornin’ boys, and I’m including old boys.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Morning neighbour, another hot one today it looks like. Trust you are doing well.
Hi, Gerald. Goin’ golfing today!
“May you live in interesting times.”
Snider had tones of potential and looked good again this year but he also has some wrist issues and had trouble keeping it together hitting wise in the big leages and the Jays have a ton of outfielders. I was sad to see him go and he could turn out to be a beauty but at least he will get a chance to play.
I like the kid a lot. Succeeding despite losing both parents at a young age.
“May you live in interesting times.”
This may give him the chance to shine a bit more and he is going to a contender….we all know the Jays are not going to contend for awhile.
It is tough being a Jays fan. It is a humbling reminder of how Leaf fans must feel though! LOL
But we can, I think, still “feel” those glory years. Habs and Jays, champs in the same year! (1993)
“May you live in interesting times.”
The Cammy episode was made into a big thing by the media since this probably is not the first or the last time it happens. Must admit though that it came in the middle of a lot of strange decisions from a guy that obviously was not a people person to say the least.
Do not know what to think about the Snider trade but many are saying that he was at the make it or break it stage of his stint with the Jays. Unfortunately he was making it big time so…
As far as AA is concerned i appreciate this Montreal guy who at least tryes to improve his team when it is time to.
I’m going to disagree about AA of the Jays.
First, calling him a glorified scout is insulting. It is possible that AA knows MLB players better then any GM in baseball – and many who know the man have expressed this publicly.
Second, the fact that he is Canadian is a total bonus; but why shouldn’t the Jays hire a Canadian if he is extremely qualified?
Third, he works for a corporation and he answers to his boss. There isn’t a GM in pro sports who would “take ownership to task”. Not one.
AA is one of the great young minds in MLB baseball. His moves have brought the Jays the best group of young talent this team has had since the early 90′s. He is putting a young, talented, character players in every spot in the lineup, and it will pay off as the Jays will be a strong team as the youngsters grow together.
At least five of their pitchers have blown their pitching arms apart so far this season! That is not too good!
And… when will we finally see the Expos return to Montreal?! Jeffrey Loria and David Samson’ Marlins are playing full of crap this year!
Hey HEY hey sexy girlfriends!
Anyone know how the Lubomir Visnovsky thing played out?
As i’ve watched the Habs over the last few years since the Gomez/Gionta to habs trade……i’ve always thought wow Gomez is pretty soft to be a center…….and Gionta plays like a Hard-Nosed Center……and seeing how DD plays at his small size…….doesn’t anyone agree that Gionta would be a better Centerman than Gomez ? He plays Hard……he averages 25 to 30 goals per season. Yes of course i know………we probably don’t want 2 or 3 small centers but going back a couple of years with all the line combo’s JM was making i’d of loved to seen Gio playing center…..not to mention as a winger he already goes to the front of the net and stands there……if thats not a centerman i don’t know what is……..
you have a point…..
Prust – Lucic fight from the last season:
http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/110556
unfinished business imo
I’d rather Prust not fight Lucic again, you could just see the size and strength disadvantage he had. Lucic is a really strong SOB.
Laugh as much as you want at Komisarek, but that was a pretty good example how he can man-handle even 6-4 players.
It is interesting to note that Lucic’s most resounding fight wins have occurred against players who are at considerable disadvantage in size and strength (Prust) and players who are non-fighters (Komisarek)
That’s true. But that’s 97% of the league.
This is the second time the two fought. The first time was a win for Prust.
http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/97926
Go Habs Go!
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