The defenceman wanted a longer contract.
But he’s used to having to prove his worth.
“I’m happy that I got a contract because I never wanted to go to arbitration,” Gorges told Pat Hickey. “I’ve been in this position before in my career. Every year since I’ve left junior I’ve been in a position where I have to prove myself, and I just have to go out and have the best year I can.”
• Ranking NHL centres (Pleks is no. 23)
• Gary Bettman makes more $$$ than Scott Gomez
• Stu Hackel on the RFA system
Some Josh Gorges love:
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“Edmonton Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin on Tuesday withdrew an appeal to his extreme drunken-driving conviction, accepting a 30-day jail sentence.”
Put him in jail and throw away the key the douchebag.
I’m worried. Training camp is less than seven weeks away, and there are at least 13 forwards and a couple of variables (in the system or free agents) to fit into various line combinations.
15 forwards 4 lines 55 days (for argument’s sake)
Do we have enough time to come up with ALL the possibilities? I fear not.
But let’s try:
Cole, Plekanec Cammalleri
Cole, Gomez, Cammalleri
Cole, Eller, Cammalleri
Cole, Desharnais, Cammalleri
Cole, Plekanec, Gionta
Cole, Gomez, Pacioretty
Cole, Eller, Moen
Cole, Desharnais, AK
Cole, Nat, King
Cole …. I give up… Montreal’s going to open camp and Martin won’t have a blessed clue what to do because we haven’t reached a consensus. When HIO calls for a vote on line combos the day before camp, how are we ever going to make up our minds, if we don’t have ALL the answers before us? This could really hurt our rep.
Does anyone have a math degree who can churn out all the potential lines?
Look. Jean Belly fellow. We at HIO haven’t got a friggin’ clue. All year during the Centennial we posted every possible line combo in the book. But nobody, not one HIO member, not one pundit, not one blogger, came up with Kovalev-Koivu-Tanguay.
Nope. Nobody but Bob Gainey that is.
That line turned out to be the best line in the NHL for up until the point that Tanguay got hurt.
So forget the line combos. Next thing you know you’ll be coming up with trade ideas.
Gomez and Spacek for…
Mind you I think the Nat King Cole line could do some damage.
About the summit… perhaps we could meet in Atlanta. Oh, wait…
Could i get one good reason why montreal should not sign Drury
drury
“Andrei Kostitsyn is a better hockey player than Max Pacioretty”
- Sean Bonjovi
snickersnickersnicker.
Chinchillin’
montreal need another decent center because eller will be out for the start so what the heck hes the best center out there
go habs go
I wonder what his price tag is now that he’s been bought out.
Chinchillin’
I Think Drury would take a 1 year/1 mil or 1.5
i think 2 mil is the most he will ask for
Im really hoping PG signs him
His age, doubts about his fitness and speed post injury. Cutting valuable cap space we might want to use in March…
“To be irreplaceable, you have to be different”.
Andy Warhol
Go PK Go!
alll of those are true but do you have any other centers in mind beacuse we need one for the start of the season
Here’s the lines I’d like to see starting out.
Cole Plekanec Cammalleri
Pacioretty Gomez Gionta
Darche Desharnais Kostitsyn
Moen Eller White
alternate Eller and Desharnais for the 3rd line center til the end of December and see who contributes the most with Darche and Kostitsyn for a regular spot….
Those are the most likely beginning combinations, I’d venture.
Chinchillin’
It is unlikely that Eller will be in the opening night lineup as he will have missed camp, pre-season games and works towards game shape.
Max P will likely start on the 3rd line to prove he has fully recovered from Chara’s cowardly hit.
Weber may see time as a RW forward, but better suited as RH Dman on the 3rd pair with 2nd PP time sprinkled in.
With Eller sidelined to open the season, White having approx 50 games of NHL experience, and Engqvist having only a (3) game call-up with the Habs last season, it is likley that PG will either sign a veteran trash heap (RH) centre for the 4th line, or trade up for an improved model before training camp begins.
The Habs 3rd line is key for improved goal scoring this coming season. With a combination of AK, Max P, Eller, and Desharnais all working hard to show they are top six material, the Habs 3rd line will be entertaining and productive. This provides significant motivation for top six forwards (Gomer) to stay sharp and productive, as in the past the top six had little to be concerned from the bottom six that were mostly 4th liners.
The injury call-up’s should include Engqvist, Trotter, Palushaj, and Blunden. Palushaj may get a significant look sometime this winter if he continues to produce at a rate similar to last season with the Dogs. Engqvist would be a candidate for another look as well but would require two tough veteran wingers as mentors on the 4th line.
The current lineup should ensure that Moen will not see top 6 minutes this season. Moen would be provided a great deal more respect from this audience if his minutes were limited to the 4th line in future.
An improvement in face-off % is needed across all lines and most importantly on road games. Unsure how Habs coaching staff plans to address this pressing need.
The top three lines this season should all have at least one “power” type forward (Cole / Max P / AK).
Opening Night Lineup?
Cammi – Pleks – Cole
AK – Gomer – Gionta
Max P – Desharnais – Darche
Moen – TBD – White
Trotter as 13th forward
November lineup?
Cammi – Pleks – Cole
Max P – Gomer – Gionta
Ak – Eller – Desharnais
Moen – TBD – White
Darche as 13th forward
thoughts?
Love the November line-up.
Max-Gomer-Gio
Cole-Pleks-Cams
AK46-Eller/DD-Darche
Moen-DD/Eller-Darche
I think Eller works well with AK46 and Darche, but the 4th line would benefit from a more physical center… so Eller is a better fit there and DD works on the 3rd Line (especially if he continues to progress from his playoff form…)
If Gomer misfires again, you move the kids up and you play Gomer on the 4th.
Come playoff time, PG should get two hard-nosed rent-a-players for the 3rd and 4th lines to keep the boys honest and add the much needed truculence and physicality. (That’s assuming we’re in it to win it…)
I hope we get to see this lineup healthy and in full flight. Looks good on paper…
“To be irreplaceable, you have to be different”.
Andy Warhol
Go PK Go!
Opening night, I’d be OK with this:
Cammy – Plek – A.K (was already successful together last year)
Cole – Gomez – Gionta (ALL-US line of vets, same line I think in ’06 Olympics)
Patch – D.D. – Eller (ease Patch back, killed the A with DD together last year, great opportunity to develop some chemistry between the young guns to represent the franchise in the years to come)
Moen – White – Darche (if Moen doesn’t get traded, him and Spacek are the most likely to move if…)
13th: Engqvist
Call-ups: Blunden (body, NHL experience), Trotter, Palushaj
I know Eller is best on center but him and DD can be alternated.
Just a thought. No biggie.
_________________________________
Open-mindedness is not a skull fracture
Solid idea with the Yankee Line.
id be happy with 1 year to see how he does and his price tag wont be high considering he was kicked out of his ex team because of his price tag and i also agree a 1 year deal to see how he does
go habs go
Jobs I can apparently do better than paid professionals just got expanded today, NHL.com has an *ahem* preview of the Northeast Division.
http://bit.ly/pygR1P
Some things that make you scratch your head:
- Peter Chiarelli talking about the ‘skating ability’ of Ben Pouliot. For a guy who watched 13 MTL-BOS games last year, he’s got a poor memory and makes you wonder if the writer has ever seen him play either.
- Ville Leino potentially centering the 1st line of Buffalo and not as a joke. He wasn’t even the C for the 3rd line with Briere-Hartnell.
- Referring to the Leafs as having Centre depth is pretty funny I’ll admit, guerrilla comedy?
- Cody Franson bringing “Truculuence” to the Leafs blue line, he had 81 hits last year and doesn’t like physical play much.
- Mentioning Ottawa and “playoffs”
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
Pouliot skated alright for the first ten feet, then he ate ice.
It’s an NHL.com article. Everything will vary from optimistic to delusional. Of course the Sens, for example, won’t make the playoffs but that is what the team is hoping for so that’s what NHL.com will post.
Chinchillin’
Ironically the Habs writeup is pretty spot on.
No point in worrying about what line this guy or that guy will be on yet. I’m sure everyone will get a chance to play with everyone else before we get to deep into the season. Although I’m sure it must be fun/stressful for the armchair coaches and GM’s on here.
Me; I’m sticking to what I do best…enjoying summer, sippin’ on “Micheladas”, waiting for puck drop and my heart rate to go up.
Gorges is the man. He’ll prove it this year, plus I maintain the Rivet for Gorges trade was a steal for us.
While we’re biding time in wait for the season to begin. Check out this new video for linking my hometown Winnipeg Jets to the military in ways inflammatory.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DaFxhx3VV0
Go Jets Go?
Why not hold the Summit in Boston? I’m sure Habs fans would be greeted with open arms (some of them licensed).
I find what’s happening with Ian’s effort to continue the HIO Summit very sad. I’m not saying this is definitely the case, but is it possible the change in reception to the idea of continuing this tradition, compared to past years, is due to Mr. Molson changing the priorities of the club? It may be pure coincidence, and is certainly pure speculation, but it just seems as though there have been a couple of distinct incidents over the past year that could be interpreted as the club giving the “middle finger” to their fans. I hope the organization is not losing sight of what makes it so special.
The Montreal Canadiens: sporting the best AND worst fans since 1909!
do you mind posting a precis of “what’s happening” and the issues? Some of us don’t LIVE on HIO (though it sometimes seem like it) but may still consider that a big issue.
And actually Molsons’ overall actions are of course of Gi-Normous interest, don’t we agree?
thanks!
It’s just in the previous page, but it would appear as though Ian has been told he will not be assisted as in previous years with obtaining tickets for summiteers and will have to use the online ticketing system like everyone else which, of course, would make it impossible to organize the summit this year. Again, it just seems as though policies are changing and not for the better.
The Montreal Canadiens: sporting the best AND worst fans since 1909!
Thanks Rob
Well that blows, as there is no way to assure the number of tickets or that they will even be remotely together. You can’t plan an event like that at all.
I guess we could all gather in the same pub and drink something other than Molsons. Hope this is just incompetence and not a systemic sign of what’s coming.
Can’t say I am impressed with what seems to be happening with Ian trying to secure the Summit tickets. Should be an easy continuation of an ongoing arrangement but they’re not letting it be.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
Robert – It’s the same bullshit he had to go through last year.
I don’t mean to be a homer, but you would think 100 lower priced tickets would be a given for a group like ours. The next step just might be Ian having to call Bob Gainey. It’s worked before.
Steve
Perhaps HIO should apologize for any snippy posts that might have offended the Canadiens organization. I can’t think of any offhand that would give offence although there was that one that called Molson a twit and Martin a bozo.
A tad over the line, perhaps.
Ian, tell ‘em you always hurt the one you love.
Okay, and we promise never to say anything bad about the Canadiens ever again. Never. Ever. Even in jest. That’s gotta account for summit.
I called Martin a 3rd rate football defense coach. And I stand by it.
Molsons aren’t the only people who make beer.
I will say Molsons were pretty ball-sy in taking on the NHL after the Chara incident.
Hope this is just a glitch.
And I call Jacques Lemaire the man who worked the hardest to make sure no one wanted to watch hockey between the 90s and early 2000s, you still argued for him behind the bench in Montreal.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
what do you guys think of these lines on day 1?
Paciotetty – Plekanec – Cammy
Cole – Gomez – Gio
Kostitsyn – Eller – Ryan White
Moen – Desharnais – Darche
unsure if eller will be healthy but i put him in anyways…
GO HABS GO
Jesus you have to give Eller someone with better hands than Ryan White. Eller will blossom with some wingers with finish.
I understand that many love White for the energy he gives but come on. Better to put Darche on with Eller or move Desharnais to the wing.
“Et le but!”
And we have to give Cole a real Center instead of No-Mez.
Eller, Cole and somebody?
though in the end JM will juggle like his life depended on it. Not as much as Carbo, but almost.
I’m staying off the radar on Mr. Gomez until the season starts, but I will respond to open contradictions, LAL.
You approve of nm103 saying that “…you have to give Eller someone with better hands than Ryan White. Eller will blossom with some wingers with finish”.
But you then rag, as usual, on Scott Gomez; when he had to spend most of last season with “….a winger with no better hands than Ryan White`: to wit Messrs Moen and Darche.
Even Gomophobia can`t justify open contradiction.
i think it would be good for the league and the gay community if Mike Richards would come out of the closet and reveal his sexuality.
Not cool. Using someone’s sexual orientation as a source of derision is not funny. You should delete this post.
———————————
For my training camp surprise, I want the second coming of Mike McPhee. And maybe Kent Carlson.
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
Is that why we never drafted Ben Dover?
im being serious
Oh boo hoo. People are way too serious these days…
What he said. (^ Le Canadien, that is)
“Andrei Kostitsyn is a better hockey player than Max Pacioretty”
- Sean Bonjovi
I get so sick about hearing about the 2003 draft.
Here’s what is up:
In 2002-2003 The Habs finished in 11th place. Even though the team struggled to score – 3 of the top 4 scorers on the team were centres. The roster included Koivu, Perreault, Bulis, Gilmore, Juneau, and a very young Mike Ribeiro at centre position. Outside of Zednik with 50 points, the next highest scoring “true” winger was Andreas Dackell with 25 points.
At the Draft, Andrei Kostitsyn fell to the Canadiens who picked 10th. He was ranked higher coming off of a strong World under 18 championship. A big body with sniper skills, he only fell because there were concerns that he could have epilepsy. At a time when the organization boasted only Richard Zednik as a viable NHL winger – there was absolutely NO reason for Montreal to feel compelled to draft a centre (given that was just about the team’s only “strength”). At the 10th spot Montreal was “lucky” to have a guy who was thought to have the highest ceiling for skill in the draft.
I watched Jeff Carter play Junior hockey. I can tell you that he was no slam dunk being drafted at 11. 16 other teams passed on Zach Parise. 18 passed on Ryan Getzlaf. 22 passed on Ryan Kesler and so on.
Montreal was very unlucky in the 2003 draft – in that they drafted a winger and subsequently would struggle to find that position in later drafts. They were unlucky because that draft class is undoubtedly the deepest since the draft was implemented in 1963. They were even further unlucky when they used TWO 2nd round choices to pick TWO centres – Cory Urquhart and Maxime Lapierre. We all know Lapierre’s story. Urquhart was a very good prospect to pick in the 2nd round having scored 78 points in 71 games as an 18 year old in Junior. Unfortunately, he never put it together. That’s why its called fishing – not catching. Meanwhile, Kostitsyn has 186 points with the Habs since he began playing in Montreal. In terms of Draft misses – this doesn’t even qualify.
Please H/IO – frothing over the 2003 draft is fun to do because of the amazing depth of talent that emerged that year. But when looking in hindsight, lets not forget that we had NO idea what most of these players would be 8 years down the road. With the information that the Canadiens had at the time – the AK46 draft was not anywhere near as bad as some people make it out to be.
Damn good post, sir.
In a nutshell, a team needs depth in the NHL and depth on the farm, because some of these kids are going to explode and others are going to break our hearts — and there is NO way of knowing who is a sure thing.
Kostitsyn has played well, I remember the epilepsy concern, it was a legit concern at the time. Unfortunately as we are weak in scoring there is more pressure on him than there would normally be.
We need to be patient with the next round of kids. Maturity takes time and the soft skills take time.
Remember on the bright side neither Halak nor Markov were high picks, and we got Huet and Streit out of nowhere, so good things can happen too.
Habs have a good depth group. I have 27 names picked out to start next season of Habs Future, albeit these include newcomers that are on probationary status with me, performance will determine if they stay on after a month or two.
AHL: Alex Avtsin, Alain Berger, Mike Blunden, Raphael Diaz, Peter Delmas, Gabriel Dumont, Andreas Engqvist, Louis Leblanc, Mark Mitera, Brendon Nash, Joonas Nattinen, Aaron Palushaj.
CHL: Nathan Beaulieu, Morgan Ellis, Olivier Archambeault, Michael Bournival, Jarred Tinordi, Brendan Gallagher, Darren Dietz.
NCAA: Danny Kristo, Mac Bennett, Greg Pateryn, Steve Quailer, Dustin Walsh.
Czech Extraliga: Daniel Pribyl
Elitserien: Magnus Nygren
KHL: Maxim Trunev (Ramo’s new 2-year KHL deal has pushed him out)
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
Serious Fan, you have Gallagher down as playing in Vancouver again this year. I’m unclear on these rules, but I thought players only played one more year of junior after being drafted, and then were eligible for AHL duty.
Do you have a link to a good resource that explains these rules, things like contracts, difference between CHL and NCAA players, etc?
———————————
For my training camp surprise, I want the second coming of Mike McPhee. And maybe Kent Carlson.
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
Depends on birthdate, typically a player has played two seasons of junior hockey (if that is their route) but some have played three due to when they were born and the cut-off point for the draft. Beaulieu already has 3 under his belt because he was a ‘late 92′, being born about 6 months after Gallagher and Bournival (2010 draft picks) who were ‘early 92s’ in their year.
I don’t really have a particularly good link, I just kind of put it all together bit by bit over time and I’m still missing stuff. http://habsprospects.hockeyhq.net/ is an outstanding resource for the status of all prospects involved with the organization. But does not really get into ‘the rules’ as it were.
Short Cliffs Notes:
- 4 years of CHL play required for any Canadian born and CHL-drafted player to be eligible for the AHL.
- Teams have two years from drafting any CHL or European-league player (save the KHL, due to no proper transfer agreement) to sign them to a contract.
- Regardless if a player plays NCAA right away (some play USHL for a year or something similar), teams have the full term of that player’s NCAA commitment to sign them to a deal, so at least 4 years. Which is why college players make good ‘project picks’, teams own their rights during their longer development track.
- European and American players playing in their own country’s systems but drafted to the CHL and come to play do not have to play 4 years or wait until they are 20 to play. Teams can sign them to EL deals and put them on their farm teams (Yannick Weber did this, as did John Carlson for Washington).
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
Thanks for the info, very helpful.
———————————
For my training camp surprise, I want the second coming of Mike McPhee. And maybe Kent Carlson.
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
There is an agreement between the NHL and the CHL that states that CHL’ers can’t play in the AHL unless the player is turned 20 by December 31st of the current season. There are exceptions if the player is not turned 20 by December 31st :
1-If the player has already 4 full CHL seasons completed (like in the rare time a player would start in the CHL at 15 y-o, could play at 19 in the AHL. Ex. Tavares but played in the NHL in 09-10 instead. Gallagher, if played WHL in 07-08 instead of returned to Midget, could have played in the AHL in 11-12)
2-When the season of the player is over, either by not making the playoffs or eliminated from it, he can finish the season in the AHL. (Price played as a 19 y-o in the 2006-07 AHL playoffs)
3- (not part of the NHL-CHL agreement) If the player was drafted in the NHL from Europe or other North American leagues, he only has to be 18 to play in the AHL. (Avtsin played as a 19 y-o last season in the AHL, Leblanc (19) & Tinordi (18) could have played in the AHL too if the team would have wanted too)
Hey LA LOY!
In reference to your post after the Norway shootings, don’t you find it ironic that the guy turned out to have almost exactly the same politics as you? He’s not one of “them”, he’s one of “you”. It must make you re-think things!
With all respect, he doesn’t have any politics. He’s insane by any measure.
He just glommed onto whatever political structure was in front of him at some moment in time.
And he’ll be out in 21 years. With a book deal, probably.
The thing is, we shouldn’t be weak in scoring, considering the snipers on the team. If Cammaleri and Gionta play along good set up men, then there’s no reason why they can’t collect 30 goals + each.
Short news story on Price. Let the debate begin! Should Carey really be playing golf?
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/07/26/1580176/price-in-comfy-spot-with-canadiens.html
No sir! Price should not be golfing! Way too risky….
I’ve seen how he handles a goal stick. I bet you slap a 5 iron in his hand and he could consistantly flip the ball into the hole from 175 yards out. Next thing you know he’s walking up the 18th with Rory “don’t call me Tiger” McIlroy at St. Andrews and we are stuck with Thibault Jr between the pipes.
Did you read the only reply to that article? What an idiot! I tried to reply as such, but I was prompted to sign up. Couldn’t be bothered. I’d like to smack him back side the head!
Just back from Horrible Bosses.
Although the reviews were good, I went in with low expectations; goofy premise for some throwaway summertime fare. Well, I don’t really know if it was the tight scriptin’, thoughtful directin’ – most every scene was smartly milked – a mood thing, the popcorn, or the Diet Coke®, but I laughed hard.
Real hard.
And real often.
The whole theatre was losin’ it. My wife noted we didn’t even laugh anywhere near this much watchin’ The Hangover.
Some great over-the-top characters – both Colin Farrell and Kevin Spacey just ate it up – and smart castin’ for the three protagonists. Loved it.
Not sure Josh Gorges would have loved it. I can see it in his eyes.
Charlie Day is the man, he made the movie for me. But i have to admit i am biased as i am a huge fan of “It’s always sunny in Phillidelphia”. Horrible Bosses has been my favorite movie this summer by far.
Didn’t know Day from a hole in the wall before today. He hit a whole lot of homeruns.
It’s Always Sunny… is genuinely the funniest show on television right now, in my opinion. I’m really excited to see how much of that translates into Horrible Bosses.
Chinchillin’
His character definitely has some Charlie-isms but he’s pretty different and equally hilarious. Sudeikas(he guest starred on Sunny for an episode) is great as well
Sunny and The League(both FX shows) are probably my 2 fave shows on the idiot box these days.
The League FTW!!!
Agree.
Horrible Bosses surprisingly better than The Hangovers.
Huge laughs. Heartier than The Hangovers’. (couldn’t stop gigglin watchin cars maneuvering around each other in the parking lot…) Wonderful silliness.
Good chemistry between leads. (Always was partial to Bateman; tend to think career may’ve been run down by sister’s performances?) Bosses delightfully wicked. Nice cameos…to say the least.
But Aniston stole it for me…for obvious reasons.
Gone figuratively fishin filibusts L. B. Potter, esq.
why surprisingly? hangover was not a very funny movie. people are easily amused. doesnt take much for people to like a stupid movie.
and Bateman is a great actor.
He was the star of the funniest show ever on american TV, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT.
Born and Bred in Enemy Territory (Boston).
The parkin’ lot overhead shot was so simple, and yet completely slayed, and was what ultimately prompted my comment regardin’ the thoughtful directin’. Evoked the attention to detail you see in Farrelly Brothers flicks.
we were worried about gorges… is Zach Parise even signed yet?
——————
The 2010-11 Stanley Cup was not won, but given
Nope, and neither are Drew Doughty or Shea Weber.
Weber would look good beside Weber on the 2nd, no?
Gone figuratively fishin filibusts L. B. Potter, esq.
He would look better with his Kelowna Rockets Defensive partner.
Oh the memories….
During the long summer, we all get to be pretend GM.
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Zach+Parise+contract
Chinchillin’
that was rethorical lol.. i know he’s not signed
trust me, i’m the last person you need to google stuff for
——————
The 2010-11 Stanley Cup was not won, but given
Group Sales – 2011-12 Season
Tuesday, July 26, 2011 10:50 AM
From:
“Ian Cobb”
To:
“PierreConstant”
Hi Pierre,
If going through this process is the only way to obtain our tickets, well I guess our Summit days are over my friend. Until I know that we have tickets and at what price, I cannot ask people to book their flights etc. It was a fantastic 5 years for us.
If it is at all possible to do business as in past years, please let me know.
Thanks’
Ian
i have not been able to attend any previous summits –
i think if this year is a bust a few of us need to collude to try to get tickets and resell to each other at purchase price.
i want to make my second trip ever to montreal with my youngest – i will try to get tickets to one of the 2:00 games… i know its too early for this but i’d be more then happy to try to get 4 and sell the extra to someone on HIO (well not anyone – there are a few trolls on here if anyone has not noticed)
Ian. Thank you for doing this. I sure hope mr. constant is just a mid lenel emyee following the ticket procedure manual.Surely someoe with authority willl waive this procedure, lets hope it works out but thanks for your efforts.
Hope this works out Ian, I just found out I am getting vacation days in my first year at my job and I was planning to take them all in MTL and have it overlap with the Summit.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
edit
5th Annual HIO Fan Summit game tickets.
SUMMIT INFORMATION
I sent this letter this morning, and I just received an answer back from Pierre, that puts this years Summit in jeopardy for us.
It looks like I have to submit a request for tickets on line. There will be a draw and we might miss out. I do not know how many people will be going yet, so there is no way I could commit to 80 or so tickets in advance of knowing.
I will put up information on here as I get it. But there may not be a summit this year!. Stay tuned. (Ian)
Hello Pierre ,
It is that time of year again for me to organize our annual Children’s Foundation Charity fund raiser and weekend trip to Mtl. for (Habs) Hockey Inside Out fans living all over N.America, some from Asia & Europe. By the way, our members have raised and donated over $6000 to the Children’s Foundation.
Before I can get started, I need to confirm tickets and prices for this game. The date that we have picked is Sat. Oct. 29th. Different area seats and price’s will work for our members again this year.
As soon as you can phone me. that this date works for you, I can book all the venues for the weekend, including Hurley’s pub, Baton Rouge, Hall of fame and Bell Center tour, hotels etc, and collect the game ticket money from them and send it to you as I did last year Pierre. Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you very kindly,
Ian Cobb
613-968-9807
Belleville On.
Amazing! Excellent Ian! Super Hab Fan!
Stay Thirsty My Friends!
Well that is disappointing. I haven’t actually been able to attend one but even just the idea is exciting.
Bless you and thank you Ian for all your efforts. Hopefully the corporate worm will turn.
Anyone want a good laugh?
Today Eklund states that he decides what to write by first checking his moral compass. He refuses to “cross the line” and report mere gossip.
Yes, a man who earns a living fabricating rumours refuses to lower himself to the level of gossip columnist.
No link because he makes money every time someone clicks.
I doubt anybody has any delusions about Yemelin being the 2nd coming of Bobby Orr. Now. Second coming of Darius Kasparitis. That is doable.
However, PK is the 2nd coming of Bobby Orr.
Hells yeah!!!!!!
I hope you’re right about Yemelin but it would take 3 PKs to equal one Orr.
Holy crap it’s an HH trifecta!!
#ruined.. or now it’s even cooler
Not very rare on this site. Proper creative types around here.
Chinchillin’
We can only strive to meet your level of creativity SyntaxLove.
Actually their rookie season were similar, it wasn’t till Bobby’s 4th season that he made the great leap forward. Give PK some time.
From what I can glean about Yemelin, I’m hoping he can be the next Konstantinov. I’d settle for Volchenkov though.
How ’bout Ulf Samuelsson? Is that doable?
Cuz I would prefer Ulf Samuelsson.
Good… defenceman.
(cough)
Gone figuratively fishin filibusts L. B. Potter, esq.
I’m hoping for a nice middle ground between Volchenkov and Konstantinov myself.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
OK so here is an interesting concept. Lets pretend each of you is GM and tomorrow PK and Price (with agents) will separately visit your office and tell you they want to cement their next contract right then and there. What do you offer each of them?
PK: $3M per season for 5 years?
Price: $4M per season for 5 years?
IMO PK is very good but is not yet a proven superstar. Price IMO is the real deal but I”m not sure he is worth superstar goalie salary yet.
Pk’s first go round at being a RFA, so it might work
No way we get away with Price at 4 mil. It’ll be 5+
PK – PG might want longer term but I think PK will want shorter term to cash in sooner. 3.5m x 3 yrs.
Price – Same scenario. 5.5m X 4 yrs
“Wanting is often more pleasurable than having.It is not logical but it is often true.” – Spock
Here’s the thing, why would PK sign for 5 years at just $3 million, when he could sign for maybe 2 years, and then be making $5+ million on the next contract?
It will also take at least $5 million a year to lock up Price.
I’d offer not to hold it against them for presenting me with an ultimatum. I’d then tell’em to shut their mouths and play hockey and let me do my job in the manner I see fit.
I would then threaten all parties with breach of contract if I see ANY significant drop in their level of play as revenge for affronting their pride.
I would then advise the players to fire their agents and hire ones what have a minimum of tact and professionalism.
Gone figuratively fishin filibusts L. B. Potter, esq.
If you want to lock up PK for 5 years(assuming he has another great year) it would probably cost around 4 to 4.5
If you want to lock up Carey Price for 5 years(assuming another great year) it will cost over 5 per… maybe 5.5 (The idea of 3 mil/year for him is comical)
I think my prediction was:
PK – 5 years/22.5 mil (4.5 per)
Carey – 3 years/17 mil (5.67 per)
EDIT – when I look at my predictions for PK & Carey’s next contracts, it’s funny/sickening to me that Spacek and Gomer’s cap hit combined, is higher then PK & Carey’s would be!!!
OK so I was thinking I low-balled each deal by about $1M per year and that seems be be about in line with what others are suggesting.
Price most are offereing about $5.5. If he is the real deal I would take him at $5.5M for 10 years. If I’m Price of course $5.5M is fair but only for 3-5 years.
PK we must remember is not a superstar yet – from his perspective he will not want long term because his UFA deal in a couple years would net him $5M plus per year. But if I’m PG and PK wants a short deal to get to his UFA then we dont pay him like a star.
Well it seems Gary Bettman got himself a nice little raise from Jacobs. I wonder what Jacobs got in return? Oh wait, nevermind.
Yep.
Only wish you were right: Bruins would surely have more than 1 cup over the past 39 years!!!
We’ll take ‘em however we can get ‘em.
I think that Plekanec should play with the 2 best wingers, Gionta & Cammalleri.
I really hope that Eller has a breakout season and by years’ end is capable of playing in Gomez’s spot.
This would be my line up:
Cammalleri – Plekanec – Gionta
Kostitsyn – Gomez – Cole
Pacioretty – Eller – Desharnais
Moen – White – Darche
I think that PG will still add a veter (a la Halpern, Moore, Metropolit)
I don’t worry about lines. Cole, Pacioretty and AK46 will switch around until the top 6 clicks. If someone falters he can be replaced easily, even if just for a few shifts.
For once the top 6 depth isn’t so bad
True. After every loss, JM will switch them all around.
We all know that everyone will eventually play with everyone. However, to start the season I don’t think these are the ideal lines.
It has been said a billion times, but you can’t immediately break up Gio and Gomez. When Gio is going he can read Gomez (though, I think most of the league has figured Gomez out, so…) and you have to hope the Max Pac factor on that line was not a flash in the pan.
Putting Gio and Cammy on the same line doesn’t really help unless it is a PP oppurtunity. We don’t need two small guys blasting shots from the far wing during 5 on 5. We need one of those guys blasting shots with someone else sitting on the goalie looking for tips, rebounds, or to go retrieve the puck from the tough areas.
Cammy and Gio are great, but only when they have space to move. Get them in the corner and they are easy to seperate from the puck. The same can be said about Pleks… and lately you don’t even have to corner Gomez, you just need to look at him menacingly and take a step in his general direction (or let him cross your blue line).
My point being, I believe the plan was for Cammy and Pleks to get Cole and Max would resume where he left off with the G’s (fingers crossed… he was my favorite player for about 3 weeks back in January). Then, until performances dictate change, put Kostitsyn with Eller since it worked well for both of those guys.
I know we can’t accurately predict the upcoming performances based on previous years, but you have to think this is what the line up will look like for the first few weeks (granted that Eller is back in time).
Of course, I have been wrong before.
Well said, I thought from the start the acquisition of Cole was to fit in with Pleks and Cammy. Gio, Patch, and Gomer did well when they were clicking, and I loved Eller and AK on the same line. That, line is what I am looking forward to the most this season. I really hope Eller can elevate his game and AK can cash in show up on the score sheet more consistently. If all three lines play to their potential, we will be a solid contender IMO
“Shutouts are really more of a team stat” – Carey Price
While I wouldn’t hate seeing that first line tried atleast once during the season, you don’t have anyone making space for either winger in front of the net.
The whole reason for acquiring Cole in the first place, was to create room for pleks and Cammy so they wouldn’t be reduced to taking shots from the parimeter always.
It strikes me that when Habs fans talk about obtaining that elusive #1 center, they don’t even understand what they’re asking for. They don’t want a #1C, they want a FRANCHISE center.
Unfortunately the NHL isn’t a playstation game, and in order to acquire a 6’4″ 80 point center in today’s game we have to a) give up Subban and/or Price or b) get extremely lucky and suck in a year where one is available in the draft, and win the lottery.
Those are the only two options for acquiring the player many people on here are demanding. That kind of player doesn’t ever go to free agency anymore. Brad Richards is not a franchise center, and he’s already in the back half of his career.
By NHL definitions, whether the curmudgeons would like to admit it or not, Plekanec is a #1 center in this league. He’s a plus player while playing against the other team’s best lines and puts up 55-70 points per year while playing on the top PK line. But what we have will never be good enough for some.
Well put, completely agree.
I agree with you for the most part Andrew.
Except that Richards in absolutely a franchise player. In 1990 age 31 was considered old but in 2011 it is only approaching the tail end of someone’s prime, in most cases.
I’m not saying I would hands down want Richards on the Habs signed to his current contract but the guy is only a notch lower than Crosby, Malkin and maybe a couple others. His play making ability is out of this world.
The problem Habs fans have is not wishing we had an elite center it’s the fact we’re paying Gomez that type of money when he currently stinks.
That and the parade on centermen on other teams that are drafted and/or developed better than the Habs’.
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Age isn’t the only issue with Richards. Facts are he just isn’t as good as his numbers. I’d take him over Gomez any day, but he’s not a franchise center.
http://www.hockeyprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=826
Well you must have the toughest criteria when deciding who qualifies as a franchise center on the planet in that case.
Not trying to be rude at all but put down the stats sheets and watch the guy play.
He was unbelievable for Dallas the last couple of seasons. The passes he made from the point during the power play were jaw dropping.
So what you’re saying is… “Ignore the facts and watch him pass”.
Plex is the Habs #1 centre, which given the Habs weakness at that position over the course of the last 20 years or less doesn’t say much.
If Plex is your best centre forget about winning a Stanley Cup. He needs to be #2 or have another player his equivalent supporting him like in a 2A and 2B capacity.
Zetterberg or Datsyuk can’t do it alone. Neither can Plekanec.
Now add another player like Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Malkin, Eric Staal, Crosby, Thorton to the mix and Plex becomes an awesome asset to have.
Expect him to take the bulk of face-offs, the bulk of PK duty, and 22 minutes of ice time per game and by season’s end you have a nice little girl ready for a play-off disappearance act.
That is the problem. Plex is, as Koivu was, over relied upon. He needs support, hence a true bona fide numero uno, which he sadly, as much as those with Habs Delusional Fever wont dare admit, isn’t.
That is more of a problem with Gomez needing to step up to the plate than it is with Pleks.
Plek’s is a solid player and you can’t knock what he brings to a team. He has great vision and makes players better.
Gomez currently is wiked fast but doesn’t go in the dirty areas and makes blind passes to no one.
I don’t feel with these two as our 1 & 2 that we can win a cup. We need a number one that can even the work load of goals. Gomez would be the odd man out not pleks
I agree. But I never said otherwise.
I still think Plex would see his numbers and play-off performance improve if he wasn’t relied upon to handle that load alone.
And I agree with both you and AB that Gomez is the one who dropped the furniture while Plex was doing the heavy lifting.
I agree with you HH. Pleks can not do it on his own. He’s not a franchise center, he’s just a #1 center. He’s just like Patrice Bergeron is in Boston, but Bergeron has Krejci to mop up the weak competition while Gomez utterly failed to do that for Plekanec and the Canadiens this season. Undoubtedly we need Gomez to step up or upgrade the #2 center slot.
Fair enough. I still think the Habs would be with a 2A and 2B scenario.
1+2+3=2+2+2 so if a team can have 3 solid bona fide #2 centres (like when the Habs had Koivu, Plekanec and Lang for example) I would think that could in many ways be superior to having players which are undeniably 1st, 2nd and 3rd line centres.
I always preferred a team with scoring depth and talent spread throughout the line-up than having it all focussed in a few players.
I agree with you there as well, I prefer a balanced team to a top heavy team. Look at Anaheim for example. I’m sure we’d all kill to have a Getzlaf, Perry, Ryan or even Selanne or Visnovsky, but the rest of their team is terrible. Anaheim won’t be a contender until they get some balance.
Remember however that in your first example you were citing Zetterberg and Datsyuk as centers who need each other, and both are bonafide #1 centers, so I don’t think Plekanec not being able to carry a team like Crosby or Toews can is something to hold against him, he’s just not elite in that respect. He’s still a #1 center. Luckily with Plekanec established, Eller showing promise, DD being a wildcard and Leblanc an attractive prospect, we have have a 2+2+2 scenario within a year or so. Perhaps earlier if Gomez wakes up.
Although there’s no official definition of “franchise player” it usually refers to a player so good you want to build the team around him, would never even consider trading him, would pay him whatever he wants for as many years as he wants. They are used in advertising and become the face of the franchise for years. Their number is eventually retired. Etc …
By that generally accepted definition, there are very few “franchise players” at present. Crosby and Ovechkin for sure. Anyone else?
You could argue that on a team like the Hans there will never be such a player – i.e. a player who is as big as the team.
Crosby and Ovechkin are generational players, not franchise players. Price is a franchise player, so are players like Toews, Kane, Malkin, Pronger, Getzlaf, Perry… etc.
You are right on the money with that comment.
The problem with comments and threads like these are that everyone has their own operational definition of terms like “franchise player” and “generational player” which I’ve never really even heard used by anyone.
There is no denying their are different tiers of players, even among the very best in the top league in the world. However, I think the crux of the debate is what type of center the Habs NEED to win. Maybe they don’t need one of these generational or franchise players at center since none of the guys on these lists actually won the cup last year. The cup winners (I refuse to acknowledge them by name) did not even have a point-per-game player in the regular season or playoffs.
Perhaps there is more than one way to skin a cat and we should not sacrifice the natural development and evolution of our team to be more like the guys that won it last year. Because there is no doubt we will be trying to emulate someone completely different the next year. Hopefully the fans of other teams on some other forums will be screaming for their team’s management to develop a slick puck-moving group of young d-men around a “franchise” goaltender and top that off with a fairly deep set of hardworking forwards with the ability to score but the desire to take care of their own end first.
That being said, our current top-two center not named Plekanec needs to either be better or be replaced somehow.
Here’s a left-field question that doesn’t have to do with Gomez or Plek -
Let’s say Yemelin has a killer season. Like +/- of a bajillion, 30 goals, etc. Subban also breaks out as a legit top D man and is our new Robinson. Gorges looks to be in top shape, faster than ever. Diaz is a rock in hamilton, and Weber of all players starts to shine.
Do you trade Markov in the off season for a #1 center? The D would be stacked and someone would kill for that puck moving D man. Let’s pretend he doesn’t get injured and his stock rises. He’s a cheap top d-man, of which the habs could afford to lose based on my “glass mostly full” day dream.
Food for thought
You usually don’t make snap decisions with veteran all stars based on the good starts of a rookie or two.
While true, who’s to say that Vet isn’t going to get injured again? So many claimed the habs shouldn’t have resigned him at all. So I argue if he has a good season a trade should be thought about – IF it gets the habs that elusive forward they need.
If your scenario pans out then I don’t see anyway how you could do anything but trade him. If the D is that stacked there would be no reason to keep a veteran puck mover around in place of younger, cheaper (possibly bigger) players.
He would be an amazing trade asset that could score us a long needed piece.
I’d love it if Alexei Yemelin turned out to be the second coming of Bobby Orr and I love living in a land of make believe, with elves and fairies and little frogs with funny green hats, but this thought experiment is not very instructive. Yes, if all of a sudden we had 8 young top pairing defencemen we’d have to trade some and it might have to be Andrei Markov. We may do the same with Lars Eller and David Desharnais: “What if they turned into the next Pierre Turgeon and Denis Savard, ….”
———————————
For my training camp surprise, I want the second coming of Mike McPhee. And maybe Kent Carlson.
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
Nice fantasy but how does Markov’s no trade clause fit into all this ?
“Wanting is often more pleasurable than having.It is not logical but it is often true.” – Spock
SHUT UP THAT’S HOW
LOL
“Wanting is often more pleasurable than having.It is not logical but it is often true.” – Spock
as long as the habs make the playoff anything can happen…this year will be a toss up…no clear favourites….very good chance that even our first round opponents the series will be a toss up
The thought of the Caps with a real goalie scares me a bit.
On paper Washington looks to be extremely tough to beat. They’ve made some pretty good moves over the off-season…but didn’t make the one they should have (replacing Boudreau). I think most would agree that at the moment Washington looks like the favourites to come out of the East.
(I stress that’s “on paper” though…)
Wouldn’t it be fun to see them win it all and suddenly Boudreau is talked about for the Jack Adams?
(I just threw up in my mouth a little)
That makes two of us.
You’re never going to win a cup with Ovi, Backstrom and Semin as your top 3. Each one went on vacation at some point during the regular season last year. They never all play to their potential consistently, much like A. Kost.
Chinchillin’
To follow up on the Pleks vs Staal, Thorton etc convo.
Lets put it this way…
Where would the team be if Pleks were to succumb to injury?
Who fills his minutes?
Staal has Malkin and Crosby, Thorton has Marleau and Pavelski…
Montreal has Gomez and ?Eller, Desjarnais?…eeesh
Which speaks to what I said above. Plex needs more support at centre or more significantly, the Habs are weak up the middle.
A good way to put it into perspective is to ask yourself; If you remove Pleks from the lineup and stick Staal between Cammy and Cole, does it immediately make that line better or more of a liability?
status quo, just a different style.
Is it October Yet??
The thought of loosing Pleks is a scary thing to think about.
Go! Hockey! Go!
At the present time its a very similar comparable BUT, Staal is 22 so there is more potential + his size.
That being said they can have Staal I like Pleks. He battles hard, is lightning fast, Cammi loves playing with him (not literally) and wears that snazzlt Turtle Neck.
Pitsburg and their staged “lottery” can have Staal.
Between Dec 15th and March 8th Max Pacioretty played 37 games and scored 24 points – 14g 10a
During that same time frame Scott Gomez also played 37 games and scored 24 points – 3g 21a
Brian Gionta also scored 15 of his 29 goals during that stretch as well (not many assists though)
Those numbers extrapolated over a season would be:
Max Pacioretty 31g 22a – 53 pts
Scott Gomez 7g 36a – 53 pts
Brian Gionta 33g
The key to an effective 2nd line appears to be a healthy and effective Pacioretty.
In before someone says : Or another center??
If you don’t grok it, drokk it!
Not until at least next season.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the most effective portion of Gomez’ season was when Pacioretty was playing on his line. A healthy Pacioretty likely means a better Scott Gomez.
Some would have Eller centering his line already, while he had less than half of Gomez’s point facing weaker opponent.
Eller needs to devellop some more.
Anyways, yea Pac was lighting a fire under Gomez, and Gio was pretty consistent.
If you don’t grok it, drokk it!
I agree completely about Eller. I think that guy has 2nd line Centre written all over him…just not yet.
He’s getting his lumps in and learning the NHL game relatively pressure-free – which in this market is a minor miracle (full credit to the coaching staff for insulating such an important part of the team’s future).
But Eller played only about 11 minutes a game while Gomez had more than 18 1/2 and played with better wingers and had 10 times as much PP time.
Toronto. What you write might be true if we all hadn’t seen our million dollar a goal play. There might have been a game or two during the season in which he played well. The other 80 games he was disinterested. Kind of hard to erase what we all saw in spite of your statistical support for your argument.
I dunno – from what I saw, he played far better when Pacioretty was on his line, than when he wasn’t.
But my inexpert opinion is by no means definitive.
I don’t think it’s any coincidence Gomez played better with Pax with them. I think everybody including fans were demoralized when Pacioretty got hit.
Go! Hockey! Go!
Pacioretty was the only player capable of elevating Scott Gomez’s game last year.
Chinchillin’
Totally agree. If that line stays healthy and with Cole helping Pleks and Cammy, also with a healthy Markov and a more experienced Subban the offense is going to be yards ahead of last years totals.
Is it October Yet??
I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility to see Montreal score 25 more goals over the course of the season – something that would put us in the Top 10 in the league.
I could see that happening, if we stay healthy I see a 4th/5th place finish in the standings
Is it October Yet??
Boston should be more under pressure this coming season. And I don’t think Tom Floppy with have as much success again. In saying so Habs could finish above Boston and finish at least 3rd in the east.
Go! Hockey! Go!
At the end of the year if Gorges signs a 4M dollar multi-year contract, more power to him. As long as that team isn’t the Habs.
Now if he signs for 3M or less for 2-3 years hopefully it will be with the Habs.
+1
He will never expect to make 4m a season. I don’t think Gorges has any delusions of grandeur. He just has to prove his knee is fine and the surgery didn’t effect his ability to play to his capacity. He will most likely sign again around the 2.5 mark for more years.
Is it October Yet??
Considering what Hamrlik and Spacek managed to milk out of the habs…
They had some offensive up side, Gorges doesn’t and never will. He knows his role!
Is it October Yet??
Both had those contracts based on their offensive upside. It did not pan out of Spacek, but Hamr was brining in some points.
If you don’t grok it, drokk it!
Avatar-Hamrlik or Spacek didn’t milk the Habs, they took what was given them just like Gomez management are the only one’s wrong here….
I don’t understand the length of Spacek’s contract at all. What in the world were they thinking?
He’s not that bad and he’s a great guy in the room. They never expected him to log that many mins but with all the injury’s he was forced to. If the D stays healthy and he plays more like the 17 mins a games instead of 25 he will be much better.
Is it October Yet??
Which brings us back to 5 million in cap space and another 10 million tied up in Spacek and Gomez.
Chances are very good that regardless if Gomez has a break-out season or not, and by that I mean 60 points, +10 or better and 52% in the face off circle as opposed to having another stinker meaning 40 points, -10 and 48% in the face off circle, he will be dealt or buried in the minors.
With his cap hit off the books the Habs would then be positioned to get a #1 centre.
I suspect that this will be Gomez’ last season as a Hab.
The problem is where do you find that center?!?! People complain about Gomez cap hit, but hey we have 5M in cap space, and nothing to spend it on. Look at the free agency for the next few years there isn’t anything. The only chance (very very long chance) is Ryan Getzla, he is a UFA in 2 years even if he makes it to free agency, don’t hold your breath though.
agree – these stud #1 centers do not grow on trees. only way to get is huge UFA money or draft which is a crap shoot. a trade would cost PK or price and i’d rather have PK and price AND two very good centers instead of a stud #1 center.
pleks will be good with two good wingers.
habs were a good team last year and look at the gomez numbers – it’s hard not to argue he was about the worst #2 center (especially w/ cap hit).
thus i’m really looking forward to the coming season – gomez HAS to be better – right?? Habs added a real top 6 winger. what are the habs biggest losses???? Hammer and Halpern or Pouloit??
HOCKEY HOCKEY HOCKEY
its Eller that will be given Gomezs center spot.
has to be – for many reasons.
1) eller is big, hard working, talented skater and passer
2) habs have invested greatly in his future
3) eller will be relatively cheap for the next 2 or 3 seasons so we can pay Price and Subban about 6 million each in long term deals
unless his shoulder (or other injury) sidelines him, Eller is the replacement for Gomez.
Habs hockey is “smart” hockey – we play 5 man defence, not just 2 – we move up the ice as a 5 man unit, we back check with 5.
You really think Pk will be getting 6 mill/yr at this point in his career?
No but the scary part is there are some idiot GMs that would gladly offer it to him if he were a UFA.
eller? really… i’m not convinced he’s our next big center. i’ll give him more time to develop and wait and see…
i wouldn’t sign either price or subban to 6million a year either. that’s just crazy money although if anyone will get that 6M it’ll be price because this team is building around him.
Unless something goes horrifically wrong, Getzlaf is not leaving the Ducks. He will get a huge contract in 2 years.
And the posters are right, #1 centers don’t fall out of trees and it would cost us a ton plus one of our few studs to get one.
So… realistically I think we build balanced overall scoring and a killer power play and hope we draft well and can groom a #1 eventually.
And for the record, I don’t begrudge any player their market value, and Gainey had to buy in the market at that moment in time. What I’m bitter about is the terms for Gomez and Spacek, which ham-strung the team if anything went wrong… like the player sucking.
And finally, hockey is ultimately a team game. Even an stud like Kovalchuk, Getzlaf or Ovechkin need a team around them, and if their compensation doesn’t leave enough to build the rest of the team… that’s a problem too. It’s a bit different in a US market where you need that “marquee” player to sell tickets, a la Gretzky in LA, back in the day, or MAB in tampa, but if you’re just trying to win, you need a balanced team, on the ice and on the balance sheet.
Dealt where? What’s the deal with armchair GMs that think a player that has no use on their team is useful to other teams? If Gomez has another terrible year he’s stuck here, that’s reality.
He will *not* be buried in the minors. Not unless you want to see the years of good PR Gainey and co managed to build up tossed out the window. No UFA will sign with a team that treats their players like dirt. Unless of course you want the aging has-beens that are overpaid, which won’t be much different than simply keeping Gomez.
Idealy you’d want Gomez to bounce back and have a high trade value – but then who’s to say the habs get anything in return, making the trade pointless save for cap relief?
I’ll go one step further and suggest Gomez plays out his contract here. We’re stuck with him, get over it already.
No team you say ? Explain the Rangers and the Hawks.
Overpaying for aging players, IE Brad Richards. That’s what montreal will be forced to do – pay 10mil for a Staal type, 20mil a season for a Vinny and untold riches + their own planet for a guy like Crosby, god forbid he goes to UFA status and the habs have room.
Deal with it – much like the leafs no one has wanted to join the habs because they aren’t liked. Gainey’s years of bringing in UFAs, paying well and treating them good (along with playof runs) has fixed that little problem. Which is why they managed to get Cammalleri and Gionta, with help from some bills.
Luckily for us Laraque is a sideshow attraction so no one cares about his buyout. Ask the Islanders how easy it is for them to attract UFAs….
wtf are you talking about ? No one wants to play in Montreal ?
Says who?
Because I’ve read read a whole lot more about how great Montreal is.
The myth of players not wanting to sign in Montreal is a lame excuse created by fans who can not understand that players sometimes can’t take the pressure that we fans put on them.
btw, Richards is not old, nor is Gaborik.
Yeah how great montreal is! Oh wait taxes? You don’t want to sign me for 5+ years? Yeah thanks but no thanks.
Remember when Jagr and Talbot signed here? Good times
Someone recently pointed out that the taxes issue is also a non factor. Apparently in California the taxes are virtually the same.
With many other states having similar tax levels.
The reason MTL overpays is more likely the tax issue if there is a reason, not because the players do not want to play in MTL.
And now you’re mentioning Jagr as if signing him would have been a good thing, when moments ago you where slamming older players !?!
Want to try another angle ?
How about players that treat their teams like dirt? Does that not count for anything?
I also think we are stuck with Gomez, but I’ll tell you right now that if it were up to me he’d be on the bus to Hamilton or lower, with a sandwich and a road map and I wouldn’t give a flying F**k what any free agent thought because if that was their priority – a job with no accountability – over winning, well why the heck would we want them?
They’d just be another Gomez. I’ll give you an example. Kovalchuk in New Jersey, huge contract, had a lot of trouble getting it going in that situation. I saw him play live a couple of times, aside from the talent, you can just see that he was stressed and he cared. I never got any impression that he was skating around to collect his check.
Can you say that about Gomez? And finally, cap relief is never pointless.
So, every player with 1 bad season gets shipped out? Not a way to do business.
No but 2 bad seasons in a row and it’s Adiós Gomez.
How about let’s wait until 10 regular season games before reiterating the inevitable “Gomez must go” mantra?
I suspect Gomez will play out his contract here in Montreal.
It just occurred to me that the one position that is almost always in highest demand come the trade deadline is precisely the one that Montreal is the deepest at organizationally – defence.
So it’s not all awful
Are you suggesting we put Gomez on D?
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Why not. He scores as often.
Stay Thirsty My Friends!
If Bowman was coach Gomez would already be a defence man. Does the name Federov ring a bell?
I am shocked Gomez meets your height and weight criteria for a DMan
“That beautiful bastard scored semi-conscious.” On the Rocket’s Game 7 game winning goal against the Bruin’s April, 1952
Let’s make a bet – I bet Markov and Subban score more goals than Gomez this season.
(Prove me wrong Gomer, prove me wrong)
Unfair bet.
Stay Thirsty My Friends!
The point I was trying to make based on the list of centers we missed through the draft is this…
Stop drafting these damn high school defensemen from the States and address your real problem which is right down the middle. The only centers we have drafted and developed in the past 10 years that actually play in the NHL are:
Tomas Plekanec
Maxim Lapierre
Kyle Chipchura
Ben Maxwell
So as someone pointed out, maybe it’s a development issue rather than a drafting issue… I dunno…
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Most of it I attribute to the Koivu years. Rather than insult Koivu by bringing in or drafting a number 1 centre the organization believed it could build a winner by building around him.
I think the Habs have lost all hope of trying to draft a #1 centre and are intent on acquiring one via a trade or free agency.
Louis Leblanc could develop into a # 1 center. He is only two years away from making the jump.
Is it October Yet??
Hockey players are doing it for the money.
Post of the day.
——————————————————————-
“God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Psalms 82:1-2
“We don’t see things as they are, but as we are.” – Anais Nin
What do you do for money?
Hockey players have a limited window to earn the money which can end at any moment via injury (Mark Moore). You or I have 30 or 40 years to figure out how to make a buck (I’m working on it!)
Also, if the players didn’t get well paid the owners would get all the money, how fair is that when they are not the ones putting it on the line on the ice? Yes they provide the capital and resources and should share in the rewards, but really it’s a partnership between the league and the players.
Is it perfect, no. What would you suggest?
Relax. My comment was reflective of a shallow post G-boy gave re what motivates a certain person to do what they do – to discredit.
——————————————————————-
“God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Psalms 82:1-2
“We don’t see things as they are, but as we are.” – Anais Nin
Hey, Everlasting dork- think Gretzky was an alien, too?
No way Gretzky was human. His dad was obviously abducted.
Why would I think that, G-baby? The only one looking foolish is you. Keep at it.
——————————————————————-
“God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Psalms 82:1-2
“We don’t see things as they are, but as we are.” – Anais Nin
yes i will admit the following is not VERY realistic – but imagine if Pleks was our 2nd center behind that big solid 1st line center that most teams think they need. next year send gomez to europe or AHL and put some of his money to PK/Price and put most of it twards the #1 center.
OK, great idea. I’m shocked no one thought of this!
So who do the Habs get, and what’s the price tag to get him ?
Joe Thornton is not a winner because he’s never been on a winning team. do you think Ryder is better than Thornton, he has a stanley cup ring, cause he was on a winning team. it’s not about one player it’s about how good the team is. Thornton is a 1st line center say what you want about him something the Habs doesn’t have….
Thornton has a gold medal and a world cup to his name. So he’s been on winning teams.
What is the definition of a #1 center in the 2011/12 NHL?
Checking out last season’s Regular season stats, I found:
4 centers in the top 10 of scoring points, ranging from 77 to 94.
Well, there are 30 teams with #1 centers, so I took a look at their scoring points.
23 centers are in the top 40 in the “forwards only” category.
Points range from 62 points to 94 points.
Not 1 Hab was in that category last year. When we use points as the most important stat, we can truly say the Habs are lacking a #1 center.
No sense worrying about it, though. The Habs are a pretty good TEAM, not relying overly on any 1 player…Price excepted, of course.
I’d say Faceoffs and Assists are big ones. Neither Pleks nor Gomez were in the top 30 in either category.
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
By that criteria, Jordan Staal is absolute garbage.
Rate Plekanec what ever way you want, he’s a 2nd line center
This is true but on our team he is number 1.
Gomez currently isn’t even good enough to be a number 2. He is more of a third line centre currently
Gorgy Porgy deserved a longer term — I’d have given him 3 years at $3m per.
Of course, but it’s not your money or hockey team.
If you don’t grok it, drokk it!
The argument about Plecky and Staal and truly elite players always brings us back to the fact that elite players are drafted by teams who finish last or thereabouts and sometimes for several years runnning. Our problem for almost as long as I can remember is finishing higher than we should with a mediocre team (that overperforms in bleu blanc rouge) and then drafting late. A decent playoff run, making it to the conference finals shouldn’t screw you in the next draft, by the way. The NHL needs to return to drafts based solely on seasonal standings.
I agree. Ride a hot goalie for a round or two and you get dropped in the draft. Mind you I am sure they took it as we had not been to the Conf finals in a long time
I think the problem has to do more with amateur scouting.
A short list of centers we’ve passed on in the past 10 years:
Mike Richards
Ryan Kesler
Ryan Getzlaf
Zach Parise
Jeff Carter
David Krejci
Johan Franzen
Brandon Dubinsky
Travis Zajac
Anze Kopitar
T. J. Oshie
Paul Stastny
Brad Marchand (LOLZ!)
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
You hit it right on the nail.
We haven’t drafted that badly considering where we have drafted. I think you are one of those 20/20 hindsight kind of guys. Development has been a bigger problem with our team but again look at where we’re drafting. Players taken late in the first or in later rounds often take longer to develop and no one in “Habs Nation” seems willing to wait. The result? More mediocrity and watching these players develop elsewhere.
Before saying that the Habs scouting system is flawed because we missed these players
have you complied a list of every other NHL team that missed these centres?
or the list of players we took instead?
or are you just scanning through past drafts to pull players the Habs didn’t draft? because every year tons of teams miss out on tons of great players.
Some seem to think that we could have drafted or somehow obtained every good player in the league, if only …
No doubt!
Yes, that’s exactly what I did. I realize my lists consists of players Marchand and Franzen, who were taken much later in the draft where it is often hit or miss.
HOWEVER, we have refused to address this No. 1 Center issue for far too long. Yes, I agree that other teams passed up on these players as well. That’s probably because they didn’t feel the need to draft a center at the time. We did and still do!!!
For example, in 2003 we drafted a a Belorussian RW named Andrei Kostitsyn instead of Cater, Getzlaf, Kessler, Richards, and Parise. Other teams who passed on those guys drafted Dustin Brown, Brent Seabrook, Steve Bernier, Brent Burns and Corey Perry.
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Yeah, we missed the boat in the 2003 draft that’s for sure. I mean AK is no bust, but there were lots of really good players taken after him.
So you’re right about 2003 I guess, but that’s only one draft, and one of the deepest in NHL history.
You’re big list of centres we missed has many players taken in other drafts.
I guess my point is, I agree that we lack a big number 1 centre. But to say that our scouting system is flawed, and then just cherry pick 10 centres we didn’t pick over the years out of 100′s and 100′s eligible draftees, doesn’t cut it. If this was soley a Habs issue I’d have to agree with you, but since so many other teams passed on every single one of those players, it proves nothing.
A top 6 centerman has been required for how many years now? Habs have failed to address this need. Don’t give me the “we didn’t finish low enough” response. Top 6 center has been a need and Habs never filled it via draft, trade, FA signing….and then we get the Gomez trade, LOL.
Power forward was another need that finally Max looks to be the right fit.
Habs draft well, they just draft a lot of 3rd, 4th line type guys. The few 2nd line guys are either traded away or fizzle out.
Blue chip picks are Subban and Price. Need more picks like this.
Or maybe these players developed later than others in their draft class. More teams than the Habs missed out on these guys. Maybe you’re referring to Central scouting, not the Hab’s scouting, I hope.
“That beautiful bastard scored semi-conscious.” On the Rocket’s Game 7 game winning goal against the Bruin’s April, 1952
I hate the ‘reward the losers’ system too. Shouldn’t there be some sort of reward system for teams that consistently make the playoffs? Like 3 years in a row = a high draft pick? Maybe 5 years = a lottery ticket?
I don’t like seeing the habs screwed out of picks simply because they refuse to lie down.
There is merit to that thinking but parity has become the watchword in sports. No more dynasties.
Also teams like Edmonton should not be allowed to stack. How about a top 5 means you are out of the running for the next 2 years? In other words you get your future star, now go to the back of the line while everyone else gets a turn. I mean if we’re talking about what’s fair that is.
Constantly giving shit teams superstars is getting tired.
Maybe another lockout and we can get lucky and draw a 5th pick again. Hello Carey Price, welcome to Montreal.
“That beautiful bastard scored semi-conscious.” On the Rocket’s Game 7 game winning goal against the Bruin’s April, 1952
I wish we had paid a bit more to buy 1 year of his ufa. Next year we need to resign cp and pk and hopefully georges. Lots of spending next year.
Spacek and Gill coming off the books next year should make it easier to give Gorges a fair contract even with the Price and Subban negotiations that will take place at the same time…
Gorges has spoke up saying he wanted Gill on the team….who is to say he doesn’t go with him next year to another team? Both UFA’s and with PK and Price up for renewal you know that they will be the priority (rightfully so). I would have signed gorges to at least a 2 year deal and then dealt with him the next season. Again though we don’t know what he was asking for
I can see the people suffering from Habs Delusion Fever are out in full force today.
But once again the Realists win the day.
people with Habs Delusion Fever = Everyone who doesn’t share your point of view.
realists = everyone who shares your point of view
Hard Habits = never wrong, always right
d d d d dddouche.
on another role today, i see.
Roll.
Unless you’re calling me bi-polar or are accusing me of not taking my medication today.
I also assume that you are part of the crowd with Habs Delusion Fever.
Lately HH, you’ve made several posts calling out Punkster for condescending to anyone who disagrees with him, or even mocking them.
You realize you are describing yourself, and your persona on this webiste, to a “T” right?
Jordan Staal vs. Plekanec
Those who post stats and believe that Pleks is a better player because he has a few more assists are posting the wrong stats.
Jordan Staal: Stanley Cup, World Junior Gold, World Hockey Champ gold, youngest player in league history to score 2 short handed goals, youngest player in league history to score a hat trick.
Jordan Staal is a better player now, at age 22, and has accomplished more than Pleks will ever in his entire career.
It’s not just size (but that helps). It’s pedigree. It takes a certain “presence” to fill up the centre of the ice in the NHL. If you were to ask all 30 GMs in the league “J. Staal or Plekanec”, they would all choose Staal instantly, and any who didn’t would be Mike Milbury.
We all love Pleks. He has developed into a very useful player. All the GMs would love to have him too. But let’s be realistic.
Your point is clear, and at 22 it would be next to impossible to pass up J Staal, so I’m not disagreeing with you.
But your arguments are very weak, and not convincing at all.
He was never the key player for any of those accomplishments(although a very good member of supporting casts), and you tell people they are looking at the wrong stats, and then you throw out a stat like “youngest player in leage history to score 2 short-handed goals”. Talk about a meaningless stat.
hey that’s not a meaningless stat – not only the youngest to score two SH goals…. they were both on days of the week ending in “day”
lmao, nice
Ok Pleks vs Thorton, I Plek’s vs Vinny I can see why people would debate. Pleks vs Staal I disagree. Plek’s in my opinion is slightly better but they are pretty comparable.
Staal has never had more than 49 points playing on the third line. Pleks has had 70 point seasons. The difference is Pleks is in the top six lines but that also comes with the other teams best D and forwards playing against you.
If you want to use the third line argument vs 2nd line, plek’s had 47 points when he was playing on the third line, 20 g and 27 a.
Pretty bloody comparable.
Plek’s is underated in my opinion
Realistic is Pleks is a better all around player than Stall any day. Stall is made better by his linemates. Pleks makes his linemates better. Imagine Pleks skill set with Stalls dimensions. No comparison. Stall (that is Jordan right? not Erik) is an average player on an excellent team. Pleks is an excellent player on an average team!
nobody knows the pain of being a Habs fan in a world of Habs fans…
You do realize that “WJ Gold” and “WHC gold” he got was with CANADA.
Go! Hockey! Go!
How exactly did Jordan Staal win a world junior gold when he never made the world junior team?
Ahh.
Two of my favourite players on the Habs: Gorges and Plecky.
Both of them quiet, solid, workhorses that consistently fly under the radar, but get their jobs done better than well.
I know that there are plenty of people on this site that just want to have a player that is loved by some pack of clowns that write on blogs or talk nonsense to tv cameras.
As for me, I refuse to don the 3-D Playstation glasses that some genius GMs-in-the-making on this site wear day-in-day-out, (the ones that come with a Mike Milbury Wink Of Approval) and I’ll take these two guys over a great number of players whose names have been bandied about on here.
Jordan Staal.
pfft.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
I’d take Staal over Gomez….
You would realize Staal wouldn’t be able to fill the hole considering all the aspect of play Gomez does.
Go! Hockey! Go!
Plekancec vs Staal? hmm tough call actually…closer than many think; Pleks does so many little things right and plays an incredibly cerebral game. Staal is a great skater for a big guy, has better hands than many big guys and often is played in shutdown roles like Pleks. They are both class acts and give 100 percent every shift. Staal while big is not overly phsyical in a tough guy sense…he hits a ton but so does ak46. Staal can hold onto the puck down low with the best of them but surprisingly Pleks is incredible in tight spaces and has mastered the art of body position and the subtle advantages of intiiating the contact in thight quarters much like Zetterberg.
Pleks is a better passer and I think I would prefer him on a pp or even a pk for that matter. Staal I think with better linemates could have better stats but to consistently pot 20 goals as a 3rd line center playing behind two of the top 5 centers in the game is impressive.
I think the Pens have a huge decision to make very soon regarding Malkin or Staal and I would love the Habs to get their paws on Staal. This nonsense about Staal being nothing more than a number 3 center is laughable IMO. He is only a number 3 because he plays behind the best 1,2 center punch in the league. He would fare very well IMO on a line with a playmaking winger and another sniper….I think he could be a 30 goal guy and could be a force.
Now let’s have the real debate…is Staal better than Gomez who makes our number 1 coin but we seem to pick on Pleks despite him being our best player when Markov is not healthy……absolutely. If we could somehow land Staal and have a 1,2 of Pleks and Staal we would be in fantasic shape.
Jordan Staal is a great player in every way and IMO so is PLeks….what I find mosty impressive is Pleks flew under the radar so long, worked so hard, has nowhere near the pedigree of a Staal and is far smaller but is still IMO slightly better….now (Staal is younger remember). That may change as soon as this season or next as Staal was really showing some offensive growth when in the lineup last year.
Jordan Staal is 22 friggin years old….let’s all remember that…we hold out hope for our “youth” this guy is already a star and is 22 years old and has played in two cup finals, won one and seems like he’s been around forever….
Why would the Pens trade their #2 center man ?
Malkin is the #1 now that Crosby is due to retire.
OK, maybe a bit premature to discount Crosby, but they would be fools to not be careful about trading Staal.
I think the time will come soon …this offseason? where they move a center….I think it will be Malkin personally and probably out West somewhere but I can dream. Of course much hinges on Crosby’s health but I think they played that situatyion about as well as could be hoped and I hope Crosby doesn’t have to retire. I hate even thinking about it. The reality though is that this may very well …never mind I can’t even type about it ……get well Crosby is all I can say. He is easily my favourite non Hab since the last two superstars named Gretzky and LEmieux. As a kid I used to wake up to see how many points those two would get the night before in the paper….I follow Crosby as religiously as an adult. He is an incredible talent and a class act of the same ilk as those other two…..get well Sid is all I can say.
Crosby is a class act comparable to Gretzky and Lemieux? Did i seriously just read that! I won’t even bother with the rant that’s now raving to the surface of my cortex.
nobody knows the pain of being a Habs fan in a world of Habs fans…
you read it and I stand by it…I grew up in the Gretz/Mario age and it was all the same crap, Gretzky dives, he gets special treatment, he whines to the refs all the time….same thing with Lemieux except he was actually accused early on of caring more about stats than anything, he was deemed lazy and also was given the diver, whiner and unfair bias treatment label..if you don’t remember this you either too young, too old or in denial because those two at Sid’s age were perceived the same way…and eventually class wins the day but when you are on top someone will always try to take you down a peg….some guys though are just genuinely classy guys and it never happens….Sid is one of those by every account I have ever heard. The camera is on him all the time and he is the captain…you know the guy supposed to talk to the refs.The kid is a phenom and has already proven it regardless of what happens post concussion and he is the NHL poster boy for a reason….
great post. people who hate on Sid the kid are pathetic.
Who’s hating on Crosby? Pathetic is not being able to read and interpret basic english at this stage of life. Crosby is great! But Gretzky and Lemieux he is NOT! Plain and simple english.
nobody knows the pain of being a Habs fan in a world of Habs fans…
Here’s a stat I’dl ike to see all the number-crunchers be able to provide : which team has their centermen waved off the face-off the most ?
Has anyone ever seen this ? I know it’s not just a measure of the Center, that it could be a linemate moving too early, or the linesman wanting some camera time, but seriously, how many big face-offs have we watched Pleks kneel into, short-handed, need a big draw, but gets waved out ??? Just saying – drives me crazy !
Bettman—After reading the article above about the salaries for NHL front office. I thought I would ask the question,!
Who is paying these fantastic salary dollars.?? There must be some sucker out there.!!!!!
Us ?
I’m guessing it comes from league revenue. There is no way that it comes from the owners!
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
My father got me thinking about the our next captain. Let’s say Gionta isn’t re-signed and in 2014 we need to name a new captain. 3 names come to mind for me.
PK would be a great choice because of his infectious energy and drive to be the best. He makes others around him better by his actions alone. “Always on”
MaxPac seems to speak his mind and has great confidence in himself. After the “incident” he didn’t pull any punches and showed great character.
Gorges. Obviously this depends on him having a good season and being re-signed by the habs. This guy is ALL character. He is loved in the locker room and always leaves everything on the ice. When he blocked a shot with his head and came back the next game……
Thoughts?
Chrisadiens and HabFan10912, one of the few father son tandems on HIO.
3 short seasons ago, Higgins and Komi were being hailed as the 2 most obvious choices (Really? Really). When the Habs need a new captain, then we can prognosticate. Right now, Gio is doing well.
True true. Remember Komi behind the bench? (haha!) Seems like forever ago.
Chrisadiens and HabFan10912, one of the few father son tandems on HIO.
I was a huge Komi fan I will admit it. I watched him with the bulldogs and loved his style of play. He also was pretty decent for the habs but fell apart in his last season. As soon as Lucic absolutely tooled him he was never the same.
I was ticked when he went to the Leafs and now I can’t thank them enough.
He is terrible on the Leafs and will be fighting to stay on the Roster this year with their new additions on the back end.
Goes to show your career can change very quickly. I still enjoyed watching him up until his last season with us. He was big, physical and was a good leader.
Gman. I apoligize for what I am about to write. The recent Dry Island report has opened an old wound of mine. I was and still am upset at the way our captain responded to the mouth from the flyers in his attack on PK. Gio should have defended PK against this loud mouth scum. Our coach and our million dollar a goal center too were very quick in selling pk down the river. I hope if and when a similar incident happens again they both handle things differently. I know its water under the bridge but its still stuck in my crawl and I needed to vent. Sorry.
JM and Gionta and pretty much all the veterans knew that PK’s exhuberance would not win him fans among the players on other teams. As the season went on, PK grew into his role as one of the most exciting players to watch in the NHL. The vets and his coach helped him and did not hinder him.
I do agree that PK wasn’t hindered by his coach or the vets. That may be more of a testament of what makes PK, PK. As the season went on he was still the fist-pumping, low-fiving, dont back down from anyone type of guy. Why does PK need fans among players on other teams?
Chrisadiens and HabFan10912, one of the few father son tandems on HIO.
Very good point G-Man. But don’t forget about Chipchura, also widely hailed as a future captain.
Plekanec if we didn’t have Gio. He’s “the man” for every scenario, pk, pp, even strength.
For the future beyond Plek I have no answer. PK will be matured and confident, and hopefully still wearing the CH. Pacioretty could emerge as the guy we all wanted for years, or maybe he stinks for the next 3 years. Gorges may not be here after next season.
Honestly the ‘c’ is overrated. It doesn’t make that big of a difference
no to all 3 above – habs showed no faith to georges giving him 1 yr deal, patches has played how many game for montreal? subban had yet to demonstrate leadership skills… i like him but MANY across the league hate him because of his antics .
So, because other player don’t like PK’s “antics” he shouldn’t be captain? I’m not even sure what “antics” you are referring to. Is it because he celebrates when his team wins or when he scores a big goal? He is young and enthusiastic, and I see nothing wrong with that. I actually like Gio but what leadership skills has he shown, other than staying quiet and giving answers out of a public relations manual?
Chrisadiens and HabFan10912, one of the few father son tandems on HIO.
Warning: this post may contain sacrilege.
There’s a mini-debate going on about Tomas Plekanec and how good he is.
I think the ranking is if anything a bit generous (is Pleks really better than Tavares or Krejci? Briere or Giroux?).
Don’t get me wrong: he is an excellent player. Tremendous on the PK. Great skater and lovely passer. But if we were to rank number one centres in the league he would be near the bottom. Add to that that he is a consistent playoff under-performer and a bit of a cheap shot artist (come on you know it’s true).
Look at it this way, how does he compare with Habs’ number one centres of the past 30 years: Saku Koivu, Vincent Damphousse, Bobby Smith, etc …
Maybe that’s the problem. He is a number two. He should be compared to Ryan Kesler, Patrice Bergeron, Henrik Zetterberg, Jordan Staal. Unfortunately all of those guys are better than him.
Blasphemy!!!!
I agree.
Mike Boone
Hockey Inside/Out blogger
Gazette City columnist
mboone@montrealgazette.com
Can’t argue with any of that…
No answers, just opinions. Bite me. Och.
Hmm…not really with you on the ‘cheap-shot’ thing.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Dude. You are blind.
He’s learned from Kovalev – if someone pisses you off make sure you make your retaliation count. As long as he deserves it I say have it, but Plek sometimes has a temper
You left out Pierre Turgeon, the only REAL first line centre we’ve had in the past 15 years.
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Does that make anyone else cringe? How can they continue to draft d-men when we don’t have a #1 center?
They DID draft Louis Leblanc…..
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Forgive my blasphemy but I’ll eat my jersey if he becomes a #1 scoring threat. They need a top 5 pick or we’ll never see that amazing young superstar #1 that we all want.
I suppose if they rated the 25 best defencemen most here would put Gorges on that list.
Plex is lucky to be in the top 25, and he’s no #1.
I am a Habs fanatic. I been following the team religiously since the 80s. I honestly have rarely missed a broadcast game in 20 years.
That being said……………………….
Anyone who thinks that Plekanec is better than Jordan Staal is absolutely suffering from “habs fan delusion” or is completely hockey ignorant. No subsequent post or reply will convince me otherwise.
Habs Fan Delusion also known as wearing bleu-blanc-rouge tinted lenses is a pervasive sickness at HIO.
AKA KoolAiders anonymous.
Bill if you were really in top form you would have said “AKA Anonymous Kool-Aiders” and had the double!
During the long summer, we all get to be pretend GM.
Nice one, clearly your coffee is better then mine. lol
So seeing as no one can convince you otherwise, and I think you’re dead wrong (at least the numbers would indicate that you’re wrong), I am compelled to hear the reasoning for your point of view.
so lets hear it.
We’ve been missing an elite center for god knows how long. Love Pleks, but he’s definitely a 1B type player. Gainey & Co. were hoping Gomez could be that 1A center we’ve needed for so long, but that isn’t panning out.
Gomez’s contract going off the books will clear the space we need to buy a real #1 center, and with the youth core we’ve got we can start thinking about contending.
You will never win with Gomez and Plek’s as your 1 and 2. I said that when they brought Gomez in.
Staal is stuck behind Crosby and Malkin, right?
That said, his best season is 49 points. Is he really a top 25 center with those stats? I mean, it is “Yahoo Sports”, eh.
he is 22 years old and he averages about 20 goals a season as a shut down center.
Anyone who thinks that Jordan Staal is better than Plekanec is suffering from the size matters more than anything else illness. I also like Kopitar more than Brad and Mike Richards, Koivu, Bäckström, Bergeron and Carter. Does that make me a Kings fan? (Yes, I know Mike Richards is now with the Kings, too)
There’s no delusion.
Plekanec beats Staal in most statistics, and is a much better penalty-killer, and playmaker.
Staal is a trigger-man. That’s all he’s really ever done.
He’s good, but that’s all there is.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
So – “I am right and you are all stupid for having different opinions, don’t reply because I won’t listen”
The rankings of the NHL Centres are a joke. They have Vinny at number 11. Maybe 3 years ago but not now. His body is done and hasn’t been very effective in the last couple years. He can still put up points but is a minus player. Plec’s is more valuable in my opinion
Why is chokin Joe so high on that list? If Plek and Joe were free agents tomorrow, who would you take as a GM?
Thornton. In a second flat. Lets not be silly here.
avatar_58 is obviously suffering from Habs Fan Delusion.
I’d run a mile in the other direction from Joe Thornton.
He’s consistently under-performed in the playoffs, and absolutely melted-down in Boston.
Can you imagine him playing under the microscope in Montreal?!
He’d be in tears!
Naah. Good player, but he’s not a winner.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Joe Thorton:
Won a World Junior Championships gold medal with Team Canada in 1997.
Won the World Cup of Hockey with Team Canada in 2004.
Won the 2010 Winter Olympics gold medal with Canada.
Had 125 points with two teams in 2005–06.
Plex comes no where close to Jumbo Joe.
Seriously, that statement was quite silly.
Vinny of course…lol Just kidding. It depends on your conference I would personally prefer Plek’s over Joe as he is more of an all round player. In our conference and division though I think Thorton would be more effective cause of his size
I think he has got stuck with some crappy line mates as well. Heatly doesn’t play when it is clutch time and neither does Marleau. Out of the three I think Joe puts the most effort in.
In saying that I would rather Joking Joe over Gomez
Joe put up 17 points in 18 games in last year’s playoffs. He played a great playoff.
He put up 70 points last season, which is an off year for Thornton. 70 points also happens to be Plekanec’s BEST season.
So lets lay of the hyperbole here. Thornton is a better player than Pleks. Period. Point final.
All 30 Gms would take Joe, including PG.
We all love Pleks but let’s be realistic.
My initial point was that Plek’s should be higher than 23 in my opinion.
You forget that we are habs fans and we have been brain washed to think that Big Centres are over rated
And you would be wrong.
Vinny was pretty good in the playoffs. 19 points in 18 games.
yes, I can’t dispute that last post season but the last few years in the regular season he has not been great.
In 2009-10 he had 70 points and was minus 16. He was on the ice for 86 goals in an 82 game season….that is not a good stat
In 09-10 Plek’s had 70 points and was plus 5 and is also our best penalty killer
Oh come on… The Lightning’s best defenceman is Hedman, and while I think Hedman’s going to be very good for a long time, he’s suffering some growing pains in the NHL. They haven’t had a goalie since Khabibulin left, and they had to lean on old man Roloson this year.
+/- is an unfair stat to judge one player, it’s why people have been trying to make new metrics to measure performance. It’s just hard to quantify a hockey player’s performance on numbers alone.
have you watched Vinny play lately? Other than this years playoffs? He is nowhere near the player he once was. Not even close.
Tampa Bay will learn to regret his contract for years to come.
In reading the blurb for Mr. Lecavalier, the writer acknowledges that he has had three sub-par seasons, and imputes that drop in production to his wrist injury. He forgets to mention his shoulder injury inflicted by another cheap shot hit from Matt Cooke. Having said that, he explains that Vincent has too much talent not to bounce back and rediscover his game. He may be basing that on his play during the playoffs.
———————————
For my training camp surprise, I want the second coming of Mike McPhee. And maybe Kent Carlson.
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
I’m a Gorges fan and like his defensive abilities. As I see it, Josh Gorges is going to have a very good year with the Habs. With a one year contract, he’s going to go out there on every shift and give 110%, for the rest of the league to witness for when his contract is up at the end of the next season. He’s going to get better offers, and we are going to let him go into the sunset. We then get stuck with Spacek for another season.
Spacek is leaving on or before July 1st 2012.
I agree that Gorges will play well and leave and all the power to him. Spacek on the other hand is in his last year of his deal and will not be a hab after this season
Optimistic on this summer day?
OHMYGAWD! Only Bettman had a worse year than Gomez!
In other news, I was saddened to see Thunder Bay native, Tom Pyatt, sign with the Lightning. Good luck to him. I hope he’s the Thunder that goes with the lightning.
If Bettman is the bar we measure by, Gomez looks like Gretzky.
Nice positive way of looking at Gomez lol.
Thunder and Lightning go hand-in-hand.
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Believe it or not Gomez is better than jordan staal
How so?
Dry Island?
Are they kidding?
Really paints an interesting picture of Mr. “respect” don’t it ?
Even if it’s BS, made my morning!
lol
I seem to remember Canadiens team doing the same thing.
Go! Hockey! Go!
Wasn’t it something about a curfew ? And they all had to move into a local MTL hotel instead of returning to their own homes and families ?
I’m happy for Josh that he’s seeing this deal in a good light, an opportunity to demonstrate once again that he deserves to be on this team as part of its young leadership core and an effectively player on the ice. It’s a “show me what you got” contract, and he’s probably used to that at this stage of his career. Hopefully next year at this time we can all be discussing how great it is that the team chose to use the occasion of the Cup parade to announce the long-term signings of Josh, Carey Price, and PK Subban. LOL
During the long summer, we all get to be pretend GM.
I have a feeling he will be gone next year. Gorges is a good stay at home D man but by only giving him a one year deal it shows him the team is not really that committed to him. In saying that we don’t know if he wanted some crazy deal or more money but my gut says that isn’t the case.I think the Habbies are going to try and upgrade next off season and I have a feeling Gorges will be a goner.
Actually, while you may be correct.
IF he felt jaded, financially speaking. He would have chosen to wait for Thursday’s arbitration. Still would have been one year, but likely for more money.
I believe he wants to stay, and I would also assume by what he is saying that barring a setback on his knee, that the Habs have expressed a desire for him to re-sign prior to 2012-13.
That being said, Diaz & Yemelin are unknown factors for the Habs. If they show better return on investment, without the knee issues… Who knows then.
If he and his agent believe he is worth more, they are sadly mistaken.
That was my initial feeling as well. There’s a lot of young blueliners in the system and if even half of them pan out as capable NHL’ers they’re going to be competing for spots occupied presently by the likes of Gorges, Weber, Gill, Spacek, et al. Yes I do think that this will be the last year for Gill & Spacek, but there’s only 6-7 roster spots available and many young d-men.
But who knows, if the Habs go on another playoffs run and Gorges once again wows ‘em by shutting down an Ovy or a Crosby, it’ll immensely raise his stature with the team and remind them exactly why it is that he’s earned his spot on the club and deserves to stick around.
During the long summer, we all get to be pretend GM.
Going through something my father sent me years ago, these are insults by some of the great minds.
“He is a self-made man and worships his creator.” John Bright, as can be applied to Brian Burke.
“He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I know.” Abraham Lincoln, which I think works for Don Cherry.
“He had delusions of adequacy.” – Walter Kerr, this goes right to Glenn Healy.
“His mother should have thrown him away and kept the stork.”
Mae West, this goes out to Brad Marchand.
“There’s nothing wrong with you that reincarnation won’t cure.”
Jack E. Leonard, this goes out to you Bettman.
“They never open their mouths without subtracting from the sum of human knowledge.” – Thomas Brackett Reed, Boston Sports Media, this is you.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
The Lincoln one is gold!
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
20 years, 4 Cups and 5th overall in games played for the Wings. Not bad for an unsung hero who was originally drafted by the Winnipeg Jets and sold for just one dollar.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=372446
But does he deserve a place in the Hall like his buddy Osgood?
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
If you ask me this needs to stop. Does every player with a cup or two deserve a hall mention? So in the future Chara, Marchand, et al all deserve hall of fame inductions? How about Brisebois, he’s got a ring right?
Honestly it should be the best of the best, not “here’s a bunch of pretty good players”
In no rational world is Duchene taking a backseat to the most overrated 3rd-line C in the NHL (Staal). And Plekanec having sweet playmaking instincts puts him right ahead of Staal as well, since he doesn’t have them.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
Robert – Assuming everyone is healthy (which may be a huge leap of faith), it might just be time for the Pens to move Malkin to RW. That would give them a killer first line of Neal/Crosby/Malkin. That would then allow Staal to anchor the 2nd line with Sullivan and Kennedy. If Sullivan can play 75 games, he might just be the steal of the year in many hockey pools.
Regardless, the Pens stumbled when they took Staal over Toews. Forgetting the salary cap, could you imagine a team with Crosby/Malkin/Toews down the middle!!!
That’s overbalancing the top line, the second line wouldn’t be much of a threat with Staal’s weak playmaking to dish to his linemates. Better to threaten the opposition with the 1-2 punch of Crosby/Malkin.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
Jordan Staal the most overrated C in the NHL?!!!
That might be the most ignorant comment I’ve ever read on this site.
He’s never scored better than 22 goals since he lost Malkin as a linemate from his rookie year. His faceoff stats are poor, never above 48% in the circle. His playmaking ability is weak and he’s not very good at using his size in a physical manner.
if Pleks had his size, he’d be even better than he is now, potentially a real #1 C. If Staal had Pleks size he’d be a 3rd-liner on his best day.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
I guarantee you, without any doubt, that all 30 GMs would take Staal over Plekanec in an instant. Including PG.
ERIC Staal… probably. JORDAN Stall… um, no.
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
They might, but it doesn’t mean it is the right choice. Plekanec has the superior vision and that means everything for a Top-6 C, they have to be able to generate scoring opportunities for their wingers by having the creativity to do it.
Staal just does not have that. He could make a go as a Top-6 winger but a real Top-6 Centre he is not.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
He’s a decent penalty killer, though…
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Forget playing hockey, I’d rather be a player agent.
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/article/1030454–high-profile-deals-star-clients-mean-big-business-for-meehan