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Jimbo, Halak is as good of a backup as you can get IMO, theres no need to get a veteran. The habs were at fault in not playing him more. Halak gave one 5on5 goal in his only start (it was a massive pressure start at that too) in over one month....Goaltending wasn't just the only thing that went wrong, our forwards were gutless in the playoffs, lets face it. The habs did have a good year but it was largely in part because of the powerplay. And I'm just worried if a PP can hit around 30% 2 years in a row.
They already have.And no the goaltending wasn't the only thing,just the biggest story of the second round.The problem with sticking with Halak is that when Carey has another break-down,he won't have enough games in to make a difference again next year
1010, yes you're quite right, I did think the habs could sweep the flyers. The flyers and bruins were missing their best players. Hey I'm human and I'm a fan, and after seeing them overachieve all season, I thought that invincible magic was setting in but now I know it was regular season overachieving. I did believe in the habs after the Boston series, but you know the saying: fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. Besides only 10 points separated 1st from 8th, so its not like its a dire prediction or anything. I think they'll make the playoffs though, I hope.
Wow, quoting George Bush on a hockey blog. btw, the correct quote is:
"There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again."
They never overachieved in the regular season.The habs were very good this season.With any goaltending at all in the second round they're still playing.The problem this team had in the playoffs were the other teams were able to really go after Kovalev and Price really got overwhelmed(confidence)in the second round and was never able to get it back.Bob needs to get a "threat" to play with Koivu and Sergei(with some grit too would be nice)and they will be fine.Maybe a bonafide veteran back up would be nice as I can't see Halak getting a whole lot of playing time.
Zepfan, I've only mentioned the schedule thingy twice. And of course I meant the planets aligned themselves perfectly for the regular season only, scheduling has no impact in the playoffs ;) I do give credit where it is due, the team did lots of great things this year. But I cant help but be cautious that it will happen again. Boston and Philly are two teams that were below the habs this year, they will be above them next year.
Cat: Well, the planets may have aligned themselves to help the Habs enjoy a very successfull regular season but, knowing all that, you did say you thought they could sweep the flyers in four games. Now, you seem certain that they will finish behind Boston and Philly.
GO HABS.
Im not for getting someone like Selanne, firstly we'd be pissing Kovalev off, and secondly we dont have problems scoring goals. Our only problem is size, lack of grit and toughness. With Komisarek hurt, we got outmuscled from A to Z in in these playoffs.
If Kovy gets pissed off, trade him.
I'm looking for TEAM players.
I would be very surprised if Kovy would be upset. The move would seemingly take pressure off his line adding depth and size to our top lines. A situation that would have been feared by other teams trying to match their best against our top lines. Take a look at Phili's troubles trying to eliminate Malkin when you have Hossa and Crosby to contented with... Granted they have a shortage of defense at the moment but a balanced attack causing constant pressure would have made it more difficult for Phili to match-up. Selanne is a big, fast, and talented forward that can control the puck which is what wins games in the playoffs. He would be an asset and welcomed in my book.
CANADIENS SIGN FORWARD RYAN WHITE
TO A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT
MONTREAL, QUEBEC - Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced today that the Club has signed forward Ryan White to a three-year contract (2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011). As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
White, 20, ended his four-year junior career with the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen with 237 points (91 goals, 146 assists) and 411 penalty minutes in 275 regular season games. The 6’0”, 213 pound native of Brandon, Manitoba led his team in scoring in each of the past three seasons. In 59 career post-season games with Calgary, White amassed 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) and 88 penalty minutes.
In 2007-2008, White recorded 72 points (28 goals, 44 assists), 98 penalty minutes, 8 power-play goals and had a plus-24 rating in 68 games and was named the Canadian Hockey League Player of the Week on two occasions.
Selected in the third round (66th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2006 National Hockey League Entry Draft, White also had two assists in as many games for Team WHL at the 2007 Canada-Russia Challenge.
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My own little Habs blog --> Centre Hice
So if i'm not mistaken only Cam Cepak is left to sign his initial contract.
The Habs need to move up in the draft, which is supposedly an extremely good, top-heavy draft; however, any 1st round pick is still a crapshoot - "ya never know what they'll turn into". That said, I would propose something like the following.
From Mtl:
1st round pick (#25)
2nd round pick (either this year or next)
1st round pick of 2005 (David Fisher)
Either of Locke or D'Agostini, or maybe Grabovski)
To Mtl:
1st round pick (top 10)
Rationale:
1. Fisher probably ranks 6th or 7th in defense depth, and will never make the Habs. Doesn't mean he's not good, just that he's too far down the totem pole.
2. I don't think Locke will make the Habs for the same reasons as Fisher. D'Agostini could be a different story, in that he might be able to force his way in next year. Grabovski seems to have burnt a few bridges. Again, it doesn't mean that they are no good, just not a fit with the Habs.
You said it yourself "It's a crapshoot", why would you get rid of all this for poo?
Because the likelyhood of a top-10 draft pick making the Habs is better than #25 making the team. Fisher was #20, this years #25, this years #55 plus a possible immediate player (on the other team) in return for a top-10, even if they are all "a crapshoot" doesn't strike me as over paying.
I kinda like Kyle Beach and Tyler Myers (yes, we're already heavy in Dmen, but it's awfully hard to ignore 6-7, 210# potential - he should fill out to 230+).
Anyone out there thinks there is a remote possibility that Koivu might be chatting with Selanne? I'd love to see him wear the CH to try and get a Cup for his buddy Saku. Given what the Ducks did in this year's playoffs, he may not be as interested in joining them next year. I don't think he would cost a fortune for Montreal to take on. I heard he was telling the Finnish coach that he wanted to play with Saku in the tournament.
Also, I think the Habs should try hard to get Laraque... I think his presence would mean a lot to team psyche.... not to mention how valuable he would be just planting him in front of the crease and creating all kinds of traffic and opportunities.... here again, not too much money to pay. These would be 2 great low cost additions to the team. If Bob is really serious about a championship for the 100th anniversary then you spend the serious money to get a big gun..... Lecavalier, Nash, Hossa, Richards, Iginla, Thornton, or big older guns, Sundin, Jagr, Shanny, .....
Thoughts anyone?
I'm pretty sure Laraque has said he doesn't want to play in Montreal. I remember him stating this several times a few years ago in his french column in 24 heures or one of those free newspapers that are given out in downtown montreal.
Good call Scotty!
The Selanne thing had crossed my mind but so do those damb rumors that he's coming to Montreal every year... The Ducks will not have the Cap space to bring him back unless they do more salary shedding, so if he still wants to play this year is as good as any.
I know Bob or most GMs don't use the RFA offer sheet too often but there are plenty of 1st round players available on Salary hinderd teams that deals maybe swindled....
Anahiem and Phili come to mind with already has over $50, a lot dollars even with an expected new hike to $55 million, committed to roster players before dealing and thats before dealing with key RFAs or UFAs, while Montreal has around $37 million: Maybe not talk to these GMs with a pre-emptive strike about your plans of threatening the use of an offer sheet to take these players and try to swindle something before another team swoops in.... or not and just try to flat out try the actual use an offer sheet.
Two objects of disire bigger gritty scoring center;Carter and Perry; a replacement Right winger for Ryder also grittier
First strategy would be to offer either Phili this years 2nd round and/or Anahiem our 1st round and 3rd or our Huet second round pick as a as pre-deadline trade bait to see if we can get one of them to bite. Hopefully this tactic would yeild a taker. If not, we could offer up some sheets.
Draft compensation estimation for a $55.5 million Cap for offer sheets
$833,515.17 -$1,262,901.96...Third round pick
$1,262,901.96-$2,525,803.92...Second round pick
$2,525,803.92-$3,788,704.81...First and third round pick
$3,788,704.81-$5,051,606.77...First, second, and third round pick
$5,051,606.77-$6,314,511.96...Two first round picks and a second and third round pick
Above $6,314,513.04 ...Four first round picks
OFFER SHEET TERMS to each:
Offer Sheet Carter $2.525...3 or 4 years / We lose Second round pick
Offer Sheet Perry $3.25....3 or 4 Years / we lose Fist and Third round picks
I ask people can we get better NHL ready players, former 1st rounders under 25 in those draft positions if we're picking in the upper 20's position? We're not morgaging the future because these guys are still young prospects... I argue these teams mentioned are in a position of weakness and may need to get creative in order fill their rosters. Even if we get one of the two its good situation for us...
Of coarse these teams could change their situation before deadline but its worth consideration...
A.Kost/Pleks/Kovy
Higgins/Koivu/Perry
Latendresse/Carter/S. Kost
Begin/Lapierre-Chipchura/Kostop
Extras
Stewart/Grabby/D'Agostini
Totally agree .. no way you get either of those players for under 4M$ per with a 5yr deal ... even if someone gave them an offer sheet .. If I were Philly or Anaheim, I'd match ... and shed salary elsewhere. The Ducks could trade/send down anyone of Schneider, Bert, MA Bergeron to free up some space ... and who even knows if Neids comes back ... Philly ... I assume Gauthier will ride the bus Rathje is done isnt he ... Knuble is expendable ... but Carter and Perry are not the boys who will suffer
True they might demand the $4 million value, but as you said these teams would have to shed some serious talent, which would open up more options for others by forcing them to make tough decisions. Neids if he doesn't come back may put the team in a similar position as last year... waiting until its too late and losing Penner. Anahiem has 3 top defenseman making over $6.25 million so I would expect to seem them try to unload Schnieder, but who knows $5.75 is a hefty fee for a 39 year old. As for Phili they still have Umberger after Carter and than Prospal.
Still couldn't hurt to put the pressure on them instead of playing the waiting game.
well .. Erat just signed for close to 4.5M per ... that should pretty well be ,give or take a few bucks, where Kostitsyn, Carter and Perry end up signing ... they all had almost Identical stats ... Flyers will end up moving someone to make room for Carter ... or , if you can put a package together to get him ... he would sure fit in nicely here
I don't think A.Kost will not get that kind of money... This is rediculas money for what the guy has produced. If Gainey sets that kind of precidence than Pleks, Higgins, and every other 20 goal scorer will be entitled to the same payday. Higgins, Akost, Perry and Carter actually have better stats because they all had Positive Plus/minus numbers this year. CASHville is digging themselves a hole by rewarding mediocracy.
coutNY - two quick points. I can't see Gainey playing the RFA game unless all the GMs agreed to it. He's not a lowe life like Kevin Lowe. Also, I doubt very much that you will be able to sign Carter and Perry for the salaries that you have quoted, especially seeing that in reality they would be on the 'open market'. Penner got $4 mil a year and these two guys are at least and/or more valuable than Penner. They will also want more term than 3 years. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have both of them, especially Carter. I would still like to see us work out some kind of trade and sign for Carter. Koivu would go to the wing and Carter would centre him along with Sergei on the RW.
The Original 24 Cups
I don't think it's a Lowe life move... Anaheim and Phili will have trouble re-signing these guys regardless of this move. It’s a business, if it takes a legal tactic to bring in top talent than why not explore it. It's silly to think that we'll get black balled for making business decisions. It's not like teams are dealing with us much anyway. Maybe we can force some hands, put some pressure on people to make hasty decisions. Is it anymore devious than another team claiming a player that has to pass through waivers for half the money, if a player is needed from Hamilton due to injury? This was the case when we lost Hainsey to the CBJ... The move is common practice in today's NHL and now that it has been practice by Lowe I suspect we'll see more of it in the future. The key is not to go too outragous in order to keep the balance between future prospects and what your receiving.
True we have to watch your back going forward, but also mentioned we could make the teams aware with a pre-emptive move, offering this year’s picks, so that we can negotiate terms like the Hartnell /Phili move last year... You may be right about not getting these guys for that price stated but that is the compensation I'd willing to offer... if there not interested...so be it, let's see them get more from their current clubs or see another club to dilute there talent. IF staked teams who are now in a difficult position to be able manage salary demands shouldn't be given any slack. They have to make difficult decisions, so why not make it more difficult if we have the room. Also, The Penner deal was a bit un-reasonable for his skill set but Lowe guaranteed Anaheim could match it. And it made them move things along, but I don't think any other club would have put up that kind of deal which makes me believe it's not quite Market value.
In the End if it does not work, we are not in any worse position than we stand currently, other than, maybe ruffling a few feathers.
PS I don't think moving Koivu to wing is the best move because he's an awsome Faceoff guybut I think we can all agree to worry about that if it ever happens. That would be a good proble to have.
It stinks that crappy teams can work the cap so well because they don't have to pay their players and also get top draft chioces.
I too fear for the habs next season should the team remain inactive in getting 1 or 2 impact players. I said it before and dont jump down my throat for it, but this year's success was in a way an 'accident', the habs had the planets align perfectly this year: no major injury trouble, a PP that hit around 30% and was often the difference in games (habs werent that good of a 5on5 team throughtout the year, but they did improve as the season went on), and lastly an easy schedule compared to some teams (I dont mean the division is weak, I mean the scheduling of the games themselves)...And for all those things to happen again next year would be surprising.
"the habs had the planets align perfectly this year"
Really!?!
What's the parade route?
Sorry, neither the planets, nor the stars had anything to do with the Habs success this year. Give credit where credit is due. The players bought into the system and their chemistry worked.
"and lastly an easy schedule compared to some teams (I dont mean the division is weak, I mean the scheduling of the games themselves)"
Ah yes, your cut and dried answer to everything. LOL
Ah, all you guys and your name-calling! Anyways, just to lighten things up a bit and feeling nostalgic after all this talk of bringing back organ music, I have another suggestion for Canadiens management - bring back the lower traditional hockey sweater numbers!!!
I realize we have a lot retired but there's still no reason for regulars to be wearing 51, 71, 73, 74, 79, 84 out there cuz it makes the Habs look like a rookie camp!
I know Ottawa made a similar move about 5 years ago asking the players to please change to lower more traditional hockey numbers (Bonk went from 76 to 14, Juneau went from 90 to 28, etc...)
The Habs still have 13, 15, 17, 24, 30, 33, 34, 35... available. Geez, anything under 50 would be satisfactory.
Just a thought.
I fail to see why the number on their jersey matters.
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"To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high."
I STILL BELIEVE. I WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE.