Sundin
posted by Mike Boone at 16h56 EST on Jun 20
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Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 06/21/2008 - 11:22.
PHX alkso just drafted Jared Staal. Looks like a very good 2 days for that organization.
Submitted by The Cat on Sat, 06/21/2008 - 06:11.
Only things that I don't like about Sundin is Quebec/Colorado won when they got rid of him, and Toronto hasn't done squat with him there, though thats not entirely his fault (more a defence core that couldnt pull its weight), and can Kovalev coexist with another big wheel on the team? I have my doubts since it seems Kovalev -much like a diva-ish goaltender- needs to be 'The Man' to be at his best. On the plus side, he has gotten better with age and plays with a lot of heart, and I really believe his desire to win it all is earnest. He's better than any centre we have so I'm all for it.
Submitted by Bill H on Sat, 06/21/2008 - 10:44.
Cat, I can't say you are wrong about Kovalev needing to be "The Man", but I wonder if that is an unfounded assumption. Kovalev is in his last year of his current contract...ample reason to apply himself and not to make waves. Players also mature and grow as they age. He has taken on a new leadership role on the team. He is a role model for younger players, especially those from Eastern Europe like the two Ks and Pleks. So I ask this question in all seriousness...where has Kovalev shown himself to be diva-ish and unable to play where he is not given sole place in the spotlight? I mean aside from vague rumours about things that we know nothing about as we aren't in the dressing room. And what makes you think that Kovalev is unable to play a positive role on the team in 2008-09 and beyond?
Submitted by The Cat on Sat, 06/21/2008 - 05:56.
I don't think Tanguay is done, he had a bad year, and certain types of players/personalities have bad years under Mike Keenan (he either makes you stronger or flatout kills your will). The talent is still there with Tanguay in my opinion. My only concern is I thought he wanted nothing to do with Montreal, and if thats true will he have the makeup to handle the pressure if he's slumping...
Submitted by The Cat on Sat, 06/21/2008 - 05:49.
Last year Phoenix almost made the playoffs and don't forget they were the youngest team in the NHL and in the toughest division of them all. They will make the playoffs now with Jokinen. Jokinen was/is the best kept secret in the NHL.
Submitted by Chorske on Sat, 06/21/2008 - 00:45.
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080620.wspt-duah-col-20...
Globe Article on Sundin. Hot off the presses. No new info, though.
Submitted by yehaken on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 23:06.
Tanguay is *28 years old.* Habs finished 1st in the eastern conference. Cmon people. This is great! If we get Sundin, we are giving Pittsburgh a run for the cup next year.
And: Philly lost Umberger.
And: Jokkinen, a man who has never played in the playoffs, goes to Phoenix. Poor bastard.
Submitted by ZepFan2 on Sun, 06/22/2008 - 11:13.
"It's Friday so I'm hoping drugs are fueling your stupidity.
Tanguay Is done!!"
LMAO
You should apply for the GM's job...in Moscow!
If Gainey brought in Gretzky in his prime you would come up with some excuse why it was a stupid move. Go back to the losers board (leafnation.com) where you belong.
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 23:24.
YAWN
Submitted by The Cat on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 22:11.
I could live with that Bill H. I just want some size up front. it just hurts cause I think we could've easily given something equivalent to what Phoenix gave Florida for Jokinen.
Submitted by frank81 on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 22:19.
Not necessarily. Maybe Florida would have upped the asking price if an Eastern Conference rival made an offer for Jokinen.
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 23:25.
And maybe Jokinen likes the Sun?
Florida, Phoenix
No playoffs and Sun..maybe he wants to golf every day?
Submitted by The Cat on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 21:49.
Tanguay will be as good as his centre will be, but we didnt give up too much for him, dont know if he'll pan out, thought he wanted nothing to do with playing in Montreal.... Seeing Jokinen go to Phoenix hurts...
Submitted by Bill H on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 22:06.
Well then, maybe BG is counting on bringing Sundin to play with Tanguay. Would that help you get over seeing Jokinen in Phoenix?
Tanguay/Sundin/S. Kostitsyn
Kostitsyn/Pleks/Kovy
Higgins/Koivu/Latendresse
Lapierre/Chipchura/Kostopoulos
Does that work for you?
Submitted by StillattheMapes on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 21:58.
Agree. Not so sure about him. But I have seen Sundin, and I know what he can do, and yes I watched what he cannot bring.
This guy is a Very Big centre, probably the best that I have seen playing other than Vincent>
Submitted by Bill H on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 21:36.
Let's take a closer look at that Tanguay trade. So here's some stats:
-----------GP----G----A----Pts----+/-
2005-06---71---29---49----78-----+8
2006-07---81---22---59----81-----+12
2007-08---78---18---40----58-----+11
Plays LW. 6'1" 189 lbs 28 y/o
So far, not a playoff performer. Mostly he disappears in the playoffs. Can anyone comment on his style of play? Does he have the grit we are looking for? Or does he lack it and that is why he disappears at playoff time? His assists are consistently higher than his goals, indicating he is a playmaker more than a scorer, although with the exception of last year and 2001 with the Avalanche, he has been fairly consistent scoring about 25 goals a year. Someone said earlier he controls the puck well and is a strong skater. Nothing wrong with his +/-. Seems like an upgrade to me. Cap hit of $5.25 for '08-'09, then he is UFA. Right now, he is our highest paid forward, and 3rd behind Markov and Hamrlik.
The playoff performance makes me nervous, but aside from that, he seems pretty solid. His UFA status next year when we have to sign UFAs Koivu, Kovalev and Komisarek as well as RFAs Higgins and Pleks...after we win the Cup, it will be hard to stay under the cap with all those guys wanting raises. ;-)
Submitted by Bill H on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 21:01.
Its interesting and a little bit amusing to read all the comments from yesterday and earlier today on Boone's blog about what BG will or will not do. No Jokinen trade. Nobody saw the Tanguay trade coming. And for a late first round pick this year and a second round pick next year. Meanwhile BG has negotiated exclusive rights to talk with Sundin - Boone's Plan B. If he signs Sundin, that will probably cost a late round draft pick next year. So we've got Tanguay without costing us a talented roster player like Higgins or Pleks. And we've got the inside track on Sundin, again not costing us anything we can't part with easily. So Bob is doing well. Let's hope he lands Sundin. That will give us 3 great scoring lines, a definite upgrade from last year. With a little more maturity on defence, we can have a real shot at the Cup.
Submitted by StillattheMapes on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 21:38.
If our boys had played recently with Sundin (c'mon now, this is a major, monster player)we would easily have won the cup. My only issue is if we can all fit... if he can do or say. I am not so sure.
Submitted by StillattheMapes on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 21:14.
If BG can do Sundin (yes), already has Tanguay in the pocket, this will be so much expectation and so much positioning that nothing else less will work. It is with us and Bob. If BG does this, do we become the Dutch, and then who plays, who doesn't. If the boys get Sundin + this team without losing anything.............. actually I prefer winning, not losing. I'll take Sundin right now.
2009
Submitted by rswinter (not verified) on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 20:59.
Favorite move so far
Umberger to Columbus
i dont want to see that habs killer never again
thank you flyers for trading away the man who ive had nightmares about since the LETDOWN.
all the best to umberger, hopefully he'll give many fans more nightmares as long as its in the other conference
Submitted by rswinter (not verified) on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 20:59.
double post i feel like the krob
Submitted by habssince1909 on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 20:44.
Hmmmm now wouldn't that be sweet - "Sundin wins Cup with the Habs."..........that would put "Leafs Nation"in a funk!!!!
Submitted by 1010 on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 20:32.
It seemed unthinkable a month ago but now it could very well happen.
GO HABS.
Submitted by habs-13 on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 20:21.
Since Jokinen has just been moved, besides Sundin who else is there we would even be able to call a true #1 center.
Submitted by filincal on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 20:16.
Can the Habs afford Tanguay and Sundin??
I BLEED BLEU BLANC ET ROUGE!!!
Submitted by Habs fan in SF on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 20:06.
Alex Tanguay is a good addition, in my opinion.
Submitted by habs-13 on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 20:11.
I cant believe all that Florida got for Jokinen was two defencemen who are average at best and a 2nd round pick. We were here talking about sending Higgins, O'Byrne Chi[chura and our 1st pick for him and the Coyotes pick him up for cheap.
Submitted by Maffu on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 20:12.
Prices are much cheaper at the draft than at trade deadline. Teams are pressured to make the playoffs at the deadline whereas here everyone is relaxed and has no idea what the next season will bring.
Submitted by rswinter (not verified) on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 19:17.
we went from big Sundin to tiny tanguay
nooooo!
Submitted by doug on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 19:24.
says who? why not both? come on guys, tanguay is a better player than who we'd get for 25. . . and who knows what else we might move. i'm happy. . . what wrong with you guys? plus we didn't trade a roster player yet. . .
Submitted by rswinter (not verified) on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 19:39.
5.25 million dollars for 2 seasons for what I believe is an overrated player. reminds me of samsonov. we also have komi, higgins, pleks, koivu, and kovi hitting the market in a year and we need all the cash we can get. flames are the big winner here. they get camerelli for tanguay and trade down 10 spots in the first round but save 2 mil in cap for a better younger player.
Submitted by Maffu on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 20:06.
You make a decent point, but how stacked is the farm team in Hamilton right now, they didn't win the Calder again this year but the talent is there. Tanguay will surely get more than 60 points next year whereas that 25th pick would do nothing for us in the centennial. Picks in the NHL after the first 15ish are gambles, Tanguay is not a gamble.
Submitted by habs-13 on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 20:06.
I agree, this was not the player I had in mind when I was hoping for a trade. He's not bad in terms of what we are getting but he IS overpaid. The only upside about this is that if we do end up getting a scoring center then we can truly have 3 scoring lines.
Tanguay-Koivu-S.Kostitsyn
A.Kostitsyn-Plekanec-Kovalev
Higgins-???-Latendresse
The wingers are pretty much set but depending on the quality of the center they can be moved around.
Submitted by T-roy West on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 19:15.
I've said it once and I'll say it a million times. We lost in the playoffs because no one on the first two lines was willing to pay the price in front of the net. Higgins tried but wasn't successful. Detroit, Philly and Pittsburg are teams that were successful because of guys like Malone, Umberger, Franzen and Holmstrom. Unless we address this issue then we will not be successful in the playoffs. Let's get a player that can score and has grit.
Submitted by king ddd on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 19:06.
we traded 25th pick for tanguay according to tsn
Submitted by Habs_Rule on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 19:14.
Not a great trade!
Sundin is much better than Tanguary!
Dammit!
Submitted by doug on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 19:26.
why not both? what's the deal? sundin's a UFA, guys
Submitted by doug on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 19:26.
double post
Submitted by Big Bird on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:55.
Good to see some of my regular season and playoffs friends here. Been a while. Tanguary for a 25th overall pick?
He's a good player but didn't he say he didn't want to play in Montreal?
If he wants to come here - great - but if he doesn't no thanks pal.
Submitted by Chuck on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 19:11.
Setting up another deal, perhaps?
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__________________________________
Submitted by Habs_Rule on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:48.
Just sign him! He is one of the best complete players in the league!
We can afford to give up our first round draft pick for him because we have many great prospects in our system.
Submitted by T-roy West on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:55.
Alex Tangay to Montreal for their #25.
Submitted by RGM on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:39.
Tanguay for the 1st rd pick? According to Dreger. Good player, big salary, not a great playoff performer, though.
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Go Habs Go!
Submitted by RGM on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:35.
Can you imagine?
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg16/RGM81/Mats.jpg
Looks weird eh?
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Go Habs Go!
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:43.
Haha, yeah it does look weird, but I'm sure it will grow on us.
Submitted by sanj91 on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:10.
the lineup come September will be...
A.K. - Plekanec - Kovalev
Higgins - Sundin - S.K.
Selanne - Koivu - Latendresse/Stewart/other net crasher (hopefully, but improbably Malone)
Begin - Lapierre - Kostopoulos
(lines don't necessarily have to be in that order)
Markov - Komisarek
Hamrlik - Valentenko/Carle/Emelin/other prospect
OB - Gorges/Bouillon
Price
vet goalie
Submitted by doug on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:32.
Nah- it's unlikely that you'll still be dreaming all the way until September, unless you're Rip van Winkle
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:31.
K relax. Selanne/Sundin AND Malone.
More than over-exaggerating.
Submitted by sanj91 on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:55.
perhaps....actually most likely....but if these tanguay rumors have any truth to them then i mite not be that far off....
Submitted by Chorske on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:39.
Don't forget Ovechkin. He IS best friends with Markov, isn't he?
Submitted by sanj91 on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:56.
true dat...in the words of kevin garnett....ANYTHINGS POSSSIBLLLEEE!!!
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:06.
Pierre McGuire thinks Mats Sundin will retire.
Submitted by G-Man on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:49.
Love all the speculation and rumor. Doesn't this make Draft Night a blast? It's great to see everyone up and posting, pedal to the metal. If Sundin comes, can yet another surprise be on the horizon?
Gilbert
Submitted by rswinter (not verified) on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:43.
all this hype about sundin, jokinen, and marleau feels alot like the trade deadline. lets not put all are eggs in one basket until something has been actually done. Another letdown may be looming.
Submitted by Edwardo on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:27.
Definitely...trade deadlines, every July 1st, this seems like the same thing....another letdown.
Submitted by doug on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:43.
A rumor is a rumour is a rumor...
I think Hossa's (Marcel's) red white anf blue gloves are still rinkside at the Bell Centre.
Lemay's speculation means nothing
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:45.
His speculation does mean nothing, but Fletcher's admission means something :)
Submitted by Jay in PA on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:26.
Hey Mike, are you blogging the draft?
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:35.
he is, top of Gazette's front page said so.
Submitted by Greg on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:21.
There's no way the habs traded their 1st round pick for the chance to talk to Mats. That's insane. We'll see what the draft pick is about soon enough...
Seriously though I don't know how I feel about Sundin in Montreal... How would he fit in here? He's almost public enemy #1 for being the captain of The Great Blue Evil. On the other hand, he's a phenomenal hockey player, and a power forward is exactly what the habs need... although do we need another center? who plays with him? ideally you'd have him with Higgins and Sergei, or Ryder if he stays. But then what of Koivu?
It boggles the mind. Bob definitely has the chutzpah to make it happen... Oh man! it'll be an interesting few weeks!
Submitted by rswinter (not verified) on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:36.
i still can't fathom the idea of sundin a hab
just doesnt feel right
but the last time we recieved a hall of fame leaf, we won 2 cups in three years. That was the big M so i guess if it happens we'll suck it up and hope hes the last piece to bring us to the promise land.
go habs go
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:35.
Who cares, as long as we get him.
Submitted by mjames on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:14.
If, and I doubt it very much, Gainey traded his 1st round for the rights to speak to Sundin, then I think it is time to have him released of his duties as he is suffering from some mental deficiency. Sundin is a shell of his former self and I can't believe Gainey would trade his first round unless he rec'd something in return.
It is funny you do not see Detroit mentioned as a party to these bonehead moves. They just wait their turn, draft and win the Cup.
I am attributing this to the press who have nothing better to do but speculate.
mjames
Submitted by Komi For Captain on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:36.
TSN is saying that the Leafs gave them permission to talk. NOT negotiating rights. They'll have to offer a trade (probably a prospect) if they want the right to negotiate and thus sign Sundin before July 1st. So if that 1st round pick is gone it's definitely for something else, that or Sundin is ready to sign an offer.
Submitted by G-Man on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:52.
Could it be a 3rd or 4th rounder for permission? That makes more sense.
And if it's speculation, it's draft night, lighten up and enjoy it. The Future is coming!
Gilbert
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:37.
A shell of his former self?
Come on MJames.
sundin is exactly what the habs need at exactly the right time.
He can handle the pressure
He is clutch
He is huge
He is strong
He is defensively responsible
He can score
He can pass
He can hit
Submitted by 93miraclecup on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:32.
absolutely.
He's what the habs have needed for 15 years, a big centre with a lot of skill. Not since Bobby Smith have they had anyone with that combination.
And Sundin is way better than Bobby Smith ever was.
Submitted by rswinter (not verified) on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:40.
good to see you again teacher
it's been a while
I've been in hiding since the letdown(i'll leave it at that)
but i'm back and ready for the drive for 25 in the year 2009
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:36.
Glad to see you're back. Looks like you came just in time to bring a smile to your face :)
Submitted by nick on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:07.
Is it possible that first round draft pick goes to TO if Sundin signs? Yes i realize he'd have to sign in the next 60 or so minutes.
Submitted by rswinter (not verified) on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:38.
if thats the case, well worth it
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:37.
no, just in the next 2 hrs ;)
Habs pick 25th
Submitted by Chorske on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:07.
"The Leafs would have to trade Sundin's negotiating rights to the Canadiens to facilitate an early signing."
That's from the article. I really don't see how an "early signing" helps anyone except FLetcher, in terms of getting his ducks in a row for tonight / next week.
Sundin would certainly benefit from negociating from a UFA position. Montreal isn't in the habit of blindly giving away first round picks, even if it is a 25th overall.
Submitted by sidhu on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:13.
Even if Sundin has agreed in principle to sign with the Habs, providing a 1st round pick for his rights to then execute the contract seems high in my view.
A 1st round to Florida as part of a deal for Jokinen seems more reasonable in light of the fact that Jokinen is not a UFA come July 1st.
(As an aside I wonder what the comment count is for all of the draft day speculation... it should meet, or even surpass, total comments for a game).
Submitted by G-Man on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:53.
If the trade is made, the contract is signed.
Gilbert
Submitted by ebk on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:01.
Sundin would be just what the Doctor ordered.
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:01.
STOP TEASING US DAMN IT
a 1st for the rights is pretty steep to just talk.
Submitted by frank81 on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:08.
baseless rumour (started by me... ha!): First round pick traded traded to Toronto on the condition that Sundin actually signs?
Submitted by Chorske on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:03.
No way Gainey would do that.
The pick is to someone not Toronto- and it's gotta be a roster player.
Is all this fuss taking your mind off your back? Talk about alternative therapy.
Submitted by ebk on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:02.
not just to talk adriano, the 'trade' will only occur IF the Habs sign him. Also, I douby it's the #1 pick involved.
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 17:49.
Even if we do sign him, a 1st is steep.
Submitted by ebk on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:02.
I agree with you on that my friend.
ps
glad you are back and doing well after your hospital stay.
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 06/20/2008 - 18:04.
Thanks Earl :)
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