Josh Gorges
posted by Mike Boone at 15h13 EST on Jul 9
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Submitted by tdog11 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:45.
Wow what a deal! Its amazing how Bob can sign all these guys to cheap contracts after other players who are not even as good are getting sign for huge amounts.
As of now here are what I think the lines would be like for the year.
Fowards
Tanguay-Plekanec-Kovalev Wow think of all the skill, Sundin might be here
A.Kostitsyn-Koivu-S. Kostitsyn Again more Skill
Higgins-Chipchura-Latendresse I want this to be more of a scoring line and it would be if we had Sundin on #1 and that would push Koivu back here and Chips to the fourth line but right now as it looks this is a grity hard working line the would contribute at both ends of the ice.
and the #4 Laraque- Lappierre/Begin-Kostopolous
I couldn't decide between Lapierre and Begin so I'm think maybe playing the 50/50 if we don't have other centers injured or not playing.
And sundin added we have 3 great scoring lines that I don't think any other team has. And I'm really liking the energy from this 4th line.
Defence
Markov-Komisarek This duo was great last year
Hamrlik-O'Bryne same as Markov and Komisarek
Boullion-Gorges This would be a very decent third pairing
Goalies
Price pretty sure hes going to be #1
Halak If we didn't have Price I wouldn't mind having this kid as our #1, A lot of people would be surprised but I think this kids got searious potenial to be a star and just hasn't showed much of it.
And who knows who else might making it MaxPac, Valenteko ect.

Submitted by pher pher on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 00:45.
I hope the next time I log in there'll be a new post saying we've signed Sundin! Please, Please, Pleaseeeeee let this be true.

Submitted by Lee Hayes on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 01:47.
It's a little like X-Mass eve...trying to get to sleep, hoping that the big present under the tree is for you, and it just happens to be Mats all hog tied in a Habs uniform!!
Go Habs Go

Submitted by J.T. on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 02:54.
Ha, Lee! There's an image. Can we shake it to guess what it is? Do we get to knock him down to a five-million dollar contract if we promise to untie him before we take the pictures?
http://habsloyalist.blogspot.com

Submitted by Lee Hayes on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 04:09.
I don't think Mats has any shame(so untying him might not get the desired discount!), you've seen the nutcracker pic's haven't ya?
Go Habs Go

Submitted by Xtrahabsfan on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 00:09.
There is no doubt what so ever if Sundin joins the mother of all hockey teams "THE HABS" the Stanley cup is OURS!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by sam on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 00:03.
WOOHOO!
i wasn't afraid we wouldn't sign him but this is great news nonetheless.
our man Gorges.

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 23:20.
LAST MAN STANDING< I BETTER GET TO BED> GOODNIGHT

Submitted by T-roy West on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:45.
Ian: I just wrote down on a piece of paper, eight possible line combinations with Sundin in the lineup, and there are more. The thing is they all look pretty good. Doesn't that speak volumes about this team? Without Sundin were pretty good but with him we are down right scary.
Submitted by saku11saku11 (not verified) on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 08:04.
holy combinations and permutations batman!!! (sorry i'm a math guy)

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 23:04.
I know, I was really excited last year when I saw what Bob was doing at the begining of the year. But this year I'm ready to cancell summer and get it on. We are in for a treat this year.!

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:17.
For something to do. what are your 4 lines useing Laraque and Sundin. Remember, Koivu, Kovalev, and Sundin all have to play on diferent lines.
I say for the third line, Tanguay, Koivu and Laraque.
First line, AK47 ,Plecanic, Kovalev
Second line,Higgins Sundin, Sergie K. ?
Forth line ? ? ?

Submitted by sidhu on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 00:23.
Tanguay-Sundin-SK74
AK46-Pleks-Kovy
Higgins-Koivu-Latendresse
Laraque-Lapierre-Kosto
Bench: Chipchura, Begin

Submitted by Lee Hayes on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 01:44.
Lotta if's involved...but I think I like your combinations the best out of what's been proposed so far.
Go Habs Go

Submitted by Hud on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 23:11.
I for one, wouldn't necessarily separate the three...
A line of Tanguay-Sundin-Kovalev would definitely scare a lot of teams, and they couldn't do the "put 2 guys on kovy" thing like they did in last playoffs. Tanguay could be switched with Higgins on the 3rd if everything goes to hell.
A.Kostitsyn-Plekanec-S.Kostitsyn = real quick and shifty line, to make the other team dizzy and exhausted.
Higgins-Koivu-Laraque/Lats...i see potential there
Begin/stewart-Lapierre-Kosto/Laraque/Lats = The punisher line

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 23:16.
I don't think they will break up one of the best lines in the league last year. Ak, Pleks and Kovalev

Submitted by Hud on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:39.
I would be on your side there Ian, but adding a premier player like sundin, I would be tempted to give him the best winger we have. You know? ;)

Submitted by Vid on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 23:03.
A bit premature to be talking about lines that include Sundin, unless you know something we don't know. Even then in 1-2 years time we'll have a big vacancy down the middle where that big center that everyone believes we need should be.

Submitted by twocents on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:45.
You know what Ian, I don't think we will be talking about 1st, 2nd or 3rd lines if ______ signs. I think it will be 1a, 1b and 1c. The line that is playing best in a game will end up with the most minutes.

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:58.
You are correct, I posted below that Carbo loves to roll 4 lines and the first 3 lines will have equal ice time.

Submitted by twocents on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 23:03.
It will be very difficult for teams to play against us with the scoring balance a line up like this will have. Even good defensive teams can sometimes key in on and neutralize two strong scoring lines but, with three looking like this... it's going to be something else. Man alive!

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 23:10.
2 cents-- When you look at the youth, speed and talent it just makes me feel a little giddy. Something like sitting at a table holding a Royal Flush.
Submitted by Koivu12 on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:53.
Very good point.
"Give Koivu a Lifetime Contract"

Submitted by jody1974 on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:32.
Hard part is Lats can not play on the 4th line. So if his playing for the habs he has to be on 2nd or 3rd line
" Drive is on for Cup # 25 "
Submitted by ebk on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:56.
I don't agree with that, he can contribute on any of the bottom two lines.

Submitted by T-roy West on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:30.
I like those lines Ian.:)

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:23.
Andrei-Pleky-Kovalev
Latendresse-Sundin-SKostistsyn
Tanguay-Koivu-Higgins
Laraque-Lapierre-Begin/Kostops/Chipper/etc
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!

Submitted by likehoy on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:40.
i can't see tanguay on the third line...he wanted out of calgary cause he didn't want to have too much defensive burden...he'll hate montreal if we do the same to him again. Albeit, both koivu and higgins are great two-way players...but cause they have to be more defensively responsible...they won't put up the great numbers koivu and tanguay can put up, and perhaps higgins...
koivu can maybe fit into the two-way role better as a vet...but i see tanguay given more freedom on the offense on the top two lines.

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:54.
I see the top 3 lines getting about the same ice time this year. Carbo loves to roll 4 lines,and we sure have the horses now to run 4 lines now.!!

Submitted by likehoy on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 01:04.
impossible to give all 3 lines the same ice time...
i can't imagine seeing pleks kovy and andrei on against crosby malkin and co...
power v.s. power doesn't work when kovy and andrei don't back check.

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:29.
That looks good except why not put Laraque on your 3rd, don,t you think that line is a bit light?

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:31.
And I think Lats has to go to the 4th line

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:36.
Can't put Latendresse on line number 4 Ian. Not a fefensive player. As Jody says we can always flop Laraque when we need to.
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:49.
I wonder if Lats is a press box back up this year?
With the addition of Tanguay Laraque and Sundin. If no Sundin then I see it.
Submitted by ebk on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:56.
Ian
he might play his way there but I see him getting a good shot at playing on the 3rd line with or without Sundin. With all his faults, the kid is still a decent hockey player, has good size and is strong. He just needs to learn that this aint the Q and he aint no puck handler and I think he will be ok.

Submitted by jody1974 on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:33.
impossible Ian.
Lats is not a defensive player. We some how have to develope his scoring ability
" Drive is on for Cup # 25 "

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:40.
I sure don,t see Laraque on the 4th line, he can play both ways so I sure see him on the 3rd for sure and Lats will be a spare part.

Submitted by jody1974 on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:31.
Laraque will be a regular on the 4th line and Carbo will flip flop him when our small players are getting run at..
" Drive is on for Cup # 25 "

Submitted by twocents on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:29.
That's the way I see the forward lines looking to start off... and man that looks great. I can't see any other team in the east matching those lines and only one in the west.

Submitted by jody1974 on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:28.
Looks good to me, but i can not see lats being on 2nd line, but not much else we can do
" Drive is on for Cup # 25 "
Submitted by 1010 on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:54.
Federov: 1 year for 4 million. Ouch!
GO HABS.

Submitted by jody1974 on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:29.
way to much... Should have gotten 2 million and bonus
" Drive is on for Cup # 25 "
Submitted by johnny boy on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:40.
Great move BG.
Compare this signing to the Leafs signing of Jeff Finger.
Gorges will make 1/3 the money for twice the quality minutes.

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:51.
They signed the finger when they intended to sign a whole hand.
Submitted by Gelineau on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:26.
How lame is it that TSN hasn't even noted the Gorges signing yet. That's pathetic.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11353

Submitted by Habhopeful on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:41.
They did...
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242944&lid=sublink03&lpos=headlines_nhl
"If I wanted to hear from an ass, I would fart..."

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:35.
I,ll bet they notice when we sign Sundin, it was said before but lets buy his sweater in red white & blue and have a parade down Young st.

Submitted by joeybarrie on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:29.
Not sure what they are waiting for on the signing tracker, HOWEVER it is the 3rd headline on their home page...
Submitted by LatheDog on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:19.
I know I'm getting a little off topic, but who is Jason Missiaen??? I know he's a goalie but does anyone have any info on him and how good he is??

Submitted by Komi For Captain on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:02.
Saw a little video on him from TSN yesterday. Guy is 6'8"!!! Rollie said he's surprisingly co-ordinated for a guy his size. I know he's a little too light and Timmins said he wants Jason to fill out while he's at University. I also liked the comments from the TSN video from P.K. Subban. Subban was saying that he was trying to shoot at Missiaen from the point but he's so big there's no opening.
If you can find the video, you can see this kid drop to butterfly and his shoulders still cover the crossbar.

Submitted by Chuck on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:55.
Then I guess that there will be no complaining about him going down into the butterfly too early! :)
__________________________________

Submitted by Habs_Rule on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:03.
Excellent signing! He deserves a huge raise!

Submitted by twocents on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 20:31.
I read somewhere earlier on here that 'he that shall not be named' might prefer a one year contact. I would think BG would consider that a blessing with all the signings ahead of him next summer. With Sundin around for two years there is no way all 4 big name Ufa's(Koivu, Kovalev, Komisarek and Tanguay) would be able to be signed, not with Plekanec and Higgins being Rfa's too. Even if Sundin is on a one year contract we might lose at least one of these guys. So I hope _____ says, 'Bob how about 7 mill. for a year and we try to bring the Cup to your fair city' Bob smiles, they shake hands...

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 20:36.
I would sign Sundin for 2 years if he wants, that way we can let Kovy go after this year.
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:44.
Got to go along with the horse on this one TEACH. You can't milk every ounce out of a man and then throw him on the scrap heap.

Submitted by jody1974 on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:36.
Ok so we keep Koviu for life and let Kovalev go. So we balance it out for you Ian...lol
" Drive is on for Cup # 25 "

Submitted by Moey on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:04.
Oh Ian, trust me thay can and they do. Us oldies have to stick together, these kids today!!!

Submitted by Moey on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:27.
What's up with this trade Kovi crap? Do you really think that we would even have had a rat's ass chance of finishing first last season if it wasn't for him? Sure I have my favorites, Koivu, Kovi and Breezer. They all have something in common...heart. They all did exactly what was asked of them, Koivu for his leadership, Kovi for his turnaround, Breezer for his outlet passes and just happy to help when asked. You can't put a price on any of it. I would be happy for all of them to finish their careers as Habs.

Submitted by twocents on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:35.
Who do you see as a likely candidate not to return?

Submitted by Moey on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:53.
Breezer won't be signed if they have their defense wrapped up. He was as Ian has stated an insurance policy. But if they feel they need him I'm all for it. He's got a laser from the point, his passes are bang on and he is a veteran presence. He's the only one wearing bling from 93.

Submitted by twocents on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:59.
Sorry, I was talking about from next year's incredibly large and talented group of Habs that will be free agents. It will be a really difficult situation. Most notable UFA's(Koivu, Komisarek, Kovalev, Tanguay) Most notable RFA's (Higgins and Plekanec)

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:02.
Exactly, and on that front, my pick is Kovy to go. One year does not mean much to me. At 4.5 million, keep him, sure, but he'll want more, and nahhh, better to give it elsewhere.
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!

Submitted by Moey on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:11.
I'd give 4.5 million if you would go elsewhere.
Submitted by Koivu12 on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:12.
Are you a troll?
From the description I've been given, you sound like one.
"Give Koivu a Lifetime Contract"

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:15.
She can be Koivu12.
Guess when you have no argument it's ok to insult others.
Talk about being a hypocrite Moey.
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!

Submitted by Moey on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:31.
You have no argument and neither do I. All you do is speculate. I just don't bother, it's a waste of time. I saw what was last season, I have no idea what this season will bring. Get over the insults, it's part of the game.

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:45.
Yawn, I'm not even going to bother with you.
You've proven it's a complete waste of time.
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!

Submitted by twocents on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:09.
OK but, as I said before, if Sundin signs for 2 years shedding Kovy's 4.5 still won't likely allow us to sign the rest to new contracts.

Submitted by jody1974 on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:05.
Fully agree with that one Teach. Hopefully he gets off to a fast start and his value goes up.
" Drive is on for Cup # 25 "

Submitted by joeybarrie on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:15.
Why exactly would we want to let Kovi go?

Submitted by RH on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:18.
I think it's more a case of not re-signing him to a new contract, rather than letting him go, after next season.

Submitted by joeybarrie on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:14.
Why exactly would we want to let Kovi go?

Submitted by jody1974 on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 22:08.
Because we have no room for him on our cap next year. Do you foresee Kovalev taking less then 4.5 million for 2 - 3 years. Unless Kovalev knocks the socks off of BG and does not lean back to how he played 2 years ago for us. Remember this is a cap world now. You have to becareful on your signings, length of deal and age of player.
" Drive is on for Cup # 25 "

Submitted by twocents on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:16.
Who do you think would go?

Submitted by joeybarrie on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:22.
Im not sure, but hopefully not Kovi.

Submitted by twocents on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:26.
It might be nice to keep everyone but, that's not likely to happen with the cap situation. Eventually, we also need to make room for more of our prospects too.

Submitted by William_Holden_... on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:35.
Max.

Submitted by Grabbed The Cup on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:25.
The answer to this question will become clearer only after the 2008-9 season, way too many ifs as of now.

Submitted by twocents on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:38.
... and some of the questions may need to be answered before the trading deadline.

Submitted by twocents on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:30.
I agree, a lot can change in a year. But... I am sure BG has worked out a few scenarios and from these scenarios he has made a list of questions that he will be looking to answer as the season goes on.
Just looking ahead, the situation definitely jumps out at you when you look at a payroll grid.

Submitted by sidhu on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:09.
Enough with the Kovy bashing :)

Submitted by Grabbed The Cup on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 20:49.
Hey Teach, two questions:
Did you get my email?
Why 'Hello Kitty' in your profile?

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 20:51.
Actually I didn't get your email.
Not in my junk mail either. Weird.
Hello kitty is all part of my master plan ;)
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!

Submitted by Grabbed The Cup on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 20:54.
What's on your mind re: Send me an email Herb?

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:08.
I'm not at liberty to say at this moment, if you get my drift.
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!

Submitted by Grabbed The Cup on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 21:10.
You've piqued my interest. I'll send you another email, let me know if you get it.

Submitted by G-Man on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 20:44.
With all that's gone on with his health and his now lengthy career, I'm thinking this might be Koivu's last season. Mind you, Gainey still has a lot of cap space, so who knows?
Gilbert
2008/09 is the season of the Habs

Submitted by Revolution No. 9 on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 20:55.
At the international tournament this year, Saku claimed he felt like he had at least 2-3 more years in him.
Submitted by Koivu12 on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 20:53.
Koivu retire?
God forbid!
"Give Koivu a Lifetime Contract"

Submitted by twocents on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 20:48.
It would be great to see him win in his last year after being so loyal and inspiring for so long. But, he would be only 34 and he is such a competitor, would he want to try to come back for a shot at a repeat?
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