More on Gorges, etc.

posted by Mike Boone at 5h47 EST on Jul 10

Pat Hickey talks to the man.

Meanwhile, San Jose signs defenceman Christian Ehrhoff to a three year contract for three times what Gorges is making.

And the Globe's Tim Wharnsby looks at spiralling salaries in the NHL.

Comments

Submitted by likehoy on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 16:33.

i dunno if you guys read the hickey article but signing sundin would put us over the 23-man roster limit...so signing brisebois would put us over...and then sundin would be two over. who gets relegated? chipchura again? begin/kostopoulos?

Submitted by William_Holden_... on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 23:21.

Begin...PLEASE

Submitted by Koivu12 on Fri, 07/11/2008 - 19:35.

Monsieur Dandenault aussi! "Give Koivu a Lifetime Contract"

Submitted by nightmare_49 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:56.

The Morning Skate : Watching the River Flow .. by Stu Hackel .. NY Times ..... http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/the-morning-skate-watching-...

Submitted by nightmare_49 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:52.

The Illegal Curve .. By Ezra Ginsburg reports ..... an excerpt .. Things are starting to turn around for the Vancouver Canucks, who were rejected by Mats Sundin and his agent J.P. Barry earlier this week worse than Screech on Saved by the Bell. Demitra is a career point-a-game scorer who struggled at times last season (15 goals) with countrymen Marian Gaborik in Minnesota, but nonetheless he will instantly make the Canucks anemic offense better. Demitra is a 9-time 20 goal scorer who will look very nice on a Power Play unit alongside the crafty Sedin Twins. For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.

Submitted by coutNY on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:13.

NHL, RUSSIAN HOCKEY LEAGUE REACH TRANSFER AGREEMENT http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=243045&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

Submitted by Hockey11 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:03.

Before we all forget last year, other than the Kommy injury, Les Habs ducked the injury front remarkably well. Mtl lost very few games to injury and 2-3 healthy scratches for most of the second half of the season. It is doubtful they will be so lucky again.

Submitted by FSLN on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:40.

First of all the Brisebois rumour is Bullshit because there's no way Gainey would sign him for two years. If he comes back it will be for one year at low pay and will probably mean that Gainey is going to move Dandy. IMO as long as we are hanging on to Dandy it doesn't make that much sense to bring in an 8th d-man. All that said Brisebois wasn't bad last year. He was good in the playoffs and showed he can work well from the point on the PP. That game where his goal stood up against the Bruins made me take back a lot of the mean things I've said about him over the years. If he can be re-signed for one year at around $750,000 I think he would be a great reserve and could help out if our power play gets wobbly without Streit. I think there's more value in that signing than any other vetran D-man we could bring in.

Submitted by SmartDog on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:13.

Can't say I agree but an excellent thought-provoking post, and the best case for Breezer I've seen. (You related?) If only he'd stop coughing up the puck! ~Listen to the smart dog!

Submitted by FSLN on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:26.

Why thank you Smart Dog! And no, I am not related. :)

Submitted by SmartDog on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:37.

np. ~Listen to the smart dog!

Submitted by Hockey11 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:06.

Who are the most likely candidates for 7-8 D? #7 will play a lot. Dandy played zero games last year at the defense position. Has Carbo talked to him about dropping back to D again. Oh that's right, Carbo doesn't talk to anyone........................

Submitted by SmartDog on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:14.

He doesn't talk to anyone.... and he sure doesn't LISTEN.... hmmmmm...wait a minute... OH MY GOD!!! CARBO IS TOMMY!!! ~Listen to the smart dog!

Submitted by Koivu12 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 15:39.

Who is Tommy? "Give Koivu a Lifetime Contract"

Submitted by The Cat on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:47.

Yeah I think so too, a two year contract would make no sense at all.

Submitted by REB on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:47.

I agree 100%. Brisebois last year showed that he can be an effective backup D-man; he can't play 82 games plus playoffs, but 30-40 games is still very do-able. And some of the body checks in the playoffs had me hooting in amazement, as I didn't think he had those in him...I was wrong. Signing a veteran 4th D-man would send the wrong message to all of the prospects coming up.

Submitted by 24 Cups on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 20:53.

REB - I couldn't care less about their feelings, we're trying to win the Cup. O'Byrne is a good prospect who will take time to step in and be a quality guy. He may play along side Hamrlik this year but that doesn't mean that he's a top four defenseman at this precise moment in time. And he's also not a puck moving defenseman right now. I feel the Habs should bring in an experienced guy for one year. If nothing else, we need the insurance in terms of injuries. The guys in Hamilton need more seasoning and should not be thrown into a playoff round when everything is on the line. We're not building for the future this year, it's time to go for the whole bundle. The Original 24 Cups

Submitted by Koivu12 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 22:05.

What if we get Sundin though? We could give OB and Gorges some time to play and then perhaps get that experienced D at the deadline. God knows the teams who spent like drunken sailors the last few years will want to get someone out. "Give Koivu a Lifetime Contract"

Submitted by 24 Cups on Fri, 07/11/2008 - 07:23.

Koivu12 - I feel your point is well taken, even in more ways than the issue we just discussed. In a perfect world, it would be great to get Sundin and another Dman. Right now, that would require a shuffling of the deck of cards, which as you point out could easily wait until the trade deadline. Even if we don't get Sundin, then the same idea applies to when we would add the missing pieces. Not everything has to be done right now. Of course, I'm not talking about trading our brains out for guys like Hossa and Campbell at the deadline, but rather middle of the road guys who can fill a need and not break the bank in terms of traded players. The Original 24 Cups

Submitted by SmartDog on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:58.

>Signing a veteran 4th D-man would send the wrong message to all of the prospects coming up VEry good point. Though D players take longer to mature. I'm not sure who's left that would be ready for next year? ~Listen to the smart dog!

Submitted by coutNY on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:08.

O'Byrne... is our 4th. And Valentenko is ready as he'll ever be.

Submitted by Robert L on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:42.

I hope it's bullshit, but for now it's right there with a source quoted to boot. It's not like it is Eklund! ........................................................................................................................................... "Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them." - Sam Pollock, Lions In Winter, p 191

Submitted by coutNY on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:09.

MONTREAL VS. DETRIOT preseason opener in the Joe Louis.... See what we're made of... to be the best you've got to beat the best! http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080710/SPORTS0103/80...

Submitted by Robert L on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:14.

And Sept. 30 against the Habs at the Bell Centre. ........................................................................................................................................... "Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them." - Sam Pollock, Lions In Winter, p 191

Submitted by HabsWin09 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:28.

But you didn't hear people questioning his moves BECAUSE he was making great moves and he was a Stanley Cup winner YEAR AFTER YEAR. Something the Habs haven't done even once in 15 years.

Submitted by joeybarrie on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:35.

What are you babbling about now???

Submitted by FSLN on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:41.

I think it might be best to ignore him. Maybe he'll go away if we don't feed him...

Submitted by Grabbed The Cup on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:06.

Better yet people, stop lifting those rocks and he won't crawl out from under them.

Submitted by Robert L on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:07.

I'm not sure if anyone caught this earlier. I been snoozzzzing all morn after night shift. According to Le Journal, quoting good friend Gino Rosato of Ferrari, Patrice Brisebois is on the verge of signing a two year deal. http://www.canoe.com/sports/nouvelles/archives/2008/07/20080710-110008.h... ........................................................................................................................................... "Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them." - Sam Pollock, Lions In Winter, p 191

Submitted by showey47 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 17:54.

Why would we waste the cap space and roster spot on him. I hope this is for an assistant coaches role, we are way too deep in real defensive prospects to waste another 2 years on a player that no other team would sign.

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 15:33.

That is great news Robert, I was getting worried that we might loose some of our posters on here. The Brisbois bashers.

Submitted by HabsWin09 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:30.

Wonderful. Let's hear some posters comment that he is an economcal signing.

Submitted by Koivu12 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 15:45.

He is and would be :S what a weird statement. "Give Koivu a Lifetime Contract"

Submitted by joeybarrie on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:29.

Breezbye rumors to encourage obyrne to sign. Unless of course, we have a coaching spot available... Cause that the only way we'd sign him for 2 years...

Submitted by Grabbed The Cup on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:29.

Whether he's signed or not, we don't have to fret about seeing that much of him this year. Gorges is established, and O'Byrne will be given every opportunity to secure his spot, this year Brisebois WOULD be an insurance signing.

Submitted by Robert L on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:33.

Maybe we fans could pass the hat around and take up a collection for Brisebois and send him on a trip to Paris to take his mind of hockey while Gainey changes options. ........................................................................................................................................... "Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them." - Sam Pollock, Lions In Winter, p 191

Submitted by SmartDog on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:16.

WTF? Everything was going so well. ~Listen to the smart dog!

Submitted by coutNY on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:15.

Oh know.... You here that rumble... here it comes the triple B's ~ Bandwagon of Breezer Bashers are going to start howling at the very thought! I know don't kill the messenger...

Submitted by Robert L on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:23.

I'd so prefer that roster position go to a kid! The only argument for Brisebois at this point is that he'd fit the pay scale, and where else could they get the same combination of experience and homwbrew at such a low cost. Two sides of the coin on this. I wish that coin would just stand on edge. ........................................................................................................................................... "Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them." - Sam Pollock, Lions In Winter, p 191

Submitted by twocents on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:36.

Very nice quip Robert... very nice

Submitted by Robert L on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:45.

LOL, didn't even realize it was one! :) ............................................................................................................................................... "Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them." - Sam Pollock, Lions In Winter, p

Submitted by SmartDog on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:26.

It's a no-brainer. Would you rather TWO more years of Breezer, or: a. sign another low-budget veteran b. try someone from the farm c. trade dandy for someone d. ANY of the above!!! The fact that it's supposed to be for TWO years makes me think it's bogus. We have a solid core and several good guys in the pipeline... would Bob sign on for TWO years of puck give-aways? I can't imagine. ~Listen to the smart dog!

Submitted by HabsWin09 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:32.

or bring back the great patrick traverse?

Submitted by Robert L on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:29.

D, no contest! His Ferrari friend did say he did not know what team it was with, tho! Maybe the Bruins or Leafs are about to give him a huge raise. ............................................................................................................................................... "Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them." - Sam Pollock, Lions In Winter, p

Submitted by SmartDog on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:36.

I really can't see him being signed in Montreal. I COULD see another team being so stupid - he looks good on paper... ring holder, puck-moving D-man, can play the point on the power play.... only we know the AGONY. And only we at HIO have done the calculations of what happens with him in the line-up. Oh woe is us... Good quote BTW. ~Listen to the smart dog!

Submitted by SmartDog on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:18.

Damn right! And rightly so.... we LOSE with him on the ice, we WIN with him in the press box. He makes passes to the other team as a matter of course.... I was glad we let Streit go, but if it means 2 more years of Breezer, hell, bring him back! ~Listen to the smart dog!

Submitted by The Cat on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:52.

I agree with you. In his defense though, he was one of the few that upped his game in the playoffs.

Submitted by coutNY on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:22.

Boy I'd hate to be that guy.... Yeah, you know the one that put us over the edge of free space, so we couldn't sign, you know the other guy...

Submitted by krob1000 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:29.

We have room for Sundin even if we sign Briser and O.B. We have more guys on the roster than we are allowed and a couple guys (Chipchura and..) will be designated to the minors or bought out and that will create the cap room we need. We already have 23 signed before O.B., Sundin or Briser. There is definitely room (only 23 guys are on the roster at once).BTW we haven't signed him yet but as Robert L pointed out you aren't going to find his experience at his pay. I also wonder how seriously the team takes the tradition side too.......Has there ever been a cup won in Montreal that at least 1 player from the previous winner wasn't on?(excluding the first of course).

Submitted by coutNY on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:04.

Just stirring the pot... I actually suggested his services in leu of Streits Departure because of his affordability a few days back. As long as they don't try to play him over 10 mins 5-on-5 (or #6 position)and restrict him to PP mostly I'd be happy. I think he was over used which added stress to our man Hamrlik. In BOB we trust...

Submitted by SmartDog on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:26.

ARRRGGHHH!! You're really f***ing with my day! ~Listen to the smart dog!

Submitted by Robert L on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:26.

There, that'll be the sign! Once Gainey trades a roster player away to clear spaces, we'll see it as Sundin approaching! ........................................................................................................................................... "Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them." - Sam Pollock, Lions In Winter, p 191

Submitted by HabsWin09 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:33.

sundin won't leave toronto

Submitted by nightmare_49 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:05.

Pavol Dimitra signs with Canucks ..... http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=VAN&season=0809

Submitted by doug on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:53.

Never a slow news day in Quebec. http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/arts/story.html?id=26680668-8f87...

Submitted by Revolution No. 9 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:40.

WTH? That article is almost a year old. Surely there's something better to talk about.

Submitted by Robert L on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:01.

So now we'll have Luigi saying "Tabernac"! ........................................................................................................................................... "Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them." - Sam Pollock, Lions In Winter, p 191

Submitted by Koivu12 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:00.

Quebec's linguistic watchdog, the Office quebecois de la langue française (OQLF), is the biggest effing waste of money on the effing planet (relatively speaking of course) "Give Koivu a Lifetime Contract"

Submitted by jody1974 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:06.

How's your day going?? " Drive is on for Cup # 25 "

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:30.

Last year I posted that within a few years we would see a Major league in Europe and North America. Made up of 10 teams in Europe, the USA would shrink to 10 teams and Canada would have 8 teams. This league of 28 teams would be fighting it out for Lord Stanley's Cup by the year 2015. This format is well on it's way now.!

Submitted by HabsWin09 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:35.

don't know about your numbers but i agree with you , something like that is on the horizon.

Submitted by Grabbed The Cup on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:05.

An interesting idea Ian, and one I would love to see, but logisticlly speaking it would be a nightmare. The only option would be to have a severely unbalanced schedule. I suppose they could work it out so each of the European teams plays each other 8 times and has one 10 game road trip per year where they play in North America for a total of 82 games. The NA teams would also each have a 10 game road trip once a year playing each Euro team once. Don't see it happening though. *edit* Just realized my Euro schedule doesn't account for the games for visiting NA teams, see what I mean, a logistical nughtmare!

Submitted by Robert L on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:09.

They may compete for a championship against the NHL winner, but not for the Stanley Cup. ........................................................................................................................................... "Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them." - Sam Pollock, Lions In Winter, p 191

Submitted by HabsWin09 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:36.

they'll call it the Super Cup

Submitted by MikeL on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:36.

I hope not. If so, it should be like the MLB, with two divisions that never play (not including interleague). The time difference alone would kill me personally, having to watch the Habs play a game in Russia at 2 in the morning.

Submitted by Nicolas St-Henri on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:52.

Actually, you would probably be watching the games in Russia at around noon our time (7 or 8 hour time difference right?). Pretty sweet on a Saturday or Sunday, don't you think?

Submitted by mrstewart61 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:30.

Interesting article on David Desharnais on RDS. Check out the video on the right (some in English). Also, they talk about Yannick Weber in the 2nd video. Perhaps some day he will replace fellow Swiss Mark Streit but with better defense. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If a man speaks in a forest where no woman can hear him, is he still wrong?

Submitted by coutNY on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:12.

I was surprised to see Straka defect to the Czec league... Die-hards are Rangers or nothing, I guess... Shanahan next?

Submitted by coutNY on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:53.

http://canucks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=36... Canucks Sign Free Agent Forward Pavol Demitra

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:13.

Vancouver already knows that Sundin will not be signing with them now. So it is retire, Toronto or Montreal.

Submitted by twocents on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:10.

Hockey News says 4 mil. per year for Demitra. http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/17137-Canucks-sign-free-agent-forw...

Submitted by the real vinnydj on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:58.

Mats has 2 choices now, Montreal or.....Montreal! Sweet, Eklund proving once again that he is a moron!

Submitted by coutNY on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:07.

technically they, meaning the Canucks, are not out yet. THey're only at 47 million with Demitra cost $4 million that leaves them around 10 million of free space... but have a few RFA's on their plate. also signing Demitra could be a sign to Sundin that the Canucks are serious at being a contender... by adding a vetran top six forward. just speculating.

Submitted by krob1000 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:04.

I realize Eklund is what he is but he has been saying Demitra to Vancouver since before Demitra came out and publicly declared it his first choice. Vancouver also has a ton of cap space (14 million before Demitra) so although I don't think they really have a chance at Mats it is not because of the Demitra signing....it is because they have a set of twins and the best goalie in the game but noone else.

Submitted by the real vinnydj on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:51.

Oh wow, Eklund at it again. Just when the Marleau rumours starting to go away for the 9th time.

Submitted by Habs fan in SF on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:47.

i was once guilty of scalping ... back when i was in college i was watching espn sportscenter one late evening (procrastinating my studying - as usual) when i saw cal ripken jr. announced his retirement at the end of the season. i immediately jumped online and purchased 10 tickets to what was to be his last game EVER, which was at Yankee stadium. I paid roughly about $30 each - so a $300 investment. i then proceeded to sell them all on ebay for roughly $125 - $200 each ticket. so yeah, a nice little return for me. i have no serious issues with scalping. you want them to go away? if people stop buying, then they'll go away. as long as there's a demand, they'll continue to gouge lazy people who don't buy tickets as soon as they go on sale.

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:01.

It just depends on what type of a society that one wants. You generaly get what one deserves.! Is this something that should be available to the average family or not.??

Submitted by Revolution No. 9 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:42.

I can't see how to avoid it. Even if the Habs sold all of the tickets for 5$, they'd all still be sold out to everyone camping out on day 1 of sales (as they currently are). And then 80% of them would be immediately turned around for profit. That's just human nature and "supply vs demand".

Submitted by Connecticut Man1 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:10.

I am thinking the average family can not afford the face value price coupled with all of the extras (food, souvenir, etc.). We go see the Hartford Wolfpack (the rags farm team) and it costs about the same for everything as it would to take our family to a movie with the extras (popcorn, drink, etc.). Taking our entire family (2 adults + 4 kids) to an NHL game is nearly unthinkable. lol

Submitted by HAB-PROFESSOR on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:47.

Plan B: Perrault for faceoffs? Damphouse? not that I think Sundin isn't coming....he is.

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:40.

I just phoned the justice office and was advised that only if a citizen of the province of Quebec who puts in writing a formal complaint, can they start an action for unfair marketing of tickets at the Bell Center or who ever. Scalping is an illegal transaction but a formal complaint must be sent by registered mail. So who will follow up now.??

Submitted by HabsWin09 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:42.

Cops used to arrest scalpers right on the street. No one had filed complaints. But now the box office is the scalper. You can't buy those seats at the box office BUT you can on the internet via auction and for more than facevalue.

Submitted by MikeL on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:43.

Are you telling me not one person in all of Quebec has ever filed a complaint for that? I find that hard to believe.

Submitted by Ian Cobb on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:57.

Mike L---I'm not telling you that, the Justice dept told me that. Most people just blow hot air, very few ever get there hands dirty doing the right thing.!!

Submitted by krob1000 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:22.

"Very few peoople get their hands dirty doing the right thing" ....true that Ian. I will also predict that if someone does take action that the scalpers will have no problem doing what they need to delay any restrictions.....they are opportunists and although I am very bitter (that's why I see the Habs in Ottawa...because I can)there needs to be something formally done or I can't really blame them.

Submitted by Connecticut Man1 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:17.

Blogivism 101, Professor I. Cobb: How the combination of Blogging and activism can make a real difference. :)

Submitted by MikeL on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:08.

wow, that's incredible

Submitted by ReverendJim on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:28.

Reading Hickey's article made me think...If we ever do get Sundin and sign O'Byrne, we have 24 players. One over the NHL limit... I think Dandy will lose his spot...I think that sucks because he's very loyal and still useful. Not the best player, but the same can be said about (quote Mike Boone) Tom The Bomb...

Submitted by Mikeishockey2 on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:38.

Dandy take up 1.5 million, and didn't even play 65 games. He got 14 points. Is he worth it? I Dont think so.

Submitted by ReverendJim on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:49.

Can we really evaluate his effort and will and determination by the number of points he produced? How points did Bégin have? Exactly...

More on Gorges, etc.

posted by Mike Boone at 5h47 EST on Jul 10

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