Gainey drops a dime
posted by Mike Boone at 18h34 EST on Jul 30
Pierre McGuire was at the World Junior training camp for TSN and assessed the prospects of each NHL team.
Here's McGuire's take on P.K. Subban:
"He's one of those wild broncos out there. He gets the puck and you just don't know what he's going to do with it. But he competes hard and he's very quick. He makes some risky plays, but he is a returning player. Canada lost Karl Alzner, who was a star last year, and they are probably going to lose Drew Doughty. Playing in last year's tournament means Subban will probably make this team."
• • •
 Pascal Leclaire has re-upped with Columbus: three years at $3 million, $3.6 million and $4.8 million.
The RFA goaltender made $1.4 million last year.
Comments
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Thu, 07/31/2008 - 06:20.
Vermette Sens Fall Guy .. by Don Brennan .. Ottawa Sun ..... http://www.ottawasun.com/Sports/Senators/2008/07/31/6313591-sun.html
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Thu, 07/31/2008 - 06:01.
Secret Loan made Preds Sale Work .. by Brad Schrade .. Tennessean ..... http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080731/SPORTS02/8...
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Thu, 07/31/2008 - 05:39.
A CBA Note - for salary cap specialists .. by Mc79hockey ..... http://www.mc79hockey.com/?p=2930#more-2930
Submitted by 24 Cups on Thu, 07/31/2008 - 07:52.
NM49 - Interesting article. What it's really saying is that Habs' fans shouldn't be running out to buy a Tanguay or Higgins jersey anytime soon.
The Original 24 Cups
Submitted by FSLN on Thu, 07/31/2008 - 03:02.
***WARNING***
THE FOLLOWING POST MAY REFER TO MATS SUNDIN: READ WITH CAUTION
HockeyBums http://hockeybums.blogspot.com/ sees it shaping up as a two horse race between Montreal and Vancouver with Cliff Fletcher saying "[we're] started to operate on the basis that [Sundin] probably won't be back."
They also speculate that all the trade rumours swirling around Vancouver may indicate Mike Gillis knows he doesn't have the inside track and dismiss the rumours about other teams as unsubstantiated.
Personally I think that Gillis' team is a piece of ***, so it makes sense that if he isn't certain he'll land Sundin he would be actively preparing for a plan B. Unlike Gainey, he isn't ready to go into the season as is so I don't read much into that.
As far as other teams (According to Barry there are 6) being interested, does anyone else feel that might be Barry trying to drive up the price? Saying that teams have indicated they would clear cap space if Mats was interested souds a little like what he thinks Montreal should do so they could pay Mats 10 million too. I wonder if this is true or just gamesmanship on Barry's part.
Submitted by Big Bird on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 23:24.
I really don't think we've discussed the potential Mats Sundin signing with Montreal (will he/won't he) enough. We need more coverage on that front.
Submitted by T-roy West on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 23:54.
Don't encourage them Big Bird or else it will never end. :)
P.S. How's the little one.
Submitted by Big Bird on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 23:57.
She's well my friend. Fiesty little thing. Would make a good 4th liner in 20 years. ;-)
Submitted by T-roy West on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 23:59.
Fourth liner, Nah. Captain of the Womens olympic team...yes!
Submitted by G-Man on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 22:43.
Sorry, Mr. Boone. I draw the line at Abba parodies. Ich!
Gilbert
2008/09 is the season of the Habs
Submitted by Number31 on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 22:32.
Guh! No more Mats news until he actually gives us some news, please! Instead, let's hear it for P.K. Subban! I can't wait for this kid to make the Habs lineup. Well, I hope he makes the team one day. Until then, gotta watch him with the Bulls and the World Juniors!
Submitted by Cable Guy on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 23:54.
he has awesome wheels but he can't finish.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:47.
Sundin's decision sometime in August - Kulas Korner and Team1040 Van. ..... http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/
Submitted by Exit716 on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:57.
He's not coming. Face it. He's going to pussy out.
Submitted by xaverian001 on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:43.
Good one Boone!
Who is the source for RDS? I wouldn't doubt that the call made to JP Barry was actually from Robert L!!!
Submitted by Robert L on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:59.
LOL, I can't take the credit this time. I called yesterday, and received the same schtick from his secretary.
Submitted by HabFab on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:34.
Nice to see some hockey talk again.Would LOVE to see Sundin but not sure we will;new wife,always wanted to finish as a Leaf,second choice appears to be someone other then us (Rangers),$20 million dollars and the rigors of playing your final season for the most storied NHL team . Celebrating their 100th year as they play the 100 plus games taking them to the Stanley Cup finals before the most passionate,demanding fans and press in the world.The man either wants it or we don't want him.
There has been some talk about what should Bo's Plan B be.There is a player out here who fits MOST of the bill in what we all feel that we need and I haven't heard him mentioned as a possible (never thought of him myself until yesterday).
- I don't like him but we have won Stanley Cups with prima donna's before.
- big at 6-3 and 230
- has on several occasions scored 30 and 40 plus goals in a season.
- has to my understanding on 2 occasions approached Montreal re playing here.
- would be a wonderful project for Kovy and Markov
- has a lot to PROVE
- probably could be had for $4 million (1 year) or so leaving spare cap
- last I heard was an UFA and not yet under contract to KHL
- would leave present team intact...as much as some are ready to dump Dandy and Begin ...they are committed to MONTREAL.
Dare I suggest... Alex Yashin !!
Submitted by G-Man on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 22:34.
Okay, you dared. Time to move on. :)
Gilbert
2008/09 is the season of the Habs
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 22:02.
He's under contract in Russia.
Submitted by HabFab on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 22:07.
Confirm please ,when I tried to check into, could only find a 1 year contract from last year 2007-2008.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 22:53.
Here is your confirmation , oh doubting one. ..... Read the last paragraph of this short article ..... http://www.nypost.com/seven/06292008/sports/devils/devils__salvador_talk...
Submitted by HabFab on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 22:55.
Thank you.
Submitted by mrhabby on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:37.
NONONONONONONONONO.
Submitted by HabFab on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 22:12.
Personally this would be more like a Plan ZZZ but anybody else worth having would COST us too much from our present team players.
Submitted by Sammy on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 22:30.
Yashin is playing in Russia.
Submitted by RH on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:22.
That was good Boone. I got a good chuckle out of it.
Submitted by Barts on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:19.
Seriously... someone wake me up when this is over.
Submitted by Sakus Evil Twin on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:14.
Mats' own motivational poster...
I wonder what it could mean
http://www.flickr.com/photos/84606017@N00/2717764909/
A Hab is a Hab is a Hab, you see...
Submitted by Yeats on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:09.
We all need this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_dMRH1P2nI&feature=related
Submitted by HabFab on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:51.
Don't know if you noticed but if you go into the related videos you can access several called the Habs Greatest Team...all the legends on skates and believe it was the Forums 60th celebration.Had Joilet out there skating at 83 years young...hope I'm that spry.Remember after seeing, but had forgot that night .What a sight!!!
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:23.
Some funny dere!
Submitted by Yeats on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:24.
That was pretty good, wasn't it?
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:29.
I had a few chuckels yeats.
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:53.
For two months we have used a lot of ink on this guy Sundin. Been a very slow summer as it should be for the habs. Gainey has his plan, A,B,C and D, and not one of us know what is going down until they have signed sealed and delivered to training camp, the team that best fits together to give us the best showing.
We would all like to know what this years team on opening night will look like. But until training camp ends and all the players are assigned to the farm or are put on our roster, not even the coaches or Bob knows for sure.
If Sundin does happen to be one of the 25 roster players he sure won't be on the ice every second shift like he was in Toronto. He will have to compete for his ice time here against a far better group of players than was in Leaf land the last few years.
I predict that Bob will hang onto the rest of the cap until trade dead line before making his move, if he makes a move at all. Some of you out there really don't appreciate the quality and talent that he has put together already. Just wait and watch this young and dynamic team mature by Christmas. We are going to be treated to a very special and exciting year
Ian.
Submitted by Big Bird on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 23:13.
Good post.
Submitted by mrhabby on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:52.
wow everyone on edge seems like.
Submitted by ianward on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:51.
Hey, I'm an expat Habs Fan who just relocated to the Washington, DC area. Does anyone know if this town has a dedicated Habs bar for game nights? If not, are there any Habs fans around here interested in colonizing a local sports bar for this purpose?
In Gainey We Trust,
Ian
iward@princeton.edu
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:02.
Hi Ian, what a fantastic name you have there. I have a very great friend, xpat who is in charge of the Canadian Space Agency in Wash.D.C. about 5 buildings from the White house. Call over there and mention me ,his name is Graham G----.
Submitted by ianward on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:13.
Hey, that's something - my brother is named Graeme! Thanks for the contact and GHG,
iw
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 21:26.
I'm not kidding, my brother is Graham also.
Submitted by T-roy West on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:43.
Was I the only one who heard J.P. Barry say that the Montreal Canadiens were moving in a different direction. Also, didn't Gainey say Chipchura would be given every opportunity to be our number for center. Also, didn't Selanne say he wouldn't play for any team other than the Ducks. Sundin isn't coming, pencil Chipchura in the lineup and don't call Selanne because he isn't coming. Dallas trading Morrow to us - seriously guy's enough already.
Submitted by Yeats on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:38.
Regardless of what Mats does, It's the Centennial year. Let's focus on those that made us great. I'm just starting with guys who I saw as a kid in their prime:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYafQa6QDac&feature=related
Submitted by Tis Himself on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:24.
Well this is a cracker of a thread if ever I saw one. Thank God the Community Shield game will be played on August 10: Man U against Portsmouth. May have to go on ebay and get myself a kegerator for that one boys and girls! No, I don't give a rat's *** damn what Kovy has on his Ipod. Holy Mary Mother of God, if a kid got caught with Pleks playlist in my old neighborhood in the Bronx, he'd be looking forward to at least a year of "atomic" wedgies!
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:56.
HABS SUMMIT 2008
MAIN ORGANIZER-IAN
TICKETS OFFICER--- Vicky-Habschick
TOUR ORGANIZER----Stephen Herron
CHARITY officer--CHUCK AND ROBERT L
WEB MASTER----Stephen Herron and Robert L
ACCOMODATIONS---ROB SWEICK
PRE GAME DINNER--Bryan Traynor
AFTER GAME PLACE WITH ROOM,BAR--Bryan Traynor
Summit game will be Oct. 25th vs Ducks
To register for tickets, click on to this link below and follow instructions. Order them ASAP as it is first come first serve. Don't miss out meeting our wonderful HIO community.
http://habssummit.blogspot.com
CUT OFF DATE FOR ORDERS IS, (MIDNIGHT THURSDAY JULY 31st) .FOR SUMMIT GAME TICKETS
Only 1 more day to order game tickets with us boys and girls.
IAN
Submitted by habs-13 on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:34.
Man, Eklund really has no idea what he's talking about. He says that the Habs have interest in Shanahan and Afinogenov. What could we possibly do with another winger? If he's going to lie, he should atleast do a little research.
Submitted by RetroMikey on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:47.
Listen to what your heart tells you and not listen to what Eklund, McKenzie, McGuire, etc.. feed you with all this gossip!
"We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"
Submitted by Yeats on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:49.
Take it from an economist, you make enough forecasts, you are bound to be right. Tomorrow, stock and bond prices will move! Mark my words, it will happen!!!
Submitted by G-Man on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 22:38.
They found a cure for this constipation we call a market? amazing.
Gilbert
2008/09 is the season of the Habs
Submitted by RetroMikey on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:59.
I'll drink to that Yeats!
"We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"
Submitted by mrhabby on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:32.
i will be so glad when the sundin saga is over so we can trash someone else.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:29.
One on One interview with Jose Theodore by Mike Vogel .. Kuklas Korner ..... http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/all5/
Submitted by showey47 on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:10.
Obyrne aparently took the purse to delete some pics of huet and some chick taken with the cell phone. Here was my post about the whole ordeal
"Submitted by showey47 on Tue, 02/12/2008 - 12:51.
The key to this whole thing is probably not the purse itself, definatly not the 20 bucks, but maybe the cell phone. Since all phones pretty much have the feature of pictures and video, perhaps ryan or another play may of been captured on the phone in a less than admirable position and may of been afraid of it ending up on the internet. Not saying tlusty type pics but maybe a non-single player being with a girl from the bar. Just another theory to throw in the ring."
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:13.
Showey, sounds like been there done that type of deal. Nothing like experience my friend. Ha!
Submitted by showey47 on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:46.
yes ian, i do know first hand the results of being a hockey player,road trips and puck bunnies. Thank god camera phones were not readily available back then
Submitted by FSLN on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:02.
Wow, that is really impressive Showey! What a call...
Submitted by Yeats on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:10.
Call of the '07-'08 season! You my friend, are indeed the man!!!
Submitted by Yeats on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 18:48.
Anyone else in? I predict that if Mats does not sign with the Habs the thread that contains that news will set the all-time record for responses on HIO. Man, there will be music, sarcasm, Euro-bashing and leaf bashing. You name it, it will be there. Unless of course he decides to retire, then I think 20 posts max.
Submitted by RetroMikey on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:20.
We'll break the record of over 1000 posts, I've mentioned this topic berfore in a previous thread Yeats.
I knew Mats would not sign the minute he decided he did not want to waive his no trade clause last March at the trade deadline and come to Montreal.
If you add 2 and 2, you could figure it out...Mat's does not want to come to Montreal ever!
I am still disappointed and embarassed at Bob Gainey in trying to attempt to land the Swede. Bob should know better!
We'll be better off in landing someone during the season if we need someone to fill the void.
Can't wait until he gives his answer. Lot of people are going to bash him for not coming. But hey, it was expected long time ago so please let's all move forward and look forward to training camp and the hockey season.
We're a better team without him in my books.
Let the bashing, insults, etc.. began on August 1. I'm going to enjoy reading all the posts from all of our Habs fans worldwide and even our fans in Swedan who support the Habs and hear their feedback.
By the way, we will never make a player to player trade with Toronto when it comes to hockey.
"We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"
Submitted by J.T. on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:00.
What are you talking about? Of COURSE the Habs will be a better team with Sundin than without him. The man is a competitor, a leader, a six-foot-freaking-five power centre who's great in the faceoff circle and can make everyone around him better. Who do you think is out there for whom Gainey can trade without costing the team more than it can afford?
In the meantime, Sundin may very well decide to go elsewhere, but what did Gainey have to lose by approaching him? You might be embarrassed, but I would think it remiss of him to ignore a golden opportunity to snag the perfect piece needed to complete a pretty great team. And as for Sundin's decision, after taking such a long time to make it, I think we can be assured that if he *does* choose Montreal, he'll bring everything he's got to our team. No worries about him making a hasty choice and having regrets.
And I agree HIO will go nuts regardless of which team the big guy picks. But if it's all about slamming Sundin, they're wrong to do it.
http://habsloyalist.blogspot.com
Submitted by RetroMikey on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:09.
You honestly think his heart is to come to Montreal and play for a contender? I'd love to have him as well but he's got nothing to prove anymore in his career. Winning a Stanley Cup is not on his agenda. I can't believe there are so many out there still believing he's coming to Montreal.
I won't be bashing Mats, I bashed him along time ago when he had a chance to play here and he refused. Not the type of player I want on our team.
"We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"
Submitted by J.T. on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:18.
I don't know the man, so I honestly don't know what to believe about what he wants. But one thing I can say with some degree of confidence is that if it takes him this long to make the decision, he'll put everything he's got into playing for the team he picks. And, of all the takes I've read on this, the one that rang truest to me was yesterday's by Elliotte Friedman, who thinks Sundin likes the thought of playing for an exciting team like Montreal, but he's worried enough about what that decision would do to his long-term legacy in TO that he might consider another team or retirement because of it. I think if he thought he could play a year or two in Montreal just for the fun of it and not be eternally vilified in leafdom for it, he'd pick the Habs. And, I think that dilemma's what's taking him so long to choose. Which, in itself, is a good thing, because if Gainey's offer could be easily dismissed, I think Sundin would be classy enough to tell Bob he's not interested and that he should look elsewhere for the player he needs. The fact that he hasn't done that makes me think he's at least seriously considering Montreal.
If he still, after all this rollercoasting, picks another team or retirement, then so be it. I'm not getting my hopes up that he's coming, but I'll be one happy camper if he does.
http://habsloyalist.blogspot.com
Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:41.
Beautiful response :)
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!
Submitted by RetroMikey on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:40.
Think about this for a moment.
Does Mats really want to win a Stanley Cup?
Does he really want to play hard and win in Montreal which would suit his playing style or play and then retire as a Maple Leaf loser?
If I were a betting man, I'd opt for the latter.
Don't be surprised if he comes back to play for Toronto for less money than Montreal offers him.
Mats is Mats.
"We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"
Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:42.
Your argument loses strength if Mats ever realizes they have no chance to win before he is 45.
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!
Submitted by ebk on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 20:26.
excellent post!
Submitted by Reza on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:44.
Excellent post, very well put.
Whatever happens with Sundin my post will only be that our number one need is a defenceman (or two) anyhow, and I will get zero replies lol
Submitted by RGM on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:42.
"By the way, we will never make a player to player trade with Toronto when it comes to hockey."
Not one to let the facts get in the way of a good argument, eh? How quickly we forget the Grabovski-Pateryn deal. That's all it takes is one to make that statement false. I'd also advise you not to count your chickens and start gloating before the eggs have even been laid.
-----
Go Habs Go!
Submitted by RetroMikey on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:57.
Yes, and Pateryn will make our starting roster and be the Molson Cup winner and Grabovsky will make such an impact for the Maple Leafs, he'll be their leading scorer and guide them to the playoffs.
The eggs have already been laid my young RGM Habs fan way back in March. Wait, I'm counting chickens and I only see one and he's in Sweden.
"We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"
Submitted by Yeats on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:47.
To be fair to RetroMikey, the Grabovski-Pateryn thing ain't exactly a deal. The leafs probably could have had the former for a case of decent Scotch.
Submitted by Yeats on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:24.
You're right. I have always been of the opinion that regardless of what Sundin decides, it is good for the Habs. If he chooses to sign, then presumably, it is for the right reasons. If not, we didn't really need him in the first place. We just need three things to pull it off in the Centennial year: 1.) the same luck on the medical front we had last season; 2.) goaltenders who live up to their billings and 3.) luck. That last one even the Red Wings needed to win last year!
P.S. If he doesn't sign though, it is gonna be a "bitch fest" for the time capsule!
Submitted by RetroMikey on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:30.
"bitch fest" lol!!! I like that Yeats....to me, it's going to be a major explosion when his decision is announced. Lot of bombs are going to drop on this site and the guys at HIO better be prepared.
My predicition is that we'll sip the champagne next year not this centennial season.
"We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"
Submitted by Yeats on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:43.
Crap, I'm in your camp. It's gonna be total f'n anarchy if Mats doesn't sign with the Habs. Gainey sucks, Carbo -- who admittedly has little to do with it -- will suck! Of course, Mats will suck!! As will his parents, new wife and any potential progeny he produces in the future!!! Mats Sundin will have, all by himself, doomed the Habs forever. (Don't mention Irving Grunman, Rejean Houle or Mario Trembley! Stay on topic!!!)
Submitted by TC on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 18:43.
Who knows, maybe Gainey has sent an "S.O.S" to Sundin and his agent. Say what you want about Gainey but he's been a real "Super Trouper" for the last few months. But that's "The Name of the Game" in today's NHL. At the start of the month he was set to go to Sweden and give Sundin a "Ring Ring", all the while trying to convince Mats it's not all about "Money, Money, Money".
T.C.
tc.denault@habsworld.net
Submitted by Axeman on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 19:21.
To continue this thread, I'm sure the French press are already asking Mats: "Voulez Vous". "I Have A Dream" that Sundin will realize that the Laffs are crying "SOS", but they've already had their "Waterloo". This whole free agent thing is a "Crazy World", and Mats, "I've Been Waiting For You" to say "I Do I Do I Do" to the Habs. "Mamma Mia", "Does Your Mother Know" your decision yet? The best choice, Mats, is to become "One Of Us".
Submitted by Shawn S on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 18:38.
I don't know what song that is parodying.
And thats quite the ringing endorsement from McGuire talking about Subban........
Submitted by Faust7 on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 18:48.
Take a chance on me by Abba
The winner takes it all by Abba
Submitted by sidhu on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 18:45.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dP2_yjFE3w
Submitted by Yeats on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 18:36.
Maybe someone on the squad should put that on their Ipod!
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