Matt D'Agostini: Trouble Maker

posted by Chris Aung-Thwin at 17h50 EST on Dec 3


The 22 year-old Hamilton call-up was only suppose to play in a game or two, generate some message-board chatter, impress on a couple of shifts, and light a fire under the collective asses of some under-performing Habs forwards. Instead, the native of Sault Ste-Marie has decided to stick around and ruffle some feathers.

Scoring a working man's goal against the Atlanta Thrashers, D'Agostini has done everything right since being called up from the Canadiens farm team. He skates hard, dishes out solid hits, makes trouble in front of the net, and plays smart. He's playing on the team's top line with Captain Saku Koivu and the suddenly reinvigorated Andrei Kostitsyn. D'Agostini was called up, in part, to give Kostitsyn a jump start with some friendly competition, but it seems that the wrong brother got the memo.

21 year-old Sergei Kostitsyn, who hasn't scored in his last 12 games, watched from the press box as D'Agostini celebrated his first NHL goal. Montreal headcoach Guy Carbonneau, who was a huge fan of Sergei's last season, hasn't appreciated the young Belarussian's attitude (and lack of production) in recent weeks. With the Habs bursting with warm bodies, SK-74 might have earned himself a ticket down to the minors.

With big man Georges Laraque skipping an important shift during the third period against the Thrashers, Kostitsyn-the-younger might get another chance to get back on track, but if Carbo isn't impressed, Hamilton beckons.

As a third year farmhand, D'Agostini was doing well this year, having notched 14 goals, 11 assists and 25 points in only 20 games. He was +7 on an uneven Bulldogs team. In comparison, Max Pacioretty - everyone's favorite training camp sweetheart -  currently has 14 points in 22 games and has a (+/-) rating of -5.

Is a stint with the baby-Habs the right wake-up call for baby-Kostitsyn? Personally, I hope we don't have to find out. It's not like I think Sergei is going to be the Habs next 100 point scorer, but I do firmly believe he has the skills and the drive to stay in the Show. A demotion can sometimes do as much harm as good. Maybe wearing a suit jacket instead of a jersey for a few games will be enough to give Sergei some perspective.

Carbo and Bob Gainey, might have to make some difficult and unwanted decisions in the coming weeks. If everyone is healthy, the roster will need to be trimmed.

Only SK and D'Agostini can re-join the Dawgs without having to clear waivers. If Carbo wants to make some room on an already full bench, one of those two will have to answer the call.

Being professional amateur GMs, which Habs player is most expendable? The Habs seem to be flush with grinders - would a small trade be called for? If you had to work with the 23-player active roster, who'd be on it? Who wouldn't?


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Comments

howtathor's picture
Submitted by howtathor on Mon, 12/08/2008 - 20:17.
I'd like to see Sergei back in the lineup taking TTB's place with Pleks and Tanguay. Watching those beautiful passes go to waste is really tough. TTB can rotate in and out of the fourth line. That being said, I think Higgins with Kovy and Lang is bust too. In essence we have two disfunctional lines. Kovy and Lang need to play together but I don't think there are any Habs that can fill the bill. Now Kovalchuk would fit right in on that line. Can you imagine the fire that would light under Kovy? I would give up the farm to get Kovalchuk. I think he would prolong Kovalev's career by years, Lang's too! I can't find a place for Latendresse in this lineup. He's not a grinder nor a speedy winger like Dags. He doesn't have the skill set of Sergei. Just can't see him coming back. So for my Professional amateur GM call, I trade Lats, Obyrne and Chipchura to Atlanta for Kovalchuk.

gillis's picture
Submitted by gillis on Sun, 12/07/2008 - 17:56.
How I came to know Matt D'Agostini: http://aroundthehabs.blogspot.com/2008/12/matt-dagger-dagostini.html ~~~come visit my new blog~~~ ~~~aroundthehabs.blogspot.com~~~

Submitted by Thomas Le Fan on Sun, 12/07/2008 - 09:21.
Maybe there's another young player on the farm who might REALLY want to play for us. Just a thought.

gillis's picture
Submitted by gillis on Fri, 12/05/2008 - 16:00.
Matt Dagger is great. I remember seeing him in Montreal for Hamilton a couple of years ago and he was all over the place. Every scoring chance in the game I saw was somehow related to his hardwork. Last night shows how good he is at forcing turnovers and creating scoring chances.

Ian G Cobb's picture
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Sat, 12/06/2008 - 20:01.
I like Matt D. a lot, but I liked SK a lot also when he came up. So I think what is going to happen is Matt D. will go back to the Dogs, after a long talk with Gainey about being on a short notice leash this year and a spot on the roster next year when all of the dust settles with 8 free agents to sign.

Bill H's picture
Submitted by Bill H on Fri, 12/05/2008 - 13:52.
Good analysis Chris, of the current roster situation that has gotten a lot more complex with the introduction of D'Agostini into the mix. I'd send Latendresse down as I think he would benefit the most from some time in Hamilton, even if it would be hard on his ego. Don't get me wrong. I am not a Gui-basher. He's young, he shows progress, and he still has a lot of upside potential.

The Teacher's picture
Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 16:26.
Why did Dags score? HE WENT TO THE FREAKING NET...pointe finale. My suggested overtime format and other sports talk

Chris Aung-Thwin's picture
Submitted by Chris Aung-Thwin on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 17:58.
And like Carbo said - going to the net is the hardest lesson to teach. If D'Agostini prefers being a perimeter player, but knows how to crash and bang - he might have more upside than most realize.

mrhabby's picture
Submitted by mrhabby on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 14:00.
There are so many UFA'S coming up and lots of talent on the farm. Gainey will surely do something depending on if he really thinks we have a shot this year. On the other hand if he cannot swing a deal or deals, i have feeling lots of peeps will be disappointed on what the team may look like next year.Given the cap shrinking and economy in a state of flux. Just being realistic.

Bill H's picture
Submitted by Bill H on Fri, 12/05/2008 - 13:36.
The shrinking cap will have an impact, but let's not forget that other teams will have a shrinking cap as well. That means there are fewer teams spending big bucks on UFAs next year. There are teams that will have a definite advantage though. But mostly those teams are not very competitive, so there is less incentive for UFAs to sign with them. For this reason, I feel there is more incentive for our UFAs and RFAs to sign with us at a discount.

24 Cups's picture
Submitted by 24 Cups on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 11:56.
Chris - "being professional amateur GM's", what a great line, and oh so true! SK74 and Lats are both 21 and should never be traded at this point in time. What purpose would that serve? Their upside is still unknown and both their salaries will come in handy next year when we go up against the cap. Instead of thinging of moving a spare part or a kid, I feel the Habs should be concentrating on a larger deal that will fill one of our three main needs while at the same time rectifying the roster/cap situation. If that's not possible, then D'Agostini goes back down knowing full well that he'll be a regular next year. It's a long season so I'm sure he'll be back before too long. Going For The Brass Ring - 25 Cups In 100 Years

RiverviewCanadien's picture
Submitted by RiverviewCanadien on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 11:42.
Higgins is on my list to go.

habsnation's picture
Submitted by habsnation on Tue, 12/09/2008 - 13:16.
NEVER!!! He's the most consistent young player on the team. SK needs an attitude check. He was great last year when he came up with a point to prove but he has gotten a little bit too comfortable with his spot in the line up. Dags, is doing his job by working hard and reminding SK that there are plenty of people willing to take his spot. I think BGL is the guy the habs should waive... he's awful, and he hardly gets any ice time.

ReverendJim's picture
Submitted by ReverendJim on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 09:57.
Latendresse is my "trade card". Get rid of him for a decent draft pick, make way for SK74 to come back in the lineup.

Bob Barker's picture
Submitted by Bob Barker on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 03:08.
I'd try to make a big trade for Kovalchuk. If he can score 52 with Atlanta he can score 70+ with us. He can play the point on the powerplay and is a right-handed shot and is practically injury-proof. We have a ton of good prospects and young players, at some point we have to make a strong push for the cup though and this guy is a gamebreaker. This guy on a good team like the habs = unstoppable. If I'm Don Waddell i'm looking for young roster players and prospects in return. Higgins, McDonaugh, D'Agostini, O'Byrne. Hopefully that would do it. Steep price but the guy is pure money

Chris Aung-Thwin's picture
Submitted by Chris Aung-Thwin on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 17:10.
That's a major price... 3 guys who could be/are NHL regulars, and a top level prospect! Too rich for my blood.

Habsrule1's picture
Submitted by Habsrule1 on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 17:16.
I'd do it. Those players MAY be very good some day. Kovalchuk IS...and NOW. Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy(Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy Habsrule

gillis's picture
Submitted by gillis on Sun, 12/07/2008 - 18:01.
Well look at what the pens did last year to get Hossa. It cost them Armstrong, Christensen and Esposito for Dupuis and Hossa. All that for a superstar to play for them for anquarter of the season. Your thinking like the leafs. Everything is "now". Thats why they havent won in 41 years Never would I trade those guys for a single superstar ~~~come visit my new blog~~~ ~~~aroundthehabs.blogspot.com~~~

habsnation's picture
Submitted by habsnation on Tue, 12/09/2008 - 13:19.
agreed. I would love for the team to get a genuine superstar but at what cost? Also the biggest thing the habs need is not a sniper but a solid top 4 defence man. Bring in another guy like Hamerlik and this team becomes unstopable

Xtrahabsfan's picture
Submitted by Xtrahabsfan on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 01:37.
Who would I pick to move on and out,hum let's see....O.K. 1) Breezer 2)Dandy 3)Begin 4)Franky the Bull 5) Nonstopulis 6)Lang ...that's how I see it,and bring in the new blood"Bull dogs" and a star player !!

Submitted by Momesso_17 on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 05:03.
Why do these guys constantly pop up as liabilities? Brisebois: I'm not a huge fan but I have to admit he's playing relatively well thus far. Dandy: Again, I'm indifferent. I can sort of understand why because he's very invisible, but isn't it a good thing when you don't notice your defensemen? Ryan O'Byrne anyone? Begin: He's got jump, he's got drive, he's got heart. He energizes almost any line he's on, and the Bell Center EXPLODES when he's running rampant. He can turn a snorefest into a hard-hitting, fast-paced game and wake the team up when they're nodding off. He's a tougher Koivu without magic hands. He does however have 3 more goals than Laraque and not nearly as many people are calling for HIS head... yet. Boullion: See Dandy above. Kostopoulous: Nobody, not ONE player on the team has as much drive and passion and tenacity as Tommy boy does. He gets to the net, he gets on the puck, he sacrifices mind, body and soul... and yet he can't finish. He's like the prelude to an orgasm that never arrives. But wasn't the sex still fun? Lang: Why?! I shouldn't even have to justify why Lang doesn't deserve to be on this list. Look at the stats and watch the games. This choice alone is borderline blasphemy. I'm not saying these players should be untouchable (except Lang) but you have 3 defencemen slated for trading, which if all 3 were to go "poof!" at this very moment leaves us with Markov, Hamrlik, Gorges and O'Byrne. We don't know definitively how long it is until Komisarek is back. Young'uns don't always work out. Does anyone remember Alexander Perezhogin?

Habs are my Anti-Drug's picture
Submitted by Habs are my Ant... on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 02:03.
What's with all of the Lang hate? He's doing exactly what we require of him, and is easily one the best "3rd line" centres in the NHL right now. Sure, he's slow and isn't the best fit with some of our wingers, but he has 16 points with a +5, and has more PPG than Kovalev. --------------------------------------- In Saku we trust.

Submitted by New on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 18:45.
I don't understand the anti-Lang stuff either. He seems to have played well. I think a lot of times we fans like to see frantic activity. When the team is not clicking, we love frantic activity! It makes it look like the team is working, or that a line is working hard. Sometimes though they are just working, and become a liability. Then there's reputation. Right now SK and Lats are getting reputations. I think both are playing well, for checking wingers. I somehow think they aren't natural checking wingers. Hense the sentiments of "I don't know what I have to do." Kovalchuk. Man can he play hockey. Would he look as good checking Crosby, killing penalties, dumping the puck in because the shifts are 35 seconds tonight? I'm not sure. I'd love to see the experiment, but not at a high price. He's going to the big city in a season and 3/4, for the big bucks. I'd settle for Higgins learning to shoot.

Xtrahabsfan's picture
Submitted by Xtrahabsfan on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 02:39.
Not about hate, it about overpowering consistency and THE 100 ANNIVERSARY, TOO IMPORTANT TO THE HISTORY OF THE FABLED CANADIENS du Montreal to ignore!

mon_chums's picture
Submitted by mon_chums on Fri, 12/05/2008 - 10:05.
I'm not sure what you're saying here. I think you're saying that Lang is inconsistent? During what has been a fairly inconsistent season thus far I'd say Lang and Non-Stopolous are 2 of the most consistent players we have. Neither are huge goal scorers, but they're smart, defensively minded players who can grind it out. On a team with huge scoring power and solid defense it is these guys who fill up the middle. Without them there would be no heart.

Chris Aung-Thwin's picture
Submitted by Chris Aung-Thwin on Fri, 12/05/2008 - 12:16.
I agree - I think Lang was a great pick-up by Gainey. He plays very smart hockey and is in someways very similar to Kovalev, albeit with less finesse but he has more grit along the boards and in front of the net. My only complaint is that Lang sometimes tries to do too much. A few shifts per game he tries to go end to end and ends up turning the puck over. That was something, however, he did more when playing with younger players (like SK and Tenderness). When he's with guys like Kovy, he doesn't try and shoulder as much responsibility. Lang will be awesome down the stretch.

Habsrule1's picture
Submitted by Habsrule1 on Fri, 12/05/2008 - 16:53.
I agree. i really like Lang. What I notice most is that he always knows where to go, and seems to be in the right place at the right time. Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy(Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy Habsrule

Habsrule1's picture
Submitted by Habsrule1 on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 11:49.
A bunch of rookies learning the NHL game is NOT what we need in our Centennial season. That being said, I'd give up almost anyone for Kovalchuk! Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy(Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy Habsrule

smart42's picture
Submitted by smart42 on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 01:02.
The "Baby Habs" at the Bell were a treat to watch on Sunday, real heart and grit. Coaches are sometimes obliged to urinate in a players eyes to wake them up, send them down, bring others up. If you can't bring your "A" game every shift, perhaps you are not one of the chosen few, and the bus rides to the armpitt AHL cities is the wake up call you need. Life in the NHL is nasty, brutish and short.

Chris Aung-Thwin's picture
Submitted by Chris Aung-Thwin on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 17:56.
That's harsh if you're talking about a morning pee.

Habitant in Surrey's picture
Submitted by Habitant in Surrey on Wed, 12/03/2008 - 21:04.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081203.wrim1203/BNS... We need a Top 4 D & a horse centre.... but is a trade of Gillette for Balsillie also in the cards ? This G&M article paints a bleak picture of Gillette's finances and lends credence he may want/have to sell the Habs... Gillette has always been a financial high-wire act, but in every other way he has been good for our Habs... Not so sure about Silly Balls (or is it Ballssilly ?) who seems more of a potential Mark Cuban type owner than the paternal hands-off supportive owner that Gillete has been... Just hope this does not effect the Habs stability going forward... Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049

likehoy's picture
Submitted by likehoy on Wed, 12/03/2008 - 20:44.
SK will be fine. He will answer the bell cause he's a character player as he's shone last year. He excelled in the playoffs when not many others did. Who would I send down or move? Steve Begin...it's closer to the end than the "begin"ing for him. TK, Lapierre, Dandeneault are all capable 4th liners that are better all-round players than Begin. I wouldn't be opposed to having Dandeneault also rotate into the D and O as we send the big hulking OB back to AHL...or if the time becomes right, even moving OB in a package for a better player (kovalchuk, bouwmeester, etc.)

RetroMikey's picture
Submitted by RetroMikey on Wed, 12/03/2008 - 19:32.
I know my decision. Ship baby face Canadiens Idol Serge back to my hometown in Hamilton and keep Dags on a line with Koivu and Tanguay. D'Agostini has earned a spot on the club and Sergei has definitley been a bust. Perhaps Sergei should spend the season to develop in Hamilton as Matt has done for almost 3 seasons in Hamilton. Did you know that we lack right handed snipers on the team? Only Dags and Lang shoot right on the first 3 lines not counting Kostopoulos, Lapierre, Dandeneault or Laraque, these are grinders not snipers. Not a tough decision for Carbo to make if he plays his cards right. "We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"

saskhab's picture
Submitted by saskhab on Wed, 12/03/2008 - 19:16.
Only SK and D'Agostini can re-join the Dawgs without having to clear waivers. If Carbo wants to make some room on an already full bench, one of those two will have to answer the call. Not quite true. For forwards, they are the only two. For skaters, Ryan O'Byrne is still able to go to Hamilton without passing through waivers. He has a 70 game over 3 year limit from when he signed his rookie contract (as a 22 year old in Aug 2006) before he must clear through waivers... he has played 52 regular season games and 4 playoff games, meaning he is 14 games short of 70. This is the case even though he currently has a one-way contract. The Habs can send him down, but would have to pay him his full NHL salary, though it wouldn't count against the cap. It's a tricky situation, but not unheard of (heralded Detroit prospect Jonathon Ericsson is currently in the AHL with a one way deal as well, he being in the same situation as O'Byrne for waivers). This is the opposite of Latendresse, who despite having a 2 way contract, passed his game threshold for his age group (160) in last year's playoffs. After this year, O'Byrne would have to pass through waivers, as the 3 year period is up. Both goalies are currently able to go to Hamilton as well, although Price is closing in on the 80 game threshold (currently at 71) that he has been given (over 4 years). Halak, under the same rules as Price, is still 50 games away from the 80 career games and it appears he'll be able to go to Hamilton at any point this year if the team deems necessary. Next year, the Habs won't have that luxury, as it'll be over 4 years since he signed his first contract (at age 20). Of course, the goalies don't help the roster crunch situation, as you have to have 2 no matter what. But O'Byrne could definitely be sent down, especially now that Dandenault is playing D again. Info from http://www.nhlscap.com/waivers.htm

Chris Aung-Thwin's picture
Submitted by Chris Aung-Thwin on Wed, 12/03/2008 - 19:53.
Ah - thanks for the clarification. I thought O'Byrne had to clear waivers because of the one-way contract, but I stand corrected. Good catch.

bowzer's picture
Submitted by bowzer on Wed, 12/03/2008 - 19:05.
hey Chris!!we share a lot of opinions,concerning our super habs,and I think we had the same doctor(if it's Dr lowe from hawkesbury)Keep up the positive spirit and beleive in the drive for 25,go habs go

Chris Aung-Thwin's picture
Submitted by Chris Aung-Thwin on Fri, 12/05/2008 - 12:17.
hawkesbury!

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