Farber is a pretentious fop (hopefully that won't stop me from being able to sharpen his pencil). I used to admire a lot of his SI writing, but far too often lately he seems more concerned with crafting overwrought prose to display how clever he is, as opposed to offering actual insight. The basic premise of his article is idiotic. It's almost as if he wrote it knowing we'd all pile on him, thus justifying the fiendish fan response he desires (isn't he just too crafty?). Suggesting a franchise player stay away from the glare of the world's best hockey market is absurd. If Vinny's half the player I think he is, he'd welcome the challenge. In a year where we have a shot at a Cup and can give up underperforming assets (Higgins, Plekanec) plus futures from a deep system to get a proven superstar - you do it. We haven't had a Cup in 15 years. That's the longest break in my lifetime and I freakin' hate it (maybe Farber can insert some flowery musings to help me better express myself). Every single one of us would trade a Cup this year for four or five years of average performance. Don't deny it. You would. We're not likely to resign Koivu and Kovalev. If Saku comes back at a reasonable rate and we have Lecavalier, that's an upgrade for not much more cost. Vinny: we'd welcome you with open arms.

This article just pisses me off. It suggests Montreal is so bad to its stars. I can think of a few whose lives became better due to the pressure to win, and the feeling they get from a standing O from 21.273 fans! Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy(Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy Habsrule

Farber doesn't seem to get that the deal makes sense to the Habs in 2008-2009, but not for the long-term. Lindros would have been a big problem for Flyers in era of salary cap had they signed him for that deal when he was 28. Same goes here. For such an astute hockey writer I'm disappointed that he doesn't see how tumultuous the future could be if we did this: it's not all about the 100th year. This centennial crap is killing me: don't we want another hundred successful years or is it supposed to be our grand finale? I think too many people are unintentionally positioning us for the latter for hoping for this no-holds-barred fireworks and then exit. We've SUCKED for ten years. This is our ticket to potentially sucking in 4-5. Give me NJ (not the team, but the constant contending) over TB's one hit wonder any day of the week. TB - you made you bed, now sleep in it. Stop bothering us with your fiscal responsibility. Montreal fans - calm down and stop pressuring Bob to do the stupid "star" thing: he's human and he's tried in the past with lesser talents like Briere. We get this and we've got problems: stars don't win hockey games - teams do.

When you not only gut the team for 1 player, you shove it hard against a shrinking cap you do DOOM the team. Look at Tampa Bay's history. The fire sale started with Richards, but the morons keep signing players to unrealistic deals. Gilbert 2008/09 is the season of the Habs

I'll be damned if I'm going to Florida. Either work a three-way deal that lands me in Nashville, or count me out!

Hi James, How is everything, including your hedge. Hong Kong hedges being trimmed properly like mine.? Enjoy the game to-night.

He was very ready to sign Briere for more money, so don't start with "the sky is falling" BS...!! The difference in cap space with Vinny here and Plekanec & Higgins gone is a little over $3M. you don't think there's any way to unload $3M? Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy(Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy Habsrule