(ADDED)
- Radek Bonk (Ottawa Senators)
- Christobal Huet (L.A. Kings)
- Mathieu Dandenault (Detroit Red Wings)
- Alex Kovalev (UFA / Resigned)
- Mark Streit (Swiss League)
- Peter Vandermeer (Detroit Red Wings)
- Jonathan Aitken (Vancouver Canucks)
TEAM MODE: The Habs are entering their 4th year (out of 5) of their rebuilding phase. They aren’t going to compete for the cup just yet, but they proved last season that they are to be taken seriously. The longer off-season gave the Habs’ young group of prospects (ranked top-5 in the league by most experts) extra time to develop, which might help them cause even more surprises this year. The new rules should be favourable to the young and speedy Habs, let’s hope for them the officiating stays constant all year long, or else their small size up front will be exposed just like every year before.
TO TAKE CHARGE!: Even though Saku Koivu is the captain and leads by example, one player will be the main factor this year and it is goaltender Jose Theodore. Forget about the new rules taking away liberty of the goalies, he is still the main actor for this team that doesn’t have a good enough defense yet, to contend with the forces of the league. He proved once and he’ll need to prove it again, that he can steal games and series by himself if the Habs want to make it into the playoffs and even past the first round.
ON THE RUSH: The re-signing of Alex Kovalev will take a lot of pressure of off a guy like Richard Zednik or even sophomore Michael Ryder. Given that the new rules are respected and called all year long, he should retrieve his chemistry of the past along with Koivu & Zednik and have a great offensive year. He is the flashy superstar that the fans wanted for so long in Montreal. Mike Ribeiro should continue to get better and look forward for him to have a career season, playing for his next contract after signing a one-year deal this summer. He’ll probably get some ice-time along with Kovalev from time to time and even though both didn’t have much time to adapt to each other last year, they could make some highlight-reel plays this season. Saku Koivu should have the same kind of season he usually have, given that he does not go down again due to injuries. Playing a full year with Kovalev & Zednik could even give him a career year in terms of points. Also, one forgotten player that will help Claude Julien try some things offensively is ex-Senator Radek Bonk. He is more than likely to center the 3rd line, but could be switched around to kickstart some players in a slump for example, he has enough offensive talent to be considered as a valid option. He should get some PP time as well. It should also be noted that the Habs will have one of the most efficient third line in the league with three great two-way players in Nicklas Sundstrom, Radek Bonk and Jan Bulis.
COVERING THE D-ZONE: Now moving on to the weakest link of this team, the defense. Even though thay have some very talented defensemen in Sheldon Souray, Andrei Markov, Craig Rivet and Mathieu Dandenault, the problem is: None of them is a #1 defensemen. Rounding up the defense squad are Francis Bouillon, prospects Mike Komisarek & Ron Hainsey. Newly acquired Jonathan Aitken and Mark Streit could also have an outside shot at earning a regular spot. The first thing that you see when you analyse Montreal’s defense is the size of their d-men. Luckily for them, Komisarek should earn a regular spot this year and Aitken might also be helpful on a spare time basis. Realistically, this is still not enough, though. Given the size of their forwards, the Habs just can’t have a small defensive squad and that is why they’ll have to acquire a big strong top-3 defensemen before the end of the season. Even though not many expect Sheldon Souray to repeat his last season’s performances, he has a lot of pressure carrying this defense squad on his back. Markov and Rivet should help him out, but he’ll be expected to be the team quarterback this year with the departure of Patrice Brisebois.
GUARDING THE NET: Not much to debate here, it is all about Theo. However, with an injury this offseason, Christobal Huet might have lost his chance to play in Habtown this year as Yann Danis seems to be ready to make the jump in the NHL. Jaroslav Halak or Olivier Michaud might both have an outside chance of making the cut, but if you’d have to bet I’d suggest you to take Danis as this year’s helper for Theodore. Talking about Theodore, he shouldn’t have much difficulties adapting to his new equipment / new rules because of the facts that a) he wasn’t much of a puck mover around his net to begin with and b) he was already playing with ''small’’ (in the old NHL) pads. The little parts removed from his pads will give him extra speed if anything so I wouldn’t worry one bit about that.
PROSPECTS: This year should be exciting for Habs fans in terms of prospects. We all know that the Montreal organization has always been slow moving prospects up to the big team and when there, giving them quality ice time along with players from the first or second line. But this year might be different as a lot of the team’s best prospects have matured quite a bit in this lengthy lockout and are now ready to make the cut, which might force the hand of Claude Julien and Bob Gainey. Some of the organization’s best most exciting prospects includes:
Christopher Higgins – This 22 year-old gritty, although rather small, forward is not afraid to take a hit and playing a hard-nosed style. Can play just about anywhere from second to fourth line and have a decent offensive upside.
Andrei Kostsitsyn – This 20 year-old right winger selected tenth overall by the Habs was right away tagged as ''the steal of that year’s draft''. However, along with this tag came in small letter the following warning: ''*If he isn’t affected too much by his sickness and his back stays healthy''. This Belarussian has amazing puck-handling skills along with a great shot and above-average speed. Could be a great asset for the Habs and become a fan-favorite… If he manages to stay healthy.
Alex Perezhogin – When not busy slashing other players in the face, this 22 year-old right winger can play great hockey. Considered a natural scorer by some, he is also considered a solid playmaker by others. Perezhogin is another fast and spectacular player that should be loved by the Montreal fans and he might have great odds at earning a spot with the Habs as soon as this season.
PROJECTED LINES:
1. Zednik - Koivu - Kovalev
2. Perezhogin/Dagenais - Ribeiro - Ryder
3. Sundstrom - Bonk - Bulis
4. Dagenais/Perezhogin - Begin - Higgins
Regular Defensemen
Souray
Markov
Rivet
Dandenault
Bouillon
Komisarek
Goaltenders
1. Theodore
2. Danis
***EDIT***
This article was written 3 weeks ago so that explains why there's nothing on Guillaume Latendresse or Marcel Hossa.
However if I had to decide this year's line combos I'd go with those:
Explanations:
Kovalev & Zednik can't seem to pass the puck to each other and I don't see this line staying together all year long. Ribeiro being the best playmaker of the team and Kovalev being the best sniper, it'd make a great combo.
Also, after being Marian Hossa's linemate in Ottawa, Radek Bonk found instant chemistry with his Hossa's young brother Marcel.
Latendresse won't make the cut and that will be the smartest move for the Habs as there are plenty of good prospects ready to make the big jump. Hossa & Plekanec have to be waived to be sent to the minors so don't expect the Habs to give 'em for free to another team.
***EDIT***
EXPECTATIONS: The Habs are expected by most to finish between 7th and 9th in the Eastern Conference, however most agrees on the fact that they have a solid enough team to make the playoffs and not worry about missing the big dance. This will mostly depends on the performances of Jose Theodore, though.
PROJECTED: I, for myself, project them to finish between 6th and 8th in the Eastern Conference this season. I have almost no worries about them missing the playoffs as I am quite confident that Theodore should have a very good season and that the new rules will help their speedy forwards take advantage of the big defensemen of their rival teams. I do not see them past the 6th position this season, but I’d say if they are managed wisely, they are 2 to 3 years away from being cup contenders.
I am looking forward to see the NEW NHL, and I hope you enjoyed reading this preview of the Montreal Canadiens. I wish you all a great season!
Thank you for reading.
Marco Normandin
HTR Vice-Admin
"
PLAYER NEWS
Carey Price, G
2010/09/01: Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens are continuing to progress in their contract negotiations, according to Price's agent Gerry Johannson. However, he added that there is still plenty of work to do before anything concrete can be finalized. Reports that the RFA netminder would go on "strike" if he does not receive a deal that pays him $3 million a year appear to be a bit premature, but stay tuned for updates. (Source: TSN.ca)
Carey Price, G
2010/08/31: CBC-Montreal reporter Michel Godbout says that a "very very reliable source" has told him that restricted free agent Carey Price will "strike" if Montreal doesn't give him a contract worth $3 million per season. Take this story with more than just a grain of salt, but it's worth noting that former Montreal goaltender Jaroslav Halak's deal with St. Louis will pay him an average of $3.75 million per season over the next four years. Of course, despite Price's upside, Halak does have the better track record. We'll keep you posted. (Source: Montreal Gazette)
Andrei Markov, D
2010/08/30: Andrei Markov (knee surgery) has begun skating by himself, according to RDS. He was hurt during Montreal's second-round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Markov required surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee and he is projected to miss the first six to eight weeks of the regular-season. (Source: Habs Inside/Out)
Jarred Tinordi, D
2010/08/17: Montreal prospect Jarred Tinordi was introduced to the London media on Monday. The Canadiens' first-round pick (22nd overall) in the 2010 draft chose to suit up for the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights over playing NCAA puck with Notre Dame this coming season. "You look at a program and an organization like the London Knights and the way they develop players," said Tinordi. "It's a great city with great fans and it's a great place for me to develop as a player and get to the next level." (Source: Sun Media)
Karri Ramo, G
2010/08/16: The Montreal Canadiens have acquired the rights to goaltender Karri Ramo from Tampa Bay in a trade that sends minor-league goaltender Cedrick Desjardins to the Lightning. Ramo has decided to stay in Russia for the upcoming 2010-11 campaign after posting a 21-17-4 record with 2.11 GAA and a .913 save percentage with Avangard Omsk in the KHL last season. (Source: AHL.com)
Carey Price, G
2010/08/04: Carey Price's agent, Gerry Johannson, thinks that his client will sign with the Montreal Canadiens by the end of August or early September. Price is currently a restricted free agent. Johannson said that the Montreal Canadiens and him "are not necessarily close, but it's not that we're not close in a bad way. We're having good conversations and we both are commited to getting things done." Johannson also said that Price is seeking a short-term deal. We'll keep you posted. (Source: Montreal Gazette)
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Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by Habfanforever on Monday, September 26 (User Info | Send a Message)
The thing with the Habs is they have a 1.5 line, two second lines and a thrid line, speaking in terms of player caliber. I firmly believe Marcel Hossa will make some noise this year because he seems resolved mentally to overcome his past confidence issues and its already paying off on the ice. A line of Hossa, Bonk and Bulis would fare well under the new rules for a number of reasons. Speed and chemistry are the two most important ones. Speed for obvious reasons and chemistry because being from the same regions in Europe, they basically know each other's style and have already shown chemistry in the preseason. Bonk was quoted to saying that he'll do anything he can to help out Marcel Hossa reach his potential and so far, Hossa has shown to be most assertive when on a line with Bonk. I guess the question is, who better to help him than the guy who played so long with his brother in Ottawa?
Plekanec, Perezhogin and Higgins ALL deserve roster spots which makes the coaching staff scratch their heads. Who to cut? Dagenais? Sundstrom? Do we rotate them? or give them all permanent spots? How will this work is beyond me but watching these four guys skate circles around the Leafs the other night left me scratching my head myself.
Goaltending is not an issue. Theodore seems as solid as ever and Danis has shown some brilliance in the preseason so he should be a fit replacement for Huet.
Ryder looks hungry to play and I don't see any let up coming from him. His sophmore jinx never happened because his follow up year was in sweden where he racked up a good share of points. Ribeiro still looks like a question mark to me. He can be great but he can be bad as well under the new rules, he's a hard player to gage in these situations. His diving will have to stop however because he obviously won't get away with that in the new NHL.
My picks:
Team MVP: Alexei Kovalev
Top scorer: Alexei Kovalev
High-risk, high payoff: Saku Koivu
Guy to watch out for: Jan Bulis (seriously, I saw him in the pre-season opener, he was all over the ice)
I'm expecting a great year from the Habs. A 6th overall in the east finish is realistic.
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by Tweek on Monday, September 26 (User Info | Send a Message)
Im sorry and i'm probably the only one in the world who thinks this but Jose Theodore seems overated to me. I mean he's good and all but great? I thought Garon was just as good as he was in Montreal and im pretty sure this Danis guy will put up the same numbers as well. Theodore seems to let in soooo many weak goals, way more then the other "elite" guys in the league and he can never seem to turn it up another notch against a team other then Boston in the playoffs. Ill get ripped for this but whatever. The habs will easily make the playoffs and should be fun to watch this year and I expect Kovalev to rip in 35 to 40 goals this year.
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by habswinthecup-again on Monday, September 26 (User Info | Send a Message)
The Habs finish anywhere between 3rd and 5th in the Eastern Conference, ahead of Toronto and Boston, and maybe even ahead of Ottawa( if Hasek gets hurt or just plain sucks).
Montreal will finish between 7th-10th spot in the conference, they are still to small, their D is marginal at best, and they lack grit and toughness. Montreal will be lucky if they get into the playoffs. Other than Ottawa, there are no "locks" to make the playoffs. The Eastern conference is way to parallel.
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by Starkey77 on Tuesday, September 27 (User Info | Send a Message)
Another great article. I'm beginning to really enjoy these team assessments and commenting on them. Good job guys!
On a Habs note, I believe they have a couple more years of development before they become a force in this new NHL. They're young and very gifted but there's still a few pieces of the puzzle that are lost but I bet Bob Gainey will find them soon enough.
In goal they seem to be one of the more better off teams in the league with Jose Theodore but I do have my doubts in Yann Danis and what he brings but time will tell I guess and I expect Theodore to take on more than the majority of the load this year unless a freak injury arises. They look sound in net so no worries there.
On the backend protecting Theodore is where the Habs will be the most vulnerable as you said. With Brisebois gone (even though I thought it was a good move with his ridiculous salary) we're left with Souray, Rivet (who I believe is overpayed as well), and Markov. By no means is Dandenault an upgrade from Brisebois and if anything it's a downgrade. In order for this defensive unit to compare to last year and hopefully surpass it, Komisarek and Hainsey will have to step up in a big way and I just don't see that happening this year. The Habs need a top-tier defenseman with size and not necessarily quaterbacking skills but experience and leadership to take them to the next level.
Up front the Habs seem solid enough to hold their own and with the new rules speed will overcome size or so we're lead to believe... I like the firepower brewing on the top 2 lines and expect big years from Kovalev and Ribeiro. My favorite part of this line-up is the 3rd line lead by Bonk and hopefully alongside him Bulis and Hossa. It's a make or break year for Hossa and I think with the guidance of Bonk he will turn heads and have a solid year. Still need a bit more size and grit up front in my opinion.
The problem is the amount of prospects expecting to break through this year, if you can call that a problem at all. Plekanec expects to crack the roster after leading the Bulldogs in scoring the past two seasons and then there's Higgins and Perezhogin. Where do you put these guys? How do you keep them happy? Those questions will be answered soon enough and I expect all three of these guys to crack the line-up at some point this year.
With Bob Gainey in charge how can you be worried if you're a Habs fan? He's a genius and will always find a way to put together the best team and win. When the Habs made him GM I think you heard the sigh of relief throughout the busy streets of Montreal and with good reason: this guy is here to win and will make the best decisions to get to the top. Mark my words, Montreal will be a contender within the next 3 years!
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by simplyhabby on Tuesday, September 27 (User Info | Send a Message)
I have a feeling this year that Dagenais will be seeing a lot of healthy scratch time. With perezhogin most likely taking his spot, there is still Pleckanec, Hossa and Higgins all deserving of a spot.
I think it would be a great idea if Montreal could trade Dagenais and Rivet to Washington for Witt. That would add the size and grit Montreal desperately needs on the D.
One thing that is going against the habs and pretty much every team in the North East is playing in the North East. Extremely talented division with 4 playoff teams.
DEFENSEMAN NEEDED (Score: 1) by robinson19 on Tuesday, September 27 (User Info | Send a Message)
The Habs need a big strong experienced checking defenseman, to play probably with Dandenault if the other pairs are passt season's Souray-Komisarek and Rivet-Markov. This would leave Streit, who wants it but needs to improve his defensive play, and Hainsey, who is lazy, to battle it out with already developing Boullion for the extra D position.
Who in the league needs young flashy wingers, and therefore could benefit from the Habs surplus of great prospects, while having the afforementioned Dman. Any ideas? Jackman in St.Louis? would he be quite worth a Sundstrom/Plekanec or Perezhogin/Hainsey type deal?
Help me out here, people!
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by canadaownshockey on Tuesday, September 27 (User Info | Send a Message)
GREAT ARTICLE. I get a little skepticle when reading about the Habs, because it seems most of the time, people are unrealistic about this team. They just hop ont he bandwagon. I mean after Latendresse's first game people were already saying he'd win the calder and the Con Smythe. But a great article you nailed very accurate in my opinion. Good Job
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by habsoverserver on Tuesday, September 27 (User Info | Send a Message)
Thorough and even-handed.
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by habs79 on Tuesday, September 27 (User Info | Send a Message)
They are weak on D, but luckly for Gainey he has trade bait. With Perezhogan maybe taking Dagenais' spot he would become a trade option. Given his decent numbers 50 games 17 goals 10 assists for 27 points, and a plus 15. He has shown he is to talented to be a healthy scratch. Gainey should move him instead of letting him rot. Another viable option is Sundstrom. Now alot of people on this site are saying packaging one of the players I mentioned along with the likes of Rivet or Hainsey for Witt. Although he would address their defensive needs. They still lack a true #1 a defenceman that is a offensive threat every game and isn't a defensive liability. Maybe they should have made a try to land Pronger.
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by Saku11Habs on Wednesday, September 28 (User Info | Send a Message)
By Tweek:
And I quote!
"im sure people will argue he's better then Raycroft but I would respect that opinion I suppose but I just disagree"
I appreciate your opinion but how can you judge Andrew Raycroft's one season in the NHL with Jose Theodore's 9? I take nothing away from Andrew but one season in the NHL makes it impossible to even determine that he is better. We shall see what he can do on the Bruins with their new lineup this year.
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by morrissey on Wednesday, September 28 (User Info | Send a Message)
I smell a trade coming... there's just too much talent up front and it's all young players that need to play regularly to develop. Hossa, Pleckanec, Latendresse, Higgins, Perezhogin all look NHL ready but who to cut? Dagenais has had a decent camp, and did alrigth last year, I'd say he went beyond expectations anyway; Sundtrom has his uses, defensive players that aren't slow, clutch and grab style are an asset int he new NHL... Begin is the grittiest guy on the team and Bulis looks set to explode with the camp he's having. Something has to give and let's face it we need a short term rentla backup goalie until Huet returns, Danis is not getting the job done and the defense could stand an improvement, its acceptable at best. We have some cap room, watch a top prospect go for a solid D-Man anytime soon!
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by daman316 on Wednesday, September 28 (User Info | Send a Message)
I'm not sure how many of you have watched the two preseason games on RDS, but Plekanec has really been impressing me, not matter where he is on the ice, he manages to find an open man with a view of the net. Not to mention he's decent two way play. But apparently he's not a lock to make the roster just yet. The announcers indicated that Higgins is a lock, and Perezhogin is almost assured a spot. But then what do you do with Hossa, if he doesn't crack the roster this year, he'll be put on waivers, and will almost definetely be taken by someone. So although I believe depths is great, it can end up hurting the habs this year.
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by LeMAD on Thursday, September 29 (User Info | Send a Message)
Btw people, Perezhogin probably won't make the team....
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by CanDude on Thursday, September 29 (User Info | Send a Message)
Perezhogin and Plekanec are sure-fire keeps.
As well as Higgins.
As far as I'm concerned, it's essentially between Hossa and Latendresse. My Money's on Hossa.
The Habs have been able to keep a close eye on their Bulldogs, so Perezhogin, Plekanec, Higgins and Hossa have had their attention and perhaps even a bias for a while. Latendresse... they don't know how consistent he can be.
How many times have we been burned with rookies that SHOULD have been good, and ended up as duds. Hell, Hossa himself started strong a few years back, and then fizzled.
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by Hanzo on Thursday, September 29 (User Info | Send a Message)
As for who's going to get cut, it's not only a talent thing. Higgins is doing the team almost certainly. Then you have Tomas Plekanec and Marcel Hossa, if you're going to send them back to the AHL, they need pass through the waivers, and those two guys had terrific preseason games (Hossa impressed me in duo with Radek Bonk). And if they put them in the waivers, sorry, but those two are gone and i'm not sure the Habs would like to give them for free.
I love Perezhogin but he has a terrible disavantage.... they could send him back to the Bulldogs without passing through the waivers, so i think he'll be the one to get cut. He need to get a little bit more refining in his game. But he's a very talented players.
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by saku_rulz on Thursday, September 29 (User Info | Send a Message)
it's a perfect article...or almost!the only mistake is their payroll!! how did you get to 25M????
its around 33-34 M...
zednik(1.9)-koivu(3.4)-kovalev(4.5)
dagenais(0.55)-ribeiro(1.17)-ryder(1)
bulis(1)-bonk(2.4)-sundstrom(0.988)
hossa(??)-begin(0.6)-choice...
offense costs : around 17.5M without whoever is going to play with begin...
than :
souray(2.1)-rivet(2.6)
markov(1.5)-komisarek(??)
bouillon(0.6)-dandenault(1.7)
def is 8.5+ komi's which is unknown...u already have 26M + 3 undisclosed...
goalies :
theo(4.5)
huet (0.456.)
give 5M(4.956M...)
which is 31M + 3 salaries undiscloseed and komi and hossa arent at league minimum ...so its around the 33-34M mark!
all come from tsn.ca..
http://tsn.ca/nhl/feature.asp?fid=5184
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by robinson19 on Thursday, September 29 (User Info | Send a Message)
It's already a tough choice for Julien and Gainey given the 5 great performances of camp: Plekanec, Perezhogin, Latendresse, Hossa, and Higgins. Now you have to also factor in that all three vets who may have been considered for losing their jobs, Sundstrom, Bulis, and Dagenais (Begin was never in this group) are all having great camps as well...
Perezhogin will be sent down, he's the only one that doesn't have to clear waivers. Hossa will fill the spot with Bonk and Bulis on the third line, and Plekanec can center Higgins and Sundstrom or Vandermeer on the 4th. That leaves Latendresse, and he certainly could unseat a veteran, unless that veteran goes in a trade for a defenseman (hello, Zednik!) Barring this, because I think Komisarek is developing into the defensive-minded bruiser they need back there, there is no particular reason not to let Latendresse tear it up for a year in the AHL, win some trophies, confidence and experience, and come back next year.
Here are those lines;
Kovalev/Koivu/Zednik
Dagenais/Ribeiro/Ryder
Hossa/Bonk/Bulis
Higgins/Plekanec/Sundstrom
(Begin/Vandermeer)
If a guy like Zed goes, maybe for Witt in Washington, it looks like this;
Kovalev/Koivu/Latendresse
Dagenais/Ribeiro/Ryder
Hossa/Bonk/Bulis
Higgins/Plekanec/Sundstrom
(Begin/Vandermeer)
considering that in this case on D it would be potetially
Souray/Komisarek
Rivet/Markov
(Witt)/Dandenault
Boullion
Streit
instead of
Souray/Komisarek
Rivet/Markov
Dandenault/Boullion
Streit
Hainsey the lazy bastard
I think I've made my point.
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by intelligentscorpio on Thursday, September 29 (User Info | Send a Message)
They have a better chance of making into the post season because Toronto will play them 8 times a year, and potentially Montreal can win most of those games. Against Boston, Ottawa they may not be so lucky, but Buffalo, they can take care of. With Kovalev, Zednik Bulis, Koivu and Theodore they should make the play off. If they miss, it will be very close.
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by Mullet on Thursday, September 29 (User Info | Send a Message)
Here is your daily Leaf Report! Today Bryan Marchment has been let go from the club. Also, according to Eklund, the Buffalo Sabres who have a big Goaltending dilemma want to send Mika Noronen to the AHL. The only problem is that Noronen must first pass through waivers. And According to Eklund if he were put on waivers Toronto would immediately pick up the goalie as their back up as they have been unimpressed with JS Aubin and Tellqvist so far. Also the Leafs have sent JF Racine down to the AHL in what I would call a stupid move. If anyone deserved the Backup job this year it was Racine who should the Leafs what he could really do!
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by Mullet on Friday, September 30 (User Info | Send a Message)
I just received my recent Sports Illustrated issue today and it is the NHL Preview edition and it's pretty ridiculous. Here's how SI rates the teams in the NHL from #1 to #30.
1.Calgary
2.Flyers
3.Sens
4.Lightning
5.Preds
6. Canucks
7.Red Wings
8.Sharks
9.Oilers
10.Panthers
11.Devils.
12.Bruins
13.Pens
14 Blue Jackets
15. Thrashers
16.Blackhawks
17Canadiens
18Avs
19.Isles
20.Leafs
21.Stars
22.Ducks,23.Blues,24.Kings,25.Sabres,26.Wild,27. Coyotes,28.Canes,29.Caps,30.Rangers.
How the hell is Toronto rated #20. In no way are teams like Preds, Tampa, Wings, Panthers, Devils, Jackets, Thrashers, Canadiens, Avs and Isle better then Toronto. Toronto is one hell of a lot stronger and deeper than those teams. Also, the issue is pretty crappy! Doesn't look like they spent much time on it! College sport previews are better then SI's review on hockey.
Montreal just sent Marcel Hossa to the rangers for Garth Murray. This trade reminds me of Eric Weinrich being traded for Patrick Traverse. Although in Savard's defense at least he had to trade Weinrich he was going to be a free agent. What is Gainey thinking? Just because Laterndresse is having a good pre-season it means something? He is 18 he would have had no problem going back to junior. Why are they going to rush him? What have we heard out of Montreal how much they want to keep Bonk and Hossa together and how happy they were playing together. How exactly does Garth Murray who is nothing more than a career AHLer with maybe some time on the fourth line when a player is injured help Montreal? If you had to trade Hossa couldn't you have gotten a Defenseman? Why is it when someone becomes the GM of Montreal they have to become stupid? Montreal has by far the worst history of GM's. Rejean Houle by far the worst GM of all time and he kept his job for what 6 years.
Re: Montreal Canadiens 2005-2006 (Score: 1) by habs79 on Sunday, October 02 (User Info | Send a Message)
With the trade of Hossa for a the career AHLer there is talk that Gainey is going to keep Laterndresse with the club. I hope not cause if he does there is a good chance he will turn into the next Zuburus or Daigle. He should be sent back to junior to develope properly they are not lacking depth there is no need to rush him. Send him back to junior then one year in the AHL and then he will be ready. As for Dagenais he should be traded for some defensive help which is what Gainey should have got for Hossa.
This is Komi's year to put up or shut up. Hainsey has proven himself a bust, but there is still hope for Komi he will be with the club all year as he is compitent in his own end and plays physical. He should be given a chance to play with Souray as he shares his qualites. Souray should be a good influence on Komi. If that plan should fail they could flip Komi and Dandenault around.
Theodore
Huet (injured)
Danis will fill in for Huet during the duration of the injury. Even though Danis has not been all that impressive in pre-season he should be a decent back-up since Theodore will carry the workload. I would like them to maybe sign Potvin instead for insurance puposes, as I am not to thrilled right now at having Danis or Huet at the back-up position.
Sundstrom could be used as a PK specialist, one of the best.
Still, something's mysterious here.
I hope they trade either Zed or Dage for a D, giving more ice time for Perry and Plekanec.
