ch_nl

Xhekaj getting pucks to the net. Love it!

Consuming Pre-season media like a madman and excited for the upcoming season. For us, I really like the direction the team is taking, especially with the gathering of draft picks and "second chances" like Dach and Newhook, And then it occurred, that there might be other such "projects" out there that could be exploited. And as a non-native Qubecoiose, this doesn't come from some kind of hometown-hero-dream, but depending on how things turn out for Alexis Lafreniere, the Rags just might lose patience with both Kakko and Lafreniere as they are in a win-now mode. I'm actually reluctant to add youngsters from Montreal to the Habs, as the pressure just seems to be too much. But from what I read from the pre-season, it seems like the whole success for the Rangers is depending on getting the "Kid-Line" back on par. However, if the Rangers are in a playoff-spot come the trade deadline and it didn't work out for them, Sean Monahan or Tanner Pearson might be interesting if they have some success this year and a prospect sweetener might be enough to get Lafreniere? I'm thinking along the lines of Monahan, Ylönen, and Harris. And if they blow it before, I think we have enough high-end prospects to make it a "hockey-deal" that could work for both teams. Thoughts?

A few seasons ago I really felt that the Habs were only missing a few key pieces to be a legit contender. At that point Gallagher was in his prime and Price was the best goaltender in the leauge. Mac Pac was healthy and scoring a lot. Markov, Weber and Petry was next-to-Norris. Then came the Kotkaniemi and later Hoffman. And the pool of prospects looked shallow. Today and after the draft, my hopes are high again. There are still some dead weight on the roster, but I haven’t been this hopefull on the prospects since I started to follow the Habs in 1992. Also some of the players that is core has not yet entered their prime. And Montembeault that came in from the side is looking more like a legit no. 1 keeper. I don’t expect anything from next season but progress on most prospects. Whit that said, I think the future looks bright!

Regarding Dalibor Dvorsky. I’ve followed hin for some time as he’s playing for ”my” team in Sweden, AIK. There are some profilic player that have taken the route via the second tier leauge in Sweden and Junior Hockey. There’s a tendency for overlooking those players. They include Elias Pettersson, Henrik Zetterberg, Anze Kopitar, Jesper Bratt and David Pastrnak to name a few. If you look at production in both leauges, it’s clear that Pettersson’s production didn’t dip when playing with men, otherwise all of the players above are somewhat similar in stats. Dalibor Dvorsky is showing similar stats. Also being the youngest. Dvorsky might be this years steal.

I really want the Habs to pick Mitchkov. Lets assume that Bedard, Fantili and Carlsson are taken top 3 and that we pick 4th. That would give the Habs some time to “sort out”. A lot of player has taken steps this season to earn spot on the line-up. The Dach-experiment worked in our favor, Harvey-Pinard is scoring goals, the all-rookie-defence is also a lot better than expected, and Lane Hutson could be a Norris defender in the making… Selecting Mitchkov could mean the the Habs could have the following top-6 in a couple of years; Slafkovsky - Suzuki - Caufield Harvey-Pinard - Dach - Mitchkov

I thougt the Leafs PAID the first rounder to get Gustafsson?

Don’t understand some of the recent trades… Ghost-bear for third rounder. Chychrun for to the Sens for less ”litte” when comparing what the Oilers gave for Ekholm. Eller for a second rounder… … And the Leafs paid WHAT for Gustafsson?!

Not really suitable for any thread, but I’m currently in Boston, sitting in a bar and just asked the bartender about which franchise is the most popular in beantown. His personal preference is the Celtics, but all of them are quite frankly respectable. However, this lead me to “google” the Bruins. ”Only” six Stanley Cups. It feels like they’ve been a powerhouse for decades and years. Nice to be reminded that they’ve not. But also questionable how Bourque ended up being a Bruin… I was also reminded that the rivalry has faded on a personal level. My disliking for the Leafs have surpassed the Bruins in recent years. I would even go as far and admit that they deserve the cup… //

I love it! Gurianov was in my opinion one of the best players in Dallas in the playoffs when they lost the finals to Tampa. 2020? His decline since then, to me is one of the most surprising developments in the leauge. His speed, puckhandling and release should be perfect for what the modern NHL is heading. And remember, this guy is only 25. From the same draft class as McDavid. The potential is huge and the cost was low!

Josh Anderson has value, but his value is probably more valuable to us. If that makes sense. The only player that should have more “value” to others is probably Mike Hoffman. A third liner and a powerplay executer to a contender. For a second rounder? Edmonton? Dadonov as a rental is most likely a injury replacement in the last minute. Edmunsons injury history is problematic, but could be worth it. However, trading any of those could open up for a creative 3-way deal where the Canadiens absorb some caphit. (Thinking about Kane to the Rangers or something like that…)

Just a quickie: Eeli Tolvanen waived and picked-up by Seattle... When I first heard about it, I was hoping for a claim by the Habs. I wouldn't be surprised if Eeli could have a similar curve as Marcus Näslund after joining the Canucks. I think most people have forgotten how good Eeli was in both Europe and on the international stage. (Jokerit in the KHL and for Finland in the Sochi Olympics) Confused that the Preds had to waive him and couldn't even get a trade done...

Nice to have the first overall pick! Consensus that Wright is the best avaiable player. From what I’ve seen, he would be a perfect fit. Allready imagine Wright with Caufield!

Armia is confusing to me. Whenever he has the puck, or are on the ice , he looks so good, but once the game is done, he’s not on the scoresheet. His skating is not to standard, but his smartness and hockeysense is elite. (As far as I can tell…) I still imagine that he could flourish with the right company and would love that to happen in Montreal. And I kinda feel the same about Clauge.

Olli Juolevi on waivers. I’d love the Habs to pick him up!

For a young Finish guy, that may be known beforehand, but never really experienced. Professional sports in North America is different from Europe. The player chooses, they are not commodities that can be traded. Losing Mete, and have the chance to join Aho and Teravainen is most likely a factor, just not sure how much.

Whit the current Cap space situation, matching Carolina's offer is not the correct move, unless Bergevin still regard Kotkaniemi as a future franchise player. Suzuki and Caufield has both passed Kotkaniemi on that scale in my opinion. I'm also wondering if the signing had anything to do with Kotkaniemi lost his pal Mete? Take the picks, and go for Eichel!

True, but to me, this drags the identity of the club I love into something I have some issues with. I don't like the fact that Logan was convicted and then awarded with being drafted by Le Glorioux. And I don't like how the whole Hoffman-Karlsson incident turned out. Not players or characters I wish to have a CH on their chest. I saw what was written by his girlfriend and I saw how Hoffman chased Karlsson when they met after the split. Adding two of them, is more than I can handle right now. Even if they are great hockey players, and everybody deserves second chances, I just wish the Canadiens had handle this with more concerns towards the couple that lost a child and towards a girl that had her body unwillingly showcased online. I wish my beloved Habs to be that organization.

No, no, no! First drafting Logan Mailloux and then sign Mike Hoffman. I don’t like this at all.

Ristolainen is another player that has far more potential than what he’s lived up to. Good move by the Sabres, assuming they will pick Powers. As I see it, this might be a trade that benefits all involved.

I think you’re wrong on this one. OEL, in book, is the most underrated player in the leauge. With the right team, he’s a Norris candidate. Arizona picking up Loui Eriksson is the ”bad move” in this deal as he’s SO dependable on team mates to set him up. (Jordin Tootoo, anyone?!)

Will the list of protected/exposed players be public?

Josh ”Russel Crowe” Anderson will get another!

Im just glad that I saw him move his hands.

Oh no! Don’t look good at all. Zednik flashback.

Strange season. In many ways! I was a bit surprised to see Julien go, but the change had to come at some time, and might as well be just now. Also surprised not have seen Frolik in the line-up by now, but that only shows how good Perry, Byron and Evans has been. Hoping that Lekhonen is cool about the situation as well. What we saw in the begining of the season is what this team is capable of, and that is nothing short of a contender. If just all the player plays at their best, the Habs are up there among the best. Regarding who shall play with Weber; Make sure the pairing with Petry is perfect. Weber should step down as Petry has evolved. Give Romanov the chance?