Who has just played their last game in a Canadiens uniform?

[smon]

Personally, I think there's going to be have a lot of player turnover this offseason. First off, the rather obvious departures of UFAs David Aebischer and Janne Ninimaa are guaranteed. Next,

Samsonov's bought out or traded is in the bag too...As much as it hurts me to say it, Souray's gone too, Gainey just isn't going to shell out the big bucks for him. It wouldn't surprise me to see both Bonk and Johnson leave as well, neither deserves a raise and Johnson especially would seem to prefer a team where he could have a bigger role.

But from the players with contracts next year, I'd say it's time to cut ties with Alex Kovalev. He's lost the desire to play like he can, or maybe he just can't physically do it anymore. Whatever the case, he's really of no use to the CH in his current capacity. A buyout or trade seem the obvious solution. A player like Andrei Kostistyn needs to be given the minutes over him.

Mathieu Dandenault seems expendable as well, Mark Streit has usurped his role as the go-to utility player and brings more to the table each night than him. We don't really need two forward/defensemen on the team, and defensively Dandenault isn't worth much.

Anyhow, feel free to share your thoughts. I'm sure there's some I havent thought of

[habs_in_the_blood]

damn them all....DAMN them all to hell!!!!!!!

lol no but your right

[Chris]

Ninimaa

Souray

Bouillon

Deandenault

Samsonov

Bonk

Johnson

Ryder

I wish kovalev but know one will take that garbage for the price.

[johnnyhasbeen]

Well, get rid of the bunch with no heart, those who didn't show up vs Toronto. That being all but Ryder and Higgins, Dandy and Huet. Rest o the team were already home in europe. Good-bye Stinku Koivu, Kovawonttryolav, Sucksanov, Abieshit, Scoray, Perezhogginthepcukwhiledoinnuttin, theguyinnumber6suresucks,

Basically, keep the kids, minus Perezaintgoingtomakeit, get a new captain, namely, a CANADIAN WHO GIVES A FLYING FUNK!!!!!!!! I suggest Brier.

Still drinking, stuck in the exec lounge at Toronto Pearson due to snow in Hfx.

I blame the lazy F in bums that showed up last night for my delay, If they had played more than 10 minutes of the game it would be spring now as the Leafs would be out there would be no snow delays.

What showed was who wanted it more, them plain and simple. Therefore I demand a new leader. Go the hell back to Finland, you get to play in the worlds now, Guess that matters more???? FU !!!!!!

[Psycing]

What's with all this anti-Koivu crap? lol

The guy sets a career best in points and it's time to ditch him? Sure he was a -21, but so was the entire team.

Koivu is a 2nd line center playing a #1 role. The problem isn't Koivu, the problem is a lack of complimentary scoring. Plus, he's got a NTC.

Anyway, a lot of changes on the horizon. I think I'll avoid all these threads from now on, too much krazy talk after an emotional loss, heh.

[johnnyhasbeen]

What's with all this anti-Koivu crap? lol

The guy sets a career best in points and it's time to ditch him? Sure he was a -21, but so was the entire team.

Koivu is a 2nd line center playing a #1 role. The problem isn't Koivu, the problem is a lack of complimentary scoring. Plus, he's got a NTC.

Anyway, a lot of changes on the horizon. I think I'll avoid all these threads from now on, too much krazy talk after an emotional loss, heh.

Simple fact, we lost with no effort in the most important game of the year. NO EFFORT MEANS WE NEED A LEADER!!!!!!

Get it now?

Great player, great inspiration but NOT A LEADER !!!!!!

[RobRock]

Basically, keep the kids, minus Perezaintgoingtomakeit, get a new captain, namely, a CANADIAN WHO GIVES A FLYING FUNK!!!!!!!! I suggest Brier.

Dream on. Brier is gonna have 15 or 20 offers to pore over in the off-season, and the Habs offer, if there is one, is going to be well down on that list. In case you haven't noticed, Montreal doesn't attract big name free agents as it once did. And it's Briere, with an "e" at the end. The Brier is a curling bonspiel.

[Psycing]

Simple fact, we lost with no effort in the most important game of the year. NO EFFORT MEANS WE NEED A LEADER!!!!!!

Get it now?

Great player, great inspiration but NOT A LEADER !!!!!!

No effort? LOL

Dude, we didn't lose 7-0 last night, it was 6-5. Koivu had 3 assists.

Looking back on the last two games Montreal won, who scored the game winning goals? Saku Koivu. He's had nearly no help.

Not even Joe Sakic was able to carry his team into the playoffs, and he's one of the greatest leaders out there. Or maybe he isn't by your standards?

Anyway, I'll never agree with the idea that Koivu isn't a leader, there's nothing anyone could say to change that. To each his own I suppose. You're absolutely entitled to your opinion, though, I just can't see agree with it, lol.

[johnnyhasbeen]

No effort? LOL

Dude, we didn't lose 7-0 last night, it was 6-5. Koivu had 3 assists.

Looking back on the last two games Montreal won, who scored the game winning goals? Saku Koivu. He's had nearly no help.

Not even Joe Sakic was able to carry his team into the playoffs, and he's one of the greatest leaders out there. Or maybe he isn't by your standards?

Anyway, I'll never agree with the idea that Koivu isn't a leader, there's nothing anyone could say to change that. To each his own I suppose. You're absolutely entitled to your opinion, though, I just can't see agree with it, lol.

Please don't call me "dude" as that is very brokeback.

Being a great player, which Saku is doesn't make you a leader. Gary Roberts would have gotten more out of his players last night then Saku got from his, and i am not a big Roberts fan. It is the captains job to lead and get his team motivated for these big games. This team was beaten like a welfare mother on cheque day by the Leafs, in the most important game of the year. Since Stinku took over the Captancy, how deep has this team gone in the playoffs? Hope you win the worlds, you captain there too? maybe you will inspire in that room. Hey guys, I dropped out of the Stanley to be here, cause you alll know the Worlds are about everything. I WANT A CANADIAN!!!! MONTREAL CANADIAN AT THAT!!!! BRIERRE PLEASE!!! BOB IS CANADIAN. HE KNOWS WHAT I MEAN. Great captain, Bob was, didn't he win cups? YES HE DID !!!

How did he do Internationally??? Who cares!!!!!!

How many shots on goal in 1st?? No effort!!! that is what I said. Did you watch the game? Ryder played great, end of story. 4 assists? Again, did you watch? He set up nothing, just happened to touch the puck. Ryder should have been creditted unassisted on those goals.

Edited April 8, 2007 by johnnyhasbeen

[Athlétique.Canadien]

It all depends on whether or not BOb can move Kovy without getting burned. The pressure will be on from media and fans alike. I hope BOb can bring in a UFA in the mould of Brind'Amour. Kovy going wouldn't sting as bad if BOb can pull that off.

What happened to Souray last night? I HAVE MANY QUESTIONS

[brobin]

What's with all this anti-Koivu crap? lol

The guy sets a career best in points and it's time to ditch him? Sure he was a -21, but so was the entire team.

Koivu is a 2nd line center playing a #1 role. The problem isn't Koivu, the problem is a lack of complimentary scoring. Plus, he's got a NTC.

Anyway, a lot of changes on the horizon. I think I'll avoid all these threads from now on, too much krazy talk after an emotional loss, heh.

I think Koivu's leadership skills are over rated. Koivu does disappear for months at a time. That said, I completely agree with the comment that he is a number two center. If the team can get a number one center to complement Koivu, then I think Koivu can retire a habs in another 5 years.

[Athlétique.Canadien]

I don't think Koivu should go. It's not so much that Koivu needs to do more than it's more dire he get some support from a solid big 2nd line center.

I still say we should keep Bonk.

[rafikz]

I don't want to see Souray anymore

For every goal he scored, he gave one to the opponent

I'm also questioning his motivation : he's there only when there is a PP, so he can add goals, which is good for a nice contract :contract:

Plus, by not keeping him, we can free some salary cap

Edited April 8, 2007 by rafikz

[House11]

Please don't call me "dude" as that is very brokeback.

Being a great player, which Saku is doesn't make you a leader. Gary Roberts would have gotten more out of his players last night then Saku got from his, and i am not a big Roberts fan. It is the captains job to lead and get his team motivated for these big games. This team was beaten like a welfare mother on cheque day by the Leafs, in the most important game of the year. Since Stinku took over the Captancy, how deep has this team gone in the playoffs? Hope you win the worlds, you captain there too? maybe you will inspire in that room. Hey guys, I dropped out of the Stanley to be here, cause you alll know the Worlds are about everything. I WANT A CANADIAN!!!! MONTREAL CANADIAN AT THAT!!!! BRIERRE PLEASE!!! BOB IS CANADIAN. HE KNOWS WHAT I MEAN. Great captain, Bob was, didn't he win cups? YES HE DID !!!

How did he do Internationally??? Who cares!!!!!!

How many shots on goal in 1st?? No effort!!! that is what I said. Did you watch the game? Ryder played great, end of story. 4 assists? Again, did you watch? He set up nothing, just happened to touch the puck. Ryder should have been creditted unassisted on those goals.

DUDE .. Why is it the captians sole responsibility to motivate a whole team ? That's not Saku's job. Each player should be able to motivate themselves ... they're professional hockey players playing in a do or die game ... if they can't motivate themselves for that, then nothing Saku's says would be able to.

[Psycing]

Please don't call me "dude" as that is very brokeback.

I never saw brokeback, but something tells me they didn't even call each other dude in that movie? What are you getting at?

From what I gather from your latest post is that your against European players (captains) and homophobic. And from your first post, it's obvious that you're drunk. Don Cherry, is that you?

Anyway, I was trying to joke around and make light of our differences in opinion. But whatever, I'm not going to waste my time anymore.

[Toren]

I'd love to have Mike Johnson back assuming he isn't looking for a bigger role and a big contract. He's the kind of player every GM wants. He's always a soothing calm in the dressing room, he's got great leadership qualities, and he will do anything and play any role for the team. THOSE are the kinds of players we need. But, like someone previously stated, he'll probably be looking for a second-line scoring role on another team. And if that's the case, best of luck to him. He wore the CH proud.

Hopefully Bonk will come back at a good price. Everyone needs a shut-down line. If we can get a winger to play with Johnson and Bonk (instead of cycling someone who should be playing somewhere else, like Murray or Perezhogin), I think we'd have something great in the makings.

I'd love to see Souray back, but I'm in the same boat as almost everyone; not at what he's projected to go at. I'll admit, it was nice to be able to say for most of the season that we had the best powerplay in the league (not so nice after being eliminated, but whatever...) In the new NHL, that's a HUGE plus. If it wasn't our 5on5 play, we'd be in the post-season. So improving the team's 5on5 play and keeping the powerplay would be nice, but I just don't see it happening. Sheldon will be going for the greener grass of the California-area to be with his daughter. And Angelica Bridges is KOS in Montreal.

Samsonov will only play a game for Montreal again if Bob Gainey can't get rid of him for free...and he apologizes and shows up to training camp with a huge box of fried chicken for BG (Anyone remember that commercial? Saw it on youtube awhile ago...) If Gainey can move him, I think Kovalev will go too. Good luck on getting rid of two moody, underperforming Russian wingers, though.

Dandenault should not be tendered a new contract. The whole "cup-winner from Detroit comes home to play" experiment has to end. He was a shitty forward, and a shitty offensive defenceman. And his defensive play is nothing to write home about.

If Niniimaa wants to come back for a lot less than that ridiculous sum he was making before, I'd definitely take him. He was showing some hustle and desire near the end of the season when he was given the chance. Aebischer is gone for sure, though. More of a mutual thing. We don't have a spot for him, he needs to try and get at least a 1a/1b job going on somewhere else otherwise he might get stuck in that backup role forever.

[kenadian]

Maybe we need to address our overall "gameplan" Carbo was a defensive specialist....and that's the way we play; YET look at all the [-] +/- players on this team...

Maybe it's time to change our gameplan and play a more wide open free flowing SKATING/FORECHECKING game; lots of other teams do just that with a strong forecheck and guys always in motion....

[smon]

Please don't call me "dude" as that is very brokeback.

Being a great player, which Saku is doesn't make you a leader. Gary Roberts would have gotten more out of his players last night then Saku got from his, and i am not a big Roberts fan. It is the captains job to lead and get his team motivated for these big games. This team was beaten like a welfare mother on cheque day by the Leafs, in the most important game of the year. Since Stinku took over the Captancy, how deep has this team gone in the playoffs? Hope you win the worlds, you captain there too? maybe you will inspire in that room. Hey guys, I dropped out of the Stanley to be here, cause you alll know the Worlds are about everything. I WANT A CANADIAN!!!! MONTREAL CANADIAN AT THAT!!!! BRIERRE PLEASE!!! BOB IS CANADIAN. HE KNOWS WHAT I MEAN. Great captain, Bob was, didn't he win cups? YES HE DID !!!

How did he do Internationally??? Who cares!!!!!!

How many shots on goal in 1st?? No effort!!! that is what I said. Did you watch the game? Ryder played great, end of story. 4 assists? Again, did you watch? He set up nothing, just happened to touch the puck. Ryder should have been creditted unassisted on those goals.

You obviously don't know what you're talking about...and Koivu did us proud this year. It's the rest of the team that really should be called out.

[revin5]

People seem to be falling over themselves asking for big changes. All we need is a little tweaking and retooling. The Canadiens that we saw in the beginning and end of the season were the real Habs, not what we had in January and February. Ignoring the larger implications of the following, Montreal led the league in come from behind wins. That is something to smile about. With the improvements of all our younger players next year all we need to do to be a #1 team is keep the three major roles that are about to go UFA filled.

Shutdown center: Bonk filled that role perfectly. Can we get Bonk back? Or will we sign someone else to do the job? Worst case scenario is giving the role to someone like Murray.

Shot from point: Can we find anyone better for this role than Souray? Keep in mind, Chara is not available.

#1 Puck moving D: Markov has filled a number of roles for us and there is no replacement available (maybe Timmonen).

As long as we make sure those three roles are filled, we will progress next year. Pleks, Higgins and Ryder will all have another year under their belt. Expect Komi to continue improving. Kosty and Lapierre will get a chance to show what they can do through a full season. Perez too hopefully. This was year 4 (of the 5 year plan... the one we've been stuck at year 3 for the last 5).

Fearless prediction: Koivu will have a career year next year.

Hopeful prediction: Stanley Cup.

Edited April 8, 2007 by revin5

[smon]

Oh, I agree with that; but they need to trim the fat from the roster, e.g Kovalev, Samsonov, Ninimaa, Aebischer, etc... I'd be pleased if they could re-sign Souray, but something tells me that considering Gainey hasn't even talked to his agent, he's not going to.

[BTH]

Unless Grabovski or Chipchura is already NHL calibre, Bonk should stay even if he makes his 2.5M next season. This guy is awesome - he's been our most consistant forward all season (especially of the vets), wins big faceoffs for us, controls the puck in the offensive zone as well as any PF out there, has sound positioning, is awesome defensively - a top PKer in the league, has leadership, a great slapshot, and many many other qualities that we need. Having youth is great but you will go nowhere with ONLY youth. You need a balance of both youth and vets. Bonk, Koivu and Markov are necessary for us to keep going, especially if we lose veteran presences in Souray and Kovalev. Mike Johnson is also a great guy to have around and is our rep for NHLPA but we may have to let him go, especially if we want to sign Souray or a big-name UFA.

The only two guys who should not be atleast offered contracts by Gainey are Niinimaa and Aebischer.

[OneSharpMarble]

Souray should go, I was saying it all damn year. I said trade him and get SOMETHING for him, we did nothing and now at best he walks for nothing. In Bob we rust?

Kovalev, I said all year he was lazy and not worth half of his paycheque. His season long terrible attitude cost us the playoffs. If he had cared one ounce we would have gotten that extra point or two that we came up short.

Samsonov, now you all hate him and that is deserved but I would keep him over Kovalev. If we can't move him we should try and turn him around, buying him out is the worst case scenario. It's only one more season, same with Kovalev so not so bad.

Niinima can go, he isn't good enough to take a spot from anyone. Boullion impressed me before but that guy is really not good.

IF we can't sign a serious offensive threat in the offseason then Gainey can pack his damn bag too because he is ineffective.

[Pierre the Great]

Everyone has played their last game in the uniform because next year the uniform will look drastically different.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

Lots of vets will be gone: Abey, Ninimaa, Samsonov (probably), Souray, Johnson, possibly Bonk, maybe Kovalev.

Bob will look to bolster the blueline after Souray leaves, perhaps by trading a young player (e.g., Perezhogin) if he can't dangle any of our veterans.

He will also try to bag that elusive #1 C - Briere being the obvious choice. Don't bet on him succeeding, though. If we do, God willing, sign a #1 C, then Bonk should go, replaced by Pleks. It's about saving money in a cap system.

The 'veteran' young players will be asked to take charge next season: Komi, Pleks, Markov, etc.. What will happen next year is that the 'core' will be redefined around these young players. This won't entail massive personnel changes - just some key moves.

Edited April 8, 2007 by The Chicoutimi Cucumber

[MFT77]

Lots of tough decisions to be made. Gainey will have to decide and some of our own free agents may leave no matter what. Abby sure to be gone, leaving Huet and probably Halak. Price will probably be seasoned in Hamiltion. Our defense needs to be rebuilt. Question marks surround Souray and Markov. I would like to see both back, but losing one or even both would be devastating. We only have Komi, Bouillon, Dandy, Gorges and Streit. The one guy i would like to see gone is Bouillon. Plays with lotsa heart and hits alot, but he made so many bad passes and gets beat alot in our own end. His time is up. At forward there is lots of young potential. Higgins, Kosty, Pleks, Lats, Lapierre, Perez. Still have Koivu, Ryder, Kovalev, Begin.

Bonk and Johnson, hard to say if they will be back. Sammy, who knows.

The future does look bright, but need defensive help for sure.