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Getting ready for 2012-2013


hab29RETIRED

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I've seen enough of this crap this year. The coaching change replaced a 59 year old Martin with a 50 year old clone - so not much of a change.

I've read a lot of opinions on how the habs should proceed this year and next. From the blind optimism of wanting to squeak into the playoffs, to the blow up the lineup. I'd for the latter - but limiting the blow-up from what I've read.

I read one blog on eye on the prize that suggested a complete blow out if we are out by the deadline, that included a real dumb suggestion of trading AK46 for a 1st rounder and replacing him with either Penner (seriously???? Like we need another big guy at the forward position who is just at inept at using his size as Gill is on D), or The always injured Hemsky (at least he would fit right in on our team infirmary).

I think its a moot point, because PG is going to be trying to save his ass, so can't see him being a seller. For this team to be successful and not have the same shit next year, we need major changes.

We need a new GM, a new coach - too bad we can't also get a new owner with some balls, but that's another discussion.

What I wanted to do is get some perspective on is the feeling here on who should go and who should stay for our future success, if at the deadline it looks like we are out of the playoffs (strong chance given that I think NJ, Buffalo and Washing should get the 6,7, 8 positions). I think the bruins and Flyers have shown that you can rebuild pretty quickly with some good trades and signings. So here are my suggested moves on who to keep and who to dump, if it looks like we are out at the deadline, may as well get a decent return and help us get a lottery pick as well.

THE KEEPERS:

Defense:

-Markov

-Subban - The way he is playing right now probably warrants a 2 year/$3M

-Gorges - On Jan 1/2011 offer him 6 years at $3.25-$3.5M

-Emelin

Forwards:

-Pleks

-Cole

-MaxPac

-DD - I don't want him to continue being a centre.

-AK46 - offer him between $4M-$4.5M for 6-7 years

-Eller

THE DUMP:

Defence:

-Kaberle - prays he turns things around and someone wants him. We wont' rape anyone like Burke raped the bruins, but could bring a 2nd rounder

-Gill - Should be a good trading chip for someone on a cup run. Minimum return should be a 3rd rounder, possibly 2nd.

-Weber - I think he is going to be a pretty good #4 dman - perfect example of someone I think Martin messed up, but if we can get a 2nd rounder, at this point, we are doing well.

-Diaz - Wouldn't mind keeping him, but if he brings a 2nd rounder, go for it (would want to keep at least one of Weber/Diaz)

-Campoli - brought a 2nd rounder last year, should at least bring a 3rd this year

Offence:

-Moen - 4th, possibly a 3rd round pick

-Darche - doubt if he has any value or if anyone wants him unless the Nordiques come back

-Cammy - Should be able to get at least a 1st rounder, but I'd try harder for a good young centre if packaged with other parts

-Gionta - I like his character, but one guy under 5'6" is enough (especially with Gallaher also coming soon), should provide some return. If we can't get a decent return though, I'd keep him for his leadership.

-Gomez - too bad no would want him - enough said! Hopefully the CBA will have a buyout, otherwise put a gun to Molson's head and tell him to bury him in the minors by having a campaign to boycott Molson's.

Strategy would be to either pick up solid blue-chip prospects at the deadline or draft picks and then fill the roster with UFA's on July 1st.

I'm not sure what the Flyers cap situation is aside from having Pronger's room and its too bad Giroux is probably going to be back (I know that sounds awaful, but I despise the FLyers and Bruins). Freidman said they are one of the teams who may wait to see if they can't snag Weber or Suter from Nashville at the deadline. IF they can't and IF Kaberle suddenly does turn things around, I wonder if we could take a lousy contract of their hands and send Gill, Kaberle and Cammy for a guy like Brandon Schenn?????

I really would like to see if we can move some of our guys like Cammy, Gionta, Kaberle, Gill, Moen for young solid big Dman or Centre prospects from a team that is looking to win this year.

I'd even be willing to move some of the keepers listed, but only if the replacement represented a huge upgrade going forward. Not interested in moving Pleks unless its for a young can't miss centre who represents a hugh upgrade. For me to consider moving Subban, it would have to be for guys that aren't available (i.e. Malkin, I did mention Malkin right?)

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Kaberle needs to be dumped? he's been one of our best players since acquired. And we are gonna dump Diaz and Weber too.

And then Cammy and Gionta need to go.

Oh I get it... this is so we can all complain when St. Denis gets 25 minutes a night and Engqvist and Blunden 20 minutes each in 2012-13

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The idea is to sign or trade for guys in the summer- like Florida did this past summer.

Is there any point in keeping Kaberle if we aren't a playoff team at the deadline??? Great we can have a slightly improved PP that will allow us to finish 20th in the league then 25th!!! Yeah!!!!

Did you actually ready post or just look at the headings????? I'd move Gionta if we can get a decent return (blue chip prospect or 1st rounder). We have enough small players and I'll take DD at under $1m over the $5m Gionta is getting, particularly one one of our best young prospects - gallager is also around 5'6" and bournvil is also a pretty small guy.

I also said ideally I'd like to keep one of Diaz or weber, but it's obviously you really didn't bother to read the post and came in with your usual Martin and PG pom poms!

Kaberle needs to be dumped? he's been one of our best players since acquired. And we are gonna dump Diaz and Weber too.

And then Cammy and Gionta need to go.

Oh I get it... this is so we can all complain when St. Denis gets 25 minutes a night and Engqvist and Blunden 20 minutes each in 2012-13

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Dude, we're 2 points out of the playoffs. And you've 'seen enough' of Cunneyworth after...two games??

This is certainly the tipping point, but the team can still pull out of this. Anyway, after this week's festivities, do you trust Molson to oversee the housecleaning?

How about this thought. Other organizations don't blow everything up because of a single disappointing season, let alone a bad three months. What if, instead of responding to disappointment by dynamiting the organization, we try some calmness, determination, stability and patience? What if we said, Gauthier has all the qualifications and all his moves have been reasonable ones; let's calmly stick with the plan, confident that even a missed playoff is an aberration? As it stands we are talking about dropping a thermonuclear bomb upon the entire Gainey/Gauthier era because of a player revolt against a coach and because of a bunch of injuries. In the bigger picture, three bad months does not justify scorching the earth.

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I did say wait until the trade deadline, but I really dont see this bunch getting better or competing with Philly or boston. How ling dou you want to wait for????

If I recall you were singing praises of the great Gomez trade it only took you nearly 2 years to realize how dumb of a move it was.

With the exception of getting Eller and Cole, we have gotten a lot softer. The one physical dman who we have been waiting 6 years for is a regular scratch. We picked up campoli who every night makes the same bonehead play that got the Hawks eliminated against the Canucks- the only saving grace is his salary.

How many more years do you want to wait for???

Dude, we're 2 points out of the playoffs. And you've 'seen enough' of Cunneyworth after...two games??

This is certainly the tipping point, but the team can still pull out of this. Anyway, after this week's festivities, do you trust Molson to oversee the housecleaning?

How about this thought. Other organizations don't blow everything up because of a single disappointing season, let alone a bad three months. What if, instead of responding to disappointment by dynamiting the organization, we try some calmness, determination, stability and patience? What if we said, Gauthier has all the qualifications and all his moves have been reasonable ones; let's calmly stick with the plan, confident that even a missed playoff is an aberration? As it stands we are talking about dropping a thermonuclear bomb upon the entire Gainey/Gauthier era because of a player revolt against a coach and because of a bunch of injuries. In the bigger picture, three bad months does not justify scorching the earth.

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I did say wait until the trade deadline, but I really dont see this bunch getting better or competing with Philly or boston. How ling dou you want to wait for????

If I recall you were singing praises of the great Gomez trade it only took you nearly 2 years to realize how dumb of a move it was.

With the exception of getting Eller and Cole, we have gotten a lot softer. The one physical dman who we have been waiting 6 years for is a regular scratch. We picked up campoli who every night makes the same bonehead play that got the Hawks eliminated against the Canucks- the only saving grace is his salary.

How many more years do you want to wait for???

It's easy to write off any team when they're struggling. But they find confidence and suddenly the story is totally different. There were those writing off the Bruins at the beginning of this season. I wish I could remember the year, but I remember people writing off Detroit early. They came back in a big way. Montreal has plenty of talent. Up to the people in charge to start getting the most out of them.

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It's easy to write off any team when they're struggling. But they find confidence and suddenly the story is totally different. There were those writing off the Bruins at the beginning of this season. I wish I could remember the year, but I remember people writing off Detroit early. They came back in a big way. Montreal has plenty of talent. Up to the people in charge to start getting the most out of them.

that's why i wanted Martin out. But replacing Martin, with someone with someone with the basically the same philosophy and approach isnt going to do much good.

Same decision on sitting your most physical dman against the bruins (like Martin sat Emelin against Philly). How Emelin sits over the giveaway machine Campoli, when Kaberle and Diaz play the same role is beyond me. Yes, he is not effective on his wrong side - so play someone else on the wrong side. Play seven dmen and sit Gill outside of the PK.

They did play better against Boston then against NJ, but then do you really think Boston played a very good game last night???

Did you actually think that Boston was going to continue to be bad as they were from their hang over, or even the wings, when they still have lidstrom, Datsuyk, zetterberg and Babcock behind the bench??

giving 4th line guys top line minutes at the expense of your best players.

And as i've said in my previous responses, you wait until the trade deadline, but I just can't see us passing NJ, WSH and Buff. I doubt (and HOPE) the leafs don't get in - they have got a worse coach then we do and similar weaknesses and depth as us.

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that's why i wanted Martin out. But replacing Martin, with someone with someone with the basically the same philosophy and approach isnt going to do much good.

Same decision on sitting your most physical dman against the bruins (like Martin sat Emelin against Philly). How Emelin sits over the giveaway machine Campoli, when Kaberle and Diaz play the same role is beyond me. Yes, he is not effective on his wrong side - so play someone else on the wrong side. Play seven dmen and sit Gill outside of the PK.

They did play better against Boston then against NJ, but then do you really think Boston played a very good game last night???

Did you actually think that Boston was going to continue to be bad as they were from their hang over, or even the wings, when they still have lidstrom, Datsuyk, zetterberg and Babcock behind the bench??

giving 4th line guys top line minutes at the expense of your best players.

And as i've said in my previous responses, you wait until the trade deadline, but I just can't see us passing NJ, WSH and Buff. Bottom line is that if we are out at the deadline (which I think is a STRONG possibility), would you rather finish 20th or 25th?

I doubt the leafs get in - they have got a worse coach then we do and similar weaknesses and depth as us.

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I think it is nonsense to whine about a coach after two games. He can't significantly change the way the team plays without some time and you are over reacting to every little ice time stat. How about giving the guy a chance.

I agree that we need to have a seller's mindset going into the deadline. I don't think being two points out means anything. This team is not very good and scraping into the playoffs is not what we need. We need to be a force going in and watching this team, we are not there.

I think any team in this situation needs to do an honest assessment, identify the core, and be willing to dump the rest.

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I agree with hab29RETIRED, the firing of JM and replacing him with RC will not save the season. Actually, I think it will make thing worse because PG didn't give RC enought itme to prepare. I expect the current trip will be disastrous and the team will miss the playoffs.

With Martin, the team would have stayed afloat and it would have picked up when Markov and other injured players return... but too late to dwell in what-ifs.

I think we need a third line, to compete. We also need a good stay at home third pairing defense:

Pacioretty-Plekanec-Cole

Desharnais-Eller-Kostitsyn

(New third line)

Moen/Blunden-Nokelainen-White

Markov-Georges

Yemelim-Subban

(New Defense)-Diaz/Weber

what would these guy get us:

Cammalleri, Gomez, Gionta, Kaberle, Campoli

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I agree with hab29RETIRED, the firing of JM and replacing him with RC will not save the season. Actually, I think it will make thing worse because PG didn't give RC enought itme to prepare. I expect the current trip will be disastrous and the team will miss the playoffs.

With Martin, the team would have stayed afloat and it would have picked up when Markov and other injured players return... but too late to dwell in what-ifs.

I think we need a third line, to compete. We also need a good stay at home third pairing defense:

Pacioretty-Plekanec-Cole

Desharnais-Eller-Kostitsyn

(New third line)

Moen/Blunden-Nokelainen-White

Markov-Georges

Yemelim-Subban

(New Defense)-Diaz/Weber

what would these guy get us:

Cammalleri, Gomez, Gionta, Kaberle, Campoli

They are all overpaid, so not much.

Cammie. 1st rounder

Gomez. Forget about it

Gionta. Someone else's bad contract

Kaberle. Forget about it.

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A lot of ridiculous stuff is being said based on bad performances for the first third of this season. For instance, the idea that Cammy could not net any return other than a pick, or that Gionta is dead weight. Gio has been hamstrung by injuries and Cammy has been dogging it to get the coach fired. Kaberle, meanwhile, is still being punished in fans' minds because he struggled early in Carolina after showing up out of shape - apparently this is definitive and everlasting proof that he can never be an effective hockey player ever again. Despite 9 points in his last 7 games.

I can't help but notice the double standard too. Many posters here still wish Muller or Boucher were coaching us. Yet Carolina has 2 wins in their last 11. Tampa, meanwhile, with exactly the kind of 'star power' that fans and 'tankers' see as the solution to all our ills, is three points behind the Habs. Fans are willing to extend Muller plenty of time to instil his system, apparently, and they are willing to forgive Boucher a dismal first third of the season - yet they've basically given up on Cunneyworth after two games. The FACT is if these guys were coaching us the same fans now pining for them would be calling for their scalps.

Again: how about NOT calling for radical, franchise-altering decisions based on 30 games. Guess that's too wacky.

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I think we are going to see pretty significant changes this off season. We will have a new GM and we will have a new coach. With those new individuals we are going to see a roster built on the style of play that these people preach.

Because of that I think it is impossible to say what this team will look like however if it was up to me it would be as follows:

Center

Plekanec and Eller would be returning.

Gomez would be traded or bought out if nobody is willing to take a $5 million player with a $7.4 million cap hit.

Desharnais would be transposed into a left winger this season when people come back but if it is a failed experiment then I would let him go.

Left Wing

Pacioretty, Moen will be returning.

Cammalleri will be traded at some point this season for either a younger roster player or a prospect.

Darche is gone.

Right Wing

Cole, Gionta, White will all be returning.

Kostitsyn althoiugh I have always liked would be shown the door.

Left Defense:

Markov, Emelin, Kaberle would all be returning.

Right Defense

Subban, Gorges, Diaz would be returning.

This leaves a hole with our #6 /7 guy.

Campoli is dealt at this trade deadline, Weber is traded ASAP.

Diaz would personally be my #7 d-man.

The loss of Gomez, Cammalleri, Gill, etc.... would allow us some cap flexibility to get better.

Players I would target:

Chris Kelly 3rd line center.

Johnny Boychuk 3rd D-pairing

Paul Gaustad 4th line center

David Moss 3rd line center

Jay McClement 4th line center

Brandon Yip 3rd line RW

Jarred Stoll 3rd line center

Jordan Tootoo 4th line RW

matt Carkner 3rd D-pairing

Shane Doan----fit him somewhere

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I agree on carkner and boychuk they bring something we need size and hitting. plus carkner is tough and could be our policeman. Why would we dump kaberle ? he has played well i like all our d men but most of them are the same good with the puck and NOT physical. Campoli diaz gill just don't hit and if they do it is more of a bump.

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If we had a staal or a true number one C man cammy would or could be lights out again. just think with gomez contract given to a big c man like a getz staal malkin type player the difference it would make on our team just by switching one player! wow it would be huge and all our guy's pleks DD eller bump down one and or dd or eller moved to the wing. we would have four big men in the top six which is great.

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My trade list. moen gill weber or diaz not both campoli darche white gionta maybe just depending on d size if we have big d men then we can get away with smaller forwards. And like it could happen GOMEZ!!!! BEING 100% HONEST I WOULDN'T GIVE HIM LEAGUE MINIMUM.

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I agree on carkner and boychuk they bring something we need size and hitting. plus carkner is tough and could be our policeman. Why would we dump kaberle ? he has played well i like all our d men but most of them are the same good with the puck and NOT physical. Campoli diaz gill just don't hit and if they do it is more of a bump.

No way we dump kaberle. Dont think anyone would take him.

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I agree on carkner and boychuk they bring something we need size and hitting. plus carkner is tough and could be our policeman. Why would we dump kaberle ? he has played well i like all our d men but most of them are the same good with the puck and NOT physical. Campoli diaz gill just don't hit and if they do it is more of a bump.

Obviously I wasn't saying grab all those guys bu those players would be on my short list of players to target.

Also depends on what Cammalleri could fetch on a trade market. I wonder for instance if the Wings would take him. Just imagine Datsyuk to Cammalleri.

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I agree with most of your posts and general point of view habs29. I do not agree for the most part with your opinion on this issue.

Gionta is a serious competitor that chips in goals. He is certainly not the problem even considering his size. Kaberle is doing exactly what he is supposed to do. He HAS helped our PP and transition game despite his defensive shortcomings. He is miles above of Campoli.

I have no idea why our coaches play AK the way they do, so I agree with you there. I mean what has he done to deserve so little minutes? Does he hit too much for this team's philosophy?

My initial reaction to Cunneyworth is the same as yours - A JM clone. He does deserve some time before that label though.

I would be willing to trade anyone except Price, including Subban for the right person coming back. I do not think that we are at the "blow it up" stage yet though. If we are out of the playoffs at the deadline then trade some people for assets but don't rape the roster.

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Obviously I wasn't saying grab all those guys bu those players would be on my short list of players to target.

Also depends on what Cammalleri could fetch on a trade market. I wonder for instance if the Wings would take him. Just imagine Datsyuk to Cammalleri.

Thats why i say keep cammy and lets get a very good center for him! Hey i like your list no complaints here i like the way you were thinking.
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A lot of ridiculous stuff is being said based on bad performances for the first third of this season. For instance, the idea that Cammy could not net any return other than a pick, or that Gionta is dead weight. Gio has been hamstrung by injuries and Cammy has been dogging it to get the coach fired. Kaberle, meanwhile, is still being punished in fans' minds because he struggled early in Carolina after showing up out of shape - apparently this is definitive and everlasting proof that he can never be an effective hockey player ever again. Despite 9 points in his last 7 games.

I can't help but notice the double standard too. Many posters here still wish Muller or Boucher were coaching us. Yet Carolina has 2 wins in their last 11. Tampa, meanwhile, with exactly the kind of 'star power' that fans and 'tankers' see as the solution to all our ills, is three points behind the Habs. Fans are willing to extend Muller plenty of time to instil his system, apparently, and they are willing to forgive Boucher a dismal first third of the season - yet they've basically given up on Cunneyworth after two games. The FACT is if these guys were coaching us the same fans now pining for them would be calling for their scalps.

Again: how about NOT calling for radical, franchise-altering decisions based on 30 games. Guess that's too wacky.

You have had a couple sane and smart replies and i agree with everything, cept we see now why L.A. and Calgary opted out on Cammalleri who is poised for back to back sub-20 goal seasons dogging it i would say is understatement,

Plekanec was pushing Chara around, while 13 was scared to even go close to Chara, gutless gutless, gutless (i am not a big fan of 13)

It seems Molson is lacking any balls at all, 3 days and he has already told everyone Randy will be gone ASAP, what kind of crap is that? I guess Gauthier didnt consult Molson before the hire? Where are the elephants for this circus?

Not a big deal to have an American owner, but now way can have a English coach. I dont think Cunnyworth is looking to buy a home in Montreal and is honing up his resume, poor bastard.

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No way we dump kaberle. Dont think anyone would take him.

i know it has only been a few games here but he has played well and i think he has changed a few peoples minds that he is not done yet. with a good stay at home d man with him it would be a very well balanced pairing. He has shown that he still has it with the puck on his stick. just like the days in T.O
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Giving up on the Habs while they are two points out of a playoff spot with over half a season to go. We need more fans like this. Dumb thread is dumb.

It is that attitude that keeps us scrapping by. This team is not a contender. I would be surprised if they make the playoffs, but there is a lot of parity and we could sneak in. That doesn't really mean squat to me.

I want to win a cup. This team is not going to win a cup. We do have a young core and a few good vets to build around and I don't think we need a blow it up, 5 year plan. Boston went up from the bottom to the top in about 2 or 3 years. One thing that helped was getting some decent draft picks and making the most of them.

We need to stand pat with what we have and look towards the deadline. If PG dumps some assets for a short term solution,I say fire him. This is his last chance to show me if he can take this team to contender status, or if he will continue to play it safe.

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Why stop there lets DUMP EVERY player who doesn't speak french.................................................and every other person affiliated with the team (Do all the teams doctor's speak french?)

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