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NHL lockout is OVER!


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The more I think about it, the buyout will be Gomez and whoever has played the worst out of Markov, Kaberle and Bourque.

Bringing up Markov in that discussion is about as pointless as adding Plekanec to it.

The sad part about Bourque is that he might be put back on the left wing, which isn't his natural position, and that'll cause him to be nothing more than third line fodder again. It'll be a wasted asset. Problem is, playing him on the right wing means the second line LW role is left to Moen, Prust, Armstrong or maybe Gomez. But whatever, it's a half season.

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Thank zeus we are finally talking hockey and not contract nonsense. To all those who say that's it "I am not watching anymore," you weren't really a fan anyways so who cares? The NHL felt they had to get a flawed system fixed. I don't know if they accomplished that but these are pretty smart guys and I am sure that they can figure out what their business model needs. I have seen so many posts where guys are saying they are done and then spout "facts" that are completely false, as I say not real fans. Now lets get PK signed up and on side, we still got some holes to fill, but there are some ufa's kicking around. Lets get off to a good start and suprise everyone and go deep in the playoffs. :hyper::habslogo:

I hope they sign SUbban to a long term deal now, rather then a bridging contract, he WILL cost a hell a lot more in two years, then he will now.

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Even if we play Galchenyuk and his 3M$ cap hit ? I believe that Desharnais will need a new contract as well.

I'd leave Galenychuk in junior this year - too bad we can't send him to Hamilton. I think we'll suck this year. No need to bring him into a shortened season when there is no time to have patience with young kids.

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Bringing up Markov in that discussion is about as pointless as adding Plekanec to it.

The sad part about Bourque is that he might be put back on the left wing, which isn't his natural position, and that'll cause him to be nothing more than third line fodder again. It'll be a wasted asset. Problem is, playing him on the right wing means the second line LW role is left to Moen, Prust, Armstrong or maybe Gomez. But whatever, it's a half season.

Of all those mentioned, Gomez is the one I'd put into the 2nd line role, or possibly Armstrong. I don't ever want to see Moen on the second line again..EVER!!! Prust is a 4th liner and at best occasionally be a 3rd liner. But from what i remember of Therrien and the high esteem I hold of him, i can see both Moen and Prust be given a chance on the 2nd line.

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Of all those mentioned, Gomez is the one I'd put into the 2nd line role, or possibly Armstrong. I don't ever want to see Moen on the second line again..EVER!!! Prust is a 4th liner and at best occasionally be a 3rd liner. But from what i remember of Therrien and the high esteem I hold of him, i can see both Moen and Prust be given a chance on the 2nd line.

I'd love to see something like Patches/Plek/Bourque, Moen/DD/Cole and Prust/Eller/Gionta, a real balance of the top nine that will be both gritty, skilled and defensively smart. There are two 20 goal scorers on each of those lines. Finally gives Plek some real wingers too, which I feel is more important than DD.

Either way, the second line left wing role is just a placeholder for Galchenyuk.

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Of all those mentioned, Gomez is the one I'd put into the 2nd line role, or possibly Armstrong. I don't ever want to see Moen on the second line again..EVER!!! Prust is a 4th liner and at best occasionally be a 3rd liner. But from what i remember of Therrien and the high esteem I hold of him, i can see both Moen and Prust be given a chance on the 2nd line.

:lol: I see we are in agreement about Mr.Therrien.

Unfortunately, this moron with a track record of medicority is our coach until he gets fired (three years max), so I'll at least give him the benefit of the doubt and hope that he's learned a thing or two. Frankly, I think this group will be highly motivated and relieved to be out from under the old regime, so Therrien's inadequacies likely won't be an issue - especially not with the shortened schedule, which will give less time for players to get disgusted with him. Next year is another story.

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I know that it would unnecessarily waste a year of his contract, but I'd love to see Gally given a chance at the 2 line LW spot. Our top 6 is so weak. Otherwise, I like what MoLG proposes.

I'd love to see something like Patches/Plek/Bourque, Moen/DD/Cole and Prust/Eller/Gionta, a real balance of the top nine that will be both gritty, skilled and defensively smart. There are two 20 goal scorers on each of those lines. Finally gives Plek some real wingers too, which I feel is more important than DD.

Either way, the second line left wing role is just a placeholder for Galchenyuk.

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I'd leave Galenychuk in junior this year - too bad we can't send him to Hamilton. I think we'll suck this year. No need to bring him into a shortened season when there is no time to have patience with young kids.

Also, leaving him out for the year makes his contract slide. Why burn a year of an entry level deal on half a season?

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Bringing up Markov in that discussion is about as pointless as adding Plekanec to it.

The sad part about Bourque is that he might be put back on the left wing, which isn't his natural position, and that'll cause him to be nothing more than third line fodder again. It'll be a wasted asset. Problem is, playing him on the right wing means the second line LW role is left to Moen, Prust, Armstrong or maybe Gomez. But whatever, it's a half season.

Markov is a guy who has gone nearly 3 full seasons without playing. I think he is 3rd out of the 3 candidates, but I still think there is some question that he doesn't return to his previous form.

I hope he does. But its not 100% that he will be 100% out there.

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Also, leaving him out for the year makes his contract slide. Why burn a year of an entry level deal on half a season?

If he's productive in a 9 game tryout, I keep him in Montreal. IF he proves he's ready I think there is more value in developping him, than there is in saving that one year ELC.

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If he's productive in a 9 game tryout, I keep him in Montreal. IF he proves he's ready I think there is more value in developping him, than there is in saving that one year ELC.

Is keeping him in junior hurting his development though? The guy barely played last season... bare minimum he's learning how to be a star player and building his endurance up for a full season.

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Is keeping him in junior hurting his development though? The guy barely played last season... bare minimum he's learning how to be a star player and building his endurance up for a full season.

Hurting? No.

Progressing as fast as being in the NHL (Assuming he shows he's ready for the NHL)? No

I make it optimal.

Also consider this.... lets imagine this is what AG does.

This year: 20 points in 50 games / Stay in Junior

2013-14: 45 points in 80 games

2014-15: 60 points in 80 games

2015-16: 80 points in 80 games

If you let him play this year, you are signing him to his second deal after 2014-15. If you keep him in Junior you are signing his 2nd deal after 2015-16.

You might get a discount by signing him before he has a big breakout. Its something else to consider.

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If he's productive in a 9 game tryout, I keep him in Montreal. IF he proves he's ready I think there is more value in developping him, than there is in saving that one year ELC.

Therrien loves him. He will remain in Mtl.

Also, leaving him out for the year makes his contract slide. Why burn a year of an entry level deal on half a season?

Because you need to make the playoffs and he has the potential to make a difference.

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Markov is a guy who has gone nearly 3 full seasons without playing. I think he is 3rd out of the 3 candidates, but I still think there is some question that he doesn't return to his previous form.

I hope he does. But its not 100% that he will be 100% out there.

Markov at 75% is still not in consideration for a buy out. He was in the KHL All-Star game. He may not be the Markov who used to be one of the best defencemen in the NHL but he's still Andrei Markov and there's no way he's getting bought out, even if we traded Kaberle, Gomez and Bourque away and had two open buy out spots.

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:lol: I see we are in agreement about Mr.Therrien.

Unfortunately, this moron with a track record of medicority is our coach until he gets fired (three years max), so I'll at least give him the benefit of the doubt and hope that he's learned a thing or two. Frankly, I think this group will be highly motivated and relieved to be out from under the old regime, so Therrien's inadequacies likely won't be an issue - especially not with the shortened schedule, which will give less time for players to get disgusted with him. Next year is another story.

I think this year is a write-off anyways. That's why i'd want to shield Galy and keep another year of his entry level deal. I'd also keep Bieulieau, Tinordi and Galleghar away from the team, unless, they really show they deserve a call-up later in the year.

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I'd love to see something like Patches/Plek/Bourque, Moen/DD/Cole and Prust/Eller/Gionta, a real balance of the top nine that will be both gritty, skilled and defensively smart. There are two 20 goal scorers on each of those lines. Finally gives Plek some real wingers too, which I feel is more important than DD.

Either way, the second line left wing role is just a placeholder for Galchenyuk.

I think the DD line has earned the right to see if they can continue their chemistry from last year. The issue is that Pleks and Gionta have shown to have Zero chemistry together, which means that I'd propose the following:

FORWRDS:

MaxPac-DD-Cole

Leblanc-Pleks-Bourque

Gionta-Eller-Gomez

Prust-White-Armstrong

If Gomez is the dog he has been, move him to the 4th line or keep him a healthy scratch and give Armstrong a chance higher up. I think a major issue is that we have too many 4th liners in Prust, White, Moen and Armstrong that may end up holding back guys like Leblanc.

If the team is the non-playoff team I think they are, whenever this year's trade deadline is, I'd try and move some of the bottom six depth and hope someone will be desperate enough for a puck moving dman enough, and take Kaberle's contract.

DEFENSE

I can't believe that people are suggesting buying out Markov, a 50% markov is still better than any of Dmen, with the exception of Subban. The D pair-ups I'd like to see are the following:

Subban-Gorges

Markov-Emelin

Diaz-Bouillon

Weber

I'd try very hard to see if anyone bites on Kaberle, but wouldn't be holding my breath.

Markov at 75% is still not in consideration for a buy out. He was in the KHL All-Star game. He may not be the Markov who used to be one of the best defencemen in the NHL but he's still Andrei Markov and there's no way he's getting bought out, even if we traded Kaberle, Gomez and Bourque away and had two open buy out spots.

Agreed. Even a 50% Markov is better than any our or Dmen, other then Subban. Hopefully his freak injuries are behind him.

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I think the DD line has earned the right to see if they can continue their chemistry from last year. The issue is that Pleks and Gionta have shown to have Zero chemistry together, which means that I'd propose the following:

FORWRDS:

MaxPac-DD-Cole

Leblanc-Pleks-Bourque

Gionta-Eller-Gomez

Prust-White-Armstrong

I don't mind this, aside from flipping Gionta and Gomez around. I do agree that they should see how they look for the first few games, but if stacking the top line means we're once again relying on one line to score? Break it up.

I also think Kaberle is a keeper. He's a half point defenceman. I'll take that on the third pairing over a Diaz or Weber who can't score at all.

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Markov at 75% is still not in consideration for a buy out. He was in the KHL All-Star game. He may not be the Markov who used to be one of the best defencemen in the NHL but he's still Andrei Markov and there's no way he's getting bought out, even if we traded Kaberle, Gomez and Bourque away and had two open buy out spots.

I didn't watch the KHL, but the only thing about being in the KHL all-star game is that some times guys are picked as all-stars for their name and not for their play.

Best (recent example) is NFL Pro Bowl picking Jeff Saturday, even though he has been awful this season, and is no longer in the Packers starting line up.

I don't know if Markov is playing well or not... but an all-star selection doesn't prove a lot.

I hope he comes back at 75% or more, I really do. I hope I'm worrying for no reason. But there is a small doubt at the back of my mind.

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Pleks and Gionta had good chemistry when they played together for a couple months in 2010-11. They had no chemistry last season for some reason.

I don't know what they will have this year.

Algebra?

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Pleks and Gionta had good chemistry when they played together for a couple months in 2010-11. They had no chemistry last season for some reason.

I don't know what they will have this year.

I'm not opposed to letting Pleks & Gionta have another shot this year - only thing is you really can't afford to give them more then 2-3 games to see if they can get some chemistry going in a shortened season.

If you do give them a go together, i'd go with the following lines:

MaxPac-DD-Cole

Leblanc-Pleks-Gionta

Gomez-Eller-Bourque

Prust-White-Armstrong

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Commandant's caution about Markov is well-advised. He's made of balsa wood. Another thing to consider is his cap hit. Markov at 50% may be 'better than any of our other defencemen' (bar Subban), but is such a Markov worth a contract presently given at almost $6 mil per? I agree that he's not at the top of the buyout list, but I would not fall on the floor with shock if it did happen. A strong season by Kaberle, another injury-prone debacle or marked decline by Markov - and suddenly the numbers start to point toward it as a realistic possibility.

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I don't mind this, aside from flipping Gionta and Gomez around. I do agree that they should see how they look for the first few games, but if stacking the top line means we're once again relying on one line to score? Break it up.

I also think Kaberle is a keeper. He's a half point defenceman. I'll take that on the third pairing over a Diaz or Weber who can't score at all.

If Markov is even 60% of what he used to be, Kaberle is expandable (IMO he is useless for what he brings to the table). for him to get his points, he has to be given enough minutes, which means he'll cause more goals then he'll add on the PP. I'd rather have our 3rd pairing be more reliability then what Kaberle is capable of. Having said that I'm hoping that he does play well enough to entice someone to trade for him. I still think that in addition to Gomez, we may eventually need to buyout some longer term contracts of guys that I either don't like (Bourque - relatively low hit IF he scores 27 goals again, but he is too flaky to have around for 4 years), or that aren't going to live up to their deals (Prust - you can't pay a 4th liner $3M, there is a reason why Sather wouldn't go over $1.7M, regardless of how much Torts loved this guy).

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Commandant's caution about Markov is well-advised. He's made of balsa wood. Another thing to consider is his cap hit. Markov at 50% may be 'better than any of our other defencemen' (bar Subban), but is such a Markov worth a contract presently given at almost $6 mil per? I agree that he's not at the top of the buyout list, but I would not fall on the floor with shock if it did happen. A strong season by Kaberle, another injury-prone debacle or marked decline by Markov - and suddenly the numbers start to point toward it as a realistic possibility.

Given that you can't buy out anyone until the summer, I think we use this year to see how effective and healthy Markov is. Hopefully he stays healthy.

In any event, I don't think Kaberle is a guy I'd want as a Markov replacement. I don't want a 3rd pairing PP specialist, I want a bonafide top 3.

Keep in mind that we have some young guys that are going to eligible for bonus money once they are up and that's going to require cap room (i.e. Tinordi, Bieuliau, Galleghar, Gachynuk) and you can't be paying 3rd pairing Dmen or 4th liners top 4 dmen or top 6 forward money and expect to win.

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