tomh009

The reality is that an AHL team is never in full control of its roster, the parent club manages it to (1) develop prospects and (2) provide depth in case of injuries. Further, as much as the Rocket had some good prospects in its lineup this year, the most successful AHL teams tend to be stronger on veteran players and lighter in promising teenagers. So, I doubt that the Habs’ management team had any expectations of a long Rocket playoff run this year.

Maybe the Rocket would have made it into the playoffs?

I think PMK's point is that he was underappreciated when he played for the Habs. Sixth in TOI with Ducharme.

I also like Hughes' drafting logic: not drafting the best player today, but the one that will be the best in five years' time. So far, this looks to be working out with Slafkovsky.

Another statistical tidbit: only five Habs regulars with a positive +/- rating: Savard/Evans were next at -1. Matheson and Gallagher ended the year tied at -24.

Also there is Engstrom on the left. And Harris can play left or right--maybe Guhle in the future as well. That flexibility is very helpful when the inevitable injuries hit.

Technically he would be able to return for one more season, but I do expect that this is rather unlikely.

I'm thinking that Beck might be a better fit for an Armia-type role, although he might ende up playing centre. I expect we'll know much more for both Beck and Tuch a year from now.

I think you have it right. Flyers have a 5.1% chance of winning (and drafting second); if that happens, Habs have an 8.6% chance of winning the second draw, and that would result in a roughly 0.3% probability of drafting third, behind the Flyers.

A-game Anderson has value, but his game is effectively a solo effort, so the linemates need to play accordingly. I give you the Armia-Newhook-Gallagher line (with two of the most maligne forwards we have) as the counterexample: the three players play with each other, look for each other and work together to create scoring chances.

$250K.

Definitely cheaper. Some of the broadcasts are a bit dodgy, though, at least on my friend’s unit. At $200 I’m willing to pay it to get a decent broadcast. Your mileage may vary! 🙂

The trouble is that not many don't want to give up quality if all they get is quantity.

Sportsnet top package has no blackouts (outside the Habs region) and you can likely get it for $200 for the season.

Maybe not outright stinko, but definitely not as good as Reimer.