Habs Fan in Edmonton

I always thought Jake Allen was a class act, this confirms it. https://awinninghabit.com/2022/05/05/montreal-canadiens-jake-allen-nominated-king-clancy-award/#:~:text=Allen is nominated for the,province afford to play sports.

True, Arizona is almost certainly the only team capable of taking it on. My main point is what does Montreal gain getting rid of the contract compared to having him on LTIR from a cap perspective. I don't see a big difference unless I am missing something.

Good question. I think with Burke on board the Penguins will lean toward trading them.

You would think the Habs wouldn't have to pay much because is there really a big advantage in getting him off the books as opposed to just having him on LTIR if he is not going to play again? Does their cap flexibility change at all? Just asking as I am not sure of the answer.

He certainly did look good in the highlights, not afraid to lay on the body. He and Arber would be an entertaining defense pairing.

That is true. The 1st round of the playoffs is so much fun to watch. The intensity and unpredictable nature make it so entertaining.

The Pens have some big decisions to make over the next couple years. Crosby will be 35 next year and Malkin 36. When do they start a rebuild? Do they contemplate trading Malkin/Crosby while they still have some significant value to start a rebuild or do let let them retire as Pens on a declining team.

Cooley sounds excellent and maybe a great consolation prize but I always take these write ups with a little grain of salt as there is always a question mark of how their talents will translate at the NHL level. There were many write ups like the one below for Yakupov. The hottest thing to come out of Russia since Ovechkin. LOL "Nail Yakupov is arguably the most highly skilled player available in the 2012 NHL Draft. In the 2010-2011 season, he put up outstanding numbers, recording 101 points in 65 games, and scoring nearly 50 goals for the Sarnia Sting of the OHL. This was as a rookie. Scouts are already drooling over Yakupov's skill that will surely make him a top scorer in the NHL someday. Selected 2nd overall by the Sting in the 2010 CHL Import Draft, Yakupov played along fellow rookie star Alex Galchenyuk this past season, and it will be interesting to watch the two dominate helpless defensemen during the 2011-2012 season. Yakupov has been criticized for being a selfish player by some, but others love how he uses his teammates to score goals. “The Russian Factor” scares some NHL scouts away, but Yakupov has made it clear that he has no intentions of leaving the NHL for the KHL. Nail Yakupov is certainly one of the premier players available in the 2012 Draft, and will very likely be selected in the first three picks, barring any serious issues arising. This CHL Rookie of the Year has loads of potential, and will surely be an NHL star very soon. Submitted by: David O'Connor An extremely skilled winger, Yakupov is the hottest thing to come out of Russia since Alex Ovechkin and is already drawing comparisons to the superstar. He showed no signs of a tough adjustment to major junior, becoming just the fifth rookie in fifteen years to earn over 100 points. Elite skill on offense make up for some defensive shortcomings and size is a factor, though he has at least a year or more to fill out his frame and grow. All in all a possible future superstar."

Yes not too bad, I think I would make room for him on my team. LOL Without question, the most dynamic defenseman in the NHL.

Yes, I would give up watching the battle of Alberta to get a higher 1st round pick. Plus we need Florida to bounce back. I don't want a rested, hungry Florida team coming into next season, I want them to have short summer full of celebratory activities.

Good point, if we don't trade up and have a late first and early 2nd, it's time to swing for the fences. This draft for the Habs is about quality not quantity, would rather end up with a couple outstanding prospects than a bunch of really good ones, we already have quantity. Trade up or swing for the fences.

I think you are right, some good points. Montreal hasn't been fun to watch offensively for a while. If they can add a couple more offensive talents in the next couple drafts to go along with Suzuki and Caufield, combine that with St. Louis as a coach then this team could be a whole lot of fun to watch.

Looks like #2 seems to be a consensus. The most nervous part of the year for me as a Habs fan will be May 10, obviously hoping for #1 but will gladly settle for #2.

Agreed. I don't expect them to contend but sometimes weird things happen, young players develop quicker than you thought they would, some veterans have career or bounce back years, Price gets healthy etc etc I expect the Habs to be a bottom 10 team next year but there is no guarantee of that happening.

I love Romanov's enthusiasm, it's really hard to say who is captain material without being around the team.

I guess it's no surprise. Had an excellent year. Hope he continues to develop like he did this year.

Goalies are the least of my concerns for the upcoming draft. As Commandant said goalies are so hit and miss that you don't waste an early pick unless they could be another Carey Price. If you need a goalie right now then you trade for one as any goalie drafted now won't be ready for 3-4 years. They are quite a few goalies in the Habs pipeline as many have indicated. Just need 1 to turn out.

Agreed, I don't understand the complaints either.

Agreed, next year should be a year to try and create as much flexibility as they can (get rid of bad contracts if possible) so when they are ready to contend, they can go after the right free agent.

Me as well, this was actually his best year on a points per game basis despite a brutal start. I certainly don't think he is a #2 center on a contending team but could be a very good #3.

The Leafs were outstanding last night, they totally dominated the game, better in every aspect. Tampa had almost 7 minutes in a row with the man advantage and the Leafs had the better chances. Leafs are the better team and the hungrier team. I just don't see Tampa winning this series.

As much as I would hate to see it happen, I think the Leafs are taking this series, Tampa just doesn't seem like the same team, not hungry enough anymore to beat a team that is hungry and desperate. Plus Campbell is playing really well.

I think you are right about not lasting that long as many project him to go higher than the Habs 2nd 1st round pick but if he is available he might be a great choice, he might be one you trade up for you.

That's is true, there was a reason he was picked to be captain of the world junior team. However before he could be considered captain of the Habs, he has to make the team, gain NHL experience and command the respect of his teammates. I think we are looking 3-4 years before he might be a legitimate candidate. For now it's likely between Suzuki and Edmundson. I just worry that giving it to Suzuki would be too much of a weight on his shoulders at a young age. Maybe not. I would give it to Edmundson but I am just guessing here as I am not in the dressing room. Agree it shouldn't be Gallagher for the reasons already mentioned.

Agree, we need; 1) Leafs to lose 2) Calgary to go out in the 1st two rounds so their pick is higher 3) Florida to win the cup in a long hard run so they will come back satisfied next year and have a letdown