GHT120

The "Gavin Games" in full force?

So the subjective fan reaction that "his fingerprints were on more goals against" is not supported by the objective fact that "he was on the ice for fewer shots and expected goals against at five-on-five this past year, compared to 2023-24" .

The "Covid coefficient" has also ended ... the cap didn't go down because of decreased revenues during covid and the players "paid it back" over the next few seasons, hence the flat cap

Agreed ... but that will not stop the media which depends on rumours at this time of year, or the Internet which depends on rumours always

And the cap is REALLY going up 2025-26: Increase by $7.5 million. 2026-27: Increase by $8.5 million. 2027-28: Increase by $9.5 million

I would more concerned about his size come "play-off hockey" ... a 60-point centre is probably $7M AAV with the rising salary cap ceiling

My garbage collector's, cousin's, hairdresser's, boyfriend's, neighbour's, Amazon-driver's, dog-walker says Tage Thompson wants to play in Montreal ... he swears it's true.

I would suggest slightly qualifying that ... having been unable to obtain an appropriate 2C (long-term or band-aid), they believe that Dach has the skillset necessary to succeed if he can stay healthy and therefore is their best option, so they don't want to put too much pressure on him with their public statements.

And some may have existed as far back as when junior teams had NHL affiliations ... and/or ... there may be some provision in the NHL-CHL agreement that covers it.

So Beck and Kapanen in Laval to start the season?

🙄

I'll take a 50-point/82 game Dach next season

Could be muscle added and body fat dropped ... let's hope so, and more this coming season too.

Canadiens development camp roster https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/private/t_document/prd/zskwmxto2pwvpcstsmzh.pdf

Don't think he qualifies for an incentive-based contract

Those are questions to ask come March/April, not now. That, the assessment of his performance this season and what he wants to do (e.g., does he want a third season to chase the NCAA title?) will be the factors that determine what happens contract-wise next spring.

Usually players that need/needed AHL seasoning (i.e., not elite prospects) get "thrown into the fire" on teams with no expectations and therefore fewer expectations/consequences.

I am less concerned bout whether it would be a "disaster" THIS season as not best for the players and team 2-3 years from now.

And where we disagree is that for middle six forwards on a playoff team I want more just "very good" ... I want them to be "spectacular" in the role they are projected to fill.

I guess it depends on how one defines "very good" ... where we disagree is that I don't see any of Roy, Beck or Kapanen as having "kicked in the door" based on their performance in the AHL for their projected/hoped-for NHL role

But that does not mean they are necessarily NHL ready. That is my preferred approach as well

My biggest concern is dumping NHLers to force youngsters who have not yet proven they are ready into the NHL ... no player has been ruined by staying too long in the AHL but players have been ruined, or at least failed to reach their potential, by being rushed to the NHL.

Completely agree.

Yup ... will benefit from a few years at University of Minnesota; he joins them in 26/27 ... with the less intensive schedule, he can pay more attention to nutrition and body/strength training to prepare for the rigours of pro hockey that smaller players face.

Or to dream