thib46

I just watch a short video of Grigorenko interview in Edmonton, for a young man who did not speak a word of English when he came to Quebec last year he has down remarkably well. The fact he has done so well would indicate intelligence, dedication to achieve and determination in what he strives to accomplish. Definitely good traits in a young man. I also did not realize he was that big. If he ends up in Montreal I would not be upset. It certainly looks like Montreal has the opportunity to really get a great prospect this year.

Do you really believe a radio station would be able to sway the thinking of a hockey organization as to who they would hire? Really?

PK and the 3rd overall for the 1st Overall, not going to happen. Whoever came up with that one must be having a bad case of hallucinations. Now how about my hallucinations, Weber, Diaz and the 3rd overall for the 1st. Both help the Edmonton defense and they still get the 3rd pick and they pick the best defenseman available.

PK and Eller are both young players and they are continuing to learn what they can do and what they can't do. It appears to me the expectations of the experts on player development in this forum would like to see these two players playing as if they were at their prime. Both of these players will continue to develop and will be good players in the league for a long time. If they become great, then great!!

I had a chance to watch the replays of Patrick Roy"s press conference in Quebec, I was impressed by his demeanor, his responses were direct and sounded very sincere. He actually appeared to me as very level headed and someone who knows where he is at the moment and is feeling good in his skin. He did not take the bait to attack the process and the selection that were presented to him by some of the journalist. I like him more today then yesterday and I do believe he may well have the chance to work at a head coach in the NHL.

I am happy that the GM does not buy into popularity polls, after going through his process he came up with his coach.

I think you want to be first to make this call and when it happens in a few years, because everyone in the position of coach will either get fired or move on, you will say I told you so.

How many years since Therrien was in Montreal, 8 or 10 years, I would think that any person will change over time. For that reason I do not care about his temper issues of 10 years ago, what I do care about is has he learned and grown over time. He is not the same man he was 10 years ago, none of us are who we were 10 years ago, we learn from our mistakes and move on. Give me someone who does not make mistakes and I will give you someone who never makes decisions and who does not care. I will wait and give Therrien the benefit of the doubt.

The description of Betrand Raymond is on point, nothing else need be said.

I believe Roy would bring the needed passion and drive for the short term and the team may respond well to his intensity. For that reason I would be very happy with Roy, Not so with Crawford or even Therrien although I would live with his selection. Who would be a Dark horse that no one has even considered sitting out there in the weeds? Any French speaking assistant coaches out there?

Betrand Raymond is one of my least favorite sports journalist, using the word journalist lightly. He would only be happy if everyone on the Montreal team were French born in Quebec.

I would prefer someone other then Therrien or Crawford. I do not know who but someone new would be nice. I would actually classify Carbonneau as new because he actually did not have a long enough tenure before Gainey had a brain cramp and fired hime.

The language issue maybe boring to many but to the French population in Quebec it is far from boring. The issue is what it is and nothing will change that with the media you have in Montreal. What is also interesting, the Francophone coach will address his team in English because most of the players are English speaking even if they come from Europe.

Galchenyuk, I just like what I read about him, his work ethic and coming back from the ACL injury as well as he did. I also saw a short interview he conducted at the combine, I think on Sportsnet, I was impressed with his demeanor/body language. I like him and would be happy with his selection by Montreal at #3.

If the criteria stated by Marc Bergevin is a fully bilingual, fluent in French coach, then Crawford is out. He cannot hold a fully fluent in French conversation at this moment. The question is, can Mark Crawford stand in front of the French media in Montreal and have a good exchange in French. The people in L'antichambre said he cannot.

What worries me about Grigorenko is a lot of scouts and people in this forum who have seen him play say he does not show up at every match. Granted he is still a young man and he will probably mature but it should be a concern and the interview process should make a point of checking this out. I believe we can all name players who do not show up at every match and why not try to stay away from that type of player. He might turn out to be the best, who knows. Maybe the Shadow does?

I like Staubitz and you make a good point for his use as the 13th forward.

I understand he does not speak any French, strikes 1,2,3. Game over for Mr. Gallant.

Damphouse was a pretty good hockey player and did play against some very good defensemen in his career. That should count a little bit when expressing a hockey opinion.

Robinson had a try at the head coach position and he gave it up. I can see him strictly in the role he now has in NJ, assistant in charge of defense.

The information you provided is one of the reasons I enjoy reading this forum. I do not know the players and do not have the opportunity to see them and it is appreciated when a person with knowledge about the player makes a great well written input about a player. Thanks you for the added information.

I must admit I do not have a great deal of knowledge about the prospects for the next NHL draft, I enjoy reading about the players and all the discussion on the players. Recently of L'antichambre, Vincent Damphouse was talking about his viewing of the under 18 world championship and he said the player that impressed him the most was Dumba. He said he was the leading scorer and playing defense, he also mentioned he hits like a train and plays excellent defense. Coming from Damphouse I take that type of information as eye opening. I also think strong goal tending and strong defense wins championship. Building for the long term with defense, remember the big three in Montreal. Look at the defense this year for the Rangers. I do not know who Montreal will pick but I would not be upset if Montreal picked a player like Dumba or Murray. Just saying.

I thought someone wrote that the CBA does not allow for any compensation for management type people on a team. If that is correct, Leafs get nothing and if Dudley wants to come to Montreal and his contract allows for it, then nothing for Mr. Burke to do except be upset.

Bergevin also said he thinks Timmins may have too much on his plate and he would look to evaluate his responsibilities. He said this as a comparison as to how Chicago deals with player development and player evaluation. He seems to want more people involved and then have these people concentrate on specific duties, good approach in my opinion. Leadership 101, when taking a new position of leadership, step back evaluate what you have in place and then take action where necessary to make the team better..

Why is everyone so hot on Crawford? What has he really achieved? Vigneault a second chance in Montreal if he is available, maybe? Carbonneau, same question, although I do think he really was not given a real chance by Gainey. Hartley, he is somewhat intriguing and has had success. I think I want to compare him to a Laviolette in Philadelphia, but I do not know why. If we want a new face there are others out there, Roy behind the bench, now that could be volatile. Still waiting to be surprised. Good luck to the new GM,