Gman

Thanks... that issue has been bugging me for a while.

Does anyone know why the team hasn't placed Andrei Kostitsyn on injured reserve yet? He's had surgery and is gone for 6 weeks, so if he was placed on long term injured reserve (LTIR) wouldn't this save cap space? I don't get why teams wait weeks before placing injured players on the IR... There must be a reason... help!... Don't GMs know that waiting a week or two can cost us fantasy GMs valuable points!

Trading Plekanec is a bad idea... but we do need to trade a goalie Everyone who wants to trade Plekanec and/or Halak for Carter or just wants to trade these players for assets is forgetting a crucial detail - THE SALARY CAP!!! If we get Carter, he only has one year left at $5M. If Carter performs like he did last year, he'll be due for a big raise. Even if he continues at this current year's pace, he'll still likely get at least $5M a year. Assuming Carter would even want to play in Montreal, we'll have the same problem next year as we do now - the Habs can't afford to add another big contract. In fact, we can only trade these players for similar salaries. In other words, the Habs would likely only receive prospects and picks by trading Plekanec and Halak. In my opinion, the best strategy is for BG and Company to decide which goalie to keep and trade the other goalie for picks and/or prospects. After that, wait until the offseason (before July 1) and clear cap space (Mara, Laraque, Laps, etc or maybe even Hamrlik) and sign Plekanec. Trading Plekanec for picks and/or prospects is a huge risk. The odds of having a prospect or pick turn into a 0.75-1 point per game player (plus one of the best defensive centres in the league) is very slim (i.e., see the Habs’ past 15 year draft history). If I were BG, I would try to sign Plekanec to a Marc Savard type of contract as soon as the Habs’ season is over. Savard got $28.5M over 7 years and it was heavily front loaded. Given Plekanec's age, I’m thinking a heavily front loaded $35M over 9 years ($3.89M per year). This would be a fantastic contract for both sides.

Thanks. I forgot to put in Price and Halak when I added up my 23. In that case, here's my forward lines: A. Kostitsyn - Plekanec - Cammalleri S. Kostitsyn - Gomez - Gionta Pouilot - Metropolit - Pacioretty Moen - Lapierre - White Markov - Spacek Hamrlik - O'Byrne Gill - Gorges Scratches - Bergeron, Mara, D'Agostini Waive/Trade - Laraque, Chipchura Hamilton - Pyatt, Leach

It's going to be interesting to see what Gainey and Martin do. Here's what I would do: A. Kostitsyn - Plekanec - Cammalleri S. Kostitsyn - Gomez - Gionta Moen - Metropolit - Pacioretty White - Lapierre - Pyatt Markov - Spacek Hamrlik - O'Byrne Gill - Gorges Scratches - Pouliot, D'Agostini, Chipchura, Bergeron, Mara Waive - Laraque Hamilton - Leach

Source? Where did you hear/read that Dandenault was taded to Detroit for a 5th?

It's actually not that bad... The 2nd rounder we traded for Lang was acquired in the Grabovski trade and if I'm not mistaken I believe we had 2 3rd rounder this year from a previous trade. So it's not like we don't have draft picks next year - we still have a first round pick and rounds 3 through 7. As well, everything has to be looked at relatively - The Tangauy trade was a good trade (it wasn't a deep draft last year and Montreal wasn't crazy about the possible 25th overall pick). Tangauy will greatly improve our team when he comes back. Furthermore, Schneider is still a good defenceman who was playing on a bad team - his numbers are low because he played on Atlanta and I bet you that another GM would've paid an equal price to grab Schneider at the deadline. Everyone take a deep breath - Schneider greatly improves our defence (because the D has been so bad defensively and offensively over the last 15 games) and we could afford to trade a 2nd and 3rd because we have so many propsects and enough draft picks. As a final note, I like the trade because it is wake up call for the players. Gainey's hands were tied - he could only send a few players down to Hamilton (and those were the young guys playing well) and he couldn't call anymore players up because of the roster limit. So, he either had to give up on young guys and trade them (because no one will take our aging shitty veterans) or sacrifice some draft picks to improve the team and shake the players out of the worst funk I have seen from such a talented team So everyone chill... and prey that it works!

You have to consider more than his value on the ice - You have to take into account what it will take for Tampa to move him. They won't trade him for fair value; Tampa will only move him if they get an incredible offer. Add in the fact that Montreal plays in the East, the Habs play in Tampa twice a year and the that Montreal appears desperate to get him and it is a gaurantee that Montreal will be overpaying if they land him. That being said, we can afford to over pay because our depth is insane. As much as I love Plekanec and Higgins and want to see what Subban will do, we have players in the system that can replace their production, not to mention what Lecavalier will bring.

Al Strachan on the Score reported the "Markov, Subban and draft picks for Lecavalier"... First of all, it doesn't make sense for Tampa Bay to trade the face of the franchise - he is the only reason why there may be a future for the Lightning in Tampa. The only way they trade him is because of financial reasons and an incredible offer. Second, Strachan is delusional if he thinks that that's what the Habs offered - it would likely take Higgins/Plekanec, Markov/Komisarek, a prospect (Subban/Mcdounagh(sp?)) and draft picks. Third, I wouldn't include Komisarek or Markov in a trade for Lecalvier - how would we replace that on our D? If we want to win the cup this, with or without Vinny, we need a shutdown defence.

I'll ignore the fact that my comments made perfect sense, even if you disagreed with them, and ask you what defencemen would Montreal trade to get Carter? You say that Philly is DESPERATE for a solid defenceman, and so I take that to mean they need an NHL-ready player. The only reason Philly is trading Carter is b/c they need to make room under the cap and thus, Markov and Hamrlik are out of the equation. That leaves Bouillon, Dandy, O'Byrne, Komi and Georges. Komi makes $1.7M, loves Mtl and is developing into one of the best defenceman in the league, so I don't see Montreal even wanting to part with him. Of the remaining defencemen, none fit into a trade for Carter. If Philly is so DESPERATE for a defenceman, they are not going to trade a player of Carter's calibre and potential for a defenceman who is going to play in the fourth, fifth or sixth spot. Yes, O'Byrne and Georges are developing into reliable and solid NHL defencemen but they are no where worth the value of Carter. Oh, and why is Philly so DESPERATE for a defenceman? Maybe I'm wrong but it doesn't look all that bad: Timmonen, Hatcher, Jones, Cobourn, Eminger, Vaananen and Kukkonen. While not the greatest defence in the league, it is no where close to being the worst. Probably middle of the road at worst. I'd take Timmonen and Cobourn on the Habs any day. And another thing, according to nhlscap.com the Flyers are only $1.003M over the cap. So why do they need to shed $5M in salary by trading one of their best prospects to the conference rival Habs? Rhetorical question, don't worry. This trade makes little to no sense and is EA NHL 2006 worthy at best. Thoughts?

I agree that Selanne is no option. I disagree with you however in regards to Shanahan. Shanny had 23 goals and 46 points in 73 games on a low scoring Rangers team (24th in the NHL). Older players have proven that they can play and do more than just contribute and I don't see anything to support your claim that he is washed up. I also think you play too many video games. Why on earth would Philly trade Carter to a conference rival and possible cup contender for only a defensive prospect? Carter would contribute now and for many years, while the prospect (Weber, McDonough, Fischer, etc.) may or may not develop into a solid NHL player. This trade doesn't make sense unless Philly was a team looking to develop for the future.

If there is no quality centre available then it may not be a centre that Gainey brings in. Remember, Carbo has stated that Sergie K could be moved to centre. If that happens then there would be a spot on the wing. That means we could bring in one of the top tier players available, such as Selanne, Shanahan or another winger via trade. Now, I know Selanne is a long shot at best but Shanahan may be more realistic with his expressed interest to play in Mtl two seasons ago. I personally would love to see Shanahan in a Habs jersey: amazing shot, great on the PP, invaluable veteran leadership, and 3 Stanley Cup rings.

This was just posted on Eklunds site... I hate this guy, he has no credibility whatsoever... I am like one of those people that listen to Howard Stern just to hear the next outrageous thing he'll say... I vist Eklund's website just so I can read him regurgitate a rumour from a newspaper or website and say that he got it from an inside source and then throw in a few names that makes sense.... or he'll look at what some teams need and what others have and make a rumour saying a source said a trade is possible.... god i hate him... much respect for spector... http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=13189 : "Another Opinion on Hossa to Montreal Talking to another source very close to Hossa has led to a completely different side of this story....WELCOME TO THE TRADE DEADLINE ROLLER COASTER According to this source although there is a definite fit with Atlanta trading Hossa to Montreal, as of now the two sides have had zero discussions. I tend to believe that this is the case, but as is my job, I report RUMOURS. This is fascinating and another example of how the lack of movement has gotten even some of the greatest sources off track. It is hard to get a rumour to e4 status, and it is extremely rare to see it have NO truth. That means a whole lot of folks around the situation are hearing and spreading the wrong information. BUT it happens. And it may have happened with Hossa and the Habs. I will just continue to post all that I am hearing on this situation and attempt to do my best to give you my opinions. At the end of the day I am not involved in the actual deals, so all I can do is tell you what I hear. Remember RUMOURS are RUMOURS. I only bring this up because this time of year we get a ton of new people to the site. I recommend all new readers read the FAQ section of the site for explanation of the e-system and what we do around here."

Bob McKenzie has just reconfirmed this Tangauy for Ryder rumour on TSN's website: http://www.tsn.ca/tsn_talent/columnists/bo...nzie/?id=227556

I can see them scouting Huselius to sign in the off season but I can't see them making an offer for Phaneuf. He will be an RFA and the Habs would have to give up too many picks for a position they don't need. Sure he's a great player and one of the best yound dman but we have a good and young defence as it is and we still have to sign Komisarek in the near future. We already have Markov at over $5M for the next 3 years, Hamrlik at over $5M for the next 4 years, and then we'll have to resign Komisarek and he'll likely get a lot of money too. In other words, we can't have 4 blue liners making that much money.

During an intermission in the Flames and Wild game on TSN, Dreger (I think it was him) reported that Pierre Gauthier was at the game and that this wasn't his first time this year he was seen at a Flames game. The panel suggested the possible deal could be Tanguay for Ryder. The reason why this deal makes sense, the panel said, was that Ryder is a UFA at the end of the year so it will clear space to sign Phaneuf and/or Huselius. As well, Calgary gets a guy who has scored back to back 30 goal seasons and could regain that form playing for the Flames. I don't know if I like this deal for Montreal, as Tangauy only has 37 points (11g - 27a) this season (well below his regular pace) and is making over $5M with another year left on his contract. Yeah, it would be nice to add another consistent scorer to the lineup (who can also play good D) but making that much money when we are so close to the cap as it is and while we are trying to resign key young players may not be a good idea. Furthermore, we probably couldn't trade for or sign a star in the offseason. Thoughts? Feelings?

Does anyone know where I can find the stats for the Habs prospects from this past World Juniors? I was away during the holidays and I can't find them anywhere on the net. Appreciate the help. Subban? Pacioretty? Weber?

I pulled for Ottawa last year in their run for Stanley, but I think they blew their load. Emery has issues, and their # 1 line overachieved. Bufallo wont see 100 pts. next year, guaranteed. The Blue team is the one to fear next year. The Blue Team???? The one with Antropov/Poniloravsky/Wellwood/Kilger/Blake/Tucker/Kubina/White/Raycroft/Toskala and Sundin. Yeah, I am shaking in my boots. I love how you can dissect the Stanley Cup Finalists with a core of Heatley/Spezza/Alfreddson/Fisher/Redden/Volchenkov but state the Leafs as a contender. You must be watching to much Sportsnet and Nick Kypreos and Gord Stellick. What issues does Emery have? Unless his issue is stopping the puck he has proved more than Toskala and Raycroft's 9 career playoff wins. Give me a break. I am more worried about the Bruins than the Leafs. Lets not forget that the Leafs finished ahead of the Habs last year, somehow this always seems to get overlooked. They are a better team, in the short term, no question about it. They added a 40 goal scorer in Blake to play alongside Sundin (who the last time he had that kind of talent, ala Mogilny, scored quite a few points). Brandon Bell is a diamond in the rough, but if nothing else will add more NHL quality depth. And Vesa Toskala is going to be a very good goalie, which should improve their PK and goals against, making a weak defence look better. Most of all though, I fear the coaching of Paul Maurice when I look at the Leafs. The Leafs were one point out of the playoffs with a rather anemic looking roster, and its due the hard work ethic this guy instills in his players. Another year with this team, plus some much needed help in talent, and there is no doubt the Leafs are better team. Now, all that being said, this is only in the short term. Their best players are in their low to mid thirties with some heavy contracts. No doubt their play will deteriorate in the future. On top of that, their cupboards are barren. They have not drafted well and this will kill them in the future (barring any huge rise in the cap and Leafs siging gallore), which is the exact opposite of the Habs. At least we'll have that to look forward to.

This is a good replacement for Souray on the defensive side of things, but offensively its not even close. This team needed offence at the forward position and defence at the defence position. While we may have solidified the defence a little more, you have to consider the fact that Hamrlik was often the suspect of poor decisions in the defensive zone (just like Sheldon) and his size can be exposed in one-on-ones (just like Sheldon, think about Jason Blake going right around him!?!). That being said, there is still time to acquire an offensive minded centreman or power forward and ice a better team than last year.

Bye-bye Sheldon!... http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=212551&hubname=

http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/R...ortsHockey/home This is a good deal for the Leafs. Toskala is an up and coming goalie in this league and is yet another product of the Finish goalie boom. Bell on the otherhand did not have a good season with the Sharks despite the offence he was surrounded with. However, he still has plenty of upside and should be given plenty of time to show what he can do. Personally, I think the Habs need to do something to match this. Offence is a must more than ever, and we are going to need some outside help to contend in the NorthEast division.

I heard on the Team990 today that the move was made b/c Traverse's family lives in the SJ area, and he was unhappy being in Hamilton. Thus - this is no indication that there will be any future trades (i.e., we didn't get Biron to replace Souray)

www.spectorshockey.net --- under trade rumours Vancouver radio stations report that Vancouver GM Dave Nonis has offered Montreal the following trade: To Vancouver: Souray and a 2nd or 3rd line winger To Montreal: Salo and Morrison No way this happens - why would we give up our goal scoring machine defenceman for another unrestricted free agent and an under achieving centre who will play under the Mtl microscope?

The only way we trade Souray is if we get a young star centre in return. He is too important to the team right now. We are winning games because of his play on the powerplay, and this makes up for any of his defensive gaffes. His shot, leadership, and toughness are irreplaceable. Gainey will stick with him because Sheldon will be one of the keys for a long playoff run. After that, he signs with another team because we can't afford to give him at least $6M per season.

He has played alright, but once Higgins comes back there is no room for him. Latendresse at this point deserves to stay with Koivu and Ryder, and I wouldn't mind seeing Higgins try to jump start Samsanov and Kovalev. The line of Perezhogin, Bonk and Johnson play well together, and there is no benefit of playing Kostitsyn on the fourth line. Barring any spectacular offensive production from this guy, he will inevitably be returned to the minors.