ForumGhost

He still does have a few big hits, but I think he has focused more on his positional defensive play. He doesn't take himself nearly out of position as much to go for this big hip check as often.

Good on him. At the beginning of this year, I was wondering if DD fit into the teams long term plans between Pleks and Galchenyuk, but, for the second year in a row, he proved his naysayers wrong. Despite his size, I don't think anyone can argue the fact that he is a legit NHL top 6 center. His hockey intelligence has got to be near or on par with Markov's. I'll wait until I see some numbers, but I'm glad he has forced the organization to commit to him.

Is there anyone else we could realistically use? Beaulieu seems less ready for the NHL than Tinordi. Leblanc could play if there's an injury, but I can't seem him pushing anyone off the roster.

There's no reason to move Gionta during the season. Understandably, it seems a lot of people aren't used to being in a 'buyer' mind frame.

I would actually like to see Tinordi called up for the playoffs as a 7th defenseman, assuming Diaz is back. I don't wanna see Weber or Kaberle play a single game in the playoffs. Smid might be a good pickup, though. My number one target for the trade deadline would be Morrow.

Is it the general consensus that Diaz will still be out by playoffs?

He could turn out to be a Yandle. But Yandle is already a Yandle. But yeah, I'd be hesitant to give up either Tinoridi or Beaulieu. Both look like they will be great top 4s.

I'd happily send a 1st rounder and a good prospect their way for Yandle. One of the better defenseman in the league.

Why would Phoenix want to deal him? Isn't he like, their best player?

Any news on Bourque and Diaz at all?

And yet, was it worth it to take a part out of our team while we were leading the conference? I know he wasn't producing that well, but even then, he does much more than Ryder does. His hustle, size and checking ability seemed to be exactly the kind of thing Therrien's system is all about. Ryder seems like a bad choice for this team, considering he doesn't really do anything when he isn't scoring. It has shown throughout 2 games.

This trade makes sense for all kinds of financial reasons, but it's hard to argue that we are a better team with Ryder rather than Cole. Is there any reason unloading Cole's contract couldn't have waited until the summer?

I don't think I would even wanna trade Beaulieu, personally. Desharnais is a solid roster player. Him plus Weber and another prospect like Ellis or Kristo should be enough, but I'm sure there will be another GM who would offer more. I could see Toronto going all out for him since they still have no one to play with Kessel.

So, Habs seem to be mentioned a lot when people discuss where O'Reilly could end up if he's traded. I didn't know too much about him before. His offensive number don't blow me away, but Cullen seems convinced he is a legit top line center. Obviously not a Getzlaf or Crosby, but as a 2 way, totally package guy, more like Bergeron or Plekanecs. Should/can the Habs make a play for him? Dreger says that the talks begin with a top prospect and a roster player. Habs obviously have Tinordi and Beaulieu which may fit that bill, but I would personally not want to touch them unless something a little more than O'Reilly was involved. Or has the emergence of Diaz, Emlyn, Subban and co. make one of the two a little redundant? Perhaps Habs could swing a deal with some combination of Eller, Weber, Leblanc and picks? If O'Reilly is what Cullen makes him out to be, Pleks and O'Reilly down the middle could be one of the best 1-2 offensive/defensive punches down the middle in the NHL.

Wow, so many people apparently don't care to see Subban signed unless it's for dimes? Fact is, you have to pay good money to keep your talent. If you just throw up you hands, say 'screw it, he wants too much money', and trade him for something less valuable, you're team will always be stuck in mediocrity. PK is obviously an outstanding talent. You can't keep players like him around without dipping into the bank.

Trading one of Montreal's most popular young players as your first act as GM is a sure-fire way to be sacked.

Wow, still no deal? If no deal gets done before Sat, I think this would be a huge failure on the part of Bergevin. Lookout is finally over, and fans still won't get to see one of their favorite players?

2 buyouts. I expect both Gomez and Kaberle to come off the books.

It make sense. If he gets injured, they won't be able to buy him out. Just playing it safe.

It would be dumb to give up on Leblanc so soon. Remember there was a time where Pacioretty was looking like a 3rd liner at best after his first stint with the Habs before he was sent back to Hamilton. I still think Leblanc can be a top 6 guy, even if he needs more time. I'm more surpised to see Beaulieu not get an invite.

In any case, I doubt that with such a short amount of time till the season begins, there won't be much time for pre-season maneuvering anyways even if we did free up cap. However, I expect to see Kaberle and Gomer gone as soon as the season is over.

So the season should be starting sometime next week. Let's get Subban signed! Also, the buyout system is changed. From what I understand, buyouts will not count against a team's cap. Good news for us! Will Gomez be bought out before the season starts?

To slap the fans in the face, I imagine. WJC is gonna be the ONE good hockey experience this year, and the Sens owners are doing their part to deprive the fans of that too. You can bet Sens fans would have been excited to see their #1 prospect play, especially since they won't see much of their other players. You'd think it would be the owner's top priority to establish as much good will with their fans as possible. What a joke.

Remember... this is the ECHL.

McKenzie has Hudon as a 'lock' on the 2nd line (of an all-star Canada team). Could Timmins have found another gem?