Colin

X-Files. Oh wait, they took that off the air. *mumbles* If you haven't seen it, take a look at Battlestar Galactica when it starts airing after Christmas. Easily the best new Sci-Fi series by far - though Threshold and Invasion look okay (have 'em taped but not watched yet). CSI, of course. The West Wing is probably the best written show on TV. Boston Legal is hilarious. L&O Special Vics Unit is extremely well done. And I'm gonna give My Name is Earl a long look, cause I love Jason Lee. Oh, and Everybody Hates Chris. Lots of potential for that one. Finally, The Daily Show. Pure Genious. Thank gawd for PVR's. (I loved 24, but if you miss one, yer dead, and in the first season when there was a choice between hockey on the VCR while I was out at soccer, or 24? Well, the Habs won. Therefore I never went far with 24. Might have to rent it out.)

Call it my "writers warmup" for the regular season. It's not good enough to put on the front page, but I got back to note-taking and started looking at the little things again. I will make a more formal write-up a little later on. I need to sit and think about it all first before I get ahead of myself. I'll have something for the site in an hour or so, I suspect.

Okay, let's talk turkey here: Ignoring the goofy homerism of the three start quelques choisit par l'equipe RDS, I think that there were some really good things tonight. First: Sax, Kovie, Zed. When they get legs and a few more games? Look out. Sax with open ice is going to be über-dangerous. Next: Hossa? He's in unless he loses a leg. Furthermore, despite the fact that he looked good on a line with Bonkers and Sunny, I think the latter should be taken out. I'll take Bulis over Sunny everyday and that makes one heckuva third line as far as I can see. Bonk has been WELL taught in Ott. Higgins: Can't see him being sent down. He has two-way sense and a good eye for the game. He'll probably be 4th line fodder to start, but I can see him working his way up this year for spot duty on other lines. Plekanec: If he doesn't make the team, I may just eat my own arm. He's a sparkplug, a smart guy, and he just goes and goes and goes. From the first game I ever saw him play at a rookie tourney many moons ago, I thought this guy had it. Same work ethic as Koivu, and while he doesn't have the same skills, he's still a keeper. Perezhogin: Again, he should make the club - and Dags should be mighty worried. He's got a lot of poise and even more smarts in the offensive zone, and even better is that you can tell he trained under Jarvis - he knows where his own zone is. Cote: With the game opening up, there's no chance he'll even be a call up this year, I imagine. He's got a lot of work to do. Ferland: I like his spunk, but he didn't play much, and when he did it wasn't particularly amazing. THough he did wallop Lindros. Good man. Streit: I didn't notice him all that much, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. No glaring errors, but nothing spectacular on the offensive side either. I would suggest he's the number 7 D-man. Chipchura: Nothing much to say since he didn't play that much. He does get involved, though, which is nice. Hainsey: To me? A disappointment. He was caught out of position FAR too often and while he tried to make plays, I think his brain is just way too slow for the NHL game at this point. I would honestly not like to see him in Montreal. I find him mistake prone (a la Breezer in his worst years) and even when he tries to be proactive in his defence, the timing is inevitably horrid. Komi: Not a rookie, but I wanted to comment. First game after losing a lot of weight from being sick... started slow, but as the game wore on he got better and better and his timing in hits got particularly good. Oldtimers can harken back to Gainey hipchecks. Komi's aren't quite as good, but they still thunder. Still needs to work on footspeed, though, in my opinion. As to the game? It's nice to see HOCKEY again rather than the game of Obstruction. When Pedneault said the penalty situation was a little out of control and that there would be more tolerance during the season, I got angry. Tolerance is exactly what this game DOES NOT need! That was an absolutely idiotic commentary by someone who usually has his head screwed on fairly correctly. Oh, and hilarious watching Pat Quinn whine about EVERYTHING again. Some things never change. No wonder TO has become a city of whiners. LOL!!!

Has Higs not played a game yet? Is he that unimpressive or is he that good that they aren't worried?

Apparently, the Habs will be holding retirement parties for two numbers to be put into the rafters on two seperate nights this season. November 12 and March 11. There are only rumours so far, but I would guess that Larry Robinson will be on November 12. His Devils play early in the day, and that will leave him enough time to hop a plane to Montreal to get the LONG OVERDUE retirement ceremony. The other player seems to be up for debate. Perhaps Dryden, or maybe Roy, or Savard... There are plenty of ideas. Still, assuming Robinson is one, it's about time. A classier guy there was not in the Habs uniform. Colin

Habs red, Naslund, 26 Habs white, Roy, 33 I'd love to get more, but for that kind of money.... oy Wish list (in case you all love my writing this year for the site): Red, Koivu, 11, C Red Team Canada, Gretzky, 99, C Red Liverpool, Gerrard Teal Miami Dolphins, Marino, 13 Red, Lafleur, 10 White German National Football Squad (soccer) Blue French National Football Squad (soccer) I'm sure there's more. ;-)

LOL He's a habs fan! He just can't show it because he's supposed to be reporting on a non-biased (read: Leaf-biased) network. *laughs* Does everyone think he hates the Habs? That's kinda funny. Edit commentary: Why do you think he made such a fuss out of the pick the Habs made? He didn't like it - didn't agree with it - and since he thought the team he liked could have done so much better, he reacted heartily. Kind of like any habs fan would if the Habs did something they didn't like. Second Edit commentary: Do you think he would have made such a fuss if he didn't give a crap about the team? Do you think he might have perhaps let out something closer to a laugh rather than an angry retort if he really didn't like them? Think of what we do whenever the Leafs make a mistake. We don't get mad, we laugh. [Edited on 2005/9/20 by Guy!] [Edited on 2005/9/20 by Guy!]

In my opinion a very undervalued wine is the Fetzer Zinfandel. It's a dark, peppery, leathery wine, and while it's price $14.95 here in Ottawa is decent, I feel it could easily be bumped up into the next level of wines ($25+). In fact, it's just about time for me to pick up my case of the 2002 to put in the cellar. I've got 2001 one there (the best year since I started drinking it with the '99 year) and I look forward to opening some as time goes on. Colin

Hossa has had a few stints in Montreal, and while the end result has always been sounded on a sour note, there have been more than a few symphonic moments as well. He *has* all the skills necessary to succeed at this level, it's all a matter of putting it together and combining that with the drive to succeed. In fact, I was firmly against his demotion last time he was with the big club. I felt that he wasn't given quite enough chance to play - it was only a handful of games. And during that handful of games, while there were many shifts where he was weak, there were also a good many when he was one of the better players on the ice. I felt that he should have been allowed to stay up and develop a little more - sometimes that's all it takes. That, however, is all in the past and he's back and competing again. If he's found the drive, he's an NHLer and there's no doubt he could be a solid impact player. From what I've heard so far, he's doing well, but this is early and I'll wait to pass judgement until he actually makes the club. In reality, as far as I'm concerned anyhow, even if three other rookies make the club, Hossa should be up there anyhow. He has at least the potential that Sundstrom has thus far, so at the very least I could see him replacing Sunny. As long as he puts in that effort, I think he's a lock for the NHL. Colin

Honestly, this whole thread is a little disconcerting to me. Not that I don't respect others opinions, which I do completely, however I find it almost discouraging that people don't see what they have under their noses. First of all, Souray. I have my doubts that he'll ever be a number one defender. He just doesn't have what it takes in a one-on-one situation as far as I've seen thus far. While he has good anticipation and stick-work, it's still not what I call number one quality. He brings an excellent physical presence to the table, gets the job done down low (though will see how the new rules affect his game) and can put up some decent numbers now and again - though he seems to be streaky. There was talk of Norris last season for him, and while it was warranted talk, that's all that was ever going to come from it, I believe: talk. On the other hand, and what I find most frustrating, is the lack of respect given to Markov's game. Here's a player who excels one-on-one and is probably one of the top-three guys in that situation league-wide. He has phenominal anticipation and stick-weilding skills, easily better than anyone on the Habs by a long shot. How often does he, instead of retreating like the run of the mill guy, stop and cut out a pass? And when he's in the corner in a scrum, there always seem to be complaints that he doesn't have enough of a physical presense. And yet, if you watch how he uses his stick, you see he has an incredibly uncanny ability to pull out the puck and take control of the play. Markov needs one thing: confidence. He has all the skills to be a Norris defender, he just needs to be given that position by the team and allowed to grow into it. Now, I'm sure there are going to be posters coming on here saying how he's beaten and he's this and that, but in reality, if you watch every game from the Norris trophy winners from the past? They all make the same mistakes, you just don't see those in highlight packages. I've seen Niedermeyer get whiffed through the legs by an onrushing attacker so many times it makes me laugh. He's an excellent defender, of course, but that much better than Markov? No way. More confident? Absolutely. As for Komisarek being a number one in the future, I suppose it's possible. But he still needs a lot of work. He's what I would call the Scott Stevens of the Habs future. Not really a number one guy, but a number two who will do all the nitty gritty that's so needed. Honestly, and sadly, I think Hainsey has more potential to be a number one than does Komi. Sad, of course, because he doesn't seem able to commit. Anyone remember Bryan Fogarty? He was supposed to be a Norris winner once he hit the big time, problem was he never really hit the big time because it all went to his head and he folded like a cheap tent under the haze of booze. I don't think we need to look elsewhere at all. Aucoin? Sure, he would have been wonderful and people would have been cheering in the streets. However he would have taken precious time from our young and improving corps that needs playing time and confidence. This is not a "this year" team. No matter how much management would like us to believe that's their target. This is a next three years team, no doubt about it. All our kids are just stepping up, and they'll need maturing time. Then we'll be a force. Here's another quick example of how things change in this sport, and I'll try and draw the parallel with Markov. There was a time in the '90's when some kid named Steve Yzerman was in the headlines because everyone said he was a bad leader and that the Wings were never going to win a Cup with him as captain. Boy oh boy did he ever prove them wrong. A little more time to develop into his role and he's now called one of the best leaders ever to play the game. Yet, early on, Wings fans wanted him gone or at least demoted. Like Markov. Today, we look at him and there are plenty out there who believe he'll never be a number one (heck some say never a number three) and lots out there are ready to give up on him and trade for someone else. Yet I believe, if we give him the patience and time in the position that I think he needs, we have our Norris candidate right under our noses. Wouldn't it be most gratifying if, in three years, he won the Norris the same year he wins the Cup? Would everyone look back then and say, "I knew it..." Now, of course, this is just a series of observations by me, and with no influence from anyone else, so you can take it or leave it as you will. Colin

I think we have to realize that in the case of Milroy, we're talking about a guy who struggled to find any ice time with the Dogs two years back, and last year was really his first full pro season. Will he be a perennial all-star? Probably not. But to say that he's out of it and not in the long-term plans is perhaps going a little far. He's a smaller player who probably needs a little more development time, and the faster he gets to the Dogs, the more time he has. The case of Urquhart bothers me a little more. On the one hand, he's in a similar situation to Milroy in that he's still young and still needs to develop. However, the fact that he has great size and seems to be in the mould of the Habs player that Gainey would like makes me wonder. I would have much preferred he stayed with the big boys for another few days at least, and cutting him off with Milroy at the first cut might indicate a lack of progress. Milroy, as I see it, needs all the time he can get with the Dogs, especially since he lost almost a whole year on the bench with them. Urquhart, on the other hand, would have been one of my picks to go a little later into camp with the Habs. I feel he's more a disappointment. However, getting them both down quickly is probably also in their best interests, despite any of our preferences otherwise. They need to consistently play and, hopefully, dominate at a lower level, and then take the next step. I would suggest that next year will be more a make-or-break for Milroy, and Urquhart will be looked at to stay deep into camp. Colin Edit commentary: What does it say to Milroy, but more specifically to Urquhart, that Locke stays in camp longer than either one? In fact, what does it say about Locke's dedication that he's made it to at least the second cut? [Edited on 2005/9/19 by Guy!]

Of all the draft lists that were made, the TSN list, compiled in large part by MacKenzie was easily the closest. Bob may be a lot of things, but what is isn't is ignorant of the draft and of young talent. That's where he's at his best, and I think it'd be hard for *anyone* to challenge him there. As to the Toronto Hockey News.... 'Nuff said. Anyone who rates Toronto highly this year is really going out on a limb. If there's one GM who won't get the benefit of a grace period because of the new rules, it's Ferguson, who has done some pretty daring things. That team is in large trouble and I would say might struggle to make the playoffs. Interesting to note the difference between the average Leaf fan and the average habs fan. The average Leaf fan will ALWAYS think they are challengers for the Cup. (Uh huh. Well over a quarter century and still dreaming.) While the average habs fan criticizes his team to no end. How DARE Lafleur not score three tonight. Two isn't good enough. And if you think that comment is exaggerating things, ask an old-timer habs fan. Colin

In Kovalev's defense, he has played a hell of alot more games. Kovalev wasn't the point. Koivu was. Koivu has averaged the same PPG as our "superstar" and yet if you were to ask, a fairly shockingly large number would say that Koivu could never be considered a number one centre. I mean, the guy has played with one 1st line winger over the course of his career - Recchi. Well, and Kovalev for a bunch of games at the end of last season. But what do I know. On the other hand, I notice none of those who feel Koivu isn't top quality have posted in this thread yet. Hmmm.....wonder why?????? Colin (think I'm feeling a lil bitter tonight? I've had to edit this post about 10 times before submitting it to make sure I'm not TOO negative. Musta been a long day)

Koivu, the "non-top line player" as many like to call him, has the same PPG average as our "superstar forward" Kovalev. Gotta love habs fans who gab before they think. Colin

touche Colin... I am 31 and no hair... So... The hair comment... Does that preclude us ever doing a trade?

Yer all young folk. Go back to bed, school's tomorrow. I'm 34 years old and I still have hair left. ;-) Colin

I've been a writer for the site for quite a while. Mostly article pieces, but there's a fair bit that I've done that was for the player profiles. No way I'm a contributor for posts. That's almost laughable. ;-) Colim

Two things: 1. As to Mad Mike on the Island, remember that much of his nickname came about because of some of the nutty things he did on the Island a few years back, before Kumar and Wang bought the team. That was when the Islanders had the worst and cheapest owner in hockey. They were restricted to a pathetically low salary cap back then. Now, since then he's also made some bizarro moves, but nothing like what he did so long ago. Yashin remains his only real blunder since the new ownership came in. 2. Everytime I see the heading for this thread all I can think is Lindros. Remember when he was drafted and his mom told him what to do and where to go? Fans in every rink made fun of his mother. So when I read Ryder mum on contract talks... *laughs* What? Ryder's mum is in on the contract talks? What?? And I think that puts me to post 100. Colin

What's with the one-year contracts? Are all these players so convinced that they're going to wow management that they feel the need to sign short-term so they can get a better deal? Is this the way of the future? Or is this about Gainey having some kind of master plan that sees him remoulding the team? Perhaps he's very cognizant of the fact that the cap is going to probably diminish somewhat, and in signing these guys for one year, he can renegociate next year with a tougher stance. But on the other hand, wouldn't that potentially make it harder to sign these players? I dunno, but I'm not comfortable with it at this point. Colin

If you look at it from the Bolts point of view, they want Vinny signed long-term or they want a really good return for him. They aren't going to wait until the trade deadline next season when they'll be lowballed to trade him. Neither will they let him go if he hasn't signed a long-term deal - there's no point to that. This is going to be one of the new trends of the game, in my opinon. Either long-term contracts keeping players stationary through their first years of UFAhood or a trade as much as a year before it happens to a place the player might wish to go to maximize their return. Colin

I don't know, I'm making educated guesses based on what I've seen and heard. He *is* a Leaf fan, that much I know. He did turn down at least one contract offer, that's true as well. Montreal *is* a tough place to play, even if all the hottest chicks kept him company every night. Just like with Theo. Educated guesses. He put up a real struggle last time we tried to sign him - do you have any reason to believe he won't do the same this time? I don't claim to *know* anything, I just project based on what I do know (admittedly very little). These boards would be awfully boring if we all decided to forego conjecture and instead talk about what we do know for sure. Guessing at salaries is conjecture, but no one seems to mind that part. ;-) If you all prefer, though, I shall keep my big mouth shut and not engage in any form of conjecture again. Colin

Ryder doesn't like Montreal - he's been a Toronto fan all his life and you know what they think of the Habs. Now that he has value he can hold Gainey over the coals until Gainey flinches. Sadly for Ryder, Ganiey is not the flinching type. If he doesn't sign, expect him to be dealt before the start of the season; at least he has value. And off by a mere $50k for Dags. I'm relatively happy with that. He'll probably platoon with kids all year long unless one of them really revs it up. I see another 50 games for the Dagmeister unless a kid puts him to shame. Which, of course, makes me somewhat queasy - that's one person on the ice who, when not with the puck in front of the opposition net, is nothing but a wasted pylon. Colin

Okay, once again I've swiped something I worked on at another forum and put it here since this is my home forum. Centers #11. Saku Koivu (Rfa) ($3.600.000) (Colin- doubtful, I think he's going to have to look a lot closer to the $3m mark in order to stay. He wants to play here, wants to finish his career here, by saying that he puts himself over a barrell. Money isn't an object so much with Koivu, he's proven that over and over, agreeing to qualifying offers when he knows he hasn't performed to snuff.) #71. Mike Ribeiro (Rfa) ($1.500.000) (Colin- he's going to ask for more and Gainey's going to counter with less than this figure. If anyone goes to arbitration it might be Ribs - and with his ego it might get messy. One season does not a star make, $1.2m for a one or two-year contract seems enough time to prove himself.) #14. Radek Bonk ($2.394.000) (Colin- a lot of money for a 3rd line centre. If I were Sax or Ribs, I'd make myself very pliable or I may find my position gone to Bonk and myself on the open market...) #22. Steve Begin ($0.608.000) (Colin- shame we can't renegociate this one. $500k is plenty.) #00. Tomas Plekanec (Rfa) ($0.500.000) (Colin- while this number is probably correct, look for Gainey to start at league minimum and see if he can't convince Pleks to prove himself.) Right Wingers #27. Alex Kovalev ($4.500.000) (Colin- too much for a player seemingly on the decline, but perhaps it was just a blip and he'll be worth every penny. Fingers crossed.) #73. Michael Ryder (Rfa)($1.500.000) (Colin- see Ribs. He's going to have to prove himself and probably a shorter-term contract is his ticket. $1m is where I'd start him and wouldn't consider much more.) #37. Niklas Sundstrom ($0.988.000) (Colin- in this new day and age, this is way too much for Invisible Man. $650k is what he deserves with what he brings to the table. #42. Alexander Perezhogin ($0.858.000) (Colin- probably correct, though if you hear rumours about a $700k offering, don't be shocked.) #26. Pierre Dagenais (Rfa)($0.700.000) (Colin- for someone who is going to spend one heckuva lot of time in the press box, this is ludicrous money. I know he scored goals, but he really does have to prove he's not a one hit wonder. When you consider his lack of skating, defence, grit...well anything other than goals, I'd offer him $500k, tell him take it or leave it, and pray he leaves it.) Left Wingers #20. Richard Zednik ($1.748.000) (Colin- actually a reasonable price for the returns you'll get.) #38. Jan Bulis (Rfa)($1.000.000) (Colin- as much as I like him and as much as he's underrated by a majority of Habs fans, he *is* a third line player who can fill in on the top two lines on occasion. Bottom two lines can't have players making much more than a million or the budget will be blown. $850k seems more reasonable.) #81. Marcel Hossa (Rfa)($0.500.000) (Colin- good call on the salary, but the Hossa camp will grumble. If he asks for more, invite him to use the door.) #88. Chris Higgins ($0.900.600) (Colin- in the new NHL that's a little much for someone who hasn't played a game, but from everything we've heard, hopefully he plays up to that potential.) Defensemans #44. Sheldon Souray ($2.128.000) (Colin- probably a fair price.) #79. Andrei Markov (Rfa)($1.600.000) (Colin- another seriously underrated player, in my opinion, and could very well be making $2.5m if there was more spotlight on him and he wasn't making waves about coming back. That said, I think the $1.8m range is probably more likely. Offer him much lower and Russia looks very good.) #52. Craig Rivet ($2.660.000) (Colin- overpaid, sure, but not by nearly as much as many might think. He's a mentor player - don't forget he got Markov to a point where the coaches played him #2 minutes on the team. Rivet is a solid steady guy. He should probably pocket about $1.8m) #00. Mathieu Dandeneault ($1.700.000) (Colin- hard to say here. On the one hand, he was low on the Wing depth charts to paying him this much might seem very costly. On the other hand, he was low on the *Wings* depth charts, and that might just mean he's much better on ours. I reserve judgement here.) #08. Mike Komisarek (Rfa)($0.700.000) (Colin- I'll be surprised if he isn't around the $1m mark, despite the fact he shouldn't be. The Habs want to make him the centrepiece of the defence here, and as such, they have to pamper him just a little. $700k seems to be lowballing him a little.) #51. Francis Bouillon ($0.600.000) (Colin- looks about right for someone who is going to look one heckuva lot better if the rules are applied as stringently as they are forecast to be.) #65. Ron Hainsey ($0.570.000) (Colin- is this what he's getting? Allow me to guffaw. The Ego is probably doing a slow burn at this price! On the other hand, I think he might even be overpaid. Anyone who goes back down that often does not have the right to make anywhere near $1m.) Goalies #60. Jose Theodore (Rfa)($4.500.000) (Colin- I know everyone thinks Gainey won't succumb to the Theo camp, but every fibre in me says there's going to be a lot of angst over this deal. If he signs for less than $5m I'd be surprised, nay shocked. I think it'll be *much* closer to the $6m mark.) #35. Cristobal Huet ($0.456.000) - Injured (Colin- good price for a backup.) The Montreal Canadiens: 23 Players / 23 Payroll: $35,663.400 (Colin- $36.15m ballpark. With good negociating - especially with Theo, you can drop that by perhaps $2m. With a lack of luck, you're up around the $37m mark. I suspect Gainey is looking around the $35 mark so he has wiggle room if needed.) Just my thoughts. Colin

What I was saying was that, looking back, Gainey might be somewhat regretful for having made that decision. I know that at the time it seemed like the correct decision in his eyes, and I know that he had no way of knowing what the future was going to hold for the financial end of hockey. Call it a wistful article where Gainey might look back with just a tinge of regret seeing how resource allocation is different these days. No matter how much we all like Bonk, the fact remains that he's a very highly paid 3rd line centre...very highly paid. As I've been mulling this thread over today it's come to me that perhaps the reason we've been hearing so much trade talk with Ribbies and Sax's names popping up is because Bonk will actually be the *2nd* line centre - leaving Higgins to the third line. But, hindsight 20/20 and all.... it wasn't a bashing piece or anything like that. Just a look back. Colin

To start, let me say thank you for the comments regarding the writing. It's great to have what you do awknowledged, but it's even better when people disagree that they do it in a constructive manner, thus furthering the discussion - which is what these boards are about - and ultimately what any kind of 'press' reporting is about. I believe that a writer is accountable for what they produce and (unlike some writers whose names will go unmentioned but who cover the Habs) I will never close my mind to a discussion. I'm here to learn as well as write; and to engage in constructive debate. *** Two things I want to address here: first the issue of Theo being overrated, which has been mentioned to me both privately and publically in other places, and then a quick thought or two about Garon last year in the AHL. First, I put this in another, LESSER boards, but I'll cut'n'paste it here because I think it has relevance and goes to some length to express where I am regarding 'overrating' Theo. *snip* While I can understand the premise behind the thread, what disturbs me somewhat is that the premise is flawed. I'm not sure there's anyone out there who really underestimates Theodore, not at all. Ask almost anyone who knows anything about hockey and they'll point to the Montreal shot-stopper as one of the top five in his position. It's not ability that's really questioned, when it comes to Theo. Perhaps what is really questioned is the ability of the goalie that isn't Theo - in the case of the original poster, Garon. There is a following that believes Garon might very well become a better player. Saying that does not in any way diminish Theo's game. Not at all. What it does say is that Garon's reflexes, legs, and work ethic could all finally gel to make one of the best goalies in the game. That said, I think the real issue lies inside Theo's noggin - and *that* is where most people have a problem. There is no debate that he's got almost as much ego as a certain King Patrick - incidentally this latter's ego took him out of Montreal. It's not even all bad: I have no problem with confidence, especially with players between the pipes, since a little swagger seems to make the best goaltenders. It's the over-bearing nature that somehow leaks to the press and fans that's nauseating. That aside, there's also the question of his salary. Khabibulin, another top-five guy, just belly flopped into the cash bin and came out a crook. If he can make this kind of money - as a sometimes inconsistent goalie who is no better than Theo on any given night - then why can't our pipe darling? As another poster has already mentioned, Theo could hold the team ransom and seriously handcuff its ability to sign any more talent with the potential salary he might demand. Would you rather have a guy who's top-15 now, with upside, as well as an upgraded defence, or a top-5 guy who might very well force us to make hard choices and go leaner on the defensive side? Don't get me wrong, I'm not passing judgement here, but it's the question that certainly has touched many a mind. Both have upsides, and both have downsides, it comes down to where you are on the team-building scale. If Theo feels greedy, he's basically done one of two things: he's signed his ticket out of town or he's guaranteed that Montreal is going to struggle to do anything significant in the playoffs. If he decides that Montreal is where he wants to be and is willing to put his mouth where his money will be? We'll be fine, and might even have some wiggle dollars for upgrades here and there. No, Theo is not underrated, not as I see it, not by a long shot. But what he is, is feared - because of what he could single-handedly do to handcuff the club. And people don't usually like what they fear. *end snip* Now, as to Garon's tough playoff last year. I completely agree. He was extremely disappointing, there's no doubt about it, and not really much else to say in that respect. BUT, after Theo had his wonderful MVP year, what did he do in the NHL for his encore? He was *woefully* inconsistent, allowing about one softy goal a game (backbreaker in a low scoring NHL). There were rumbles that three years Khabi was done because he was so horribly inconsistent. Luongo continues to this day to get immense flak for causing half his own troubles. He's probably the best pure shot-stopper in hockey, but since he can't control his rebounds as well as other keepers, he increases his work load immeasurably. As has been stated elsewhere, the best goalie is Brodeur, for the precise reason that he's so very consistent. Even when he has his two or three bad games a year, they aren't really bad games. Okay, Garon had a really tough end to the season - and in fairness, probably wasn't at the top of his game all year, but I still believe he has all the skills to at least match Theo - and be cheaper all the while. (Theo's big contract came before the new CBA so his contracts will always be based on that while Garon's contracts have never been large.) What he needs is a bit of confidence and I think we'll start seeing a Garon who will be stellar on any given night. I guess my point is that we can never look at closeted points in time, especially with goaltenders. If we did that, Theo would be long gone after his horrid (for his) season a couple of years back. Garon had a tough time, fine, but that doesn't mean that his skill and potential evaporated. He still has a very real chance to outshine his mentor, should everything gel for him. Now, having said that, I'd like to make it perfectly clear that I'm not disappointed with having Theo here. I'm just disappointed that Garon is not. See the difference? ;-) Colin (Edited for opening remarks.) [Edited on 2005/8/6 by Guy!]