PMAC

Lack of development and the lack of a plan to fix those self-imposed deficiencies ( e.g., Leberfve, lack of skill development and analytics departments, lack of a coherent team building and drafting strategy)were Bergevin’s biggest flaws. While he should get credit for the Suzuki trade, drafting Caufield and signing Wifi, the contrast between the old regime and the new are striking. Also, HuGort’s work is showing results far, far faster than anyone anticipated.

I also thought that was a ridiculous comment from the announcers. AAARGH, even Gary Galley was better than that...not by much, but better.

Trotzs likes heavy, big, defense first players and teams. He is a Brian Burke coach not Kyle Dubas. Yes, I know he had success in Washington but they were, and are, a much heavier team than TO. Would he be able to pivot his style to work with a team that is the antithesis of what he prefers? Maybe, or maybe the rumour is true that he’s looking to move up to GM after his next coaching gig. In either case, hiring him would probably not bode well for Dubas.

That may be true. But we are only a couple of injuries on D away from playing Scheuneman, Barron or someone like Bowey on a reqular basis. Hopefully, that doesn't happen, but our NHL depth on D is already injured. Also, if Allen or Montembault gets hurt our chances for Bedard go way up. That said, I hope the Habs continue to exceed expectations and Florida unexpectedly crashes and burns.

What about "the Jackhammer"? Surprised that one hasn't gotten more traction.

The comment was about why Slafkovsky is being placed with a billet family... precisely to avoid having him "enjoy the city" too much at 18

Luckily we are dealing with Hu-gort --or Horton as I have recently heard them referred to-- and they do not operate in any, way, shape or form like the previous regime. I have no doubt that even if Drouin has a great year-- and that is a big IF-- that they would not be tempted to re-sign him unless there were compelling hockey reasons to do so. They are not going to be swayed by language politics or sentiment. Their MO is to bring in players like Matheson who have a connection to Montreal and a compelling rationale as to why they fit the ethos, needs, goals, and long term plan. You know, the long term plan and commitment to a certain approach to team building and team play that Bergevin and most of his recent predecessors lacked. Forget the trades and signings-- which have been almost universally excellent-- I am most impressed by Horton's revamp of how the organization does business and their commitment to having the CH be cutting edge in treating players well, drafting with a plan, paying attention to analytics ,while being cognizant of the short-comings of a fully data-based approach, taking innovative approaches to player skills development-- with a real staff and resources-- and otherwise operating a smart, agile 21 st business intent on leveraging all of its advantages for success.

Yes, but I live in hope. Imagine, Drouin shows flashes of brilliance, scores lots of goals and the Canadiens trade him and Armia for a first round pick and lo and behold the possibility of the Canadiens winning the egregious, ill-conceived and infuriating Sergachev for Drouin trade becomes a possibility. Likely? No. Bordering on fantasy? Yes. Pleasant to think about? Yes. Kind of like a Leafs fan envisioning a Stanley Cup.

No, no, no. We want a resurgent Drouin and the lovely assets he will bring at the trade deadline. He can go wherever once he leaves another fan base gnashing their teeth in frustration

I usually try to make the most optimistic prediction, but Johnny has taken care of that for me so I am going for an uncharacteristically realistic prediction. Not a fan of tanking but I think HuGort are taking the best approach to avoid establishing a loser mentality and set up the club for long term success Points 28-39-11-4 Division 8th League 29th Tie Beaker 30 goals

What about Sonny Milano as a Pitlick replacement? Just asking as I remember echos of former potential.

I like Steve Dangle’s take: “ This is either the beginning of an inspiring comeback story OR the beginning of the end of the Matthews era”. I’m certainly hoping for the latter but with goalies you never can tell.

Ok, the Leafs traded a 1st for a second to get rid of a risky, injury prone goalie with. 2 years on his contract and immediately traded for a risky, injury prone goaltender with two years on his contract who has been trending downward for the last four years. My point stands: this is an incredibly risky move by the Leafs and I’m still not sure why they wanted Matt Murray.

So, the Leafs spend a first road pick to rid themselves of a risky, expensive goaltending mistake. Then they take on a risky, expensive goaltender, signed long term who has been trending down for at least the last 4 seasons-- whose contract is so bad they get a 3rd and 7th-- BECAUSE they have a connection through the Soo? That's wonderful! It means that Dubas isn't as smart as I feared he might be.

Why the hell does Toronto want Matt Murray? Can anyone explain this to me? Anyone?

Even sweeter if it is the pick we acquired in the Chariot deal😎

Pitlick had refused the Habs offer and if qualified was eligible for arbitration. The high end of arbitration would be more than the Habs could afford, hence no offer for Rem. It’s too bad, I would have liked him back- at the right price.

They have traded Debrincat and Dach for low value---especially Debrincat. They have Petr Marezk as their starting goalie and they just released Dylan Strome for nothing and continue to gut the organization. Even if they do beat the odds and draft Bedard, I think that they are screwed for the next 5-10 years.

I would like both.

HuGort have not sold low on any of our players and I don't think that they are going to start with Petry.

I mentioned it for the same reason that you offered up a scenario that will never happen. Your proposal involved what I consider a massive overpay and also removed the possibility of us being in contention for Connor Bedard --a firing offense for a management team in HUGORTs position, IMHO) My proposal offered the opposite, an underpay that might tempt a desperate GM. Like you, I was hoping to stimulate a discussion. I wanted it to focus on how the Canadiens might acquire the number 2 pick without settling back their rebuild.

Good thing our GM is Kent Hughes and not Reggie Houle. That is one horribly ugly trade proposal. Now if they offered Petry, two 2nds and a prospect not listed in the previous proposal say, Mailoux, it might be ok for Montreal, Jersey not so much.

Remind me again why Gary Galley has a job? He is not only a Habs hater, he bring zero insight to the game. This may have been discussed before but is there any way to sync the tsn 690 feed with the video. Galley would sound a lot better on mute.

I for one loved Barron’s play especially when he levelled the Tampa player who hit Caufield after the whistle (Colton, I think) then smacked another Tampa player. I think he is going to be outstanding. You are right though it may take some more time. Harris and Barron should be where Romy is now but the time Romanov is at his peak. Hopefully, that will be with in the next two seasons.

Every team that wins in OT has to get some bounces.