PMAC

I would think Gusev at the reported price of a second round pick would be a no-brainer. I also think Ferland would be a good addition. I’m not saying both but adding one of these guys would be excellent

I don’t see how one of our best d and a heart and soul player like Gallagher for Marner benefits Montreal. Also I don’t share your pessimism about next season for 2 reasons: 1. Our backup goaltending should be better 2. It is July.

Barring a dismal medical report, a 5 year term does not seem like a bad risk. If other teams are offering 2 years then MTL should offer 3 or four years. I think Gardiner on a 3- 4 year term would be a great addition

What Brendan Kelly does NOT know about hockey could fill the Bell Centre and half the other rinks in the league. He is a doom and gloom hack who never has anything good to say about Les Canadiens. It is a sad commentary on the Gazette that they have gone from writers like Michael Faber and Red Fisher to a non - expert like this one.

Gardiner for a 5 year term or less at 7 million per year would be ok

As I understand it, he is faster, meaner and more physical than Benn. His signing does not preclude Gardiner anymore than Benn re-signing would have. A 7 year term might keep Montreal from signing Gardiner. If he signs elsewhere at a shorter term, I will be pissed

I mentioned this in another thread, but some analysts including Ray Ferraro on tsn radio yesterday have said that they think that Chariot is underrated. I hope they are right. I also hope we DO NOT sign Gardiner for 7years

We could still get Gardiner. It never hurts to to have a fallback position when negotiating. Ray Ferraro and others I respect think Chariot is underrated. I would love Gardiner at a 5 year term but think we would be better off—in the long term— passing on him if the price is 7 x 7. I think he is holding out for 7 years and that is the real reason that he is not signed yet.

Best coverage around right now

A team can go over the cap in summer. They can still add Gardiner if that’s the move they want yo make

You are probably right, but who knows Edm is in need of wingers on the cheap

I don’t mind the money but as usual, I find that the term required to land a free agent makes me nervous

What about dealing Hudon and a 2nd or 3rd Edmonton for Puljujärvi ?

I’m not certain McElhinney is that much better than Kincaid. Kincaid was an excellent backup in Jersey who faltered under a heavy workload. I think he will do very well with Price— and Waite

Finally, I’m seeing really good asset management from MB. Moving a player like Deslaurier for a 4th rounder is excellent. Cap space and draft picks are now the premier currency of the NHL. Conversely, long term over payment for free agents is a killer. I hope that M. Bergevin remembers that tomorrow.

I think Reimer and a first or even Reimer and a 2nd and 3rd for Hudon or a mediocre prospect would be excellent. Hope Bergevin is able to negotiate a deal

Unfortunately, I don’t think that they are very well positioned in that area given the way they were manhandled by “heavy” teams at times during the regular season

Cheap depth Insurance. If one of the young guys excels in camp, he will be gone faster than you can spell “ Tomas Plekanec”

I hope they pick Raphael Lavoie

Given Karlsson’s injury history I would prefer Gardiner. Weakening TO’s already suspect defense would be a bonus

I am not ready to be so serenely Zen about the situation yet. But, should they lose tonight I will move on: after a suitable mourning period of alternating teeth- clenching rage and dark despair.

He’s going to score in Columbus?

I am ok with Kotkaniemi sitting again and although I see the need for it— and agree with the reasoning, see CC’s post above— Niemi makes me nervous. Are we going to see good Niemi or are the Habs going to have to score 7 goals to win this game? Stayed tuned. It’s either going to be “the miracle in San Jose” starring St. Anti OR “San Jose horror show continues for Habs: why didn’t Bergevin get a better backup?” I am hoping, but not terribly optimistic, for the first one.

I have been thinking about that for a while. I don’t think the oilers would retain 40% though. i think it would be a worthwhile gamble

Wiese was told by the general manager in Philly to stay home. Also, he said when acquired that he would go to Laval and work his way up-- that doesn't sound like a sense of entitlement to me.