PMAC

I have no idea why Gustafson would be in over Kulak.

I agree 100%. Where is the irony emoji when I need it?

Focus is on Gustafson because Merril is a good skating, smart defender with a good first pass— exactly as advertised. Nothing to criticize there.

I want to see Montreal play like that against Calgary starting tomorrow

It’s all about goals, goals, goals! Sick of hearing about points when this team has trouble putting the puck in the net. Anderson is better than Domi because he scores more goals and he is a beast on offence and defence. Sportsnet Stats @SNstats Most Goals Per 60 Min at 5v5 This Season (min 30 GP): #LeafsForever Matthews - 1.67 #GoHabsGo Anderson - 1.65 #GoHabsGo Gallagher - 1.50 #GoAvsGo Rantanen - 1.49 #NHLBruins Marchand - 1.45 #GoHabsGo Toffoli - 1.44

I agree. Couple that with the lack of roster flexibility and he is in an unenviable position. I would like some changes on the PP eg remove Weber and Drouin but other than special teams, and to a degree, ice time he has little to no options. Here’s hoping that they use that last recall on Caufield starting Monday.

Fresh legs, good. Ouellette, bad. Neeeed.... Caufield, unh, must.... clear......cap space.... Habs smash puny Flames!!!

I figured once Laval was on hiatus from games due to Covid and weird scheduling that we would see Caufield on the taxi squad sooner rather than later. It just remains to be seen how long until he is in the lineup. I’m hoping Saturday.

With the exception of Price, and Gallagher, it could be argued that none of the failures had the talent or will to meet the expectations. I think the plan was to call up Caufield after the Rocket’s next two games. Now that they are postponed, I suspect he might be on the taxi squad very soon. I would keep him on the taxi squad and let him practice with the team for a few weeks before putting him in the lineup but I am sure they will want to get him some games before the playoffs.

Bergevin must have a strong belief in the power of our locker room and our illustrious captain to reform someone like DeAngelo. Although it would have been a strictly one strike and you are out deal like Kassian, I'm still happy he is not associated with the team and I fervently hope that they don't revisit this option in free agency.

Montreal gets Eric Gustafson from Philly for a 7th round pick with 50% salary retention.

I was hoping that Mete would play well enough to at least have some trade value. Oh well. This is addition by subtraction as Montreal gains some cap space and frees up a contract slot. I'm hopeful that there will be another move by Bergevin but I'm not sure it will be a big one.

I’m happy with this move as I suggested a trade for Merril on the Athletic trade suggestions article a few weeks ago but I had suggested Byron and a 2nd and 3rd for Merril. To clarify, the suggested 3rd was for Merril and the 2nd for taking Byron’s salary.

Lack of scoring from the D is not the problem. Lack of production from our top six is the big problem ( Drouin, Danault) with the secondary issue of having too many players like Lekhonen and Armia who have great skills but trouble scoring ( and yes, I am aware that Armia has been out for weeks with Covid).

It doesn’t matter where the lines are slotted as long as all 4 lines with this configuration get approximately equal ice time. If you recall, the KK line as currently configured had a monster game against Edmonton. A little more surprised to see Evans sitting given his recent play, but it is obvious that Durcharme wants to give Leks, Byron, Kk another kick at the can vs Edmonton. I like it if only because it demonstrates that Durcharme really is an innovative thinker and completely unafraid to take risks based on his knowledge of the team.

Is there any chance that we will see Baddock in Montreal this season?

I would expect Bergevin to wait until closer to the trade deadline to make a move. I would be uneasy trading Lekhonen, but ok seeing Byron or Armia go. The team’s recent play has to have MB thinking about retaining Tatar and Danault so the money has to come from somewhere.

I think that if the Canadiens have any reservations about Harris signing that he will be moved as part of a deadline deal or at this year’s draft.

I’m sure that Bouchard will have Braddock TCB

Not necessarily, our NHL centre depth was paper thin. This is the kind of smart depth pickup that contenders make... I hope that we have the opportunity to get used to this. I also really like how Bergevin just keeps his mouth shut and then acts.

I like the deal. I wouldn't see why this move would impact Danault at all. Stall is a 4th line veteran option (2/3rd as a short term injury fill-in) and he is insurance in case KK has any issues after the Covid infection or exposure and depth in case of other injury. Ducharme wasn't enamored with Evans play of late and this gives the Habs some depth in case of injury. Before this move, one injury at center and we are facing the possibility of Byron or Dauphin or Poehling as an everyday center which frankly made me nauseous. That is not to say that Poehling might not be able fill a role on the team next year, but this year I want him to continue to develop in Laval

When I first heard this story I was praying that Chris Lee was involved.

I hope not, because the goal should be more than squeaking into the playoffs

I was just going to post the same thing 😎

Ekholm is available but we don't have the cap space unless MB spends assets to entice a team to take someone to clear salary e.g., Byron which he has said he will not do.