v-hab

Habitforming “ This thread is the reason this board is dying . . .Disgusting” This thread is not the only reason it is dying, new member’s with new ideas and new points of view, are intimidated and clash with the long time established membership. Almost like the same ten members have formed a elite clique. The sad part is, this board has so much hockey knowledge and information to share compared with other habs boards. I read every day, but post very little. JoeL assister & Chris Really like reading your posts, and have learned much, or at the very least, have had to give a second thought when I had a different opinion . Chris, I completely disagree with you on Chipchura, in fact I believe he was playing his best hockey in a long time before being assigned to the press box. His faceoff % has improved, his skating has improved, and plays with a edge when it comes to standing up for his team-mates. He was NOT a big time goal scorer. On the Junior gold medal team (captain ) he was a defensive specialist-PK and was drafted for that position. 3rd. and 4th. line players are not expected to carry a team. Perhaps a fourth line of; Stewart/Pyatt- Chipchura, and White/ Stewart would be more effective. If there is anyone that actually believes Metropolit will lead this team to a cup is in for a sad awakening . He is a career third or fourth line player with age and we have a abundance of young players waiting for a spot on those lines. Lapierre is a proven very good third line centre, why judge his effectiveness when he has been forced into a wing position, on the second line. ‘The Peter Principal’ effect. I often wonder if Brisebois had not bee signed for 08/09, perhaps O’Byrne would have developed into a top 6 player with confidence as we have today, much sooner than he did playing top 4.

There you go . . . you’re drinking problem ( after the Vancouver game )has clouded the expectations of the recent play of Price. Once one lowers their expectations then the bar may not be as high for them. Enablers make excuses for many kinds of abuses. Price is not at 50% of the level he was when he first fought with Huet to be the rotation. Fleury reported the Flames knew of his problems as he failed testing a couple of times. BG must know ,otherwise why would Martin make the trip in the summer to talk to Price in person. Remember for BG Price is the face of the franchise . Two coach's , Julien and Carbonneau have been fired by Gainey for wanting to sit Price in the pressbox. He is Gainey's pet project. And would lose face with the new owners if he gave in now. Saturday try viewing without a drink you may see the true Price rather than your imaginary one.

For what this all worth, I have a source that has a ‘inside source’ ( Not Ek ) . However, I trust my source 100% and assume his secret inside source is creditable. Until January 2009 he held the highest position as COB and CEO so his circle of friends might support this. One I do know of, is the CFO of the Toronto maple leafs, don’t think he is the inside source for this Habs story. The Montreal Canadiens are aware Price has a drinking problem. They have counseled Price on this problem in fact, Coach Martin’s trip out west to visit with him this summer was also to give him advice as to where this path will lead and offer support. He is just another young kid with lots of money and 3000 miles from the guidance of his Mother and Father. As of Thanksgiving Sunday the ‘inside source’ still claims there is a problem. This just might explain his mixed start this year as just a continuation of last season. I am not trying to start a rumor only offering a possible explanation for his mediocre play.

How soon is ' soon enough' for you. Noon today is Ok with me. How sad is it, when we think Metropolit is the answer.

First, thank you. I don’t see the connection. It’s must be simple and I still don’t get it. Most likely a senior moment. I will give it more thought, perhaps it will come to me. My thinking. Markov placed on LTIR whomever I brought up as a replacement must go down . Actually Chicago is facing the same problem with Hossa. However, they have 26 players signed. When Hossa comes back 3 players must go back down or trade. I don’t see how it gets complicated.

Is there a reason why Markov is not on LTIR. I thought he was eligible after 10 days or 10 games ? (not sure which. )

I always find it amazing as a Habs fan, when we win it’s a team win, when we lose, it’s individuals . If anyone really believes that Stewart and Chipchura lost the game for us in Calgary has tunnel vision. They both barely saw any ice time in the third period. Perhaps one might assume, the first three lines didn’t win the game, or Calgary played better than expected. I see the loss as being out coached, the CGG line can’t continue to play full out and be expected to have gas left for a third period comeback every game. Just my opinion from the same game you all watched and that I watched. The line matchups were off.

I believe Chipchura signed a 'one way' contract for this season in order not to be AHL eligible. Ice time is another matter with Metropolit still there.

First , Thank you for the information. I’m not knowledgeable in that area and can’t suggest otherwise for your post. For so many years now I have believed the waiver rule only applied from the first day of NHL play ( Oct.1st. this year ) until June 30th. The NHL player contract year. A example of your understanding would be Rob Schremp being claimed earlier this week from Edmonton. My concern is, of the cuts made with the Habs there were more than just a few that would have had to clear waivers, Yet not one was claimed? Not even claimed to send to their AHL affiliates. Is there a unwritten agreement between GM’s to not claim prior to the star,t or are our AHL cuts just not as good as some of us believe?.

Thanks, but I had that list already, I was looking for a explanation of the ‘rules’ that apply to waivers, and when they take effect.

A question that has been bothering me for some time, perhaps obvious to most ,but still a mystery for me. If a player that has to clear waivers going down to Hamilton but is free from waivers to return during the season. Example, G Stewart, If he is returned to the AHL prior to the start of the season ( Oct.1st.) must he still have to clear waivers from ‘training camp’?

Preseason 9/24 Boston Latendresse: I was going to let his play from last night slide, without mention of how improved he playing is over last season , and that would not be fair, considering I lead the posts on all boards in ‘Gui bashing’ for the last 2 ½ years. He had 6-7 real hits ( not hitting the boards for sound effect ) He back checked past our blueline, I was impressed. . . Good on you Gui. If he can play the same way when Boston and Toronto have their regular roster players in the lineup and not become invisible when their big bangers and crashers are playing, he will look even better. I don’t think he is first line ready . . .yet . Playing with Lapierre and some second line duty when called for would not be so out-of-place for him with this improved play. For the Latendresse fan club, copy this post it might be a collector’s item

I have read here, and on ‘Habs I/O ‘ Henry had hand surgery and is out for 4-6 weeks. I now read on the Canadiens site ‘ Bulldogs head to Scotland’ dated, Tuesday, 22.09.2009 / 4:46 PM / From canadiens.com “A total of 25 players will be making the trip, including the 19 players cut from the Canadiens camp Monday night. The remainder will made up of Alex Henry, in addition to five players from the Cincinnati Cyclones, Hamilton's ECHL affiliate” One report seems to contradict the other, anyone know the true report?.

I know this is not your final submission and don't mean to complicate the issue, however, if the 186 is to represent the playing year. NHLnumbers has the playing year listed as 193. apologize now if I miss-read your calculations.

Well it’s not that he is never wrong, with a 3% confirmed rumor rating . Being wrong 97% of the time only means his “ sources “ might be the problem, or not. Remember, if you put enough rumors out there one has to get something right. My favourite was from last summer, I think he has all areas covered in this one. The question would be, is this part of the 3% Big Deal Imminent (E4) There's a rumor - a big rumor - that a team from the western conference is seriously looking at an offer with at least one team from the east. I cant reveal any names right now, but its a big one. Most likely the deal will happen within the week, but it could take a month or even after the summer. Again, I don’t know if its likely or not but I do know it will be big.

In my dream world we are in need of players that play with grit ( stand up for team-mates) that can skate and score goals. Burrows’ is just that type of player. 150 penalty minutes last season, plus the fact he is francophone. It’s easier to find a centre, than it is to get a good power forward. Presently, we have Stewart and Moen, they are not goal scorers, they are grinders and checkers. To answer your question, go through the depth charts for Boston, Toronto and Ottawa, just our division and take note of ‘ pain in the azz” Hitters and grinders type players our new roster will have to face. That’s why I believe we need a Burrows type player that can skate, score, 28 goals and 51 points last season and be a part time enforcer when needed for his 2nd. line. The bonus part, he is signed for 4 years at $2 million. Before anyone jumps back with “ he played with the twins, he didn’t start the season with them, it was around mid-season. I watched all but 4 games last season and went to 2 Centers soon to be available, Maxwell, Johansson, Fortier,Leblanc ?, and Engqvist. Plekanec signed for 1 year so he could test the UFA market at the end of next season. Now go through the same depth chart at available wingers . . .that's where the shortage is. Burrows and Perron are YOUNG and established NHL players .

I’m guessing I didn’t explain this very well. ‘Malhotra as being a borderline second line centre’ There will be games he will look good on the second line but more games where he will not. I understand everyone’s point and agree with it. However, I did qualify the statement as a “suitable replacement, cost efficient that is available, should Plekanec get traded”. "He is an excellent 3rd line centre, excellent penalty killer" add to that, he is a excellent skater. If you check this site for available centers you will have to agree Manny is a suitable replacement, only if Plekanec is traded. http://forecaster.canada.com/faceoff/hocke...gi?ufa.cgi?2009

First I apologize, I was not able to find a thread that might fall into the category of build your own dream team. After reading the posting rules, I did not want to start a new thread. We obliviously have different opinions on the value of players that would help improve the current team. My question for you would be, at the end of May 09 did you expect that so many of the regular roster ( we all thought were just the greatest) would be gone and more surprising, how many have not been offered a contract from 29 other teams?. I know I was. I will only address two of your concerns, Kostitsyn, is a great player, when he plays. There are far too many games where he just doesn’t come to play. You trade when the player has value , not when he is in a down year. Perron is a exceptional player playing on a questionable line. In order to get JD to even listen one has to overpay. Malhotra is a borderline second line centre and top line, third line centre http://forecaster.canada.com/faceoff/hockey/player.cgi?1617 and clearly I said, he would be a ‘suitable replacement’ considering what is available. In order to pry Burrows loose from Vancouver, again you must pay a premium . Burrows is everything we all hoped Latendresse would be. My suggested team is not a fantasy team more of a dream team, and would make us stronger at every position IMHO.

I don’t know if this is the right thread to post this in but, if I am Bob Gainey I would like to see him continue with his improving the team. two more trades and one courtesy trade with Edmonton to give Chipchura a chance to play. There would be a enforcer type on the ice for all lineups. Building ‘your team’ it’s just that, a fun exercise while taking into consideration improving the overall team ( not just one position ) and keeping the Cap within reason for the next two years. My cap hit for 09/10 is $ 52,025. Million with 21 players signed. For 10/11 is $ 47,757. Million with 17 players signed ( Price, Mara, Latendresse and Pouliot. Perron would be signed at $2.250. mil. ) Having Burrows and Perron, Gainey will not be pressured with Latendresse threatening arbitration. Plekanec- one year contract $2.75 million then a UFA July 1st. 2010. My second favourite player. Do I want to trade him, No. However, if he was part of a package that returned a younger and skilled players in return that would fill a area of weakness . . . then yes. Burrow’s would without question fill a weakness and the trade fills a need for Vancouver, especially with Taylor Pyatt still available. If we look a Plekanec ‘s abilities as 10 on 10 Then Malhotra a UFA as a suitable replacement as 7 on 10, the bonus being his 58% FO percentage over Pleks 50.6% FO%. Agreed, he is listed as a third line centre. However, he is the best available today at a reasonable and respectable cost ( approx. $2 mil. ) He has a offer from Atlanta but is waiting for another team, my hope it is Montreal if Plekanec is to be traded. St.Louis- Perron is a exceptional player that plays and thinks like he is 6’2” . a goal scorer and setup man with attitude. The bonus, he is only 21. There are some that might suggest my trade is too much to give, I’m wondering if it is enough . Andre is not the same player if his brother in not in Montreal and does not show up for all games. The Edmonton is a old rumor that I'm still hoping for. #1 UFA Pickup before trading with Vancouver Manny Malhotra - 6’2” C (29) cap $2mil-2 year contract 10/11 UFA #1a To Montreal: Alexandre Burrows 6’1” LW/RW (28) cap $2mil 4 year contract 13/14 UFA Alexandre Bolduc 6’1” C/LW (24) cap 0.515 1 year contract 09/10 RFA 4/127- ( Hamilton ) To Vancouver: T Plekanec 5’10” C/LW -(27) cap 2.75 mil. 1 year contract 09/10 RFA 3/71 J Gorges 6’1” LD- (25) cap $1.1 mil. 2 year contract 10/11 RFA * 1/ SJ (Kelowna) Rights to Alexei Emelin- LD-6’0” 3/84 ( almost ready to play NHL) #2 To Montreal: David Perron – 6’0” –RW/LW- (21) –cap $0.918.m 1 year contract 09/10 UFA 1/26 To St. Louis: A Kostitsyn – 6’0” LW/RW – (24) - cap $3.250.m- 2 year contract 10/11 UFA 1/10 S Kostitsyn – 5’11” RW/LW (22) – Cap $0.817m 1 year contract 09/10 RFA D’Agostini 6’0” RW (22) cap ??? RFA 6/190 To Montreal: Zack Stortini 6’4” RW (23) cap 0.700 2 year contract 10/11 RFA 3/ Marc-Andre Bernier 6’4” RW (24) entry level ( Hamilton ) 2/ Jean-Francois Jacques 6’4” LW-(24)- cap 0.525) 1 year contract 09/10 RFA 2/68 ( Hamilton ) Marc Pouliot- 6’1” C/RW- (24)- cap 0.825 1 year contract 09/10 RFA 1/22 To Edmonton: G Laraque 6’3- RW- (32) cap $1.5 mil 2 year contract 10/11 UFA ( home town) 2/31 K Chipchura 6’2” C--(23) cap $0.500 1 year contract 09/10 RFA Alberta boy 1/18 Glen Metropolit C (34) cap $1 mil. 1 year contract 09/10 UFA Ryan Russel 5’10” C (21) cap $0.495. entry level 7 Shawn Belle– Edmonton is Home Town RFA* 1/30 St.Lo Cammalleri 5’9” – Gomez 5’11”– Gionta 5’7” Burrows 6’1” – Malhotra 6’2” – Perron 6’0” T Moen 6’2”- Lapierre 6’2” – Latendresse 6’2” Stewart 6’2”– Pouliot 6’1”– Stortini 6’4” ( Henry LW/ ) Markov 6’0” – Spacek RD 5’11” Hamrlik 6’2’ – P Mara 6’4” H Gill 6’7”LD – O’Byrne 6’6” (A Henry 6’5” LD/LW) Price & Halak Henry rotates with Stewart when Stortini is out Boston /Toronto- Rest O’Byrne and Henry in RD (lucic) = LD for Toronto (Orr) Latendresse out Stewart moved to his spot and henry moved to LW 4th line (Option )

I was a big fan of Lats in his first year, and bragged continually with my Leaf friends each game we finally had a player that could send fear into those dirty leaf players. After 35 or so games, there was a big change in his game. Hitting the boards for sound effect, rather than the player. I think he found out rather quickly he was playing against men not boys and backed off from what made him look a little better than the rest in junior. Think of his play against Boston and Toronto he is almost invisible. Here is a scary thought to consider , Lapierre had a fractured ankle near the end of last season and played on it. . .Latendresse was not able to keep up with him. Back-checking is almost non-existent with him and he is real,real defensive liability. I would be more concerned as a coach with Latendresse slowing the pace of play of the newly acquired speedsters . Martin’s coaching history suggests he relies on speed and defensive play . I just don’t see Latendresse playing on anything more than the 3rd. or 4th. line and might very well be rotated in and out of the lineup this season. However, your point is well taken, we are one real good winger away from being a contender. A Burrows type player, that can skate, score and has attitude. They are not easy to find and get.