illWill

I'm in the same boat as you, I don't consider myself an expert by any means, but I've seen him play live multiple times with seats specifically close to him just to watch him play. And each time he has looked really impressive against my hometown Islanders. Mind you it's a small sample size, our team generally sucks, and I don't pay that close attention to other goalies to compare it to. However I haven't seen a goalie in that league as good since Corey Crawford. Sometimes you can just tell when a guy has it.

I totally agree that something like this should and hopefully will be how the Habs improve for next season. Thornton would be an excellent pickup and with him being on the outs with his GM, could be shipped out of town if he waives the NTC I believe he has. Then finally, we have that "#1 big center" that has been a need for as long as I can remember. Plekanec can then slot in to the second line where he belongs and all is right in the world. Personally I can't wait for the time when people can't use the word smurf, or say weak at center when describing the Habs.

I don't understand all of this Yakupov for Plekanec talk, did I miss something? Why on earth would they trade a #1 overall pick a couple years ago for a 32 year old center with one year left on his contract? They already have RNH, McDavid and Draistail up the middle, and us trading a center for a winger makes no sense when it is a perceived weakness.

The only way trading Plekanec makes sense is if he is packaged along with picks and/or prospects to upgrade the center position for NEXT year, not down the road. A team that is supposedly weak down the middle does not simply trade away it's best center.

I'd be more opt to make a lesser deal if I am trading from a position of strength to fill out other needs on the team and if I really liked the players involved. That being said, yes it probably would take a bit more to get him considering he just won the MVP of the playoffs.

Eller, Emelin and a 1st for Thornton and Torres Habs upgrade at center, get help down low on the pp. Sharks rid themselves of the gm feud, get a center back, help on D and save a bit of cap space. Emelin, Parenteau, Fucale and a 1st for Eric Staal Habs acquire a big center, get to ship out PAP. Canes get decent return for their rebuild Eller, Hudon and a 2nd for Sharp Habs get a top 6 forward with credentials. Hawks get a roster player and get to save on the cap Eller and Fucale for O'Reilly Habs get help up front. Avs get a cheaper player and potential future goalie Tinordi, Fucale and a 2nd for Draisaitl and a 3rd Habs get a blue chip center. Oilers get size on D and potential future goalie, also clearing room for McDavid and Nuge up the middle Plekanec and Thomas for Koivu and a 1st Habs get a different look at center from the brother of Canadien Royalty. Wild shed the contract and fill the position, Parise becomes Captain Galchenyuk, Emelin, a 1st and a 2nd for Malkin Habs get an elusive elite center. Penguins get a potential star, help on D and recoups draft picks, saves on cap. Parenteau and Bournival for Lupul Habs ugrade on the wing. Leafs dump contract for rebuild

Hopefully he picks up where he left off in the playoffs. Too soon?

Here come the "I told you so's" right on cue. Really going out on a limb with that prediction, Habs don't win the cup and you look like a genius.

I think if the Habs resign Petry, one of the conditions should be that he cuts his Bruce Jenner hair.

I think it's fair to say that everyone would like an upgrade at center. Whether that is Chucky to become the player we all hope he will be, or to package together some lesser talent to acquire a star center. Is it likely that Chucky can do that next year? There is a chance but I'm not holding my breath on it just yet. Is there some centers across the league that could be had? The Sharks might want to shake things up with Thornton and Marleau, maybe an Eric Staal, O'Reilly, Malkin, or future star Bjugstad could be had. Time for me to find the trade proposal thread haha

I don't believe the right atmosphere is on the Habs. We like our players to back check and to give a crap

If there was somehow to trade Emelin and use just those dollars for Petry I would be up for that. Tinordi could hopefully fill in on the left side for Emelin, who has taken one too many head shots for my liking. I'd like him dealt before it's too late.

Bergevin has a plan and a vision for his hockey team. He stated before this season that they have to take a step back in order to move forward. So he got rid of veterans Gionta, Georges, Moen, Bourque and Bouillion. He wanted the old leadership core gone and for the new one to mold itself. It's going to take some time for this new group to come together and meanwhile MB will be adding pieces when necessary. He is not scared to shake things up but he is also patient enough to realize it wasn't the right time to harvest the future for right now. He has said time and time again that he wants to make Montreal a perennial contender. I have no reason to believe that he isn't on his way to doing that. It was another excellent season of GMing in my opinion.

I don't think he will return simply because the market will pay him more than he is worth. I thought he was a really good fit with the Habs but to throw a huge amount of money and term at him is irresponsible. The cap era is all about getting value out of contracts, and he will not live up to inflated contract he will get.

I think Callaghan being out is huge news. I have been waiting for him to score a timely goal all series. He is a gritty, character player who can finish and is built for the playoffs

I had a dream that I was on the team. Fortunately I was on the bench the whole game and didn't get a shift. Great view though

A beauty post right there Bergevin acquired a team. He chose a coach he thought best suited the team. The coach then does his thing based on the team he has, which is playing in front of the best goalie in the world. Bergevin being a former defenseman himself continually strengthens the d core which then becomes part of the best defensive team in the league. Coach and GM are on the same page, and the players are on the same page as them. This is how you build a successful franchise.

I just simply cannot believe the popularity of this topic considering the accomplishments since he has taken over a last place team.

The way I like to think about it is $9m (PK) + $6.5m (Price) + $4.5m (Pac) = $20m for the next 3 years. Hard pressed to find a better 3 player core on a team for that much.

Did anybody ever hear why there was only a two minute penalty on that high stick when clearly there was blood drawn?

Agreed. Not to mention the two bargain years he played on the bridge deal. And it's only speculation about what went on during the negotiations, we don't know how much he would have signed for long term back then.

Bishop's pregame face looks nervous

Messier's game 6 guaranteed win comes to mind. He wasn't a bad captain, some say the best. I believe they named a leadership award after him.

Why would he say to the media that he would rather play wing? Seems like something he would say behind closed doors

Tampa looks like crap so far