illWill

It drives me nuts when people mention this trade as if it was Kessel for Seguin and Hamilton. No, it was Kessel for two first round picks and a second round pick. When burke made the deal, he didn't anticipate that his team would finish as poorly as it did and that's why it turned out to be Seguin. Anytime there is a comparison between the two players I want to punch something. We don't compare Craig Rivet to Max Pacioretty.

I must be lucky on the East coast, I pay $5 per month for RDS/TVA, and I get every other game through the Sportsnet and City TV channels

I was always a Moen fan on the Habs. Despite never winning a fight and having hands of stone, he was effective out there as a 4th liner. Is he paid too much? Perhaps, but at least you know what you are going to get from him game in and game out. For what he does he can be replaced at a cheaper rate. Thanks for the service Travis. I wasn't even aware that Gonchar was still playing, so when I heard about the deal I laughed. A team can never have enough defensive depth though through a long season and playoffs. Having not seen much of Gonchar since he left Ottawa, I can't really comment on his play. But one would have to assume that on a team with Cup aspirations this year, he is will be quite useful on the 2nd pp unit and as a 6th/7th dman. I like the trade

3.5m is actually quite comparable across the league for a third line center, and he is locked up for 3 more years at that rate which will be less % of the cap moving forward. Some players adapt to whatever role they are assigned because they are a team player. If you tell Crosby to go out there on the 4th line to shut down the opponent, that's what he is going to do. Some rise to the occasion when they are given the opportunity because their teammates are relying on them. My opinion is that Eller is penciled in as the third line center, so that's what he gives them, third line center quality play. Hypothetically if he were given the reigns on the first line, I believe he would put up bigger numbers. No, I do not believe he should be given that role but I do think his output would increase. He stepped up big time in the playoffs showing how good he can be when it actually matters, so I'm not too worried about him.

I don't really get all the hate on Eller. Is there really anything wrong with what he is or will turn out to be? Yes, we all want him to be that big, scoring center prospect but if he is just a 3rd line center who can play some defense and chip in with a bit of offence, then that's great. Just because someone plays on the 3rd line and isn't putting up certain numbers doesn't mean he isn't an effective part of the team.

Anyone else notice that the 3 shooters in the shootout went to their signature bread and butter moves? That tells me that they wanted the win. They may not have worked for it the entire game (or most games for that matter), but when the time calls for it this team is responding, and that's a good sign. If a Conference leading team is playing like crap and has a lot of room for improvement, there shouldn't be much to worry about.

Yeah, I thought Sekac looked great out there, would like to see him stick in the lineup

Why is this a thread?

FIRE AND TRADE THEM ALL!!!

Yes, Tokarski played well and gave us a chance to win that series. But the main factor in my opinion not having Price playing was his puck handling abilities. Habs couldn't get going from their own end against the aggressive forecheck of the Rangers, and to me, that was the biggest reason why we lost. Having 31 in nets for that series drastically changes the complexion of how the games were played.

I was just talking about this topic with a buddy yesterday. I'm 31 and I can't remember such a good team.

I'd love me some Gormley

I noticed that too. Especially a veteran getting that excited just shows what it's like to play for a team like the Canadiens

I never understood the exclusion of Subban from the shootout either. Even in shootouts that go extra rounds he doesn't get a chance.

Can't wait till he gets run out of town, does well elsewhere and then everyone will say that the Habs mismanaged him. Lars is a 3rd line center, he isn't going to put up big numbers and that's okay. No he isn't playing well right now but most aren't. I didn't hear anyone calling him lil baby Lars when he exploded in our playoff run. As long as the team is winning, who gives a shit who does what?

If a player is expected to score 40-50 points, how can anyone expect them to be consistent? If they were consistent in scoring points, they would be a Crosby or Stamkos.

45-29-5-3 98 points 3rd in Atlantic 12th in league 223 goals

Every time there is a game like this people get all bent out of shape and demand toughness. Our game isn't about toughness, it's about speed, a quick transition and team defense. The idea is to play to your strengths and hope to come out on top, we aren't going to out-Bruin the Bruins. And eventually we will run into an opponent that isn't a good match up for us. That doesn't mean we have to change the make up of the team just so we don't get bullied every once in a while. And yes, obviously if we could get a guy that can scrap, skate and score we would add him. But those players don't grow on trees and are certainly pursued by every other team as well.

I'm thinking this is the year Galchenyuk goes off and scores a bunch. As far as a prediction goes, I'll say 23g 38a

I have a really good feeling about De la Rose and think he will be a surprise come training camp. I haven't seen much of him but I was very impressed from what I did see.

Not only the soccer head snap but it's hard to command respect in the locker room when you are wearing a turtleneck.

"It’s not just about winning, it’s about being the best player on the ice and leading my team. Those are the moments I thrive in the most. That’s why I play this way." "Bobby Orr could flip the switch on, and it was game over. He could skate, shoot, pass, hit, defend. He was a great teammate. He also made a lot of mistakes. My dad read his book and said Orr talked about how for every great play he made, 10 didn’t work. But he had the ability to turn the page, elevate his game and not let any of that stuff affect him." "At the end of the tournament, for them to come up to me and say “You’re a great teammate,” that’s even better than winning a gold medal." This is exactly how I feel about P.K and he reassured me.

I like the idea of going and grabbling a player like Kane, but the only thing I don't like is how our LW is stronger than RW already. Acquiring a potential stud on the left side just creates more disparity.

My personal choice would be Markov with the C and then once retired, pass it on to Subban if he is ready

I don't think Bourque is going anywhere, despite his poor regular season numbers, he still brings value to the lineup. I'm fairly certain that MB is done UFA shopping and that is quite alright IMO. I'm excited to see what some of the prospects do in training camp