JGC21

So I'm hearing there's smoke behind a possible trade with Chicago or LA. Can't imagine who Gauthier's targeting on either team? Up for grabs IMO would be Kostitsyn, Moen, Weber and of course Gomez. I wonder...

I feel the same way as you CC. I have been away from hockey for almost a month now, because of that Boston game. It just seemed the right time for me to back away from the Canadiens and the obsessive nature of this team (including the Habsworld community). And it looks like the Habs followed me on my vacation since they've played like crap ever since. For some strange reason, I decided to "check-in" on this message board today. Then I saw your post. Too weird! Still don't think I can watch the team until the playoffs though.

After witnessing one of the most brutal, illegal hits in hockey - and watching the league do nothing..., I'm out. I'll probably tune for a bit of the playoffs but frankly, I just don't care. The NHL does not care about it's players or the fans so why care about them? I've got far too many better things to be doing than watching this gong show. It was nice chatting with a bunch of you on these boards. Take care!

Okay, there might be a problem with the feed for Quebec then. In the meantime, I guess there's the internet...

Really? Just called Bell and they said the channel is down for a lot of people. You live in Quebec?

Anybody else trying to watch the game on TSN-Alt. feed? Channel doesn't work.

Why does CBC keep Milbury on TV? He is brutal!

What a brutal game, Habs got owned by the Leafs and refs. Another 2 pts squandered.

Jeezuz, Gill!

Anybody watching the game on TSN-Habs?

We just need another powerplay... onto the chat room!

I'm going off of what I've been hearing through TSN, CBC and various other hockey shows that LA always seem to be one of the teams in on the big players (like Gaborik and most recently Kovalchuk last year). With Richards presumably on the market and everyone outside of the Senators logo available, maybe Spezza is too. I'm not sure about Semin, maybe I'm getting him confused with Backstrom - I thought someone on Washington was in trade rumours.

What about Dustin Brown in LA... he might be available since LA wants to go after a big impact player like Brad Richards, Jason Spezza or Alexander Semin. Brown is a decent goal scorer having notched four 20-goal seasons in a row. Maybe a trade involving Kostitsyn, Weber and something else could be worked out. LA could then flip some of those pieces for a big name player they're coveting. Just a thought.

Picard is a UFP: Useless f@#% player.

Actually, that's 7 UFA defencemen: Markov Wisniewski Gill Hamrlik Sopel Mara Picard And 2 RFA's: Gorges Weber

How many times are they gonna fix the ice?! This is brutal!

Anyone feel like going to the chatroom?

I've been waiting impatiently all year for White to be called up. He's gotta play! He'll be a lot more energized and have more presence than Pyatt.

While I agree it doesn't matter what Martin did in Ottawa to justify him being a good coach today, I think Muller could also benefit from being around experienced veterans a while longer. He spent two seasons with Carbonneau and now almost two seasons with Martin. If he's willing to stay, I'd love both Martin & Muller back next year. After that, let's see if he's up to the task of head coaching, and maybe even Montreal. Besides, I think New Jersey will go for an experienced coach next year like Fat, sorry Pat Quinn.

Watch out, Ek is starting with the Robin Regehr rumours again. How on earth Montreal fits that $4M a year (for 2 more years) into their cap - I have no idea?! I can try.... Calgary could take Spacek in the deal, buy why they would want an aging veteran with one more year at $3.8M is beyond me? They should be rebuilding with younger players. However, Hamrlik and a prospect to Calgary makes sense since Hammer walks after this season, thus Calgary would be dumping Regehr for money reasons. Then it's almost a certainty the Habs can't keep Markov, Gorges, Wisniewski and Regehr. Ugh, my head hurts.

I'm pretty sure Darche and Halpern are gone next year. It will be interesting to see how White and Engvist play since I could see the bottom six looking a whole lot different next season.

Anybody feel like heading over to the chatroom?

My gut tells me Cammy has a broken hand, done for the year.

Agreed. both Markov and Wisniewski can be retained. Hamrlik, Gill, and Picard are gone. That's $8,350,000 right there. How much will Markov command after playing limited games the past two seasons and after two major knee operations? Am I a fool for thinking he'll sign for the same money, but a shorter deal? Then, let's replace Hamrlik and Gill's contracts with Wisniewski and a re-signed Gorges. They could all fit. Markov - $5.75M Wisniewski - $4.25M Gorges - $3.5M Spacek - $3.8M Subban - $875k Weber - $875k That's $19M tied up on defense. If Gill wants to return, then maybe offer him $1.5M. I think the key will be to get rid of Spacek this summer to allow wiggle room on defense. Easier said than done though.

Really - I don't believe that. I'm in the camp that the organization wanted Price all the way. Halak did them a favor by playing strong and netting a decent propsect in a trade. It's probably true that the team couldn't take on Penner's contract this past summer without moving a body (like Kostitsyn). I guess we'll see what happens up until the trade deadline. I'm still of the mindset they need another top 6 forward and a d-man. I guess after last night's heart-attack, a d-man is the priority.