DON

I would add; Duchene, MacKinnon, Nugent-Hopkins, Backes, Monahan, Eakin, Backstrom, Granlund, Johansen, Carter, Bjugstad and likely missing a couple other dynamic centres that are/will be all-stars. So I think most teams do have an all-star calibre centre, but Habs don't. Eklund says 'Big Forward" coming to Habs from Sharks!!!! SO maybe Jumbo Joe coming?)

So many (most) think Sekac will be in opening night Hab roster. Where does that leave de la Rose? Hamilton, SHL or can 2 rookie forwards possibly crack roster? Zero or very very slim chance?

Thanks, but I don't need to anymore he has retired. And I have nothing bad to say about his latest job with Habs.

And if Galchenyuk were to play wing all year, you think that would really be a bad thing? Because you know injuries or situations (blow out games) will allow him to get some trail runs there, so slot him at wing and play it by ear. What is the big rush?

I saw list of invites and seemed like a lot of higher profile names than Gregoire, I didn't figure out how many 'locks' there are but odds must be slim he makes Canada team. I know will depend on how his first 1/4 of season goes and how many bottom six forwards fit better than he does. Watched the replay of 2009 WJC game and seems were one pile of players who never developed into NHLers. I wonder what % of Team Canada juniors typically make it in NHL? about 50%?

I think the rope you talk of is just armchair GM noose. don't think Mgmt is as down on him as many seem to be. We should find out whats what with Eller by end of week arbitration date. I would like to see a 4 year- $12m deal (but just a wild stab, realistic??)

Plekanec 676 games as a Hab, 176 goals, so avrage 21goals/year, but never a 30 goal scorer. In 48 game season in 2012-13, he was on a 56point pace, for those who say he is fading and 20 goals again this year, on a bottom ten scoring team. I just think so many fans undervalue him, or just seems that way to me.

Well, in the fall I suggested 80 points/100PIMs for Gregoire, which you rightly said 80points "would be a shocker." But >1PPG (in both reg season & playoffs) with 69points and 84PIMs, still a nice year and maybe this year he can hit my wishful thinking 80point target? And again he was almost youngest kid in draft, so am pulling for him to continue to improve.

We been through this before up till the 80s and I really don't care one way or other. Plane being shot down terrible and bit creepy to discuss with trivial entertainment crap like hockey visa issues. The circus will go on just fine either way, don't worry.

I didn't know or care about contract, it was 100% his defensive play that pissed me off. If cant defend should be a forward, or flipping burgers at McDonalds.

Pretty sure, Lapointe was quoted as saying he didn't want the constant travel/ to be more involved, due to family reasons and was happy exactly where he is.

Gregoire, still an 18 year old, was invited to Can World Junior camp this summer, but long shot to fill a bottom six role no doubt. Gregoire has had back to back solid playoff performances and will be interesting to see how he does next year, will he keep improving and rip it up in the Q, or put up similar #s as this year. I think he is similar to Vail (who was just let go) and a 2 way centre? But have seen very little of his play, just guess.

But, if a forward has a choice whos corner to dump puck into, Tinordi will have a target on his back. Till he can prove he can move it out of zone without turning it over. He was even getting pushed around by average sized NHLers last year (and definitely couldn't handle Lucic/Hartnell-type forwards), so a lot will depend if he is stronger on his skates this fall.

I think (to just name a few) Mantha, Teravainen, Pokka, Fasching, Eichel, Ristolainen, Zadorov, Pouliot, Forsberg and about 20 others were better than Reway. Who was super on the PP and offensively (which is only 1 end of rink), but that is it, did he backcheck hard/consistently? Not a chance. Which was my only criticism of his play, he is skilled and good on offense, no question. But, who was one of best forward defenders & PK guys in tourney, on wonky ankles, Lehkonen. That is why I think the small Finn (Koivu Jr?), would be ahead of Reway on my list. (just my opinion)

I remember his hat-trick like was yesterday and i couldnt believe he saved our bacon, but 1 game did jack to endear him in my eyes (i sadi nothing about his play, I said he wasnt one of my favourites, period) Brisbois was a d-man development coach

Always liked Sean Couturier, how bout Wayne Simmonds for Beaulieu and a 1st, as Flyers are over the cap?

He and Desardins were never favourite's of mine.

If someone is thinking of moving a centre to make room for Galchenyuk. Not a f'in hope Galchenyuk can come close to filling Plekanec's skates, yet!

PK Subban was #1 in NHL in PP minutes/game Mr Andrei Markov was #3 in the NHL. Surprising stat.

Good luck to ol #43, hated him as a player, but was very hands-on with prospects and they all seem to have good things to say (Iknow Iknow what else can they say) and I think his long career gave him lots of Pro experiences if nothing else and he dosent seem a dummy neither. be a fit) Come on down Hal Gill!!! (I know dlbalr will burst my bubble somehow, but can hope he would fit or actually be a realistic option for Bergevin)

Not many teams who dont make playoffs win a cup and if you think trading Plekanec will help ensure they get into playoffs, I think you are mistaken and as most do, undervalue what Tomas brings to the table. His under performing in playoffs is what sunk them is it?

I think he meant on the PP. No one would have Beaulieu and Gilbert as 2nd pairing d, unless you really hate Price and want to hang him out to dry or want him to have to make a ton of saves.

Eller and Pacioretty played together? don't recall that.

I am being a bit harsh on Nate the Great and really do hope he can put it all together and trains hard this summer. He can just skate and handle puck so darn well, it is tantalizing what he might become.

I think Habs Mgmt agree with most and will see if Beaulieu can play a regular shift this year. Tinordi was doing OK in limited minutes, then given a regular shift for a game or two, seemed to struggle, his icetime melted down to 9minutes and off to Hamilton he went and was very quiet for a month or two before he got his confidence back and starting playing more physical. Ristolainen! Might as well ask for Zadorov, however, unless Mike Milbury or Doug Maclean is hired by Sabres it aint happening. But, would be sweet deal!