DON

Who you rather see signed long term; Drouin or Radulov, given Radulov got the contract Quebec equivalent of $7.1m/yr with Dallas and sounds like new contract was discussed in Jan between Bergy-agent and agent was asking for huge contract then, so seems Bergevin simply offered what he thought he should and wasn't enough. Same with Markov, dlbalr figured about a $4.5m deal should of been reasonable expectation and sounds like that was likely about the offer. So, aside from fact we all would rather see both playing with Habs this year, it couldn't be at any cost...could it? From what is reported, Bergevin is well liked by all (but Jagr?) and nice to hear he was pleasant with your youngin as well .

Yes, Caps were miles ahead in Eastern standings near end of year, finished by going 8-2 over last ten games and Alzner still played all 82 games and has played every game for past 6 years, so not much of a comparison with that russian d-man.

Pacioretty-Duchene-Gallagher Lehkonen-Danault-Drouin Hudon-Plekanec-Shaw McCarron-Mitchell-de la Rose Weber-Alzner Petry-Jerkabec Benn-Schlemko

What are you talking about? So which four or five are checkers and depth d-men?

30yr old $2m d-men typically don't slot in top four, but if you want to project something that is unlikely, seemingly just for something else to complain about and add to list of fireable offenses, seems normal. Berkshire taught you well young fellow! no one deserves that cheap a shot.

That is why you think "maybe things arnt as bad as..."? Or you are on wrong thread perhaps?

And just dismissive of the suggestion that a player, who someone thinks may do more than many expect, should fit in fine? What is wrong with that? I don't know the player at all, but signing Schlemko was seen as a solid signing by all the talking heads and other than the cynical few, no one complained at the time. http://www.habsworld.net/2017/06/habs-acquire-defenceman-david-schlemko/

You do know you are now whining about a low paid 3rd pairing d-man. SOME on this forum are just bitching and complaining about f'in everything Habs-related these days.

But you do know everyone would be willing to trade Plekanec for nothing or add a 2nd for anyone to take him and most everyone likely wouldn't touch Giroux because of Prices upcoming contract next year plus he is looking washed up, so it is just a stupid proposal.

Seems a given Hudon will get a look and McCarron is still one of a kind in Hab system, so his physical presence alone should get a couple games and he seems to of taken training serious and hope he somehow gaines 1/4 of a step over the summer. Reway I think is a long way from 100%, but see how he looks at rookie camp in the fall I guess.

Why would Philly want his contract, if really is washed up and some say Giroux is declining asset also, so why Habs take his 5 more years at $8.25/yr?

Wasn't there a good movie of same name.

Likely more as the 16:44 guy as was in SJ and not 18:38 guy from NJ. Just my guess, as Davidson-Streit-Morrow may steal some icetime, but hope you are correct and he can play big minutes once in a while. He is supposed to be a strong skater isn't he? (I cant ever recall seeing him play)

I imagine many NHL scouts, GMs or Mgmt staff will attend these 'summer showcases'? http://www.usahockeyarena.com/page/show/3503158-full-wjss-schedule- And then on to Ivan Hlinka on Aug 7th. https://www.hockeyprospect.com/2017-ivan-hlinka-memorial-tournament/

He is 30, Byron was 26 when Habs got him...likely Schlemko has "peaked" already.

Asked Markov to wait till Sept or Oct? https://www.spectorshockey.net/2017/07/nhl-rumor-mill-july-28-2017/

New lil Finn https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/joni-ikonen-is-ready-to-make-his-case-for-a-roster-spot-at-the-world-juniors/c-290529804 He, Mete and Poehling will be playing, don't think are any others is there? Bitten makes 4

I would assume he is destined to be in battle for 3rd pairing spot.

Just my opinion, but not even close what is needed more; without a super puck-moving brick wall between the pipes like they have it might be different, but Price is on the team so...

Oops, you somehow forgot; Juulsen, Jerabek, Strait, Davidson, Morrow, Alzner, Petry

I should of said I assume that was rhetorical question. Already put forth reasons why I am OK with non-signing; basically defense is fine, forward group is lacking and in need of more skill, also we all know Bergevin will not sit on $8.5m for the season. Markov walking just makes me more curious what is in the works before Oct. Blindly assert...what is it with "blind this or that" lately? I have stated my reasons (repeatedly) for posted opinion on everything. Sorry I cant get too excited about Markov going home and see it as a major error by Bergy, or get all worked up saying the team will be this or that when season start is long ways away. Seems most objective voices still feel Habs will be playoff team and maybe even repeat as division winner, which I tend to agree with but 82 games is long season and no one has a crystal ball. If team sucks and Molson fires Bergy mid-season or after playoffs, I wont be too upset neither.

To start the season last year, who was the top pairing? #79 is wrong guess. TOI/gm 24:54 three years ago, 23:50 two years ago and last year 21:50...see any trend?

AkBars-Kazan it is! http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Brandon-Smillie/Andrei-Markov-signs-with-AkBars-Kazan-of-the-KHL/248/86655

Why cant they just say to the other GM "Sorry, nothing personal just smart business!" and toss out the offer sheets on some RFAs, without having no Brian Burke's freaking out to the press! (if I remember correctly with Penner?) or being too scared of retribution of offer sheets on own RFAs.

good call