DON

Was the 'stupid' bit of contract a guaranteed part of price to attract him to Buffalo in first place? Or do the Sabres see some benefit to this structure of deal?

And is that taboo normally for a prospect?

Habs simply need more offense, if Sharp does that, I am fine with centres as are. If added a Backes or Koivu at centre might be a good idea, but would be frickin costly. And if you think Habs mgmt. haven't done their homework on roster options I think you be wrong. So if has failed to please you, what was the easy move they so obviously failed to make? Trade Scherbak, McCarron, Gallagher, Galchenyuk, Beaulieu, 1st picks is where a centre upgrade would start with. Which top prospects/top picks you want to part with? Or you one of those who want to try to bundle & trade mid-quality assets for an all-star I suppose?

dlbalr, If Lehkonen is attending development camp, what is reason that Reway isnt?

I like his shot.

Got a soft spot for Markov and hope he retires a Hab. Even if slows a bit and is more a 3rd pairing guy in 16-17 season.

Not a big Ward fan, but haven't followed nor noticed him much. I think he is a much older Pelly isn't he and playoff performer like Briere was eh...and how did that trade play out?

Hey, there are super NHLers who never made Canada National team and also many who make those teams who then never amount to anything above that. I think easy to say that politics play a big part in national teams roster make up. (Czech Olympic team of old timers is perfect example)

Loved the Steve Simmins Kessel Hot-Dog blog...what a maroon! Only thing funnier was an American dude ripping Simmins post and Leafs irrelevance for past 50 years.

Dang...had thought Oshie would of looked good as a Hab.

Honestly it seems some simply want big trades for sake of big trades. Pitt & Leafs were 2 desperate teams grasping at chance to land sniper to help Crosby before he retires from next concussion and other team had to off-load a stupidly huge boat-anchor contract. And some are now saying Bergevin/Habs are losing out on UFAs they were in-play for, by being too cheap/conservative. But, also if offered Belesky $5m for 5 years and he underperformed; you know damn well the same critics would be first to chime in on how dumb a signing it was.

War on ice joined with tv network to provide fact ticker for draft or UFA day.

Sure, just wasn't quite sure what you meant and hopefully he does pan out, but still must be very long shot?

I would assume Lebrun meant other "players" nor necessarily just UFA's that will add offense to Habs. So, Sharp, Oshie etc

Kristo off to St Louis on 2 way deal. I always thought he would 'make it' but not looking like it.

Kassian is cheaper, younger, bigger, a RW, more skilled/more offense, bigger hitter, but just not the fighter, PK, nor character guy Prust is. Seems a good deal for Habs (+5th pick).

I guess I assumed he would be re-signed, but if wasn't wouldn't of been big shocker neither.

Sorry still don't understand that post? He is 19 not 17/18 and if he was as good as Timmins 'hints' Swedish mgmt. would have him there, barring injury or something like that.

Huge ego.

But still more likely swap of roster player(s) in trade before any UFA is signed by Habs, I would guess.

Is what Lebrun hinted at.

But Sather still is President, so how much a difference is it?

SO LeBrun says Habs were in on J Williams and Dreager said same on Belesky. But Lebrun also noted, "Habs can be patient, other guys out there."

Yes Bieksa for just a 2nd round pick also very reasonable deal for Ducks. Buffalo 1st round pick for Lehner and 1st round pick for other goalie by S.J. seemed bit high. Hard to believe Pitt went so hard after Kessel, when have been bleeding dry its prospect pool/draft picks. But must really see Malkin-Crosby's quite dominant play wont last forever.

Sorry, Petry of course. Hmm? So since Tinordi (nor Pateryn) wouldn't clear waivers and wont have 2 d-men sitting in pressbox come Oct. Which one is destined to go this summer (or within next week)? Gilbert or Tinordi?