DON

Ignoring the Eklund part, don't know his track record, but not real credible is he? But besides that Parenteau is from Quebec (important to some) has 58pts/yr average $4m/yr for next two years not crazy contract. so could be worse pick ups.

No, not disturbed by Kunitzs' play. 2 games pretty small sample and were only playing maybe a poor AHL calibre teams. Simply haven't noticed him make bad plays, but really haven't noticed him standout at all, good nor bad.

Texas has had just a bit more offense than Hamilton has, but hope on another streak. And Beaulieu will likely have another good game I would guess.

Eklund says Parenteau to Hab deal almost done.

Gregoire with his 26th goal Hudon ...21st Vail.... 27th Crisp.... 24th Bozon .... 27th Watched Michigan game, Bennett with 2a and looked good. He is pretty strong skater, but seems paired with weak d-partner, young team overall and again the opposition (Minnesota) announcers were talking Bennett up as playing his best hockey lately.

The Oshie vs Kovalchuk shootoff

Super game by Markov vs americans

But, you said it, Pacioretty is unusual and oddity for value, so what if Kesler, Byfuglien etc make $5-5.5m/yr instead of 4.5, is to be expected and normal value. I only toss out Gallagher's name as one Hobbit-Smurf that other teams may actually want (unlike DD, Gionta, Briere), for the vast majority who constantly (incessantly) are claiming size is all important. So there you go, trade Gallagher back to Vancouver or Winnipeg and get a bigger replacement. Just because he is a fan favourite shouldn't matter if think trading him will upgrade team, or am I wrong?

You make my point for me. POINTS, he is a "defenseman", who 1st and primary job is to defend. Keith is awesome all-round and Pietroangelo is what Tinordi should aspire to be (but obviously wont be that good all-round) and Weber is also a big solid d-man who has an 'OK" shot (that scares the crap out of all in front of net) At this stage of career I would have Subban as the #4/5 d-man on this team, if I had to pick to build a team around...Subban is it. But, all of these guy are very very good d-men and Habs would kill to add any of them to play with Subban.

You know why. Same reason Ray Bourque won any at all. (the most overrated d-man, ugg.... hate even calling him that, of all time)

I just don't see as a mess at all, nor see any real need to even trade anyone. And I doubt Bergevin will do much at all and don't see that as a dumb play. They traded away picks during past mgmt and have done well in past 2-3 drafts, but the first bunch has just reached AHL level and over the next couple years, numerous more skilled and character kids will be turning pro and coming to Hamilton. So I guess I am more optimistic and whatever Habs have done between 1993-2012 is history, irrelevant (cept fan-pride I suppose) and has zero to do with Bergevin's plan, nor should it. AND, better than being a Cubs, Clippers, Canuck or Cleveland Browns fan (poor bastards). If Murray was worth 2 - 2nd round picks last year, what would Markov be worth on March 5th? A 1st round pick?

You did see him play this morning eh? He looks like regualr 29 year old to me? But, he is just best example of 'A DEAL' that would reshaape top 6, you can toss out a couple dozen names that might work, i am just stuck on Kesler or Byfuglien for the moment. Kesler will not be 33 till 4 seasons from now.

This is the predominant attitude of Habfans, but but what if Eller scores 40goals/year and Kesler gets run over by a bus the day after trade. Sometimes you got to say screw it and pull the trigger and don't care if a fan favorite is shipped out, or very risky trade may undermine this years playoff success. Hab mgmt. has been nickel and diming to pick up a Sopel-Mara types to ensure "just making' playoffs, when a longer term outlook was needed and Koivu-Kovalev-Souray could of brought back 'good stuff' to help build on. But that would of meant being a seller at deadline, which the Habs have only done once in 20 years (and even Hal Gill-Andrai K brought good returns). But, what would we do without our old #2 d-man, we will be screwed.........who will fill his skates (Habs have managed with #79 missing before)? And no one can right away, simply let chips fall where..and have Beaulieu play with Emelin and let Tinordi/Pateryn play with Murray and hope for the best. That may be part of the price to pay to help contend in 2015 and 2016 and clear up cap space for All-Star UFA forward pick-up in summer.

He is young, takes penalties and prone to costly defensive gaffs, that is bottom line. But, he would be in my lineup over Bowmeister.

Building through the draft is fantasy, that is a new one and never heard before. Pitt, Hawks, St Louis, LA, Bruins all built through the draft and shrewd move or two with those drafted assets. You and CC seem to want to follow the Leafs playbook, sorry for insult. I agree Habs are quite conservative and most fans also seem that way. Every time I tossed out a trade proposal in the fall involving Pacioretty or Subban, I got roasted. And now I say should, trade Markov & give up an Eller (or Gallagher/Beaulieu) to revamp top 6. And all I hear is Kesler is washed up (or I would rather stay with DD as a top 2 centre?) or I don't like E Kane attitude or Byfuglien is too fat. Everyone wants a big trade, but only want to give up Bourque-Moan-Gorges, ect which dosent put you much farther ahead for current roster. You cant trade fringe assets for really good impact players, have Habs ever traded away a top quality player in recent memory? Like Bruins did with Joe Thorton or Hawks did with Byfuglien or Ducks did with Bobby Ryan, etc. All that said, if Bergevin makes zero moves till end of season, that is totally fine by me, I think summer is better time to deal. But, to make impact on lineup will not be painless and blue chip assets will likely need to be smartly parted with.

Glover @30th eh, You have a take on swede Adrian Kemp, or American Nick Schmaltz, 2nd rounders or could easily climb to 20-25th by July? Just mention Kemp as Bergevin-Timmins seem pretty proud of, or pleased with de la Rose and Kemp seems to fit that mold (and as young as a 2014 pick can get).

Super with puck, not so super without it, which may be fine if you are a young forward. Through 2 periods Farjestad vs AHL he is a team worst -3.

Ryder is a good player also, but like Jagr, not many GMs are real keen having them in their dressing room.

I aint big on moving Eller, but I do think Kesler would instantly upgrade top 6 group (Bumping DD to 3rd line). But, was more just 'a proposal', seeing as many are saying Bergevin must make big move (as we fans always hope happens) and I see Eller as the best realistic top asset that may help upgrade top 6 and Begervin said he fielded many calls inquiring on Eller last year. So just an idea and 99.9% of people have flipflopped on DD (myself included).

I thought i heard he is centreing Pacioretty and some other guy on USA team? You are a DD fan now?

Plekanec got an assist on the geriatric Czech team.

You do realize Kesler would be the #1 forward for points on the Habs, not saying a lot but still, better than Pacioretty and is good value for $5m/yr with leadership/grit and faceoffs. Kesler player 82 and 77 games in last 2 full years and 60 so far this year. So missing 20some games last year is oft injured? And washed up at 29, I doubt it and 31 when current contract runs out. And exactly as Eller is, he is his teams #1hits and #1 blocks for forwards. But, just a thought, especially if Canucks endoff Feb with another loss or 2, they may look to future and Eller being 5 years younger may be quite appealing.

No sure what u mean? I am more for jettisoning Markov, but he likely will be resigned, which also isnt the worst thing to happen, in my opinion. Why cant they contend this year, there is no black or white with a championship team? More often than not, the Vegas odds on favourite fails. Flip Eller for Kesler and bump DD to 3rd line centre and who knows how offense reacts? But as far as being impatient, managing like a fan and having knee jerk reactions; which you seem to be looking to see done, has been tried many times and fails more often than not in pro sports.

You are really undervaluing Eller, who actually is doing very well in a checking role (with zero PP time). And Andrighetto-Thomas-Hudon are more apt to be Gionta fill ins than Bournival, I think (but they will lack Gionta's super defensive play for a while).

I have zero worry about Subban being resigned. Habs know he is a super talent to build around, a very media savvy/friendly kid and a huge fan favourite, so all know it will get done, just what is term/annual $ rate is to be debated (but Molson can afford it, so I really don't care alot about contract details, other than cap room he will eat up). Am more curious to see how Markov is dealt with by Bergevin? I assume he will get a 3 year deal, but if dealt on March 5th wouldn't be a huge shocker and maybe best move long term?