UWHabs

If my boss came to me and offered me 50 grand so they could make 500 grand, I'd take the money and run. It's a win-win for everybody. Most people make the players out to be greedy money-scumbags or whatever, but their offer in october was much better than what MLB ended up settling for. Of course, hockey is in worse shape than baseball is, so that's not a big surprise. As long as they settle sometime before January and can still keep almost every team afloat, it'll be fine.

I think if we got Dowd back he'd probably play 3rd line RW, but take the faceoffs. I do think it's a good idea having a guy to take those crucial draws. I'm not sure how many wins Perreault's assured us with his good faceoffs at crucial times, and Dowd is just as good. And if he doesn't come back, it's no big loss. Just another spot for a guy like Hossa or perezhogin or so.

canadiens.com did have a Kostitsyn press release ready (news item 3889 I think), but now it's gone. btw when you look at articles on the site, they all have their little number in the top. Now it shows as no article, so they're really delaying. Hopefully they announce officially today or tomorrow.

I'm surprised they haven't gone for Dowd. he played great, is awesome at faceoffs, and from what I hear was a great lockerroom presence.

I'd say Andrei could maybe come in and try to fill a top 2 line spot. Hard to say. I also have a feeling they're trying to shadow this one announcing at the same time as Zednik signing. I guess trying to take some pressure off of him.

Even if we only get Danis, Kostitsyn and Chipcura from this lot, it will be worth it. Throw in Hossa, Higgins, Plekanec, Ryder, Ribeiro, Bonk, etc... and we're set for years up front. a little weak on D after Komi, but probably we'll trade one of the forwards to improve there. All in all looking good for the next dynasty...

Damphousse could fit nicely with Ribs and Ryder. If he came back, I'd throw him an A. Not sure if we'd have the cash for him after signing Kovalev or someone else. But year, for 1.5-2M, he'd be worth it. I'd say we'd then have to be considered as a decent shot at the cup. Only problem is we take away too many spots from the young-uns.

I'd like Selanne here. Maybe if no one signs them Koivu will go running up to BG after the World Cup and tell them to sign him. But as was mentioned, I don't think the fans here have been more sold on any UFA than we have on Kovalev.

EHM is good. I've tried the demo but haven't had too much of a chance to play it (work and all). I like the freeware, though. I doubt I'll pay for the real deal, at least not until I know I have more free time to play. I'd recommend anyone to check it out. ps. on the demo, Ottawa accepts Garon for Bonk.