dlbalr

It's a lateral move, really. Spacek's going to be out for a bit (at least 7 days since I believe he's now on IR), likely a bit longer. Since Martin wasn't comfortable using Nash regularly, they needed to bring someone in who could log a few extra minutes to stop Subban, Wisniewski, and Hamrlik from playing huge minutes. The deal also will allow Nash to be sent down at some point, making the cap impact virtually nothing ($160,000 difference in salary). Hard to call it a step backwards, not a step forward either though. It is what it is, a depth deal to get through the next couple of weeks.

I had the same thought when I made Weber's trade odds the highest of any d-men yesterday. I don't think Mara's pick up accelerates that though, this is just injury depth for a week or two I'd suggest.

I echo the sentiments, I think Hamilton's struggles may have played a small role in this as well (they won't make the playoffs the way they're going). The 5th rounder is in 2012 though, not this year.

They've got a decent amount of cap space left (capsheet is updated for those interested) which should go back up when Nash is sent down. They'll have enough space to make another move. Lots of time left, this is just a temp filler deal to plug a hole. They've got 1 semi-impact move left in them I think.

There was no need to re-sign him before, the blueline was set with Subban coming in full time and Picard signed as the cheap depth guy. Circumstances change during the year, a spot opened up. So although they in theory could have brought him back in September, they'd have been waiving him in all likelihood. Cheap return, he hits (I added that note to your piece on the site), fights a bit and generally makes the back end a little tougher. Can't complain, that's for sure. To me, this suggests they're targeting an impact forward hence going cheap on the D replacement.

Left shot (Nash) vs right shot (Carle). With Spacek/Gill out, the Habs only had 2 left shot d-men (3 now with Mara). I think Festerling would've got the call before both but he had missed the last game due to injury so he was basically ruled out.

That would be correct. The Wisniewski acquisition put the Habs into LTIR, though it took them a while to get the credits for it due to the accrued space they had beforehand. Interestingly enough, Mara was on my original list of blueliners to post in that article but he didn't make the final cut.

It's the draft pick they got for Lapierre, so the deal basically was Mara and Festerling for Lapierre. Makes it a little easier to swallow. Spacek is out for the next week at least and I don't think they trust Nash enough to play regular minutes over that span. Mara will be available for tonight, I think he may play. (And since we lost, someone else needs to do the GDT...)

As promised, here is part 1 of our deadline preview, looking at the defence and goalies, as well as 8 names to consider. I'm shooting to have the next part (forwards) up for Saturday, with 7 names to consider (2 of which you should know by now).

It was 2-2 after 2 but it went downhill after that. St. Denis scored late but it wasn't enough. Russell getting 5 and a game for headchecking was the difference, as Grand Rapids scored a pair on that PP. 5-3 Griffs the final, losing streak at 5. http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1008135

Sounds like it happened a whopping 1 time. He's a mouthy guy...reminds me of Cobourne's incessant yapping actually, but Anderson's more known for it. Cobourne deal is done, took a whole bunch of guaranteed money up front but settled for less than what he was demanding from Montreal. Other signings: - S Tad Crawford (BC) to Montreal - S Wes Lysack (CGY) to Toronto - DB Geoff Tisdale (HAM) and LB Tim St. Pierre (EDM) to Calgary - DB Daniel Francis (SSK) to Hamilton - RB Yvenson Bernard (WPG) to Montreal (has agreed to terms according to SNET)

His first assist of the season. Finally.

Spector speculated the Habs could be in the mix, that's the only source I've seen suggesting the Habs may be involved. Did you see a different one?

For the record, the biggest pay cut Kostitsyn can take through arbitration is 15%, which would drop his salary to $2,762,500. If it ever got that far though, he'd probably just take his QO of $3.25M.

The Bulldogs (28-19-5) will look to inch closer to re-taking 2nd place as they travel to Grand Rapids to take on the Griffins (23-24-7) for the 2nd time in less than 2 weeks. Active scoring leaders: Goals: Dustin Boyd (14) Assists: Ben Maxwell (25) Points: Ben Maxwell (34) +/-: Mathieu Carle (+12) PIMS: Jimmy Bonneau (117) Active scoring leaders: Goals: Ilari Filppula (18) Assists: Tomas Tatar (23) Points: Ilari Filppula (40) +/-: Tomas Tatar (+15) PIMS: Greg Amadio (167) Puck drop is at 7:00 PM EST and can be listened to by clicking this link: http://cham.player.amri.ca/

That explains a lot then. I was surprised he got a 2-year deal given his age and the fact Montreal has about 231 receivers in their system already. Rumours du jour as free agency begins: - RB Avon Cobourne to the Ti-Cats (please, please be true...) - QB Jarious Jackson is talking with the Argos (that'd be a good spot for him) Confirmed deals: DT Kevin Huntley re-signs with the Argos, OL Brian Ramsay goes from Hamilton to Edmonton. DL Shawn Mayne goes from Montreal to Winnipeg. And the biggest signing of the day, All-Star CB Dwight Anderson signs with Montreal. http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=354121

I've been advocating it for a while and not only would it save on the cap this year but quite possibly next year with the bonuses likely rolling onto next year's cap. Maybe after the trip, who knows? Also, Boston lost in regulation tonight so the Habs are now tied for the NE division lead, though Boston still has a game in hand.

He had a good shot, better than a few of the others. That was a bit perplexing though. Mike's 3 Stars are now up: http://www.habsworld.net/article.php?id=2384 Also, Nash will be making the trip out West, suggesting Gill may not be ready for a few more days. On the other hand, that may stall any trades as now the Habs are down to $3.5 million to spend (instead of 4.7 thanks to his and White's callups).

It's a little odd, I agree. But after so many years, I think nothing of it, aside from when Houde continually pronounces it wrong (unless he talks about Stephen Harper, then it's pronounced correctly). But this is jumping off topic...

The Habs got away with a few in the 1st I thought, figured there'd be a makeup call somewhere in there. Best thing about few penalties is not having to hear Pierre Houde butcher Stephen Walkom's name all the time (it's not pronounced 'Steffen', but 'Steven'). He was only director of officiating for a few years, it's not like his name was never spoken (correctly) in the media before. But I digress, lest I start discussing the Panthers, that will get me going. Lousy 2nd period overall, a 3rd goal would have been huge but after Enroth made a couple good stops, the momentum swung back to Buffalo. Great feed by Desharnais though and goals in 3 straight for Pouliot now.

And up comes Urquhart again to replace Nash who's with the Habs. Urquhart's getting to 'see the sights'...well, the ones between Hamilton and Wheeling at least.

Free agency kicks off tomorrow, looks like Cobourne is heading to market, particularly after Whitaker re-signed. Overall, it's a pretty weak free agent class, here are the highlights: http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=353928 Als have also brought in another long-time NFL'er, WR Jerry Porter. I remember having this guy in the pool for a few different years...problem was, he was always injured.

Pretty impressive period overall, 18-7 the shots for the Habs. Glad I'm not the only one noticing Gomez has that drive in him tonight, he has looked quite sharp (and aggressive too).

As far as I know, Tootoo was reinstated not that long ago actually.

He didn't play last game due to injury, I'd assume he's still hurt or at least not 100%. Festerling is actually a left shooting d-man.