Canajun Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 If we do sign Sundin, I'll certainly be very, very happy with that. We'll have a top-9 forward group unsurpassed in the league. But what if one of those top-9 get hit with a medium to long term injury? That would be trouble. We really don't have anyone NHL-ready down in Hamilton to step in and fill that role. D'Agostini would be the closest thing we've got (I'm assuming Locke and Grabovski won't be around anymore). Would we be looking at a quick trade to find a band-aid? Our top-9 had better stay healthy, in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psycing Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 As long as 6 of the 9 guys can stay healthy without "season-ending" type injuries to any of the 9, I think we'll be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KoZed Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 If we do sign Sundin, I'll certainly be very, very happy with that. We'll have a top-9 forward group unsurpassed in the league. But what if one of those top-9 get hit with a medium to long term injury? That would be trouble. We really don't have anyone NHL-ready down in Hamilton to step in and fill that role. D'Agostini would be the closest thing we've got (I'm assuming Locke and Grabovski won't be around anymore). Would we be looking at a quick trade to find a band-aid? Our top-9 had better stay healthy, in my opinion. Locke and Grabs were qualified so they might still be around. Otherwise, there's D'Ags, Chips, Max Pac, Stewart... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fanpuck33 Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 I fail to see a depth problem. We're already a strong team, adding Sundin only makes it stronger. We have enough to go forward with the current squad, assuming we get our RFAs signed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAB Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Im not worried about our forward depth. I think we have plenty of skilled forwards that we could afford a couple of injuries as long as they're not season ending injuries. Im more concerned with our depth at defence. I think if markov komi or hammer get injured we may be in trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecurb Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Im not worried about our forward depth. I think we have plenty of skilled forwards that we could afford a couple of injuries as long as they're not season ending injuries. Im more concerned with our depth at defence. I think if markov komi or hammer get injured we may be in trouble. I'm not that worried about our D. We have alot of depth. We also have Valentenko, who I feel is getting close. Timmons said of Valentenko, he's like Kasparitis, the way he plays. Karparitis, was 5'11 and 206lbs, Valentenko is 6'2 and near 220lbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habsfan Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 I'm not that worried about our D. We have alot of depth. We also have Valentenko, who I feel is getting close. Timmons said of Valentenko, he's like Kasparitis, the way he plays. Karparitis, was 5'11 and 206lbs, Valentenko is 6'2 and near 220lbs. I'm really anxious to see Valentenko in Action. We've heard soo many good things about this kid. I hope he can win a spot on the Roster! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canajun Posted June 30, 2008 Author Share Posted June 30, 2008 I feel comfortable with our defense depth in a pinch - I think Valentenko could step in if needed, or even Cote (will he still be around?). But I'm still uncomfortable about our offense depth. To me, it feels like it drops off pretty substantially after our top-9, with none too ready in the wings to step into any of those positions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saskhab Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Grabovski seems to want to try the NHL out. He has no control over where he plays here, so barring a trade, he'll be here. I also think Brisebois will be brought back, especially if Dandy gets traded. So that leaves Grabovski and Breezy as the first spares up front, with a guy like Chipchura or Stewart getting a chance to bump one of the veteran 4th liners for a regular spot at training camp. If not, both can go to the minors to save some cap space. We could potentially see no new rookies on the team out of training camp. That'd be a first in a while. We just would need to sign a couple more minor leaguers (including Weber on D, plus a goalie) and our depth is in great shape. Our callups (if Mats signs) could include all of Stewart-Chipchura-D'Agostini, plus Locke if he comes back. Not to mention we don't know how well a couple of recent signees will progress this year (Trotter, Maxwell, White, Wyman). On D, I think the organization has confidence in both Valentenko and Carle stepping in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Maybe but I'm sure another season in the AHL won't hurt since he still needs polishing. Hamilton doesn't exactly have an amazing defense and Valentenko could rack up an impressive amount of minutes instead of being a seventh defender for the Habs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTH Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 If we do sign Sundin, I'll certainly be very, very happy with that. We'll have a top-9 forward group unsurpassed in the league. But what if one of those top-9 get hit with a medium to long term injury? That would be trouble. We really don't have anyone NHL-ready down in Hamilton to step in and fill that role. D'Agostini would be the closest thing we've got (I'm assuming Locke and Grabovski won't be around anymore). Would we be looking at a quick trade to find a band-aid? Our top-9 had better stay healthy, in my opinion. You just said it yourself - we'd have more forward depth than any other team in the league. If there's one team that wouldn't have to worry about injuries hitting it would be us. If someone did get injured for a couple of weeks, we'd have Lapierre, Chipchura, Grabovski and D'agostini ready to take a spot on a higher line - or at least to give it a shot. Or we could go with a more reliable guy like Kostopoulos if that's what Guy wants. I don't see any problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chicoutimi Cucumber Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 The real question is, how many other teams have legitmate, NHL-ready top-6 forwards hanging around on the farm or else toiling away on the 3rd or 4th line? I'll grant that injuries can always cause huge problems - e.g., if Markov gets a major long-term injury, we're basically dead - but I can't see where we have a problem because we're not invulnerable to every conceivably contingency. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecurb Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 I'm really anxious to see Valentenko in Action. We've heard soo many good things about this kid. I hope he can win a spot on the Roster! From what I've read he's probably a year away, but if injuries hit.......... I suspect we'll see the Habs call him up for a game or two during the season. The thing with him, from what I've read, is he's a wild stallion that needs to be reined in a bit. But, I'm betting that first open ice hit he lays, will make us think Bouillon who? And we need to get rid of Bouillon's contract. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habitforming Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 From what I've read he's probably a year away, but if injuries hit.......... I suspect we'll see the Habs call him up for a game or two during the season. The thing with him, from what I've read, is he's a wild stallion that needs to be reined in a bit. But, I'm betting that first open ice hit he lays, will make us think Bouillon who? And we need to get rid of Bouillon's contract. True, but it's easier to control a players fire then it is to light them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoRvInA Posted July 2, 2008 Share Posted July 2, 2008 Im feeling a bit concerned and at the same time hopefull We have yes 3 scoring lines on paper... and one grinding energy line.... Yet what is our Shut down line? I too preffer offense is your best defense mentality but if we do have an inspired Malkin or Crosby or a Ryder on the bruins line (wait erase that last bit lol) will Lapierre Begin and Kosto be able to handle both tasks??/ we are going to need both 3rd and 4th lines to become offensive minded yet Shut down potential Energy Lines... this Means Chipchura is coming to centre the fourth line sooner than later... which also might mean we are trading someone up there! I could see Lats and Higgins in those roles but this would mean these line sget to play alot more than other 3rd and 4th lines ... we might up on to something... slightly more rested lines for the post season? more balanced wear and tear??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koivu Posted July 3, 2008 Share Posted July 3, 2008 with Streit and Dandedault gone next year, say the Habs keep 8 D - who would they be? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fanpuck33 Posted July 3, 2008 Share Posted July 3, 2008 Dandenault gone next year, say the Habs keep 8 D - who would they be? There is no guarantee Dandy is gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAKS-AVENUE Posted July 3, 2008 Share Posted July 3, 2008 (edited) There is no guarantee Dandy is gone. If Dandy's contract is up he will be gone. Why would he stick around? or better yet.....Why would we resign him? Edited July 3, 2008 by SAKS-AVENUE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMMR Posted July 3, 2008 Share Posted July 3, 2008 If Dandy's contract is up he will be gone. Why would he stick around? or better yet.....Why would we resign him? I think one poster ment 08 09 and the other was talking about 09 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fanpuck33 Posted July 3, 2008 Share Posted July 3, 2008 I think one poster ment 08 09 and the other was talking about 09 10 I don't think either of us was talking about 09-10. He talked about Streit and Dandy being gone next year, which is this upcoming season. Doesn't make sense to talk about two players leaving in different years, especially since one is already gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoRvInA Posted July 5, 2008 Share Posted July 5, 2008 (edited) one other thing... with Streit gone and even w/o Breezer on the roster... and the additions of Hank and valentenko : http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?service=...amp;type=roster our D's average height is 6'2" last year we were slightly over 6.1 Not too bad!!! Edited July 5, 2008 by CoRvInA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habs rule Posted July 5, 2008 Share Posted July 5, 2008 If we do sign Sundin, I'll certainly be very, very happy with that. We'll have a top-9 forward group unsurpassed in the league. But what if one of those top-9 get hit with a medium to long term injury? That would be trouble. We really don't have anyone NHL-ready down in Hamilton to step in and fill that role. D'Agostini would be the closest thing we've got (I'm assuming Locke and Grabovski won't be around anymore). Would we be looking at a quick trade to find a band-aid? Our top-9 had better stay healthy, in my opinion. so then you would like us to have the top 12 forwards in the game, just in case, nice idea and I love it but i can't see it happening We have more depth than probably 29 other clubs and we have Bob so I would say we are in really good shape right now and if we do sign The Great Swede then we will have a great team. As it is we have and embarrasement of riches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canajun Posted July 5, 2008 Author Share Posted July 5, 2008 I hear ya... I guess I'm just spoiled by how good our top-9 would be - I wouldn't want to lose any of that firepower. But you all are right - there are 29 other teams that would be envious of our position, I shouldn't complain! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTH Posted July 5, 2008 Share Posted July 5, 2008 one other thing... with Streit gone and even w/o Breezer on the roster... and the additions of Hank and valentenko : http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?service=...amp;type=roster our D's average height is 6'2" last year we were slightly over 6.1 Not too bad!!! Valentenko isn't making our team this year. Odds are we re-sign Brisebois on a one-year contract and if not, Carle might have a chance at snagging the 7th defence spot but I doubt it when he can be a top pairing defenceman in Hamilton. If we re-sign Brisebois, I'd be very surprised to see Dandenault remain here, he'll have no further use to us and he'd be taking up a good bit of the cap space we'd need to bring in Sundin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexstream Posted July 5, 2008 Share Posted July 5, 2008 If we do sign Sundin, I'll certainly be very, very happy with that. We'll have a top-9 forward group unsurpassed in the league. But what if one of those top-9 get hit with a medium to long term injury? That would be trouble. We really don't have anyone NHL-ready down in Hamilton to step in and fill that role. D'Agostini would be the closest thing we've got (I'm assuming Locke and Grabovski won't be around anymore). Would we be looking at a quick trade to find a band-aid? Our top-9 had better stay healthy, in my opinion. D'agostini playing with e.g. Tanguay and Koivu on the 2nd line is way less worrying than having Zubrus, Zholtok (RIP) and Petrov on your 1st line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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