dlbalr Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I'd be lying if I didn't see this one coming: http://www.corussports.com/canadiens/laraq...25-1435923.html My French is rough, but from what I can gather (with the aid of the always hilarious online translator), he thinks he will be traded, wouldn't be against being traded, and would not have signed with Montreal if he knew this is what his role would've been. Before everyone gets all excited, remember that he has a partial NTC so the Habs (if they find a taker) can't just ship him off wherever. There's never a dull day in Montreal it seems... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psycing Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 If only he could skate like Stewart... I still don't think the Habs should ditch him though, unless we needed to clear out his salary to make room for a top 6 forward. He's one of the few players signed through the next couple of seasons. I still think we need him for the big games against the Bruins, Philly, and Toronto. Let us hope that Gainey can calm the big Georges down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I'll be the first to say he has a right to be mad. What the heck did they sign him to do? Ride the bench? He was good enough to play regular shifts on a team that goes to the cup but not good enough to play for an average team? I just don't get it. This team is so soft, when they fight it's nothing but punching bags and Laraque has to sit it out. I thought that was the best off season moves he made. I have been a GC supporter but his moves are even starting to piss me off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAK Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Well...HE showed up in bad shape, was never a key factor in any game, he never fought, didn't play rough and HE COMPLAINS THAT THE COACH DOESN'T PLAY HIM ??!! COME ON !!! Who the heck does he think he his ?? I sure hope he's traded to some bottom feeder in return of a draft pick., if not, waive him and send him down if he's not picked up. Talk about a total lack of respoect towards a team that pays you big bucks !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lazy26 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I feel for Laraque, but I haven't felt like he's helped our team out this year. Part of that is Carbo's fault for never dressing him, and part is Laraque's "gentleman" fighter's code... that apparently only he subscribes to. I love the big fella, but I'm not sure he's right for our team. That being said, I'd like to see him play a good stretch before truly evaluating his contributions to the team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAK Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I feel for Laraque, but I haven't felt like he's helped our team out this year. Part of that is Carbo's fault for never dressing him, and part is Laraque's "gentleman" fighter's code... that apparently only he subscribes to. I love the big fella, but I'm not sure he's right for our team. That being said, I'd like to see him play a good stretch before truly evaluating his contributions to the team. in other words: I don't want to fight anymore !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fanpuck33 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Well...HE showed up in bad shape, was never a key factor in any game, he never fought, didn't play rough and HE COMPLAINS THAT THE COACH DOESN'T PLAY HIM ??!! COME ON !!! He's never been a factor because he's never been allowed to be one! Remember against Boston the first time they met after Lucic beat up Komi? Laraque shadowed Lucic the whole first half of the game and had him totally off his game. But because he didn't fight Lucic, Georges got benched. Lucic's very next shift without Laraque, he scored a goal. Laraque is more than just a fighter, but that seems to be the only thing they want out of him. in other words: I don't want to fight anymore !! He's clobbered guys in 5 of his 7 fights. Everyone praised Henry for lasting a long time against Godard and Laraque took him down with one punch. Why does Henry get praise and Laraque criticism? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAK Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 (edited) When have you seen Laraque start a fire ?? with his size and reputation, he could've done almost whatever wanted on the ice. If a guy like Lucic doesn't hav epermission to fight, you force him to fight. Anyhow never have I felt that george wanted to do this job anymore. Edited February 25, 2009 by marky_and_komi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAK Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 According to this site Georges has some sort of NTC. So if he says that he feels that he will be gone at the deadline, he's probably the one who asked to be traded and not the other way around Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCHabnut Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I agree with Marky. He showed up out of shape. That's it. He isn't as good as Begin, Stewart and Dandy right now. Her has to compete for his minutes just like everyone else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athlétique.Canadien Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 (edited) I'm usually a do or die Gainey and Carbo supporter but this is creating cracks in that foundation of faith. Why did Gainey sign him? Why does Carbo sit him? When Laraque has done well in games he is rewarded with hotdogs. Edited February 25, 2009 by Athlétique.Canadien Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlbalr Posted February 25, 2009 Author Share Posted February 25, 2009 According to this site Georges has some sort of NTC. So if he says that he feels that he will be gone at the deadline, he's probably the one who asked to be traded and not the other way around I did mention that in the first post (and as a plug, it's also in the CBA FAQ thread). It's only a partial, but I'm sure enough to block a trade to a bottomfeeder. I've been reading that he hasn't asked yet, but may very well soon enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saskhab Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 When he signed on, did he not realize the Habs had a plethora of forwards? It's always been about health with him, and he got behind the 8 ball from the get go. It sucks for him, but it doesn't mean he can't play a role in the future. I was actually expecting he'd get dressed vs. Philly but maybe not. Begin is the one that will probably be dealt/waived I'd think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbhatt Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Well...HE showed up in bad shape, was never a key factor in any game, he never fought, didn't play rough and HE COMPLAINS THAT THE COACH DOESN'T PLAY HIM ??!! COME ON !!! Who the heck does he think he his ?? AMEN!!! The big pussy let this team down in a big way when he was needed most...he allowed Lucic to skate away with a smirk on his face. Since then, I've wanted him gone...and now that he wants to be gone, if Bob can find a taker...then DO IT!!! I have no use for a lumbering lunk like Laraque...I'd rather we acquire toughness that can actually skate (example: David Clarkson from NJ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fanpuck33 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 When have you seen Laraque start a fire ?? with his size and reputation, he could've done almost whatever wanted on the ice. If a guy like Lucic doesn't hav epermission to fight, you force him to fight. Anyhow never have I felt that george wanted to do this job anymore. Which would have been better - Laraque shutting Lucic down the entire game or fighting with him? It was asinine to bench him for not fighting that game. Plus, frustrating him like that would be the best way to get him to fight. What makes you think he doesn't want to fight? The fact that he's destoryed 5 of the 7 goons he's pounded this year? If we had wanted a guy to just go out there and fight, we'd have gone out and gotten a guy like Shelley or Ivanans. I think it's a bit late in the season to be punishing the guy for being out of shape 6 months ago. I just don't understand you people. For years people have said they'd love a goon who can also play some hockey, but now that we have one, you call him out for not being the hockeyless goon you've dissed in the past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAK Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Which would have been better - Laraque shutting Lucic down the entire game or fighting with him? It was asinine to bench him for not fighting that game. Plus, frustrating him like that would be the best way to get him to fight. What makes you think he doesn't want to fight? The fact that he's destoryed 5 of the 7 goons he's pounded this year? If we had wanted a guy to just go out there and fight, we'd have gone out and gotten a guy like Shelley or Ivanans. I think it's a bit late in the season to be punishing the guy for being out of shape 6 months ago. I just don't understand you people. For years people have said they'd love a goon who can also play some hockey, but now that we have one, you call him out for not being the hockeyless goon you've dissed in the past. if you listen/read most of his quotes, he sees himself as a better player than he actually is. Watching him play and knowing how effective he can be, he's by far underacheiving. he's a 4th liner that thinks he is a 2nd liner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime Minister Koivu Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Who on our roster has the "entitlement" to talk like that. Screw him. He was signed to fight, he knows that, we know that. It is his own code that requires a written letter of intent before fighting. He is a bum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chicoutimi Cucumber Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 (edited) Lost in all this is the fact that Laraque chose to spout off publicly at a moment when the team is battling desperately to recover from a disastrous slump and salvage the entire season. In doing so, he creates yet another distraction and more negativity, when the exact opposite is required. Whether or not he's being correctly deployed, he has no business taking this stand, at this moment. That is totally unacceptable and he deserves to be crapped on for it. In terms of his game, he's been hampered by injuries, which is too bad, but I don't see how you can argue that he's been a major factor in any of the games this season. This being so, it's not wildly unreasonable for the team to consider dressing other guys depending on the situation. And he should no more immune than anyone else to Gainey's overarching principle of internal competition. If he's so much more of an impact guy than a young-and-hungry Greg Stewart, then he has to make that case in his performance - period. Myself, I think Laraque's biggest problem is that no one wants to fight him, and of course he is prevented by the UNBELIEVABLY IDIOTIC instigator rule from forcibly introducing his fists to the faces of jerks like Lucic. Thank you Gary Butthead. Edited February 25, 2009 by The Chicoutimi Cucumber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athlétique.Canadien Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 (edited) Which would have been better - Laraque shutting Lucic down the entire game or fighting with him?Many people blame Laraque for not fighting Lucic but what about the instigator rule? He can't fight unless the other guy agrees, and not many players agrees to fight against Laraque. What makes you think he doesn't want to fight?He already fought 7 times in 25 games. The most he fought in one season was 18 times in 80 games. Do the math people. I agree with Fanpuck33 Edited February 25, 2009 by Athlétique.Canadien Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonus Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Which would have been better - Laraque shutting Lucic down the entire game or fighting with him? It was asinine to bench him for not fighting that game. Plus, frustrating him like that would be the best way to get him to fight. What makes you think he doesn't want to fight? The fact that he's destoryed 5 of the 7 goons he's pounded this year? If we had wanted a guy to just go out there and fight, we'd have gone out and gotten a guy like Shelley or Ivanans. I think it's a bit late in the season to be punishing the guy for being out of shape 6 months ago. I just don't understand you people. For years people have said they'd love a goon who can also play some hockey, but now that we have one, you call him out for not being the hockeyless goon you've dissed in the past. I never really wanted a guy to fight that much. I hoped that Laraque could be a nuclear deterrent who could keep the team out of fights and could make other teams lose their nerve to take liberties with the team. He has played OK when he has been in - but most of his lack of playing time has been the result of being injured/unable to perform rather than being the subject of benching. It is difficult to determine whether he is being deployed correctly because of the injuries, but a guy like this should probably only be playing 3/4 of the team's games (as his skills are not always necessary). I think we'd all agree that Laraque is only elligible for 4th line duties and recently that position has not been available. Stewart - the player whom he is most likely to replace - has played well recently, but I must admit that I am a bit surprised he has so completely monopolized the roster spot recently. These types of playing time issues tend to be the result of small sample sizes and I am sure that Stewart will soon return to the press-box/hamilton. When Tanguay returns he is likely the first to go and at that point Laraque will fight for time with Dandy, Kostopoulos (who has played ok), and Begin. I'm confident that Laraque's playing time will increase in the next week or two and this issue will go dormant until the next time he finds himself off the roster. As to next season, Laraque has a contract with the habs while his main competitors for ice-time do not. Surely one or more of these other complimentary players will not re-sign with the team and Laraque (if he hasn't been traded) will have a better opportunity to get his GP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForumGhost Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I understand where he's coming from even if he did come onto the team with health issues. If this was the old days, he would have seen way more ice time. Alas, the instigator rule prevents him from doing his job. Unless the instigator rule is removed, the age of the goon is drawing to a close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonus Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Lost in all this is the fact that Laraque chose to spout off publicly at a moment when the team is battling desperately to recover from a disastrous slump and salvage the entire season. In doing so, he creates yet another distraction and more negativity, when the exact opposite is required. Whether or not he's being correctly deployed, he has no business taking this stand, at this moment. That is totally unacceptable and he deserves to be crapped on for it. this aspect bothers me the most. Laraque, aside from whatever other qualities he ought have, should at this point in his career understand his role as a veteran presence. His lack of ice-time is not affecting his ability to get a new contract (another 3 years away) or to hit any performance bonuses. I can understand his frustration at the lack of playing time, but I wish that he'd be able to not rock the boat for the sole purpose of assuaging his pride-related anger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fanpuck33 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Who on our roster has the "entitlement" to talk like that. Screw him. He was signed to fight, he knows that, we know that. It is his own code that requires a written letter of intent before fighting. He is a bum. You don't sign a guy to 1.5 million a year for 3 years just to fight... Lost in all this is the fact that Laraque chose to spout off publicly at a moment when the team is battling desperately to recover from a disastrous slump and salvage the entire season. In doing so, he creates yet another distraction and more negativity, when the exact opposite is required. Whether or not he's being correctly deployed, he has no business taking this stand, at this moment. That is totally unacceptable and he deserves to be crapped on for it. Now that is something with which I can agree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAK Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 You don't sign a guy to 1.5 million a year for 3 years just to fight... True. But with 2 points and a minus 5 rating in 25 games you kinda wounder what he does bring to the team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athlétique.Canadien Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I wish he hadn't pulled a 2008 Dandenault either. But I still believe this team has too many players. If D'Agostini and Pacioretty stay with the big club and if either Sergei or Stewart remain (taking into account when the injured players return) then the press box turnstyle features Begin, Dandenault and/or Laraque or any other 3 player combo. There should be 2 depth press box players. Laraque is being punished in directly by this over surplus IMO. So is Begin and he's not happy today either!!! I want answers from Guy and BOb! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.