Jump to content

Which would you prefer?


BTH

Recommended Posts

Number the following scenarios in order from most preferred to least preferred.

- The Canadiens finish in the bottom five this season and get a lottery pick.

- The Canadiens keep pretty much the same group together and edge their way into the playoffs, losing in the first round.

- The Canadiens trades a pick and/or prospect* for a veteran, make a massive turnaround, finishing in the top 5 in the East, but don't win the Stanley Cup.

I'm not asking whether you think management should try to tank, only which scenario would be best for Montreal's future, supposing it were arrived at "naturally."

*Weber, Leblanc, Tinordi, Palushaj, Kristo, ...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think #1 is a no brainer and the most "natural".

However I think you left out the "most natural" scenerio, which the team was headed for under Martin and Cunneyworth, which is missing the playoffs and finishing between 17th and 22nd.

Number the following scenarios in order from most preferred to least preferred.

- The Canadiens finish in the bottom five this season and get a lottery pick.

- The Canadiens keep pretty much the same group together and edge their way into the playoffs, losing in the first round.

- The Canadiens make a massive turnaround, finishing in the top 5 in the East, but don't win the Stanley Cup.

I'm not asking whether you think management should try to tank, only which scenario would be best for Montreal's future, supposing it were arrived at "naturally."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would rather finish in the bottom five then just outside the playoffs, but I for one would love to see us jump up to top 5.

That would mean players step up and start playing to their potential and even if we don't make it to the final then we know we are only a piece or two away from a cup. If we jump that high in the standings it means our team is a contending team and that we are but a few moves from glory.

With that logic I would love to see the third happen! (I still 100% believe we are going to be in the playoffs at years end though)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Number the following scenarios in order from most preferred to least preferred.

- The Canadiens finish in the bottom five this season and get a lottery pick.

- The Canadiens keep pretty much the same group together and edge their way into the playoffs, losing in the first round.

- The Canadiens make a massive turnaround, finishing in the top 5 in the East, but don't win the Stanley Cup.

I'm not asking whether you think management should try to tank, only which scenario would be best for Montreal's future, supposing it were arrived at "naturally."

3 would be best because in order for that to happen we'd need some excellent play for half a season from some players who are currently underachieving. This would show that those players are still capable of being NHL stars in future years and would show the team only needs a minor tweak or two going forward.

I'd love it to happen, but don't see it as likely so I'm hoping for Grigorenko.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 would be best because in order for that to happen we'd need some excellent play for half a season from some players who are currently underachieving. This would show that those players are still capable of being NHL stars in future years and would show the team only needs a minor tweak or two going forward.

I'd love it to happen, but don't see it as likely so I'm hoping for Grigorenko.

As much as the Grigorenko sweepstakes appeals to me, I would much rather be competitive all the time. My answer is number 3

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NOTE -

I edited the third option in the original post. I tried to do it right after I made the thread but my internet dropped out. I changed it so that it wouldn't be a no-brainer that #3 is better than #2. The new scenario involves sacrificing a bit of youth for the improvement to the current team.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think #1 is a no brainer and the most "natural".

However I think you left out the "most natural" scenerio, which the team was headed for under Martin and Cunneyworth, which is missing the playoffs and finishing between 17th and 22nd.

Yeah, probably, but then there would be too many options to rank. lol

If we can all decide that the lottery pick is the most valuable, then the Canadiens are best off taking steps (AKA older guys for younger players) to help them get the high draft pick. They wouldn't have to outright tank, just let nature take its course.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You all assuming that all those options play out like has been suggested. What would if you tried number three and your veteran never got you the results you expected. You have just wasted a pick and a prospect. You really can't sugar coat your evaluation.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You all assuming that all those options play out like has been suggested. What would if you tried number three and your veteran never got you the results you expected. You have just wasted a pick and a prospect. You really can't sugar coat your evaluation.

True, but for the supposes of this thread, let's not consider how likely it is to happen.

The question is which scenario would be best for the organization: top 5 in the East, 8th place, or bottom 5.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've got to say option No.1 is a no-brainer, imo. The problem with this is for the last 15 years has been that "we must make the playoffs at all costs" mentality. That has kept the organization from truly advancing or falling back.

I think it is HIGH time this team takes a step back this year in order to two two steps forward tomorrow. Finishing in the bottom and getting a high pick (plus trying to shed some salary/veterans at the deadline) is the best thing for the team right now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For option #3, is the veteran we traded for a rental.... or is he say a 25-27 year old guy who we sign to a long term deal.

If its just a UFA rental, I'm totally against such a move this season.

If its someone who will be sticking around to be part of the core going forward, then I could get behind it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

True, but for the supposes of this thread, let's not consider how likely it is to happen.

The question is which scenario would be best for the organization: top 5 in the East, 8th place, or bottom 5.

My whole point here is, when it is time to make the evaluation I want it to be honest to the situation we are in. I need a legatimate shot to contend for the Stanley Cup or I don't put resources in. If you don't try to build each year, you will just be spinning your wheels. I don't believe in tanking, but I do believe in building by accumulating assets.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

my Question is are the high draft picks that much better than the mid first rounders this year?

This draft is very deep... but of course the top 10 is better, and the top 2 in this draft are outstanding. 3-5 or 6 are pretty good players too.

</p>The other thing is you'll also get a high second rounder which will be like a late first.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This draft is very deep... but of course the top 10 is better, and the top 2 in this draft are outstanding. 3-5 or 6 are pretty good players too.

</p>The other thing is you'll also get a high second rounder which will be like a late first.

Do we still have our 2nd for this season :P

Link to comment
Share on other sites

my Question is are the high draft picks that much better than the mid first rounders this year?

Not necessarily....it's all about who you draft.

Look at Subban, for example, who was a second round pick, versus David Fischer who was a high first rounder...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not necessarily....it's all about who you draft.

Look at Subban, for example, who was a second round pick, versus David Fischer who was a high first rounder...

True everything changes after the draft... but the higher the pick the higher the odds.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Since option 2 and 3 are not realistic, the team needs to bite the bullet a la Ottawa and shed Cammalleri for a Semin (whose contract is almost done) and ship out Gorges, Kostitsyn, Moan, Gill and maybe Weber for picks.

Not that you have to try and "tank-it" by anymeans, but you can roll 4 lines and give Yemelin, Diaz, St. Denis 20+ minutes and same up front with Leblanc, Eller

Without 11, 21 and 13 producing the team is dead in then water and even if they wake up it is too late most likely.

The only way it seems the Habs will ever get a highly skilled top forward is with a top 5-10 pick, like Grigorenko, Forsberg, Yakupov, whose upside is 100points+, not a mid first rounder who is likely to top out at 60-70 points, with the rare exception (Giroux or the like).

When was the last time the Habs have been sellers at trade deadline day? 1970

Filling gaps to squeeze into playoffs each year and shipping out picks for rentals will never put a Spezza type player in your lineup.

Hab fans loved a russian who coasted 1/2 the time but had great skill and was exciting some times, imagine having a Filip Forsberg type player step in as a teenager and make an impact and actually work hard every game alongside Leblanc and other young prospects.

Hey, Leafs have had shit teams for long time and been mismanaged much worse the the Habs, surely the Hab fans stop being so seemingly short-sighted and take a look at the very very quick turnaround Murray has done in Ottawa and once they find a goalie like Price they will be set for years to come.

But if the Habs can reel off 10 wins in a row, someway somehow, then for sure go for playoff berth, but must be almost 100 or 50:1 to make playoffs now and time for Cammalleri to go somewhere/anywhere else, Edmonton/Washington/Pittsberg/Toronto, i dont care, cause unlike Gomez i am sure some contender sees 13 as a playoff boost they could use.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Personally, I pick a lottery pick.

It's not that the team is so bad that it deserves a lottery pick. It's that I think the team is above average on paper and that this could be an amazing opportunity for a team that isn't garbage to get their hands on a top prospect. If the Islanders weren't penalized for tanking last season, there's almost nothing Montreal can do that would receive a punishment. But oh wait, it's Montreal...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I know that it doesn't work anymore, but I just love the idea of winning games. The tank for lottery thing works. We have seen the evidence. But if Detroit, San Jose, Vancouver, and Boston can be a force without tanking, I would rather go that route. I suppose Vancouver tanked and traded to get the Sedins, but they haven't started to dominate until the last three years. Montreal would have never waited seven years for top 5 drafted players to start dominating. The fans and media would have ruined the Sedins if they were in Habland. The arguement that Boston won because they had a 2nd overall pick is a weak one. Seguin had a few good games, but I would say that Marchand was much more important in the playoffs last year. I have been frustrated a few times this year and wanted to tank, but deep down, I just want to win and be competitive as often as possible.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

just tank already.....sell everyone that doesn't fit the rebuilding mold (Cammy, Gio, DD, Moen, Gomez (if you can get any pick its better than 7mil on the 4th line), Kostysin).

Get as many picks as you can then get a scouting staff that will pick the right player for our needs (ie. big skilled Fowards/centermen).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The only realistic scenerio is #1

What I really don't get is why AK46 is so high on everyone's "Sell" list. The guy is 26 years old and has gradually become more consistent each year and is a guy who WILL be a 35 goal scorer. To me the core you want to keep would include in order of importance is as follows:

-Price

-Subban

-Pleks

-MaxPac

-Eller

-Cole

-AK46

-Gorges

-Emelin

-Markov (I still think he will be back and back as the Markov we know)

-Leblanc

-DD

-Diaz

That's a pretty good core. If we can move the some players at the deadline for good young prospects and picks and then fill the remaining holes via free agency, we can should be able to come back much stronger then Florida did this past summer. The following are the guys I'd move:

-Cammy packaged with a dman could be used to target a potential #1 centre prospect from a contender, if we are willing to take an expiring contract back

- Gill/Weber could provide a contender with defensive depth for the playoffs and they may be wiling to overpay (I still think that Weber will become a solid #4 dman).

-Kaberle - I can't see too many GM's dumb enough to pick up his contract, but if a team is looking for a PP specialist and if its a team like the Rangers or Flyers (not saying they would be interested), that have owners that would be willing to eat his contract in the future, we may get a pick for him. I still say that he was a HORRIBLE pick up by PG and he has a contract as bad as Gomez.

-Campoli - needs to play for a chance to show his worth, but teams have a tendency to overpay at the deadline - his cheap contract this year and the fact that is expiring makes him valuable

-Moen - depth player valued at the deadline - we gave up a 2nd for Moore as a rental.

-Darche - too bad the nords aren't here, Can't see anyone else wanting him

-Gionta - IF and only IF he nets a good return (1st pick or a blue chip prospect - possibly could net both), I&#39;d move him, DD is cheaper and we also have another small guy in Gallagher in the wings.

-Gomez - If PG can move him, he deserves that Best GM of the year trophy for that one move alone. Then we can fire him in the summer as thanks.

It's not like we would have a Islanders type of rebuild to go through. We have a good young core to build around and if we can keep veterans like Gorges to go with Cole and if Markov comes back, we have 4 pretty good dman as a starting point. Remember It didn't take the Flyers and Bruins to turn things around after a couple of lousy years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...