Gainey update

[Spider-Man NL]

Here is a nugget from the Gazette/Spector's Trade Rumours:

WHAT MOVES WILL GAINEY MAKE?

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Pat Hickey reports it'll be interesting to see what moves Canadiens GM Bob Gainey makes in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline. One thing that could influence his decision will be how serious the recent knee injury suffered by all-star defenceman Sheldon Souray is. If he's out for the rest of the season, Gainey may need to shop for a top-two defenceman, although the pickings are slim and include "half-blind Bryan Berard, aging Luke Richardson, defensive liability Sergei Gonchar and former habs Sean Hill." Hickey suggest Gainey might also stand pat which would be seen as a vote of confidence to his present defence corps.

Spector's Note: Gainey is one of the shrewdest and most patient GMs in hockey. He won't be swayed by panic or deadlines, but will assess the Habs in the next several weeks and make his decisions then. If he does opt for a top-two blueliner, the best of this bunch appears to be Sean Hill, who may not cost that much to bring over from Carolina, although Berard has certainly played well for the otherwise woeful Chicago Blackhawks.

[TheAussiePosse]

The truth is, we don't need Sean Hill. Our defense has lost a major chunk with Souray gone, but we were already full with Dmen anyway. When he comes back, an extra Dman like Hill could make things awkward.

Markov did take a game off tonight, but has started to step up as the Go-To guy with Souray out. Our problems are more that our forwards are small, not all are fast, and only 2 are likely to break 25 goals this season.

With our recent losses, Gainey hopefully won't take too long to complete a trade, but don't be surprised if he digs into the past, or into the AHL for some stop-gaps in the meantime

[Habs77]

Originally posted by TheAussiePosse

The truth is, we don't need Sean Hill.  Our defense has lost a major chunk with Souray gone, but we were already full with Dmen anyway.  When he comes back, an extra Dman like Hill could make things awkward.

Awkward?... Gainey was already looking for a left D man BEFORE Souray got injured. Of course he'll still be looking for one now.

He'd prefer to get a young D man with size who plays with an edge... like Gauthier. (apparently Gauthier is off the market btw.. Calgary is now shopping another one of their D men instead)

If the price for such a player is too high right now, he might reach out for a rent-a-player vet D just to fill the hole for this year... hopefully not giving up much in the process.

Then he can try and grab that young D man with size he's looking for next year when there's likely to be a lot of player movement with the new CBA taking effect.

The problem about bringing in a young bruiser or a veteran stay at home D man is that neither will come close to replacing what the Habs lost in Souray.

Souray brought leadership, physical play. defense, offense... the new guy will be lucky to bring half of those to the table.

I think the best way to help this team while Souray is out is to bring in a top forward... to bring back some excitement to the team, and some much needed offense. And hope Theo and what's left of the defensive corps can keep the goals against under control.

If we bring in a D man too will also help, but that top forward will have more of an impact IMO.

[Leafs Suck]

Hill? Thats a joke right? Why the hell would the Habs need a loser like Sean Hill?

Gonchar would pick up the offense missing while Souray is on the IR. Berard would also be a good pick up. He's averaging close to a point-per-game this year. We could definitely use either or both.

I think we're okay upfront, as far as depth. We have several youngsters in Hamilton he should be called up, after Gainey gets rid of losers like Juneau and Kilger.

[habsfan88]

I agree with LS....I think Hill is washed up and pretty old. A solid defensemen with hitting ability would be great to add to the club. I'm liking the rumours about Gauthier.