All 9 'Dog Bound Habs Clear Waivers

According to a report posted on the RDS site just shortly after noon today, none of the 9 Hamilton Bulldog bound Canadiens prospects were claimed on waivers.

For Yann Danis, Andrew Archer, Mathieu Biron, Jean-Philippe Cote, Jamie Rivers, Jonathan Ferland, Corey Locke, Duncan Milroy and Cory Urquhart it can be both interpreted as good or bad news.

Of course for the Canadiens, this can only be interpreted as a good thing.

The news means neither that the players are unwanted, or that Bob Gainey has assessed these talents for what they are. As all 29 other teams are in the process of trimming their rosters, it goes against the grain that they would add players at this stage.

One poster at Habs Inside Out predicted the likely critcism aimed at Gainey either way.

"If these guys got picked up on waivers, then Gainey gets crucified. If they don't get picked up, well it just proves that our prospects suck!"

What is encouraging about these players making it into Bulldogs jerseys is that it raises the level of inner competition within the Hamilton ranks. Players on the bubble now deem they could still have a slight shot, while the younger players learning alongside them benefit from the experience.

The good news all around is that the core of the championship Bulldogs sqaud remains intact for another run at the Calder Cup.

Adding to the positive take is that there is a solid and strong lineup in place that should show every player in their best light. Should Gainey field inquiries about these players, their values are raised a notch.

When teams do come calling for the likes of Danis, Milroy, Cote, or Locke, they will be more desperate than they would have been today.

A GM has an easier smile when trading from a position of strength, and that is the chair Gainey will find himself sitting in when the cell rings.

Waivered Players Place Gainey In A Catch - 22

The axe has fallen on the chances of 29 Montreal Canadiens hopefuls as GM Bob Gainey announced departures for Hamilton earlier today. Twenty seven players will be reporting to the AHL club while 2 more are being returned to junior.

Among the players backing their bags were training camp surprises Matt D'Agnostini and Sergei Kostitsyn. Both performed above standard and it was expected by many that they would remain with the club at least until the closing of camp.

Of the remaining demotions, perhaps Janni Lahti, who signed an NHL contract with Montreal after fielding several offers, comes as a bit of a surprise. Thomas Beauregard, who scored 71 goals as an overaged junior last season may also be disappointed some after exceeding expectations in camp.

Nine players from the group that was sent down must clear 48 hour waivers to end up in Hamilton and they included goaltender Yann Danis, defensemen Mathieu Biron, Andrew Archer, Jamie Rivers, and J.P. Cote, and forwards Corey Locke, Duncan Milroy, Jonathan Ferland, and Cory Urquhart.

Those same players clearing waivers, would also have to clear them once again if recalled by the Canadiens at any point during the season.

In recent years the Canadiens lost defensemen Francois Beauchemin and Ron Hainsey on the waiver recall wire, and it can be expected that the Habs may suffer up to four more losses from this curent bunch.

For starters, Yann Danis ought to be goners. The Los Angeles Kings have questions in goal and Danis has shown he is solid enough to be an NHL'er.



Corey Locke, Duncan Milroy, and J.P. Cote are also succeptible to being snapped up. Locke, who was the AHL's playoff scoring leader could find a home in as many as 10 cities. His salary makes him worth the risk as well.

Don't be surprised if the Ottawa Senators make a pitch for Locke. The Sens farm system has gotten rather thin in recent years. Ditto for the Leafs, who in truth, has rarely even had a system.

Other teams with thinning areas such as Phoenix and Columbus would love to get something for nothing also.



Fans of course, will question certain moves and motives by the team in the decisions made today.

"Why couldn't Gainey trade some of these guys", they will chant!

In many of the scenarios regarding players sent down, the hands of GM Gainey are tied. He's coming under some unfair criticism for not dealing these assets away before losing them for nothing.

It's always easy to criticize but one should understand what Gainey is up against when talking trade for some of the players.

When Sam Pollock was pulling rabbits out of hats three decades back, the draft was not limited to seven rounds as it is now. There were plenty of late round picks to barter off with less risk.

Today's 6th and 7th rounders serve to fill out AHL rosters and are more in need than before.

Another issue is that teams who finished below Montreal last season, ranked 1 to 11 in waiver pickup order would just as soon use the waiverline to pluck the player for nothing. With every NHL team about to place players on waivers in order to send them down, the Canadiens players are not a rare commodity - so why trade for them. Teams that finished ahead of Montreal, are generally just as well stocked and have little need for these wayward Hab hopefuls.

They in turn have their own players they are trying to avoid exposing and should they pick a player on waivers it just mean they have another they cannot protect under roster limits.

Ask yourself what those teams would be willing to offer Montreal for any of the players sent to Hamilton.

The correct answer is sweet nothing!

How can Gainey bargain without leverage?

Canadiens Over The 50 Player Roster Limit

A breakdown of all the presently contracted players in the Montreal Canadiens organization shows that the Habs will be one over the maximum allowed limit of 50 players per team once RFA Michael Ryder is signed (assuming of course) following his July 30th arbitration case.

I'm not certain, but it is my assumption, that teams are allowed in extremis for roster manoevering, just as they are permitted over the cap in dollars in the off season.

I've consulted the Habs official site to fill out the listing below, and to find where each players has been categorized.

Presently on the Canadiens, there are 21 players contracted, if one includes Ryder in that group. On the Hamilton Bulldogs (with spillover to the Cincinati Cyclones) there are a further 28 professional contracts.

The total becomes 51 players with the inclusion of Jassen Cullimore and Tony Salmeleinen, who were placed on waivers upon their aquisition from Chicago. Should they be bought out of their deals, as has been rumoured, the Canadiens would then be left with only one roster spot remaining, and 49 contracts.



Ryder

Nobody can ever accuse Habs GM Gainey of not making the most of the team's budget.

Using the Montreal Canadiens official site as a guide, we see that there are 74 players in the organization. This total encompasses the two professional teams rosters, players in college or junior, and European prospects.

Players on the Canadiens roster: 21

Forwards: Saku Koivu, Alex Kovalev, Michael Ryder, Bryan Smolinski, Chris Higgins, Tomas Plekanec, Steve Begin, Tom Kostopoulos, Guillaume Latendresse, Maxim Lapierre, Garth Murray, Andrei Kostitsyn, (12)

Defensemen: Andrei Markov, Mike Komisarek, Roman Hamrlik, Mathieu Dandeneault, Francis Bouillon, Josh Gorges, Mark Streit (7)

Goalies: Cristobal Huet, Jaroslav Halak (2)

Players In The System (Hamilton Bulldogs, Cincinati Cyclones, etc): 28

Forwards: Kyle Chipchura, Corey Locke, Jonathan Ferland, Duncan Milroy, Mikhail Grabovsky, Thomas Beauregard, Mathieu Aubin, Matt D' Agnostini, Sergei Kostitsyn, Ryan Russell, Cory Urquhart, Jimmy Bonneau, Gregory Stewart, Janne Lahti, Francis Lemieux (15)

Defensemen: Mathieu Carle, Ryan O'Byrne, Andrew Archer, J.P. Cote, Mathieu Biron, Danny Groulx, Pavel Valentenko, Jamie Rivers, Marvin Degon (9)

Goalies: Carey Price, Yann Danis, Cedric Desjardins, Loic Lacasse (4)

Waivers: Jassen Cullimore, Tony Salmelainen (2)

Rights Retained: Andre Benoit*, Alexander Perezhogin* (2)

Junior and College: 14

Forwards: Andrew Conboy, Olivier Fortier, Ben Maxwell**, Max Pacioretty, Ryan White**, J.T. Wyman (6)

Defensemen: Cameron Cepek, David Fischer, Scott Kishel, Ryan McDonagh, Philippe Paquet, Joe Stejskal, P.K. Subban, Yannick Weber (8)

Europe: 7

Forwards: Andrei Sidyakin (1)

Defensemen: Konstantin Korneev, Oskari Korpikari, Andrei Kruchinin, Alexei Emelin, Nicholas Torp (5)

Goalies: Christopher Heino - Lindberg (1)

* Have been tendered qualifying offers with the Canadiens retaining their NHL rights.
** Must be signed prior to 2008 NHL Entry Draft for rights to be retained.



Lahti

What is curious to note, is that while Gainey has done everything he can to assure that the Hamilton Bulldogs are again as competitive as last season, he has left himself with little wiggle room as far as transactions go. Should Ryder be awarded in the neighbourhood of $4M., the Canadiens still would have room to aquire players salary wise despite the fact that they are up against the wall roster wise.

Guessing Gainey's next move is open to the usual speculation. By practically maxing out the rosters to create a competitive environment on both clubs, Gainey is assuring that he will see each player at their spirited best from the opening of training camp.

In my esteem, Gainey will be closely watching those who lag behind, are disinterested, or fail to realize all that is at stake. Many players on both sides of the NHL equation are on one year deals. In some cases, certain players are about to leave RFA status at the termination of these contracts and Gainey will seek to gain return on them in the form of draft choices for the next two seasons.



Maxwell

The reality is, that no matter how well they do, the Canadiens cannot retain as many bodies next year. The performances of first year Bulldogs such as Mathieu Carle, Sergei Kostitsyn, Ryan Russell, and Thomas Beauregard will be of key importance in the continued transitioning of AHL players pushing NHL'ers.

The veteran lower level players will come under much scrutiny as to their long term NHL possibilities, and will be treated as the commodity that they are.










Beauregard

I predict more player movement at the Hamilton level for Habs. I foresee the trading of players whose contracts expire at years end, in favor of players with an additional year left. There are simply too many one year ( read low risk ) deals there, not to think otherwise.

It was very much in Gainey's favor that the Canadiens held the retaining rights to so many Bulldogs following their Championship run. It saved him from looking for winners in another teams backyard. It also doesn't hurt in keeping a somewhat stable lineup in place, such an AHL unreality, to continue to breed a winning team atmosphere.

With 25 players in the organization without contracts, turnover is guaranteed.

Next year at this time, the Canadiens will have room to sign Ben Maxwell and Ryan White, two excellent prospects from the WHL. The following season, there could be more players to sign. The transition, if Gainey's plan is working, could go on like this for years.

This past season, the Habs lost a fairly decent, but judged expendable, prospect in Juraj Mikus because they were up against the wall of 50. Signing Janne Lahti, Thomas Beauregard, Martin Degon, and Ryan Russell had a price, and Gainey rolled the dice on slightly more mature talent.

The trick will be to maintain the balance being players needing to be signed or lost, and contracts they are willing to pass on. This time Mikus was a choice. With a trend towards longer contracts at both levels, it is a possibility that less choice exists in the future.

The adverse effect of having bundles of farm hands, is that it can affect the NHL club by constricting player movement. The ideal number of players is closer to 47 or 48. This number would facilitate Gainey in terms of making deadline deals in March, by not having to make a deal in advance to create needed room.

With Ryder's upcoming signing or arbiratrary award just around the corner, other domino effect moves are sure to follow. Cullimore and Salmelainen could be just the first of many.

Lapierre Maxes Rookie Role Into Veteran Leadership

Transcribed, and greatly improved, from a pair of Mark De Foy artciles in this weekends Journal De Montreal.

Maxim Lapierre didn't head back to Hamilton at the term of his NHL season to squander his time away. Two months after his rookie NHL campaign ended the 22 year old forward is returning to Montreal with his first championship in the bag.

"It's incredible", when asked by Le Journal to decribe his emotions.

Lapierre has just returned from Hamilton City Hall from celebrations the city planned in honouring the Bulldogs.

Winning the Calder Cup is new territory for Lapierre.

"We lasted one round, in my first junior season with the Montreal Rocket."



















The following year, after the team moved to Prince Edward Island, the Rocket lasted two rounds.

Lapierre didn't bat an eyelash when the Canadiens asked him back to Hamilton in April. Quite the contrary, he was anxious to continue playing hockey. He explains his enthusiam for the return as having everything to do with team spirit and competitiveness.

"I learned so much in two months", he adds.

"I played a whole different role on the team. I played in game ending situations. I went from a rookie to a young veteran."























Considering he was mostly handed a defensive role, Lapierre's offensive numbers didn't slouch as he finished with 12 points, including a goal and an assists in the final game win over the Hershey Bears.

























His linemates were Zack Stortini, whose NHl rights belong to the Oilers, and Corey Locke, who finished second in playoff scoring with 23 points. A natural center, Locke blossomed on the left side of Lapierre where he was positioned for the playoffs duration.

"Locke is peerless as a playmaker on the powerplay", says Lapierre, "In traffic, he has no fear."

























Jonathan Ferland is another forward who opened eyes in a defensive role. Teamed with Ajay Baines and Kyle Chipchura on the Dogs checking line, Ferland tallied 9 points in the playoffs and was noted for his intensity and physical play.

"Jonathan had quite the year", says Lapierre, "His hits were devastating."

Against the Rochester Americans in the first round, and again in the west division final against Chicago Wolves, one could literally hear when the forward from Beauceron was on the ice.

"He's very good defensively", added Lapierre about the + 7 Ferland, "He is possibly ready for the NHL."

At 24, Ferland is at a crossroads. As his contract is expiring, he may find work elsewhere should he not figure into the Habs plans.

















For Lapierre, the first championship of his career can only help in sonsolidated his position with the Canadiens. He is not intenting to rest on his laurels long.

"There are a few more days of celebrations, then it's back to work", he offers.



















"I'll be taking no more than two weeks holidays because next season is coming fast. That's the deal, I really have little choice if I want to be at my best come training camp in September."

Much has been spoken of Carey Price, and his exploits in duplicating Patrick Roy's feats with the Sherbrooke Baby Habs 22 seasons ago. While both gratuated to the AHL at age 19, from dismal junior squads, and went on to win the Calder Cup, one difference remains.










Price was named his team's MVP, whereas Roy didn't get the nod in 1985. Many people might assume otherwise, but the Jack Butterfield Trophy winner than fall was none other than Brian Skrudland.

That makes two MVP honours in one season, an absolutely unique achievement. With a Calder Cup, a gold medal at the WJC, and the title of CHA Goaltender Of The Year, could there be more in store for Price in 2007?

Supposing the kid begins the season with the Canadiens and fares well, my guess is that he will garner his fair share of votes for Canadian Male Athlete Of The Year. It would be much inprecedented for a 19 year old, but he would hardly be stealing the honour.










The greenest of AHL rookies went 15-6, with a 2.06 GAA, and a .936 save percentage in his Calder run. During the WJC, he posted 6-0, 1.14, and .961 numbers. Not bad for starters!

"What else can be said about him", Lapierre asked rhetorically, without pause for an answer.

"All I can add is that every save seems easy for him. He's loaded with natural talent."

The teenager just never gets nervous.

Lapierre relates a little anecdote about the goalie, as Hamilton teammates were getting to know him better. During the four rounds of playoffs, much was made of the puckstoppers calm and composure, to the point were his stoic ways and sedate demeanor were fodder for teammates jibes.
























Before the fourth game of the final, Lapierre couldn't help himself as he turned to Price and asked him pointedly, "Well, are you having fun, at least?"

Lapierre laughs loudly recalling the moment, but one thing is for certain - the Hershey Bears didn't find Price too funny!

Over the years in Montreal, there have been many controvercial goalie debates in the minds of the city's hockey mad populace. Who will play? When and where? The topics seem to have a three years cycle before being mounted again.















Never in all my years of following the team have I seen the subject bounced around so much, so early in the summer.

While following the Bulldogs in Hamilton, Bob Gainey, pleasantly annoyed by the endless questions, firmly stated that Price would not come to Montreal to get aquainted with the left end of the bench.

In retrospect, in Patrick Roy first Montreal season, he had to unseat both Steve Penney and Doug Soetaert to gain the number one starter role down the stretch. Roy ended up appearing in 47 games (23-18-1) and registered a 3.35 GAA during the regular season.

It was only come playoff time, that he began showing the first signs of invincability.

In the case of Price, there will be more than one such adventurous prognostication made.

Cristobal huet and Jaroslav Halak had better be at their best come day 1 of training camp.

Pictures from the Dogs Rally were taken by Sherry of Scarlett Ice from her post entitled "An Impromptu Visit To The Bulldogs Rally". Get there and read about her day - it's a great post. She is a Sens blogger, mainly, but the sweetie has a big thing for the Habs as well. Be nice and offer kind condolences - she a non-Leafs fan living on their battleground.

She has recently spotted in this apparel. Our boy Carey should see to it, in the not too far off future, that her look is more reminiscent of the one below it!

Dogs Dig Deep To Bury Bears

If you listen closely, you can hear Bob Gainey smilling!

The Hamilton Bulldogs have done it, defied all odds, and won the 2007 Calder Cup!

They edged the Hershey Bears 2-1 tonight to take the series in 5 games.

It took a mere 5 games for the aptly named Bulldogs to dispose of the defending Calder holders, the Hershey Bears, and I can imagine that the Winnipeg Free Press' Randy Turner is munching on a toasty platter of crow right about now.

Turner, as everyone recalls, had the mental lapse and audacity to suggest that the Canadiens were hampering the Bulldogs chances by saddling them with Carey Price. Imagine that!

Turner, who became defiant upon rounding criticism, defended his position with all the verve of an 9 year old schoolyard bully. He hasn't the credibility to be working in sports journalism - simply put, he's a classic fool!



















Price's addition to the Bulldogs boosted the teams chances big time. He played huge games for Hamilton while clearly serving notice that he is in fact ready for the NHL. Price consistanly won, while the team was outshot, on the road. He didn't steal his MVP award by any means.

A decision, and an unselfish one at that, by Maxim Lapierre to return to the AHL was also key and he played a big role in the final game with a goal and an assist to pace the team to victory.

All Bulldogs players contributions were noteworthy as they dug deep in upsetting four favored opponants. With Price's heroic's to backstop them, defensemen and forwards alike were able to place all focus on their roles as team players. Price could well have the same effect on his Canadiens teammates, starting as soon as next season.

All players gained in experience with this championship and the confidence of being winners will assist them greatly in their career paths.
















As with any winning team in the AHL , this squad will be split up come next October, with some players joining the Canadiens ranks and others moving on to other AHL destinations. Bulldogs players, who will become free agents will be highly sought after, now that they are proven winners. Players who do not figure highly into the Canadiens plans of the future, will go where they are wanted most.

It is my hope, as I will most definitely be following the Bulldogs more next season, that the team is able to retain certains vets simply for experience sake. Ajay Baines, hero of the final game, and Danny Groulx quickly come to mind as players who can be positive influences to the younger generations arriving annually. Mathieu Biron and Eric Manlow are two others for whom room could also be made for.
















One also has to feel for Yann Danis, a goaltender who much good has been said about. Danis has consistantly plied his trade under the radar, starting with my hometown Cornwall Colts of the CJHL, before moving onto the collegiate ranks. From there he was signed as a free agent by the Canadiens and was quite a discovery. Since becoming a Bulldog, he has done nothing but work hard and improve. His only fault, is none of his own. He was simply overshadowed by a pair of goalies in full flight to greatness and it is a credit to him how he has handled it all without making himself a distraction. It is my belief that he will become an NHL goaltender within two seasons.

Four Bulldogs will get a shot at making the Canadiens next season. If you allow that Lapierre and Andrei Kostitsyn will be with Montreal, you can pencil into the starting lineup the names of Carey Price and Kyle Chipchura. Both players have little learning left to do at the AHL level, and can benefit more from NHL experience at this point. Some can argue that Price may be kept in Hamilton until the goal crease logjam in Montreal is cleared for him to step in.














I say if he is ready, he's ready - play him and let the chips fall where they may. Our goalie of the future can handle the challenges and roadbumps of NHL life. He has the mental capacity and moral strength to deal with whatever comes his way. His time is upon of now.

Chipchura has often been billed as a feisty defensive forward with great leadership skills in the mold of Bryan Skrudland. Chipchura has delivered in his role and has shown even more offensive upside than expected. The next stage of his grooming should be against tougher competiton.

Ryan O'Byrne will be a Canadien in 2007-08, whether it be in October or in March. His game has grown greatly as he rode over the bumps of learning the pro game. In a season where he played triple the amount of games previously played at any time in his career, he improved as the season went along, to the point of being the Bulldogs all-purpose D-man come the calder finals.

















Corey Locke was clearly a player with something to prove this season. While his regular season was no challenge for skeptics who mentioned size issues, his playoff performance was above all expectations. Considering he was switched to the wing and then led the team in playoff scoring make his exploits all that much more remarkable. He has earned and deserves a two way contract and an honest shot at making the Canadiens. The rest is in his hands.

Mikhail Grabovski is my long shot choice for the NHL next year. I am not totally convinced he is ready until he begins to dominate the AHL. It is in him to do so, and experience may be all he needs.

There may well be another Bulldog candidate for the big leagues, who, bolstered by the experience of winning the Calder Cup, will arrive at camp more confident and secure in his game. He could surprise, defy odds, and reveal something new to management that opens eyes and clears paths. That player could be Matt D' Agnostini, Duncan Milroy, Dan Jancevski, Andrew Archer or Jonathan Ferland.

All taken together, the fermenting brew of Bulldog talent will surely make its mark on the Montreal Canadiens next season. With all these prospects pushing up, pressuring veterans into more solid and consistant efforts, it can only have a positive effect on the Habs.

There should be no repeat of 2006-07. Unless, of course, it occurs in Hamilton!

Summary at the Dogs site

Dozens of Hamilton Bulldogs season highlights courtesy of You Tube.

Master Bob's Masterplan

The Montreal Canadiens wheeling and dealings of the past week leave little doubt that Canadiens GM Bob Gainey and staff are hard at work preparing for next season. With Andrei Markov tagged for four more years, an offer tended to Sheldon Souray, an overseas late bloomer gobbled up as a free agent, and a trade for a prospect ready for the AHL, it has been a whirlwind 7 days for Gainey and company.

The latest two moves are curious ones involving players previously unknown to Canadiens fans. Gainey will have an abundance of files on his desk this summer, as the organization continues to build in both the smartest and cheaper of ways - from within.


















Ryan Russell and Janne Lahti

Janne Lahti, who signed for 1 year, is a Finnish winger of decent size, who notched 20 goals in the Elite league this season. He is said to have good defensive credentials as well as a wicked shot. He became noticable upon scoring a bunch of goals in the recent World Tournament. Lahti was also being pursued by the Washington Capitals. His addition will add depth to an already stacked organization that is worthy of envy when it comes to prospects. The Lahti contract is most likely a one way deal, and can benefit the Habs or the Bulldogs. Still it is unliky the Canadiens lured him overseas with an AHL destination in mind.

Ryan Russell is a Kootenay Ice teammate of Ben Maxwell, a Canadiens draft choice in 2006. Russell had been drafted in the 7th round of 2005 by the Rangers and had not signed with New York. As he would have re-entered the draft as an unsigned player, the Canadiens scooped him up in exchange for a pick (their 7th in 2007) they likely would have used to select him in the event he was still available. The fact that Montreal took no chance and traded for him, signifies that they see something of worth in him that suggests possibly another team was onto him also. It's a smart move by the organization to sign a known quantity rather than draft and gamble on the unknown. The Habs brass showed their savvy on this move by getting a player who can essentially fit right in to the organization somewhere, right away.


What both these moves are showing fans, is that the Gainey - Timmins - Gauthier front office greatly understand the reasoning behind maintaining a stockpile of talent at every level in the organization. Not only are they busy propping up the Canadiens for next season, they have a keen eye on the Hamilton Bulldogs as well. As everyone knows, the Bulldogs begin the Calder Cup final this evening (they threw Hershey a knockout punch, didn't they?), and the best thing for the Habs would be to assure they are perenial contenders. Solidifying a competitive farm team in the end can only help maintain a steady flow of well developed prospects to the big club.

Since the announcement of the new CBA in 2005, there are new and important realities that NHL GM's have to deal with in regards to contracts. Youth will play a large role in all teams ability to compete and the better NHL teams will be stocked with young and cheaper talent.

It is primordial that a team has at least half of its starting lineup's younger players in a under 25 or 26 age group. With free agency coming as early as age 25 soon, there will be great turnover of this group annually, and the recent moves made by Gainey and company address and solidify this need head on.

The defection of Alexander Perezhogin also raises another spectre in dealing with the lower end contracts. There is now much competiton from overseas, as European and Russian league teams are in similar dollar markets for players that are on a team's lower end of the pay scale.

The basic truth is that NHL teams will hardly try to compete with this situation, they will simply find other players. Imagine for a second the ruckus caused by the Canadiens had they matched Perezoghin's offer and one quickly understands why the Canadiens didn't flinch.

Carey Price






















The lower end deals, especially the multi-year ones, are giving the Canadiens organization additional flexability in light of having to negotiate longer termed UFA deals. What can greatly eat up cap space for a team are injuries and this is one of the ways a team plans for it.

Last season, the Canadiens were essentially capped out in mid season, having to return Maxim Lapierre to Hamilton in order to manage a few bucks they might need come the year end trade deadline. It is also the reason behind the trading of Craig Rivet. The money saved could have helped pay for a rent-a-player should Gainey and staff felt the need to aquire one at that point. It also allowed the team a longer look at Lapierre and Andrei Kostitsyn.

Having a solid foundation in Hamilton, both economically and talent wise, helps the Canadiens remain competitive both on the ice and in the boardroom.

As the Canadiens will surely be subtracting some players and their salaries from last seasons club, so will the Bulldogs. Certain Hamilton players will graduate to the NHL, some will be cast aside, and some will be offered new deals. Gainey will attempt to resign RFA's and will let others walk away. Whether certain prospects are still deemed NHL bound will come into play. The Canadiens will likely attempt to keep certain players uniquely for their usefulness to the Bulldogs.

Maxim Lapierre




















Three players of character whose contracts are expiring that Gainey will attempt to keep in the fold are Yann Danis, Corey Locke, and Duncan Milroy.The reasoning behind holding onto all three players vary, but cover the span of scenarios applicable to the reasoning behind holding onto such character players. It is an example of what Gainey and the organization are doing extremely well.

In Danis' case, it would be smart to keep him because an organization can never have enough quality goaltenders. Danis has performed up to expectations in Hamilton, but has been outdistanced by a pair of thouroughbred goalie prospects in Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price. Danis will likely wish to move on, considering the logjam in goal ahead of him.

Kyle Chipchura




















Evidently, Carey Price will one day soon become the number goalie in Montreal, barring a disaster of course. In that viewpoint, both Halak and Cristobal Huet have number one goalie status written all over them, and it wouldn't be surprising to see either one of them moved in this upcoming season. Considering that a team trades from its greatest strength, and that David Aebischer is (thankfully) no longer in the picture, a more defined role for Danis awaits.

If the Bulldogs are to benefit from Danis' experience for another season, every player on that squad wins with such a decision. So does Danis, as he gets to showcase himself in a situation of strength and gains bargaining power should he eventually wish to leave the organization. It makes sense for him to stay, as it makes sense for Gainey to keep him.

Mikhail Grabovski




















As for Milroy and Locke, both players have consistantly gotten better with each year, as is evident this playoff season. Each have an outside chance of making the Canadiens next fall, depending on their performances in camp, and who returns to the Habs as far as UFA's go. Milroy had his first taste of NHL experience this season and did not look out of place. Locke has been rejuvenated as a winger in these playoffs, and his skill levels have never been in doubt. The Canadiens will not let him go without offering him what amounts to a one way contract, regardless of where he ends up playing next season. Again, should both be Hamilton bound, it continues to keep the Bulldogs an experienced veteran club.

Matt D'Agnostini




















Keeping Hamilton solid is all part of the Gainey plan. Players graduating from junior who will make up part of the Bulldogs lineup next season, can only benefit from rubbing shoulders with players who have had experience and success at that level.

It makes perfect sense to continue to surround the younger players in the organization with the best possible support in order to fast track them to the NHL. Considering the importance of low level salaries on an NHL team, spending the dollars at the AHL level where this is no cap, is one way to circumvent one monetary issue.

By all evidence, championship teams are built from the net out. Gainey was surely grinning his biggest grin in months, knowing this, while watching Carey Price stone the defending Calder Cup champs with a 46 save shutout performance last night.

The fruition of the Canadiens hard work in building from within was clearly on display in Hershey last night. Breeding and grooming the multitude of Habs prospects to play in a team mode in front of solid goaltending clearly has its benefits. Seeing the organizations youngest faces learn this fact night in and night out in Hamilton suggests that the organization is on the right track to another championship.

The Canadiens masterplan involves several points toward this goal, and they are acheiving it in smart steps.

Ryan O'Byrne














Start with a stockpile of talent based on character driven players. Keep an abundance of them, at low level prices, both in the NHL and AHL. Bolster the younger American League talent with winning and experienced teammates to fast track their ascendance to the NHL. Groom the players in the same system the NHL club plays in order to simplify transition. Reload annually, with an eye keenly focused on all these simpler goals, and eventually winning begins to take care of itself.

There are many who wish Bob Gainey would break form and try every possible free agent and trade avenue to win a Stanley Cup all in one year. If you are one of those who believe such impatience works, you haven't studied the Toronto Maple Leafs of the last ten seasons.

Toronto has gone for broke quite often, believing they were perhaps one player away from a Stanley Cup. They never were.

They pillaged their talent ranks of depth annually believing this myth, while trading for that one player. This season, their farm team finished dead last in their division. The Maple Leafs continuously stumble without a plan that involves vision.

I'd rather not be witness to a Canadiens GM building a team resembling the 2007 Maple Leafs or Marlies.

Gainey, well atuned to the realities of today's NHL, is using the same blueprint that found success with the 1976 Canadiens.

It will doubtfully deliver a dynasty, but a Stanley Cup is in the masterplan.

Bulldogs Go 3-0, Need A Theme Song!

Go Bulldogs!

The Hamilton Bulldogs have taken a 3-0 lead in games over the heavily favored Chicago Wolves powerhouse. They are now one win away from reaching the Calder Cup final, and giving all Habs fans something to brag about in the process.

Again tonight, goaltender Carey Price was the first star, stopping 35 of 36 shots directed his way.

The Dogs fell behind in the first before tying the game. Corey Locke netted the winner in the middle frame as Hamilton held on for the win.















The Bulldogs seem transformed and confident since the arrival of Price with two games left in the regular season. He certainly has had a steadying effect on the team. Many of the teams wins have been close games and feature a different hero each night.

The '07 Dogs look to be rewritting the story of the 1985 Sherbrooke Canadiens, when a 19 year old Patrick Roy showed up late in the regular season to lead the team to a surprising and totally unexpected championship.



















It's somewhat fitting that the highly touted Price is helping all Habs prospects gain priceless experience in this run for the Cup. Price may be the only surefire future superstar amongst the group, but his calming influence has helped each team member bring out the best in themselves.

parent Canadiens team likely cannot believe their good fortune. For prospects at this young age to learn what it takes to win so soon in their pro careers can have a tremendous effect on their developement. Leadership is a word often associated with many of the teams players and this bodes extremely well for the Canadiens next season.















Not including Maxim Lapierre, who has in essense already graduated to the NHL, and the injured Andrei Kostitsyn, there are possibly three or four players on the Dogs roster who seem primed for a very good shot at making the big club next season. Among the players whose stock has risen greatly with this playoff run, are center Kyle Chipchura who has done an awesome job of shutting down opposing offensive forces, and Ryan O'Byrne, a hulking defenseman who has progressed all season coming in from the collegiate ranks. Good things are also happening for forwards Corey Locke and Matt D'Agnostini, who've scored timely goals in these tight games.

All that's missing at the time being, is better crowds in Hamilton for the games and a killer theme song.

This track, "Hey Bulldog" by The Beatles, might give the locals something to sink their teeth into and give fans more bark.

Be sure to listen in right until the ending, to the point where the Fab Four begin growling, snarling, and barking like fools. Lennon is priceless in this one.