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?

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!