Should The Habs Go For Broke?

We've passed 10% mark of the season and our team is 8-1-1. Despite this great start out of the gates, I still think we're capable of playing better. Do I mean 10-0-0? Of course not. Even the great Canadiens team of 1976-1977 lost a couple games despite having nine future Hall of Famers in their lineup.

What I'm looking for is for the team to play some a solid 60 minutes every night for a least a few games in succession. And that is admitted picking of nits on my part, as I'm optimistc that will come in time as the team is young and is gelling with new players in the lineup (Tanguay, Lang, Laraque). Overall, I'm pleased with the team and don't see the need for any major changes. I think a couple of players are capable of stepping it up (Kovalev, Plekanec, A. Kostitsyn, Higgins, O'Byrne) but if the Islanders game was any indication that may no longer be an issue. Well, at least the forwards.





















Recently at the Habs Inside/Out Summit, it was brought up that we might need a solid 4th man on defence, as O'Byrne is taking longer to develop and Brisebois, Bouillon, Gorges are not capable (each for their own reasons) to take that slot yet. Or ever. It was also suggested that one can never have enough offence, so a player like Gaborik would be a great addition too.

Naturally, this is all hypothetical but as this blog is focussed on the discussion of all things Montreal Canadiens here is a perspective from the peanut gallery. The question is whether Bob Gainey would pull a blockbuster trade to get a Marian Gaborik type of forward or Jay Boumeester type of defenceman? There are really two ways to look at this kind of scenario:

OPTION 1: Go for broke. It's our centennial season and we have to win a cup this decade. Roll the dice at the trade deadline and trade from your stable of prospects and young players for a key player who would hopefully help you win a Stanley Cup. The last decade or so has been painful and only recently do we seem to have recovered from the horrible hangover that was due to the destructive Rejean Houle / Mario Tremblay duo.

Ultimately, Monsieur Gaborik and Monsieur Boumeester are all UFA's at the end of the year, so in all likelihood we will lose them in the off season like Pittsburgh did with Hossa last year, if we pulled the trigger on a deal for them.

Was the Hossa trade a failure for Pittsburgh?

Any trade must be evaluated from a short term and long term perspective. From a long term perspective it was a failure, as Hossa is no spring chicken and he left for Detroit after a long (albeit singular) playoff run. From a short term perspective, I believe the Penguins failed as well. They did reach the Stanley Cup finals, but that was just short of their ultimate goal, and subsequently they lost Hossa as a UFA. They came close, but close only counts in horseshoes and things that go boom.

So for a run to the Stanley Cup finals, the Penguins lost Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, Angelo Esposito and a draft pick and ended up this season with Pascal Dupuis.

Was that worth it?

Well, with all due respect to Mr. Dupuis, I don't think so. Granted, the Penguins managed to weather the loss of all those players plus others who became UFAs (Gary Roberts, Georges Laraque, Ryan Malone, Mark Recchi) at season end because the have a core group of NHL superstars such as Crosby, Malkin, Stall and Fleury. But one can't help but think the Penguins would be even stronger this season if they hadn't made that trade.

As a Canadiens fan, I'm thrilled Pittsburgh made that trade.

OPTION 2: Keep your gunpowder dry. Bob Gainey could elect to do nothing so far, given the 8-1-1 record.

However, the Habs have a ton of players who will be UFAs next year such as Koivu, Kovalev, Tanguay, Komisarek, Dandenault, Begin and Bouillon. Not to mention Higgins and Plekanec are becoming RFAs. As much as we would like it, we are not going to keep all of them considering we have only $1M or so in free cap space this year.

Mike Komisarek is in line for a big raise, which you could probably offset with the departures of Dandenault, Begin and Bouillon plus change, provided his agent doesn't get greedy and he doesn't wish for a return to the NY area. One would be very naive not to think that the Rangers, Islanders and Devils will all make a serious run to sign him if afforded the opportunity. If we signed Komisarek for $5M per season, I think that would be a steal. He's big, he's tough, he's mean and he's a leader. It's been years since we have had someone on defence like him, but I digress.

Beyond our big beheamouth on defence, it really depends if we could convince Koivu, Kovalev and Tanguay to stay for another tour of duty. They are all key components and hopefully they will give us a hometown discount, but one never knows.

Koivu is a winner and has a lot of pride. If he didn't win the Stanley Cup this season and wanted to try his chances with another team I wouldn't fault him after playing on so many horrible Habs teams.

Tanguay is a magnificent player to watch, but let's see how a full season in the spotlight as a francophone player in la Belle Province will treat him. I'm skeptical when you have lunatics like the gang on 110% from TQS screaming on the airwaves every night, or being stalked all the way into the hospital by those sleazebags from the Journal de Montreal.

With Kovalev, I think we have the best chance of resigning him as he has indicated he wants to stay in Montreal, and he would be a good player for all our young Russian players and prospects. Hopefully we can go three for three but who knows?

Lastly, we better hope that a team like Edmonton doesn't make a run at Higgins or Plekanec like they did with Thomas Vanek or Dustin Penner a couple years ago. We then either lose the RFA player in exchange for some draft picks or we have to match the salary offer and then our cap situation is screwed. Another difficult factor is if the Canadian dollar continues its downward spiral. We pay our contracts in U.S. dollars and our revenues are in Canadian currency.

In light of these various free agent question marks, I think there could be some significant turnover. Therefore, that is where our prospects will be extremely important, as they can help fill potential gaps. Even if Gainey rolled the dice and made a run this year, I don't think it should be made simply on sentimental reasons because its our 100th anniversary, but rather because its the right business move to make for the team.

I realize this may generate some criticism from mes confreres/consoeurs, but I think our biggest advantage is the depth we have developed in the quality and quantity of prospects we have.

Lastly, I find Montreal Canadien fans live in a fantasy world sometimes.
Just because you can pull off a trade on NHL 2008 on your Xbox doesn't mean Bob Gainey can pull it off in real life. Therefore a potential Dandenault, Chipchura, Boullion trade for Boumeester is never going to happen. You have to put yourself in the position of the opposing General Manager.

I was the Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin, and the phone rang with Bob on the other end and he wants to land your top defenceman, you tell him that you want Chris Higgins or Max Pacioretty AND Ryan McDonough AND Jaroslav Halak AND a 1st or 2nd round pick.

You may not get it, but you definitely ask for it. If the situation was reversed, I'd expect Bob to do the exact same thing.

So at the end of the day, unless Bob Gainey can pull another Alex Kovalev for Josef Balej and draft pick type of trade, we sit and hold with the cards we have.
Candidly, I like our hand both for this round, but the next one as well.
Photos of the Montreal Canadiens courtesy of Habs Inside Out.

.

Habs Handcuffed By Sundin?

Robert L Note: Regarding the pic....I read Four Habs Fans everyday. I Googled "cuffs" and this is what came up. Call it my flattering way of saying hello!

So Mats Sundin remains undecided as to what his hockey future holds!

I wouldn't want to be the waiter waiting on him in a restaurant! He'd order water, ask for some time. He's not even sure he's hungry!

Despite numerous attempts by Canadiens GM Gainey to take his temperature, there isn't even a sign of a pulse.

This puts the Canadiens in a quandry today, as the team clearly pinned their hopes that Sundin would be interested in playing in Montreal. Apparently, the big Swedish center is interested, if he does decide to pursue his career.

The "if" remain a big "if".

He has mentioned through his agent that he is impressed with Bob Gainey and his endeavors to sign him, but it all ends right there for now.

There have been back and forth chats between the three parties, and only they are privy to what they are worth.

It begs many questions, for starters, does Gainey wait Sundin out and risk coming up empty on the free agent market?

Are there plans B and C in place, and are they viable solutions to the Canadiens continued improvement?

How does this scenario affect other potential signings with the team?

Will Bob, or has Bob, imposed his own deadline for a concrete answer from Sundin?

Another question that some people will see as valid, in terms of the perception of the team and Gainey to land that targeted big fish free agent, is that if the Canadiens fail to reel in what they seek, should it be taken in the context that star players simply do not want to come to Montreal?

Before getting to the answers, perhaps a look at the big picture is in order, for the sake of balance and common sense amidst all this free agency frenzy.

To begin with, despite what some people might think, the Montreal Canadiens are in awesome shape. They finished first in their conderence last season, led the league in goals scored, own a jealous crop of rising youngsters, and are run by one of the best management teams in the league. They are progressing slightly ahead of plans.

On the flipside, after a very surprising regular season, they were knocked out of the playoffs by a team they should have beaten.

What is raising the stakes in this free agent summer is the fact that the Canadiens are possibly one solid signing away from being a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. They are also entering their 100th anniversary season, which for many translates into the silliest notion that the team ought to go for broke to try to win a Cup in it's centennial season. I don't follow that compromised lack of logic, but I understand why others are caught up in it, including the organization itself.

But that's another thing altogether!

The way I see it is, if the team's most identified need is at center, how does signing a player who fits in anywhere else remedy that?

What the Habs need most in order to maximize the assets it already owns is a centreman and nothing else.

Should Gainey wait Sundin out?

I'd be tempted to say "not a chance", but there is no other center of Sundin's stature that could add the same things to the team as he would. Gainey should wait it out only if Sundin has given a solid verbal reason to him, such as saying, "Bob, I'm leaning towards playing next season, and if I do, the Canadiens are the first team I will contact. I promise you that. I should know in two weeks how I feel."

If Gainey has not heard a statement similar to this, he ought to think to himself, "Thanks for nothing", and move on.

Are there other viable plan B and C solutions?

Kinda, sorta!

The other two highest profile free agents available are Marian Hossa and Brian Campbell. While both are quality players, I'd be cautious to guess exactly what they could add to the Canadiens.

My guess is both will be looking for about 8 million dollars to sign somewhere.

Hossa would obviously be an upgrade on wing for the Canadiens, but they are about to hand a King's ramsom for one good year's work to Andrei Kostitsyn. The signing of Hossa would bump him down a line. It would upset the apple cart some, with not enough offensive centers for all the firepower on the wings. The Habs would be creating another Michael Ryder, searching for his game, the odd man out.

As for Brian Campbell, I think he is being overpriced in this free agent season because he is clearly the lone markee offensive blueliner out there. Heck, he doesn't even have Souray numbers, but is set to command quite the pricetag. Of course Campbell is way more rounded in his game by a longshot, still he is no physical specimen. If a team is spending that type of money on a defenseman, they should get the whole package.

Campbell's numbers in the end might resemble Mark Streit's totals, which the Habs could have at half the cost.

So plans B and C may just become finding cheap ways to upgrade the third and fourth lines. That wouldn't be the worst thing!

This scenario would affect other potential signings by the team by causing the Canadiens to focus their upgrading of the club from the bottom up instead of from the top line down. In other words, is there a better Bryan Smolinski out there? Would Brooks Orpik be an improvement on Ryan O'Byrne.

My say is, for the extra dollars, why even bother?

If Gainey has not given Sundin a deadline date beyond July 1, I hope that his patience is based on something concrete that Sundin has said. Barring a definite gauge of Sundin's interest for Montreal, Gainey will know whether to move on or not based on the talks they have had.

For now, all scenario's point to little happening for the Canadiens on July 1.

Of course Gainey will be criticized, it comes with the territory! Regardless of the efforts involved, it will be perceived in many corners as a failure by Gainey, but nothing will be further from the truth.

Gainey was criticized for not adding Hossa at the trade deadline last February.

Gainey was also commended for not overpaying for Hossa at the time, and compromising the future of the team.

It's the old "damned if you do, damned if you don't" motto playing out.

Many free agents will be calling Montreal and the Habs will not be interested for a variety of reasons, some listed above.

What it comes down to, is that Gainey long ago identified Sundin as the one concrete upgrade the Habs could sensibly make.

He's gone out on a limb to secure the rights to negotiate with him ahead of free agency - from the Maple Leafs, no less.

If it doesn't work out, why is Gainey to blame?

He set the table by adding Alex Tanguay at the draft immediately after the prosepective deal with the Leafs.

As a fan of the team, I'd be more worried if the Canadiens were to panic and begin adding players after July 1 that have no place.

My take is that if Sundin refuses the Habs advances, then it is truly time to start signing what is already in the Canadiens stable to long term deals that will be bargains years from now.

What else would be as sensible and sound?

.

This Season Carbonneau Has A Stronger Grasp

Translated from Bertrand Raymond's column in the March 22, 2008 Le Journal

One year ago, Guy Carboneau's lack of experience behind the bench was plainly visible.

Even though he'd been an assistant to the general manager in Dallas, and an assistant coach in Montreal on two occasions, the final decisions now belonged to him. On certain nights, everything seemed to happen so fast for a coach whose main assistant, Kirk Muller, was as green a rookie as he.

Less than a year later, with his team enjoying a remarkable season, Carbonneau is considered a coach of the year candidate.

So, how did that happen?

Of course, several players - Alex Kovalev comes to mind - have had their say in the success, but Carbonneau isn't denying that one year's experience can make a big difference. He understands that today he is a better coach.

During an interesting interview, the former Canadiens captain admits that he has a better control over the day to day goings on regarding the team. Honestly, he admits that he is surprised by the Habs performance this season.

"Realistically, I never thought come mid March that we'd be ahead of the Ottawa Senators", Carbonneau claims. "Of course, it is obvious that the Senators have taken a step back, and it has opened doors for many teams."

He could also add that the Canadiens have avoided what has happened with Ottawa. If the Habs have not suffered anything longer than a three game losing streak, a good part of the credit must head Carbonneau's way.

"Should it be concluded that we have been very fortunate?", he asks. "I guess you could say that our team has been well prepared for games and that we have been lucky enough to avoid injuries. These are all factors that need to be taken into consideration."

To thread the needle more precisely, Carbonneau adds that certain decisions that were planned out well ahead of time have played a major role in the success of the Canadiens.














For example, the team has regularly profited from a scheduled day off per week. Practices that would run up to 75 minutes earlier in the year now cut off at about 40 minutes. Carbonneau has never swayed from using four lines and six defenseman all season. Lower tier players are on a regular rotation in and out of the lineup.

Obviously, the rotation of players doesn't include the impact variety. The point was to keep third and fourth lines, as well as sixth and seventh defenseman energized.

Carbonneau also notes that the team doesn't play a kamikazee style of hockey, which enables injuries to be avoided. Stressing a poised positional game has its benefits.

The coach has taken some criticism for giving days off after bad games, especially the Sundays, but has stubbornly stuck to his gins in doing so regardless.

"When I was playing, I found it beneficial to have that day off", he explains. "When Sunday is free, players can plan family activities, take off to the Laurentides, or do whatever. After losses, I'd head to the dressing room just furious, but I always found it was important to respect that routine."

That could be the prime explanation for Carbonneau's success in year two. Last season, things were passing fast and he was more emotional. This season, there is the sense that he is more in control.

Carbonneau explains that the major difference between this season and last, is that he can foresee the reactions that his decisions provoke.

"There is less of the unknown for me this time", he admits. "Last season, I was trying to learn from what others coaches had done. I'd note things afterwards. I was making decisions without knowing what to expect. This year, I know what to expect."














Without having to mention it, the 48 year old coach brings up last year's situation with defenseman Craig Rivet. He classifies that learning experience as something that contributes to what has made him a better equiped coach today should the situation arise again.

"I still believe I did the right thing", he says, "but this year, would I have acted differently?
Probably. I would have taken time to explain to him why I was doing it. Rivet was surprised to find himself out of the lineup. Every player is when it happens to them."

"We didn't do this on a whim. It was the right decision, but it was an unexpected reaction to it. All told, we should have been more in control of the situation."

Carbonneau admits that behind the bench he is reacting to circumstances better than before. For example, last season, when down by two goals, he'd shorten the bench in favor of those who were rolling, as opposed to continuing to roll four lines as he does now.

When asked what have been this seasons biggest surprises for him, Carbonneau glances at a wall chart that contains the Habs current lineup.

"After all that went down last season, Alex Kovalev has to top the list. Roman Hamrlik's contribution is of note. Throw in the names of Bouillon, Gorges, and Streit, in addition to all the young players."

In Carbonneau's esteem, how many players would the Canadiens be away from a Stanley Cup?
It's a hard question for him to answer. The coach believes that with the current roster at his disposal, that the Canadiens have it in them to cause some heads to turn.

"I think that if we would have been able to add Marian Hossa, it would have helped a great deal", he adds in all honesty. "We are a young team. We'll see how the players do come playoff time. We are on the verge of getting some very important answers."
.

Habs For Breakfast - 2008-03-17

A whole lotta Habs stuff today, culled from both the Sunday and Monday papers and onlines.

Nothing anywhere in today's news looking back on what happened 53 years ago in relation to what's up with the Chris Pronger suspension. I though someone would make the connection that Rocket Richard was suspended for the balance of the season for his actions and the ensuing riot at the Forum was on this day.
















When comparing Pronger's deed to Chris Simon's identical kick, the league has displayed an obvious double standard in how it treats star players versus perceived goons. To me Pronger is as much a cementhead as Simon is, the main difference is that the defenseman is a more vital componant of his team's success.

Perhaps it is just that Gary Bettman is shit scared of a verbal undoing by junkyard dog GM Brian Burke, who would sure tear Bettman a new one if he ever developed Clarence Cambpell sized cajones in this one.

When is the NHL ever going to get it right?

First there is no suspension, and then it is "re-reviewed"?

This is twice now that the NHL has blown a chance to show it means business with it's suspensions and twice they mess it up. First Bertuzzi, now Pronger.

Both times, GM Burke was involved. Coincidence?

Oh yeah, this just in. The NHL, upon further "re-review", has commuted the Maurice Richard suspension to 8 games. The league has deliberated that the Rocket was in fact provoked into his actions and therefore not fully liable for the extent of his crimes.

Here's today goodies. Don't miss checking out Joe Pelletier's "Kenny Reardon - Cal Gardner Feud".

Reardon passed away on Saturday morning after a lengthy and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. The Habs Inside Out site has just updated the story of Reardon's passing with a link to an online guestbook for those fans to wish to pay tribute.























Numbers Paint Rosy Picture For Habs - Gazette

"The Canadiens boast the sixth-youngest lineup in the NHL with 20-year-old goaltender Carey Price, Jaroslav Halak, the Kostitsyn brothers, Ryan O'Byrne, Tomas Plekanec, Josh Gorges, Christopher Higgins, Maxim Lapierre, Guillaume Latendresse and Mikhail Grabovski all 25 years of age or younger." - Pat Hickey

Halak Shows He's A Competitor - Gazette

"Halak turned aside 30 shots Saturday, including a brilliant late-game pad save to resist any Islanders rally, earning the game's first star." - Dave Stubbs

Leafs Would Be Scary Playoff Opponants - Gazette

"Those Leafs. Somewhere in the back of the mind of every Canadiens fan lies the spectre of 1967: Punch Imlach and his blackboard. Dave Keon. Frank Mahovlich, before he helped the Habs win in 1971. Johnny Bower." - Jack Todd

Lapierre Still Finding His Place - Habs Inside Out

"Maxim Lapierre made an immediate impression when he was called up from the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs last season with his gritty, in-your-face style. He played in 46 games during the 2006-07 season, scoring seven goals and adding six assists, and it looked as if he was in the NHL to stay." - Kevin Mio

The Kenny Reardon - Cal Gardner "Bond" Incident - Greatest Hockey Legends

"The vengeful Reardon promised retaliation on Gardner every time they played again." - Joe Pelletier

Canadiens Reardon Was Respected On And Off The Ice - Gazette

"I give him credit for what he did in his life," Dickie Moore said of Reardon yesterday. "He carried himself so well. He never had that much to do with the players. He'd come in and make a few comments once in a while. Very few, but he was a dedicated individual. You know Kenny was the guy responsible for Toe (Blake) being there. Mr. Selke wanted Billy Reay, Reardon wanted Toe and Kenny won out." - Red Fisher

Rooting For Strangers - The H Does Not Stand For Habs

"Tonight, for example, obviously I was rooting for the Habs to beat the Isles. Normally, that would be it...Halak gets a shutout, I'm thrilled. But tonight I was also rooting for Boston, Colorado, Buffalo, Tampa, St.Louis and Edmonton. Not all of them for typical reasons." - J.T.

















Hossa, Sundin And Higgins - Lions In Winter

"Why is it, that after having built this team through the draft and showing patience, Gainey would suddenly decide "Nah, I'm doing this all wrong. I need to give 3 draft picks in one of the best projected drafts in the last decade, as well of one my best and brightest young stars, who works his ass off, plays every night and shows great leadership, to get a 37 year old who might help me win the Stanley Cup and most likely won't be back in October." - Topham

Gainey avait vu juste - RDS

"En 10 matchs depuis le départ de Huet, Carey Price, 20 ans, et Jaroslav Halak, 22 ans, ont conservé un rendement de 7-3-0, une moyenne de 2,00 buts par rencontre et un taux d'efficacité de ,940. Samedi, c'était au tour de Halak d'offrir une solide performance. Le Slovaque a enregistré le troisième jeu blanc de sa carrière en 18 départs seulement, repoussant 30 rondelles dans une victoire de 3-0 face aux Islanders de New York."

Une place en séries cette semaine? - RDS

"Ce que plusieurs pensaient impossible en début de saison est sur le point de se confirmer. Au cours des prochains jours, le Canadien pourrait assurer sa place en séries éliminatoires en remportant deux des trois matchs qu’il disputera cette semaine."

Juste assez pour gagner - RDS

"Le jeu blanc a pratiquement été une formalité pour Halak, qui n’a jamais réellement été mis à l’épreuve, à l'exception peut-être de la deuxième moitié de la troisième période. Il s’agit de son premier blanchissage de la saison, son troisième en 16 départs en carrière dans la LNH."

Normal avec une jeune equipe - RDS

"Je n’ai aucun problème avec les nombreux changements apportés par Guy Carbonneau. Avec une équipe jeune entre les mains, un entraîneur doit effectuer des modifications lorsque ça ne fonctionne pas à son goût." - Jacques Demers

Des bons mots pour Higgins - RDS
"Ce soir, il s'est vraiment impliqué. Il a patiné, il s'est rendu au filet et il a obtenu des occasions de marquer." - Guy Carbonneau




















Dire que Halak croyait avoir été échanger - La Presse

"Lorsque Jaroslav Halak a été rappelé au banc, le 26 février dernier, au beau milieu d'un entraînement des Bulldogs de Hamilton, il a cru que ses jours avec le Canadien étaient terminés."

Kovalev et consorts menacent trois records d'équipe - La Presse

"Fort d'une récolte de 16 buts et de 26 passes en supériorité numérique, Kovalev n'est qu'à quatre buts du record d'équipe pour le plus grand nombre de filets marqués dans ces situations dans une saison. Yvan Cournoyer détient ce record depuis la saison 1966-1967 alors qu'il avait enfilé 20 de ses 25 buts en avantage numérique." - François Gagnon

Jean Beliveau reçoit une doctorat d'honneur a l'Université de Laval - La Presse

"Quand je suis parti de Victoriaville pour venir à Québec, c'est moi qui étais le plus vieux de la famille et mon père m'a dit deux choses. D'abord d'écouter avant de parler et ensuite de toujours faire mon possible. J'ai suivi ses conseils et je crois que ça m'a permis de bien réussir." - Jean Beliveau

Hamrlik au paradis à Montréal - Le Journal

"Si Hamrlik pense qu'il a tout vu à Montréal, qu'il attache son casque protecteur avec de la broche durant les séries. Le Centre Bell va trembler sur ses fondations!" - Marc De Foy

"J'essaie de ne pas trop regarder le classement" - Le Journal

"Une journée, on occupe le premier rang. Le lendemain, on glisse au cinquième. Puis, le surlendemain, on grimpe au deuxième. C'est la même chose pour les autres équipes." - Guy Carbonneau

Habs Should Roll Out A "Welcome Mats" Sign Next Summer

Not that I should be thinking about the summer of 2008 with the Habs on the verge on clinching a playoff spot in about three wins time, but a story out of Toronto had me thinking about July in the midst of snowbanks and melting roads.

My thoughts have to do with a player I feel would be the ideal free agent signing for the Canadiens.

When it comes to free agency, I've often put my thoughts inside those of an individual player, when contemplating scenarios ranging from from what city would be a good fit, and what line mates would make sense.

From a fans point of view, I'd then step outside the players head, and see how it all adds up for the Canadiens. If things spelled a fit on both sides, then I would be watching the scenario evolve with great interest.

Looking two players the Canadiens almost snagged over the last two summers, teaches what they may opt to do with who they will try to sign this July.

I like Marian Hossa and Mats Sundin as players the Habs should target. For different reasons, they remind me of both Brendan Shanahan and Daniel Briere, and as Habs fans, we've been all over this before.























Two off seasons ago, I saw Shanahan as an excellent fit for Montreal. He was a character player, used to pressure situations, was a proven winner and leader, and his set of skills matched up well with the Canadiens needs.

The Habs came close to nabbing Shanny, with his spouse's concerns for their children's education being the deciding factor that pointed him towards New York. Had Shanahan not resigned with the Rangers this past summer, then the Canadiens still would have had an interest in him. His traits and attributes are still present and his game remains potent. He is making 2.5 million and is set to be a free agent again next season. His 22 goals this season would rank Shanahan third on the Habs and if Montreal is looking to add one player for veteran experience and leadership in it's 100th season a man with close to 650 career goals is not a bad place to look.

Last summer, the Canadiens were all prepared to roll out the red carpet treatment for Daniel Briere. The city and it's fans were so excited, many considered Briere a done deal.

I breathed a long and thankful sigh when when Briere rebuffed the Habs offer and headed to Philly. I saw the Briere proposition as a tenous one as I've never found him to have the right character to be a good fit in Montreal.

After the deal fell through, the details that trickled from the negotiations confirmed why I felt uncomfortable with Briere in the first place.

For starters the money and length were too large and too long for a player who's posted all one of excellent campaign. Placing oneself inside Briere's thoughts, do you think it might have crossed his mind what kind of treatment Montreal would reserve for him if he failed to live up to expectations?

With 62 points in 72 games, and a minus 25 stat on an eighth place team, I would say Briere constitutes a big disappointment at 10 million dollars a year!

Briere supposedly asked the he be guaranteed top line center status upon signing with Montreal, which is a preposturous demand to ask of an organization that has always put the team ahead of the individual.

A character player would ensure that he is the top pivot by his performance and not a contract stipulation.

Imagine Montreal being weighted down with 52 million dollars invested in Briere now, with a bundle of kids to keep signed for the coming years!























Barring perhaps Marian Hossa, it is doubtful now the Canadiens will want to sign on a free agent for a deal that surpasses three years. Having risen to where they stand presently on the strength of youth, the plan would seem to dictate that the Canadiens continue on in this manner.

As teams are now showing a tendency to lock up their younger more promising stars earlier before they reach RFS status, I could see and understand the Canadiens looking at shorring up their lineup with older players of character, leadership and experience, who have something left in the tank.

There a perfect fit out there for the Montreal Canadiens, and his name is Mats Sundin.

Some might suggest this a blasphemous thought, the notion of one of the greatest Maple Leafs ever, donning a Habs jersey, but it doesn't even enter into my mind.

Two of my favorite Habs ever were named Mahovlich and Gilmour, and they each wore the Habs colours with tremendous pride and dedication. Both were veterans in every aspect and action.

Sundin is in the mold of great Canadiens players. He has the passion, the perseverance, and the dedication needed to succeed in Montreal.

Having played all his career in Quebec City and Toronto, he is perfectly acclimated to the "hockey is everything" mentality that exists in Montreal. Sundin even seems motivated by such an environment.

















Now, Sundin could be a Habs player presently if he'd said yes to a trade scenario prior to February 26th that would have sent him to Montreal. Being the beneficiary of a no trade clause, Sundin exercised the option and chose to fight the good fight down to the wire as a member of the Leafs. His inspired performance has made the unlikely notion of the Leafs in the playoffs at least appear a remote possibility.

To his credit, his leadership qualities are being lauded around the hockey world, and his class as a man of his word and action is also worthy of being underlined.

Sundin has never so much as said he did not want to play anywhere else but Toronto, but he made it a point to state that he didn't believe in the rent a player concept working for himself. For him, the goal of winning a Stanley Cup begins in October and not February.

Many have expressed that Sundin would wish to retire a Maple Leaf, but the fact remains that the team and its captain are heading in opposite directions. Unable to trade any of their no trade clause contracted players, Toronto will have let go of something in the offseason whether they are looking to rebuild or retool. I can't see the Maple Leafs organization still having Sundin in their sights if they plan to move forward. In Toronto, the recipe for stagnancy would be recognized and ripped apart.

Knowing the Leafs were actively seeking to move him, can't sit well with the valiant captain either.

Mats Sundin is no different than any other player in the NHL - he wants to win a Stanley Cup as badly as anyone. He might just be a guy who wishes to so on his terms. He obviously has enough faith in his abilities, after dragging the Leafs on his back for a spell, to know that he could be just the right ingredient to put a tean elsewhere over the top.

This summer, Montreal will be on Sundin's radar, and vice versa.

In all the years I've watched Sundin kill the Habs over and over, I've never been able to shake the notion that he would thrive in Montreal. Sundin always showed up for big games, and every game in Montreal is big and getting bigger now.

Among other things about the Habs that would whet Sundin's appetite for victory is a lineup loaded with the types of players he would enjoy playing with. He's surely familiar with them from 8 meetings each year, and he'd continue to play in a division that he is comfortable with and has had success in.

Sundin will not be looking for a multi year deal anywhere. He will not command a 7 million dollar salary to sign where he feels he fits in. Sundin will want to fit where team leaders are already entrenched and he does not have the burden of being the team savior and can concentrate solely on hockey for a change.

Among Sundin's values, loyalty ranks quite high with him. It will not escape his thoughts that Montreal were one of two teams seriously bidding for his services recently. That will mean something to him when he finds himself looking for a new home come July.

As for the vision of seeing a former Leaf in a Habs uni, Canadiens fans will make him their own as soon as he has scored his first goal or point in Montreal jersey.

Toronto fans, might get over it with more difficulty.

Then again, every beantowner cheered for Ray Bourque when he tearfully lifted Stanley with a snow crested A on his chest. Why wouldn't this hockey story be just as sweet?

For Sale: Never Used Pair Of Red, White And Blue Gloves

It's been a hectic two weeks leading up tp yesterday's 3 PM deadline, and in this morning after the big disappointment - and an oustanding Canadiens win - I'm still a little peeved at Bob Gainey.

Not for trying to aquire a premier forward in Marian Hossa.

Not for failing to land Hossa.

I'm peeved, slightly less this morning, for Gainey getting us all swept up in it.

Talk about a frenzied hockey city - post impact player Gainey quote!

Hossa sightings at airports, phantom gloves on order, and rumours galore. You'd think it was playoff time already. The absurdity that everyone including myself were swooped up in reminded me of when Patrick Roy had his appendix removed between playoff games, and someone put a bid on it!

Montreal gets like that, and Gainey should have seen it coming. Hockey fever at it's most fervent.

I was surprised as many were when he came out and spoke his intentions out loud. For a man who usually is low key about his goals, the admission was uplfting and stunning. In the aftermath, declaring he was out to hit a home run only set up disappointment.

When Gainey made the quote, I considered the effect on the Montreal media. It had the same effect on me. I got swept up in a way of hope.

I recall thinking, "Bob, what are you saying! Come to your senses!"























Bob came to his senses at 2:53 PM yesterday, apparently. When dance partner Don Waddell's asking price became a touch too lofty for Gainey to assume, the wise man backed down.

What happened was Waddell did as any GM worth his salt would - he upped the ante until the last minute. When the Thrashers GM asked Gainey for more, the good Bob stood his ground. The Penguins had offered the four bodies they ended up sending and the Canadiens balked at the offer of Mikhail Grabovski, Matt D' Agnostini, Mark Streit, and Ryan O'Byrne.

You can decide which offer you'd choose, but Waddell went with the two NHL regulars offered by Pittsburgh, a first round pick in 2008, and the disappointing Angelo Esposito that the Pens chose last summer.

Gainey could not see the Habs as being improved, had they surrendered three assets from their starting lineup, and good for him!

This team did not look too shabby on the ice last night, but the playoffs are a whole other test.
What confounded me from the get go, was that the Canadiens have plently of offfense. After last night's game, they have scored 201 goals. Detroit have 203 with one more game played. Ottawa has 210.























Offense is not the problem, defense is more of a concern.

Markov, Komisarek, and Hamrlik rate a great top three, though none will be confused for Pronger, Niedermayer or Lidstrom.

Francis Bouillon and Josh Gorges have surprised of late - in certain games. Ryan O'Byrne is coming along as well as hoped.

There's Mark Streit to sub on the PP point and fill in when penalties get hairy and rotations go out of whack, Mathieu Dandeneault in emergencies, and Patrice Brisebois when...when...when hell starts to freeze.

It would have been good to see Bob add, say, Adam Foote or another top 4 d-man to the corps.

Instead, Gainey delivered the curve I so greatly feared when writing about this two days ago.

Certainly many weren't prepared to see Cristobal Huet dealt, especially at a time when there was little market for goalies. The returning second round pick does not make Gainey look genial today, but he may be looking at things differently than most.

Standing to lose Huet to free agency this coming summer, and with Jaroslav Halak once again standing on his head in Hamilton, a choice needed to be made. As this is a young team, perhaps Gainey wants his goaltenders to peak at the same time the core of the team reaches its apex.

That is not now. It might just be next year. It will surely be the year after, in many estimations.
In order to have the goaltending be where it needs to then, the process of them being front and center, taking the bullets, must begin now. With Huet in the picture, this would not have happened.

Yesterday cemented the notion of Price as the man of the moment, over simply being constantly regarded as the goalie of the future. Gainey's decision makes clear the future begins now.

It was good then that he sacrificed none of it yesterday.

Gainey's final piece, his home run signing, Hossa even, can come this summer.

He'll appear a great deal wiser when it happens - as long as he doesn't tell the world exactly what his intents are with two weeks notice.

Habs For Breakfast: Trade Deadline Day Edition

Robert L Note: This post will be augmented with the trade news of the day, and articles relating to it as the day progresses. Tune in a few times. Should there be updates concerning the Canadiens, they will be added as I get to them.

Judging by the morning paper, today is turning out to be the Marian Hossa watch....

8:00 AM
Hossa: Je suis prêt à toutes éventualités - La Presse

"Une situation rocambolesque pourrait se produire aujourd'hui: Marian Hossa pourrait participer à l'échauffement matinal dans l'uniforme des Thrashers d'Atlanta, et arborer le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge au début de la rencontre!" - Marc Antoine Godin

Hossa changera - t - il d'uniforme dans la journée? - La Presse

"Des rumeurs qui ont atteint un sommet en matière de folie lorsque le site Internet corussports.com a annoncé la tenue imminente d'une conférence de presse du Canadien parce que des employés de l'entretien ménager venaient de donner un coup de balayeuse sur le tapis rouge de la salle où se tiennent les points de presse du Tricolore." - Francois Gagnon

Montréal m' intéresse - Marian Hossa - Le Journal

"Il s'est dit flatté d'apprendre que des amateurs au Centre Bell avaient commencé à scander son nom lors de la troisième période du match de samedi." - Pierre Durocher

Ca se bouscule pour obtenir Marian Hossa - Le Journal

"On pense, du côté de la capitale nationale, que les Sénateurs seraient disposés à échanger Antoine Vermette, un jeune espoir qui pourrait être Brian Lee, Nick Foligno ou Ilja Zubov, ainsi qu'un choix au repêchage pour rapatrier Hossa dans leurs rangs." - Marc de Foy

2:00 AM

Habs Zero In On Hossa - Yahoo Sports

"The Dallas Stars will aquire Tampa Bay Lightening center Brad richards in a multi player trade and the Atlanta Thrashers right wing Marian Hossa is heading to the Montreal Canadiens before the NHL trade deadline, an executive within the league said Monday night.

Montreal GM Bob Gainey, who appears to have outbid the Ottawa Senators for Hossa, pointed out last week the team traded for Alex Kovalev at the trade deadline in 2004, and despite only playing 12 games with the Canadiens at the end he decided to re-sign in Montreal."

1:45 AM

Habs Still Chasing Sniper Hossa - TSN

"It's a hockey city. I've played in Canada and I know how the people are crazy about hockey, so it's an interesting place to play. But right now that's all I can say." - Marian Hossa

Canadiens Still Trying To Swing A Deal - National Post

"It's always a tough time of the year and it's different when your name is out there but I'm still here. I'll leave my cell phone on and I'll just wait and see what happens. I'll let you know how I feel at three o'clock." - Michael Ryder

"Aucun gardien n'est a la hauteur" - RDS

L’entraîneur-chef Guy Carbonneau a fait son choix: Carey Price sera le gardien partant du Canadien mardi contre les Thrashers d’Atlanta.

Terminer pour Huet a Montreal - RDS

"Bien sûr, Huet n’a pas de contrat en poche pour la saison prochaine. Je pense donc que cette situation prouve que c’est terminé pour lui à Montréal. À moins que Price trébuche dans les prochaines parties, il va hériter du poste de numéro un." - Gaston Therrien

Les medias versent dans l'exaggeration, selon Carbonneau - La Presse

"On lance des noms, on commente les rumeurs, a-t-il continué. Je sais que ça fait partie de vos tâches de journaliste, mais c'est injuste. C'est dur pour les athlètes. Mettez-vous un instant dans leur peau et que vous entendiez depuis un mois que vous allez être échangé." - Guy Carbonneau

Gainey In A No Win Situation

The harsh reality of today's 3 P.M. deadline for Habs GM Bob Gainey, is that regardless of what he does, he will be unfairly maligned for it.

No matter what the evolution of several unfolding scenario's will be, unless there is a Stanley Cup attached to it, what he does or does not do today will be described as a failure.

And that outlook could start as early as 3:05 P.M. Tuesday.

Gainey could do one of three things today. He could decide to stand pat in light of the rising cost of the players he seeks. He could succumb to the pressure and foolishness of the day, not wanting to be outbid for who he truly has an eye on, and overpay dearly for 2 months worth of rent a player disinterest. Lastly, he could choose to unload a potential free agent as he did last season for futures and get crucified for it in the short term should the Habs fail to have a season's end that could be termed a success.

Watching the trickle of signings and trades in the past hours leading up to February 26, I get the sense that several GM's are about to get squeezed in the same vice of helplessness.

Three key happenings have helped set what is, or isn't, about to go down on Tuesday.

First, Mats Sundin and other valuable trade commodities in blue and white, have refused to waive their no trade clause. This removes possibly three or four potential deals with teams who were interested in these players.

Second, Calgary GM Darryl Sutter seems quite serious about hanging on Alex Tanguay until summer. The bidders for this player will be turning their focus elsewhere.

Third, Peter Forsberg has signed with the Avalanche, and Dan Boyle with the Lightning, who then traded Vaclav Prospal to the Flyers. The moves cut down potential scenarios that other teams might have envisioned.

How all this affects the Canadiens and Gainey's situation is that it raises the price of players on the market by supply and demand.

The asking price for Gainey's targetted player of choice, Marian Hossa, will now have risen because there are more teams bidding. What Thrashers GM Don Waddell was asking yesterday, will have increased by today.

Gainey, a sensible man amongst a league of gambling fools, might just choose to suffer the consequences of sitting still once again.

I'm prepared for such an eventuality - I'm almost expecting it.

Should he do so, it's not the worst landscape in the world. I'll comfort myself with the thought that Gainey has at least not taken his stare off he big picture.

Should the bidding get ridiculous, and it will, much will depend on how the domino's fall. The big fish of the day other than Hossa are Brad Richards, Ollie Jokinen, Brian Campbell, Patrick Marleau, and Glen Murray. When they move will be as important as where they move to.

It is said that the most serious threat to the Habs landing Hossa is his former employers, the Ottawa Senators, who are rumoured to be offering two or more roster players, as they have little to offer on the farm. The Senators, if you can appreciate this, are even more desperate to make a move for the Holy Grail than the Canadiens are. Should the stakes rise, my feeling is that Ottawa will either fall out of the Hossa contention early, or make a ridiculous unrefusable offer that compromises their future depth somewhat.

If Montreal were to part with Michael Ryder, Ryan O'Byrne, Mikhail Grabovski, David Fischer, and Alexei Emelin for Hossa, I think every Habs fan would shudder.

Especially if Gainey fails to sign Hossa in the summer.

Would he even do such a deal if Hossa came signed?

Names of other Canadiens such as Mark Streit and Chris Higgins (doubtful) have been also mentioned as possibly heading out of town on such a deal, as well as prospects Matt Carle, Pavel Valentenko, Jaroslav Halak (doubtful as well seeing Huet is a free agent soon) and Matt D' Agnostini. Draft choices could also come into play, but seeing the Canadiens will not be picking in the top 10 that pick would not be highly valued or a deal breaker in any way.

In the end, Gainey might just throw everyone a curveball, and send one of Ryder, Streit or Huet to some team on the playoff bubble and fetch a first round pick, while lining himself up for the firing squad that is the Montreal media.

Such a play would be doubtfull as Gainey as unabashedly stated his mission this time out.

When the day is done, let's hope he has neither settled for something lesser than his target, or compromised the future depth of the team to win an additional playoff round.

Habs For Breakfast - 2008-02-25

Sundin's Decision Changes Trade Market - TSN

"Montreal and Ottawa appear to be the two front-runners for Marian Hossa's services and there is every reason to believe that this is a trade that could go down as early as Monday as opposed to Tuesday. Waddell had an extended stay in Toronto after the Thrashers' played the Maple Leafs last Saturday. He watched the Hamilton Bulldogs play the Toronto Marlies in an AHL game as he attempted to size up some of the Habs' prospects." - Bob McKenzie

Defense Must Come First: Kovalev - The Gazette

"We know we can put on a show, but it's not the time now to impress our fans. It's time to really play well defensively and try to win 1-0." - Alex Kovalev

Growing Pains For Hulking Komisarek - The Gazette

"For everything that Bob's done for this organization, as players we wanted to respond and get the win for him," Komisarek said. "So it's definitely disheartening and tough to swallow, especially with our effort." - Mike Komisarek

Le Canadien a interet a gagner - RDS

"Le Tricolore peut toujours espérer terminer au premier rang de l'Association Est. Mais il peut aussi glisser hors des séries. Le bleu-blanc-rouge a d'ailleurs intérêt à amasser des points cette semaine avant d'entreprendre un long voyage dans l'ouest américain."

Gorges prend du gallon a la ligne blue - RDS

"Le temps d'utilisation de Josh Gorges ne cesse d'augmenter. Le jeune défenseur a joué plus de 17 minutes par match en moyenne à ses trois dernières rencontres."

Les cartes dans le jeu de Bob Gainey - Le Journal
"Dans le vestiaire du Canadien, Gainey racontait vendredi qu'il n'était pas question de sacrifier son noyau de réguliers pour mettre la main sur l'attaquant d'impact qu'il convoite."

Le Canadien serait nez a nez avec les Senators dans la loterie Hossa! - Le Journal

"On peut penser à Mikhail Grabovski, qui a marqué encore deux fois dans la victoire de 3 à 1 des Bulldogs aux dépens des Marlies. Matt D'Agostini est un autre jeune attaquant qui pourrait répondre aux aspirations des Thrashers."

The Saga Of The Hossa Glove Thickens

You can tell when parades and Stanley Cups are the minds of Montreal hockey fans and media alike when stories bordering on absurdity take on the realm of a believable scoop.

Last week it was "Pursegate", and now we have "Glovegate"!

What's next? Jockgate?

As you might have read recently, a pair of gloves in the Marian Hossa name and in the Canadiens colours, brought a frenzy to the euphoria already implanted in the hearts and minds of Habs fans, when it was reported that such equipement was made to order and delivered to the Bell Centre three days ago.

Amid the speculation that Bob Gainey is trying to land the biggest of fish before the trade deadline, and combined with the reports that Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell has been following the Habs closer than the Enquirer spies Britney Spears, came a story that an equipement manufacturer in La Belle Province had been called upon to fit and deliver game paraphanelia in the Hossa name to the Habs hockey rink.

Fact before confirmation. Scoop. News. Insane. Absurd. Believable and unbelievable. Unreal. Reality check.

In light of this, I figured one of two things would occur on Thursday.

There would be a trade announcement between Atlanta and Montreal, or an equally creative denial from many fronts.

I was expecting almost anything from either the Canadiens or Thrashers organizations to refute the news, but all that came forth were redundancies that Atlanta was still in negotiation with Hossa, and some even more farfalluted pipe dream than the Edmonton Oilers, of all hellish snowballs chances, were looking at bagging Hossa in the off season with a kings ramsom of Ovechkin proportions.

Oh, and yes, the was a half baked denial that said the gloves were ordered for Marian's brother Marcel, the former Hab who is now New York Ranger property, who was not so coincidentally in town that very night for a game against Les Canadiens.

I could see this coming!

Nice try!

Marcel is currently a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack, having been demoted to the AHL recently.

So, it would make total sense that he needs new gloves and that they would be sent to Montreal at the precise moment the Rangers were in town.

Does Marcel Hossa need new gloves?

The Wolf Pack wear the same colours as the Rangers!

I smell a coverup!

Mathias Brunet, who broke the story at La Presse, had much to add to the tale today, despite the refutals made. The spin says:

At the top, let's make it perfectly clear: La Presse maintains it's version of facts that equipement in Canadiens colours was ordered for Marian Hossa of the Atlanta Thrashers, and that ongoing negotiations in this area are serious even though nothing can yet be officially announced about a trade involving the Canadiens and Thrashers.

It can be pointed to as fact for the moment, that the it can be confirmed that the piece of equipement in question - a pair of gloves - were odered by Hossa himself, and not by the Montreal Canadiens. That would go a long way to explain the Canadiens reaction yesterday morning, being caught completely off guard as they have nothing to do with the origin of the story. Nowhere did it say yesterday that the Habs had placed the order.

We can then understand why the Canadiens made no statement either way Wednesday, when it was suggested that the gloves were intended for Hossa's brother Marcel, currently in the AHL with Hartford, while the Rangers were in town.

We can however state that the pair of gloves destined for Marian are one thing, and that those headed for Marcel are another.

Benoit Brunet mentioned last night on RDS that he had his own informers saying that gloves for Hossa were also made in the colours of the Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild, two other teams were Hossa is susceptible of landing by next Tuesday. At press time yesterday, no confirmation could be made that gloves in the colours of other teams were also constructed and ordered other than the ones in Canadiens colours.

The latest news on the subject of Hossa are the folowing: He was dressed for the Thrashers gama against Carolina and according to TSN, Atlanta GM was giving signing Hossa a final shot today despite the player having publically admitted chances were slim at best of getting a deal done before next Tuesday.

What arises from all this will be interesting to follow as his services are vied for. The two visits to the Bell Centre by Waddell make clear that his interest was serious in dealing Hossa to the Canadiens.

In addition, it is still not possible to confirm in any way that Michael Ryder and Mark Streit, names mentioned in the same breath as Hossa, are indeed heading the other way.

To reiterate, as we had repeated in yesterday's story, there is nothing enabling us to confirm that a transaction has been completed, only that negotiations are by all counts very serious.

Hossa Has One Foot In The Bell Centre

Robert L note: I was hearing about this Mathias Brunet piece from La Presse as early as 2 A.M. on CKAC. He it is transcribed. Oh boy!

There is no other evidence as of yet that La Presse can use to confirm that the Canadiens and Thrashers have in fact sealed a deal, but the paper has learned that as of yesterday, an equipement order in the colors of the Montreal Canadiens has been made in the name of Marian Hossa.

Orders as such don't neccessarily mean it's in the bag. Two years ago, a order was placed for Nikolai Khabibulin and Adrien Aucoin in the Canadiens colors, but Aucoin broke his ankle on the eve of the announced trade and everything was annuled. The word was they were all but headed to Montreal for Jose Theodore, Mike Ribeiro, and Pierre Dagenais.

It is also possible that a GM changes his mind at the last minute in light of a better offer.

However, orders are not placed with equipement manufacturers unless talks have reached serious proportions. Companies can take a day to manufacture a pair of gloves or pants to an athletes specifications and the Canadiens would be placing the order to have the equipement ready for the player's timely arrival for the next game.Names circulating as going the other way were Michael Ryder and Mark Streit, and either a prospect or a draft pick, but nothing existed to confirm as much.

During the last day of General Manager meetings in Naples, Florida yesterday, certain rumors were jumping the gun. Late yesterdat afternoon the CBC had posted on it's website a tradec sending Michael Ryder to Calgary in return for Alex Tanguay but the news was quickly and quietly pulled.

Several hints recently pointed to Bob Gainey and Don Waddell pulling off a big deal. Gainey hasn't hidden the fact this week that he's looking to add an impact player to the lineup.

Waddell has taken in some Canadiens games over the past two weeks and even skipped his own team's practice to watch the Canadiens play in Florida eight days ago. At the Bell Centre, Waddell joked with the local press that he was in town to watch a player who wasn't even dressed (Michael Ryder).

The Thrashers GM has maintained that he wants to aquire players that could help Atlanta in the short if he should part with Hossa, since he considers his team still in the runnung for a playoff spot and perhaps even first place in their division. He has also made it clear that he is seeking an offensive defenseman.

Marian Hossa, Mark Streit and Michael Ryder all have identical contract situations and will be free agent at the term of the season. It is not out of the question that the teams involved has given each permission to talk contract with the players they would be aquiring. CJAD analyst Murray Wilson had declared on air that Gainey had received such a privelege from Waddell to talk contract with Hossa.

Hossa, who is making 7 million dollars this season, has seen his numbers drop below standard with 53 points in 58 games, but notched 100 and 92 in the two preceeding years. He remains one of the most gifted wingers in the league.

Here's hoping for the Canadiens sake that Hossa remains as prolific as before and that this formidable player fits nicely into that new equipement...

And If Hossa Could Be Had?

Transcribed from Bertrand Raymond's column in today's Le Journal De Montreal

Pete Mahovlich is employed as a professional scout with the Atlanta Thrashers and he has taken in the last three Canadiens games, including last Sunday's accompanied by coach and GM Don Waddell.

When bringing up Atlanta, we are talking about Marian Hossa, plain and simple. He is the player most sought after as the trade deadline approaches if the Thrashers cannot manage to get his signature on the dotted line.

As a lark, I asked Mahovlich if he could bring Hossa to see when the Thrashers play here next.

"Why do you ask?", he said.

"Because we'd like to talk to him", I answered.

"So would we!", Mahovlich replied, half seriously.



















Mahovlich plied his trade in a day when contract talks weren't at the heart of every discussion revolving around players. He's not, however, the type of person that envies today's professionals or complain that he was born too soon to profit from it.

Still, he finds today's contract demands a bit exaggerated. Atlanta has offered Hossa a multi year deal at above seven million dollars per season and he didn't flinch. Regardless of the next offer Hossa receives, inside he knows he'll be lured with more come July. The current system favors a player in h is situation.

Hossa wants to win a Stanley Cup. He doesn't see the day when the Thrashers can compete for it. If he's not traded before February 26, he'll choose his destination come summertime.

The Canadiens did everything imaginable to get Daniel Briere, offering him a little more than the 52 million he is being paid by the Flyers.

After proving that the Canadiens can make the big home run pitch, how would Bob Gainey react if Hossa were among the eligible free agents in July.

"At this time we know exactly what we have to spend and what we have to offer in a trade", Gainey says. "We also possess many good elements that are not yet with the team. On top of that, we have an owner who would approve 100% any decision that improves the team."

When the opportunity comes to make such a decision, Gainey insists on the fact that it has to be the right decision for the team, because the consequences, should it not be, are heavy.

"The right choice would make a big difference, but the wrong choice could spell disaster", he puts it.
























Gainey, evidently, is not the sole decision maker in such a process.

In the case of an impact player such as Hossa, who's averaged 40 goals over the last 4 seasons, he'd need the green light from Goerge Gillett and Pierre Boivin because the financial implications would be considerable.

Boivin confirms that the team has the elements that allow the organization such flexibility when considering these kinds of moves. Thanks to a very credible scouting staff, he sees no know reason why the pipeline of young talent heading to Montreal in the coming years would suddenly run dry.

No two ways about it, Boivin affirms, the Canadiens will be in the hunt for such a player.

"We are actually one of the better positioned teams in the league now", he makes a point to say.

"A top rate player is all we are missing. We have the means and the depth for such transactions, and we also have a very attractive team for these players to consider when they look for teams where the future is bright."

And that, is the major element such players look for. These athletes all want to win.

Consequently, when the Canadiens were less hopeful, players looked away.

"We have total confidence in our hockey people", adds the president. "They benefit from the owner's support and mine."
















Boivin understands fully that if the player is not aquired before the deadline, he can always be brought in during the summer months.

"We were among the finalists in the Shanahan and Briere sweepstakes over the last two summers. Sooner than not, we'll score one."

Can we expect Bob gainey to pull off a trade in the next 17 days?

Gainey hesitates some before answering.

"Today, I would say that it is unlikely that it happens. If got nothing brewing that could be called a major transaction. There are so many teams still in the playoff hunt who believe that they can win the Cup that few teams are willing to sacrifice important elements."

Gainey maintains that he's keeping his eyes open for all scenarios.

"Making a major trade isn't the only method to improving a team. Sometimes a minor change can have the same effect."

Would Gainey be hesitant to break up the chemistry of a team that is doing fairly well so far by puling the trigger on a big time deal?

Gainey tiptoes around the question.

"We've been patient to far", he points out. "We have established the direction in which we wanted to proceed. The coaching staff also have their ideas themselves. They know what they need and want and they let me know it. Put it this way, the communication between us is clear."

Now if you read between the lines, you get the sense that Gainey is in line with the thinking of those running the team at ice level as far as what the team requires.

He wouldn't hesitate to make the right deal should the opportunity present itself.

Habs Have Hots For Hossa

You have heard, and will continue to hear, rumours concerning Atlanta Thrasher's impending UFA Marian Hossa in the next 18 days. As trade deadline day looms large, the prospective landing destination of Hossa will be a hot topic until his future is decided.

It only makes sense - Hossa is the best player available from this year's rent a player crop.

The 29 year old Slovak is about to enter the peak years of his career, and the writing is on the wall that he will not be resigning in Atlanta.

Now there is writing on the wall, and then there is reading between the lines!

Another good, applicable hockey cliche is, where there is smoke, there's fire!

Hossa is into the third year of an 18 million dollar contract with the Thrashers, and money can't be the reason he hasn't resigned - he's already getting it in spades.

I'd assume that if Atlanta wished to retain him, and surely they do, an offer of a million or so per season raise over an extended five years would do the trick.

It would be a fair evaluation of his worth in today's market.

Some will surely suggest he's not worth it, while others might admit he could wrangle even more from the right team.

As often is the case with players nearing the age of thirty who have yet to win a Cup, money and loyalty suddenly become secondary concerns to the almighty coin.

Hossa is as good as gone from this southern state, and everyone from the player, to the agent, to the GM holding his rights, is not foolish enough to lower their guard and admit it. Admissions in such scenario's cost dollars on one hand, and bargaining power on the other.
Mum is the word - usually!















When the player's agent, and the team's GM start offering public denials on record, involving a player's contract, it is the scent of damage control.

Again, where there is smoke.....you can sniff it!

Last season, for inexplicable reasons, the Thrashers sold the farm to get their mits on Keith Tkachuk at the trade deadline. They now have to replenish the sold off assets, and Hossa is their ticket.

Atlanta GM Don Waddell knows that delivering a signed Hossa to a team would allow him more return on this exchangable asset. He aquired Hossa in this manner, after the Senators signed him to his current deal three seasons ago.

He surely would not have aquired him in 2005 without the contract in hand, and Waddell will likely seek a return on Hossa in a similar mode.

The Canadiens are one of the few teams that can fulfill his desire.

In the past week, numerous sources have claimed that such a scenario is being explored with dance partner Bob Gainey of the Canadiens. The rumour gains legs, as the thought process and philosophies fit into both team's GM's methods of operation.

Above that, Gainey has what Waddell needs - the Habs are up to their eyeballs in prospects.

Added to that, the Canadiens have what Hossa likes - a soon to be contending team loaded with European style players that he would have tons of fun with.

I see a fit.

















Waddell, it seems, has had many conversations with Hossa on the subject of his future. There is no imminant contract signing with the Thrashers about to be announced. Hossa and agent may, or may not, have suggested that if Waddell were to trade him to his prefered destination at this time, one where he could sign a deal and play for a contender, then it would facilitate maximizing the return Waddell seeks.

Hossa's agent, Rich Winter, is one coy negotiator. The players he represents love him, as he makes GM's squirm and bend to his demands. He has quite a history of being difficult in negotiation, going all the way back to when the Edmonton Oilers stars sought to be paid their worth in the late 1980's.

Winter is no stranger to using the media to set things up in order to maximize the monetary gain of his players. He is one of the rare agents to be so brazingly unscrupulous.

(Think about the name Rich Winter for a moment! The opposite of his name would be Poor Summer. His name is practically a pseudonym for what he represents!)

When Winter denies that the Habs have been given exclusive rights to negotiate with his client Hossa, would you believe it?

One day before, Waddell made the same denial.

Now, it gets curious. Why is Winter backing up the denial of a GM whose team his player is seemingly moving away from?

It begs a question, and an honest answer - not Winter's forte!

Don't kid yourself, the Canadiens are in the Hossa hunt.

Habs fans may be put off by the reputation of Hossa as a playoff slacker, but the perception disguises the the fact that he has put up respectable numbers come playoff time. Other than last season's Atlanta showing, Hossa had been a prime contributor to the Senators playoff goals.

While with Ottawa between 2002 and 2004, Hossa played 37 playoff games for Ottawa, and his totals read 12-18-30.

At this time of the NHL season, ramprant rumours fueled by speculation are the norm. You'll hear about everybody going everywhere for everyone for three weeks.

What jumps out of this context are the manager and agent's denials. It is my experience that when you hear about such pre trade contract talk priveledges being given, it is usually during their course of them or immediately after such talks break down.

The media have sniffed it out, and Waddell and Winter are being careful not to snub other teams that will come calling with offers that are better than whatever avenue they are pursuing with the Canadiens. Leverage is everthing at this time.

On Wednesday, the Sun media has this short blurb on it:

"The Habs are a rare exception among NHL teams: They have no interest in free-agent C Peter Forsberg.

As Forsberg prepares to make his comeback, Habs GM Bob Gainey won't be making a call to Forsberg's agent, Don Baizley.

Instead, it's believed the Habs have held several discussions with Atlanta GM Don Waddell about W Marian Hossa and have been working on a deal since last summer. A report last night said the Habs have been given permission to talk contract with Hossa, whose agent, Rich Winter, denied that. "Not true," said Winter in an e-mail. "It's just bizarre where this stuff comes from." If the Thrashers do make a deal, the Habs will have to compete with the Bruins, Senators and Wings. The asking price from the Habs is expected to be W Chris Higgins, a prospect and No. 1 pick in 2008."

Notice Winter's choice of the word "bizarrre" to render this information. There's nothing bizarre about it!

The Sun piece followed a La Presse story, courtesy of TFP here, that had Waddell and two other members of the Thashers organization on the Habs trail. It said:

"The Marian Hossa rumors continue to heat up, as Montreal's La Presse is reporting that the Atlanta Thrashers have been scouting the Canadiens. On Sunday, Thrashers GM/head coach Don Waddell took in the Canadiens' home game against the NY Rangers.

Waddell told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he was merely on a scouting trip and wasn't specifically there to talk trade with Habs GM Bob Gainey.

However, La Presse reports Waddell's right hand man, Mark Dobson, the Thrashers' Director of Player Personnel, also attended Sunday's game.

In fact, Dobson and Thrashers pro scout Peter Mahovlich were in Montreal Tuesday for their game against the Ottawa Senators.

The paper notes that a Hossa trade to Montreal is not set in stone. Sources tell TFP the two sides are talking, but nothing appears imminent.

According to La Presse, Waddell is covering his bases and weighing his options. If he cannot sign Hossa to an extension before the Feb. 26 trade deadline, he'll have to explore trading him.
If Hossa is traded, the Thrashers would apparently want a young NHL ready player and a first round pick, however the team might be interested in one of Montreal's top defensive prospects, a source said."

Now as coach of the Thrashers, it is extremely odd that Waddell would pack a suitcase for this. Even odder is the fact that his assistant made the trip. Normally assistants to GM's are the money men - as Julien Brisebois is in Bob Gainey's case - and they specialize in contract details rather than player specifics. That Dobson is also Atlanta's director of player personel, and that he was accompanied by a scout, makes all this sound even more serious.