Tanguay Ready To Take On Montreal

Here is a translation of Alex Tanguay's interview with Le Journal De Montreal's Pierre Durocher in this morning's paper:

Tanguay understands that expectations in Montreal loom large, where few francophone players are stars.

"It doesn't bother me at all", he said, "I am the type of player who imposes a greater pressure on myself than the media or fans could."

"I had some very good seasons in Colorado, numbers wise. The year before the lockout, I was battling with Martin St. Louis for the scoring race. When I was injured, I had 79 points in 69 games. Even though I am considered more of a passer than a shooter, I did score 29 goals in 2005-06. I had a personal high of 81 points in my first season in Calgary, despite feeling that I wasn't playing up to potential".

"I have no doubts in my abilities, because I have already proven I am an offensive player, when I am well surrounded. My principal goal is to to help the Canadiens be as successful as possible."

Perhaps Tanguay could help the Canadiens in the drive for 25? '

Tanguay has already contributed greatly to one Stanley Cup win in 2001, where he played a large role with 21 points in 23 games.

"I've had the opportunity, over my career, to find myself on formidable teams composed of many great leaders. They have been a profound influence on my career", Tanguay stated. "Players like Patrick Roy, Joe Sakic, raymond Bourque, and Peter Forsberg. When Milan Hejduk and I were on Joe Sakic's line in 2000-01, he was chosen the Hart trophy winner".

When Milan and I played on Forsberg's line in 2002-03, Peter won the Hart. Milan and I like to brag that it was because of us that both of them won."

Upon joining Colorado, the Avalanche organization felt it best that Tanguay billet with the Roy family.

"It was very beneficial to me. Patrick was like a big brother. We had many good discussions on the way to the arena. As a goaltender, he had a much different point of view than most. I've learned a whole bunch of tricks from players who marked that team's history."

Tanguay has remained in contact with Roy, as both reside in Lac Beauport.

"I've spoken to him about how things are run in Montreal. Our situations are very different though, as Patrick was the team's star player. I am not in his category."

A Sun chain article, also authored by Durocher, added these quotes:

...Tanguay will meet his new Montreal Canadiens team- mates for the first time today -- on the golf course.

"I'm really looking forward to training camp", he rejoiced.

"This is the most mythical hockey team. I feel like a baseball player that just got traded to the New York Yankees.

"Twice last season I asked the Flames to trade me, and Montreal was on my wish list both times," he said, vowing to carve a permanent niche for himself in his home province.

"I'm 28 and this is my ninth NHL season, so I'm very happy to be here."


















Tanguay acknowledges he ran into trouble last year in Calgary with a meagre production of 58 points (18 goals, 40 assists), down from 78 and 81 points tallies during his two previous seasons.

Coach Mike Keenan used him on a defensive line with Craig Conroy and Owen Nolan which did not please him at all.

"I thought they traded for me from Colorado because I could generate offence," Tanguay said with a bitter smile.

"I was in that sort of a situation for the first time in my career and it was tough.

"I felt out of place in their system and that's why I wanted to leave Calgary and that I waived the no-trade clause (in my contract)".

Tanguay, however, refused to voice any negative comments about Flames head coach Mike Keenan, other than saying he could be "difficult."

The six-foot-one Tanguay will need a big year with Montreal.

This is the last season of a three-year contract he signed with the Flames for $5,375,000, so he will become a free agent next summer.

"I feel comfortable with this because I fully intend to prove the team management was right to give away a draft choice to acquire my contract", he said.

"If my season is as good as expected, everything is going to fall in place".

Meanwhile, Tanguay will try to make new friends and impress his new teammates on the links of the Laval-sur-le-Lac golf course today in the Canadiens annual tournament.

With a four handicap, he could be off to a good start.

.

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.

All Eyes On Gainey As Deadline Approaches

It only took Michael Ryder to leave the Bell Centre on Sunday, sticks in hand, to get things started.

The gestures of Bob Gainey and staff will be closely scrutinized. You'll hear about where every Habs scout has been and is going and you will read and hear about which birdogs from other teams are on Montreal's trail.

The reasons are solid ones - Montreal are armed and poised to deal better than ever in recent memory, and with something big on the line this season, Gainey will almost have to become active.

There are 21 more days of hockey trade rumours to put up with until the February 26 deadline. I say "put up with", because 95% of what you will read about trades in the next three weeks is absolute journalist fantasy hogwash.

It happens in the newspapers and fan sites because it is what we folllowers of the game think about most leading up to the trade deadline, and it follows the supply and demand credo of the media feeding us what we want to read about.

It doesn't make anything they speak of - truth!

When seeing our Habs through the view of this media, dust trails are magnified into mountains.
Don't believe everything you read, and trust little of what you see.

I laugh my tail off when I read something involving trades between teams that starts with "it is rumoured" or "sources suggest" or my all time favorite, "an insider says". Get used to it until February ends.

Any NHL employed "insider" that blabs to a paper about a trade would be fired.

Don't confuse a scoop for a shovelfull!

























GM's of teams don't discuss potential trades with the waterboy and the chick at the concession stand. Often they don't even inform their own coaches until the trigger is about to be pulled - or after!

The rumours gain ink because they have a sensible notion to them, but for the most part they are just journalistic fodder.

One is often lead to thinking that the writers of these rumours have an inside track, but that is convoluted nonsense. The first person a GM wouldn't want this information to find is someone working in the press. Printing it, compromises the trade deal, and disrupts the players lives and performance at a time when it such a distraction is not what they would want to cause.

So when you read it - don't buy it! Use your common sense to divide fact from fiction.

Are potential UFA's being shopped?

Of course they are, if a GM is doing his job correctly.

Are they about to be traded to your favorite team?

Chances are, your team's GM has called about the player in question and shown a certain interest by tabling who he would offer in return at some point. The likelyhood of the scenario being played out in print by some crystal ball gazing rumour monger is obvious.

Three instances of trades that never hit ink before they happened were the Joe Thornton trade, and two involving Montreal players, Mike Ribeiro and Craig Rivet.

Where were the sniffers on these surprises where most of us where caught off guard?

In the case of the Rivet trade to San Jose by Montreal, even Ducks GM Brian Burke, the sharpest of hockey wheelers and dealers was admittdly caught snoring!

What, doesn't Burke read the papers?

It would matter if he didn't!




















Habs fans, over the coming weeks will read all about Bob Gainey's interest in players such as Mats Sundin, Marian Hossa, Ollie Jokinen and others.

The interest will be obvious and the scenario's often farfetched.

Suday, in the Ottawa Sun, under the heading "Trades We'd Like To See", they had Sundin coming to the Habs for Chris Higgins and Ryan McDonagh. (They also had Ray Emery off to the Kings for a puck!)

I'd rate this one a 4 on a scale of 10 truth wise.

First, Sundin has a no trade clause and doesn't seem to be all too willing to waive it. I know - go figure!

Two, Gainey will not throw McDonagh into any scenario - no matter what. The kid just has way too much upside to gamble with. As far as Higgins goes, Gainey would have to be sure the move would translate into a Cup win before he would part with him.

Three, the Leafs would want more than this, even though it is a hefty price, and will wait until a desperate GM pays their price. That man will not be the logical Gainey, who always has an eye on the future.

There will come a time when a deal such as this makes more sense for the Habs, but at this point, when the playoffs are not even guaranteed, never mind chasing the Cup, it is doubtful that Gainey surrenders the prospects that the Leafs would ask for.

Now if, and only if, Toronto would take Higgins, 2006 first rounder David Fischer, and a pair of Hamilton Bulldogs, say Locke and Grabovski, and that Sundin is prepared to sign a three year deal with Montreal for 13.5 M, then Gainey will be calling a press conference soon!

Unfortunately, it's never that simple, but as you can see, anyone can start a trade rumour.

Gainey had little to lose in 2004 when he aquired Alex Kovalev for Josef Balej, as a rent a player, at the trade deadline. It's a move that has paid off well and was a low risk move.

This time around, when Gainey comes calling for a big time name, the asking price will be much higher.

He'll offer the likes of Ryder, Ryan O'Byrne, Mathieu Dandeneault, Max Lapierre, Jaroslav Halak, the rights to Alexander Perezhogin, David Fischer, a second, not first, round pick, and could be tempted to include Chris Higgins, Josh Gorges, or Mark Streit for the right player.

Don't ask him about the Kostitsyn's, or anyone named Latendresse, Chipchura, Price or Plekanec!

Same goes for recent draft picks McDonagh, Alexei Yemelin and Max Pacioretty.

Somewhere between giving up what is no longer in the Habs long term plans, and a player that is a keeper, Gainey will assess the team's needs beyond simply the short term goal.

Supposing he can aquire a talent the likes of Hossa, who would in turn sign with Montreal upon aquisition, then the deal would be sweetened with a player both Gainey and Habs fans will gnaw their teeth over losing.

Much of what will happen will depend on the Canadiens play in the 20 days following tonight's tilt with the Senators.

If the Habs continue to surprise and play well enough to shoot for first in the East or remain destined to finish ranked fourth, Gainey will almost be forced to pull the trigger on something substancial. Seeing as how stacked the Canadiens are in prospects and young talent, other GM's will wait Gainey out if he hints he is going forward with a move - they would be foolish not to.

Many of the bigger names, with bigger salaries, are likely to still be around by the weekend of the 23rd. The teams in fight for playoff spots will not want to give in too soon at auction time.

As Gainey may be prepared to make an offer that, based on resources, could be superior to many teams that will not want to part with prime assets as the playoffs near, many GM's may be waiting for the Canadiens domino to fall first.

Who's The Right Free Agent Fit For Montreal?

With July 1 just around the corner, Canadiens fans are geared for GM Bob Gainey to play a mid summer Santa Clause and deliver a gift to the 2007-08 Habs season's hopes. Yes, he's made his list, and will checking it and checking it off, more than twice!

A word of precautionary advice - save initial disappointed for the 82nd game, and then judge Gainey's work. If the team makes the playoffs in 2008 - the steps were forward and not backwards moves.

Each individual fan has hopes that the Canadiens braintrust will land that big name that will further the teams chances and solidify the October starting lineup. Many names are being bandied about, while speculation persists about the next 48 hours in the Sheldon Souray negotiation, if there is in fact any talk going on with the man with the booming shot.

Gainey in assessing the teams needs, surely has a plan A, B, and C in place dependant upon Souray's departure.

Attracting free agents to play in Montreal is always a difficult task, but Gainey must approach this fact, in creating his wish list, as if no such apprehensions exist. Character players, who will not wilt under pressure, must top the list over players who simply wish to play in Montreal to fullfill longstanding desires.

If this reads as a vote against a player such as Buffalo's Daniel Briere - it is not. It is simply assessing where the teams greater needs lie in the bigger picture.

Last season, Gainey erred in retrospect, in bringing in Sergei Samsonov, for all the wrong reasons. As available free agent prospects dwindled, I regarded this particular signing as a last ditch effort to appease fans and media after more sought out players turned elsewhere. Gainey won't make the same mistake twice running, and won't hesitate to use Samsonov as an example of what shouldn't be done, should he be shut out of the July sweepstakes again this time.

Much of where he chooses to focus will depend on what route Souray has chosen to follow.

If Souray somehow remains, the focus will shift to needs up front. Should he follow the expected greener pastures, filling out the backline becomes the key priority.

Seeing as how the Canadiens drafted recently, with 6 choices out of 9 being rearguards, it is obvious that Gainey has his pulse set on where the Habs need propping up most. This is not only a future concern, but a very conscious present one also. Defenseman could also consume his focus in regards to free agents, with or without re-upping Souray.

In Gainey's mind, a team can never have enough physical and mobile defenseman, capable of playing tough while getting to the puck ahead of opponants. Should Gainey find a way of strengthening the top 6, he will not pass it up. Neater work behind the blueline, in essence, allows for greater creativily upfront. The Canadiens forwards are a speedy group, and better effiency behind the blueline will help assure that the forwards are pointed in the direction of the opposition goal more often than otherwise.
























As speed is the teams strongest asset up front, the key to unleashing it lies in the forwards using their energy more wisely, and saving some for the offensive zone. If the first half of a 45 second shift is spent repairing defensive breakdowns, that energy is wasted by the time forwards cross the opposing blueline. This is where the puck pursuit style favoured by the team, in light of its speed asset, breaks down due to a lack of gas in the tank.

It all comes back to the defensemen.

Adding another whirling dervish in the Samsonov mold up front will hardly help the Canadiens repair this deficiency. Last season, the diminutive but speedy Samsonov, skated miles, often in circles, because he was a responsible two way player. His plus minus stat was quite respectable on a team where good marks in this area were few. But having Samsonov be defensively responsible robbed him of his game and hurt the team in the end. Adding that Samsonov played the season on his off wing, confusion reigned in his defined role.

This disaster shouldn't be repeated by adding the same type of player, without first addressing the blueline. This is why I see Gainey primordially seeking to shore up the D, Souray or not, either by free agency or a trade.

The conundrum is that Gainey is in the mix with many other GM's scanning the free agent market with the same goals in mind. And this season, the pickings are slim to none.

Pourring over the list of available candidates on defense, there are only a small handful of 12 names of interest that would constitute up upgrade on the Canadiens backline, from the depth positions of 1 to 6.




















They include Brad Stuart (Cal), Teppo Numminen (Buf), Roman Hamrlik (Cal), Darryl Sydor (Dal), Danny Markov (Det), Martin Skoula (Min), Vitali Vishnevski (Nas), Brian Rafalski (NJ), Scott Hannan (SJ), Tom Preissing (Ott), Bryan Muir (Was), and Cory Sarich (TB). Nick Boyton, who has been placed on waivers by Phoenix and Mathieu Schneider (Det), recovering from wrist surgery are two other options.

It is likley that Rafalski, Hannan, and Stuart will re-up with their respective teams, but should Gainey be able to land either of the three, it would be seen a major upgrading. Getting Rafalski and Stuart, both key to their teams plans, will be near to impossible. If either were to leave, it would mainly be to teams with Stanley Cup aspirations rather than a middle of the pack destination. Both could command over $5 million per annum and it's unlikely the Canadiens would venture that far and pay over top dollar to mend their open sores.

Hannan is a cheaper option. The steady, stay at home type, may make himself too pricey for the Sharks, but in $3 to $4 million range, makes much sense for the Canadiens if they are lucky enough to snap him up at that price.

Next on the list would be Darryl Sydor and Martin Skoula, both efficient puck movers who can contribute in all game situations. Both are familiar with playing on very tight teams and their experience would lend itself well to Montreal's needs and goals.

Numminen, Vishnevski, and Preissing all bring experience and skill, without striking fear into the eyes of opponants. Numminen is a wealth of knowledge, but may be getting too far along to use it in vaste enough amounts to benefit Montreal. Preissing would be staying in Ottawa if the price were right. Vishnevski is solid and unspectacular defender who gets the job done without fuss or fanfare. He's a good fit at the proper cost, bit in this market he'll take the largest bait.

Markov and Hamrlik have the offensive moves, but are light on the puck carrier. As they are getting on in years also, determining whether they would be upgrade, on the ice moreso than on paper, will be tricky. Muir and Sarich would be depth aquisitions slotted into the 5th or 6th roles, which would be a reduction in ice time for both. They may come cheaper, but the canadiens could be just as well off going with youth at this point.

Boynton and Schneider remain curious options should the Habs completely strike out above.
























Being that there are far more options up front, the Canadiens will attempt to bring in a forward of impact that compliments its speed and grit on the top three lines. There is much too choose from, but there are more ill-fitting pieces than there are perfect fits.

Tops on everybody's lists is Briere. The shifty and elusive centerman would add creativity to the Habs attack, but at a high price. His downside is his size, as he is worn down often as the season wears on. The upside is that his offense will bolster a team greatly during the regular season.

The names of available forwards (as of this writing) that are being mentioned that could help the Canadiens are: Ryan Smyth, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Peter Forsberg, Paul Kariya, Keith Tkachuk, Alexei Yashin, Jason Blake, Teemu Selanne, Vyacheslav Kozlov, Danuis Zubrus, Brendan Shanahan, Darren McCarty, Todd Bertuzzi, Robert Lang, Petr Sykora, Derek Armstrong, Viktor Kozlov, Mike Comrie, Michel Ouellet, and Bill Guerin.

Of these 21 names, I would rule out those of Yashin, Lang, Bertuzzi, and Selanne immediately. The reason for doing so, in order, are: unmotivatible, age, history and sulky demeanor plus injuries, and highly unlikely to consider relocation.

Size and strength up front would be great compliments to the Habs speed. In this category, the players most likely to make those around them better and braver would include Smyth, Drury, and Tkachuk - all gamers who aren't afraid of getting their noses dirty. The list would also include Forsberg were it not for injury concerns. The Canadiens are bogged down with smaller attributes. Players who would make them play taller are not to be overlooked and Gainey surely paid attention to this facet of the game during the Stanley Cup final.

Scott Gomez, with wingers Patrik Elias and Brian Gionta, posted totals of 13-47-60 last season, a disappointment in my eyes. If he were to replicate such stats, in Montreal at his asking price, would it constitute an upgrade? A disappointment? Gomez, while hardly fleet of foot, is fairly good in traffic. His attributes however, do not outweigh his limitations, and he is not unlike Saku Koivu, a number two center in a number one role. Would dropping him down a line bring his production up and justify a hefty salary? Asking the question, is answering it.

Bill Guerin and Brendan Shanahan are short term solutions with predictable results. They will both hit in the 25 goal range, but are better seen as final pieces to a puzzle rather than building blocks. Neither would settle for a second or third line role and they would be robbing a younger player of progression in the Canadiens lineup.

Danuis Zubrus and Michel Ouellet present interesting options. Zubrus has grown as a center since leaving Montreal. His game is more complete one and he could be the type of player to trigger Kovalev's offensive instincts. Ouelllet, a 24 year old, who has scored 35 goals in two seasons, would be an interesting fit alongside Maxim Lapierre and Guillaume Latendresse.

Sykora, Kariya, Blake and Comrie are what the Canadiens already have plenty of, which is small forwards. Sykora, who was passed over last season in favor of Samsonov, is the largest of the four. He is a consistant point producer but also takes mental vacations in his own end. Blake is a laser shooter in the mode of Michael Ryder, with a little more edge. Comrie is great in a freewheeling game but disappears in traffic. He's never been accused of being a team player.

Kariya is a more complete player than he was a decade ago. While his 100 point seasons are a distant memory, he remains a hard working forward who gives it all he's got. He's swift and sneaky, and while he'll try to, he won't outmuscle anybody along the boards.

The inclusion of players such as McCarty, the two Kozlov's, and Armstong haven't been brought up much, but deserve a look nontheless.

McCarty is a dirty grinder with good experience and leadership capabilities. If the Canadiens see Kyle Chipchura in the role of checking center, McCarty provides a linemate who plays and honest game and knows his role. He's a player who you know would wear the jersey with pride. In addition, dressing room nutcases make for great tension release valves.

The two Kozlov's are centers and almost polar opposites. Slava is the smaller of the two and plays a peskier game. His smooth passes and speed would fit neatly in the middle of Alex Kovalev and Andrei Kostitsyn. Ditto for Viktor Kozlov. While he is not nearly as nifty, he brings size and creates room offensively. The trouble with Viktor is he is difficult to motivate and often plays in streaks.

Derek Armstrong is an unknown quanity in the East. The 34 year old center with decent size plays a similar role to Radek Bonk. While posting 11-33-44 totals with Kings last season, he was a surprising +13 on a team loaded down with minus players. His pricetag will make him a wise pickup for the right team.

USA Today has this list of UFA's, dated June 26, 2007. Accuracy may be questioned, as their list includes Red Wings winger Tomas Holmstrom. Upon seeing that name, I began writing this post based on him being my choice target to fix the Habs woes, and these thoughts, all for naught, quickly wrote themselves:

Immovable in the crease, and tough as nails along the boards, he is well schooled in both ends of the rink. He could easily be the Canadiens bargain at close to five million (he signed for half). His assets would make a better player of linemates such as Koivu, Ryder, Higgins, and even Kovalev, by creating chaos and being hard on the puck. He is key to Detroit's game, but the Red Wings may not be able to hold him in the fray at the price he could be worth to others. Their payroll includes many long term deals and rising stars, and Holmstrom is ripe for the plucking. If you doubt Holmstrom's usefullness, witness what Anaheim was able to do with Detroit after he was missed.

Oh well, maybe in three years!

Flyers Deal Compromises Trade Integrity

It would take something that pisses me off badly for me to write my first non - Habs post in weeks.

Seeing as Scott Hartnell was my hoped for free agent signing for the Canadiens, it is not entirely unrelated. I'll just trash the Hartnell to Habs piece I was in the middle of.

Something really stinks about a deal like this. I can't imagine how a league that needs to keep it's integrity intact can allow it.

On the NHL Network / TSN site this afternoon at 2:30, this breaking story from Bob McKenzie appeared"

The Philadelphia Flyers have dipped into the free agent market a little early, thanks to the Nashville Predators.

Because of Nashville's uncertain ownership future and an expected tight budget in the coming year, the Predators arranged with the Flyers to give them exclusive negotiating rights to two coveted free agents - defenceman Kimmo Timonen and forward Scott Hartnell.

Sources tell TSN the Flyers have signed both Hartnell and Timonen to long-term contracts.
Hartnell, who was scheduled to become a free agent on July 1, signed with Flyers on a 6-year, $25.2 million deal for a cap hit of $4.2 million per year. The Flyers also agreed to terms with Timonen on a 6-year, $37.8 million contract for an annual cap hit of $6.3 million.



















In exchange for giving up the rights to the two free agents the Predators knew they would not be able to sign, Nashville received back its own first round pick that it gave to the Flyers as part of the Peter Forsberg trade.

Now something really stinks about a deal like this. I can't imagine how a league that needs to keep it's integrity intact can allow it.

I understand that the players involved had no obligation to sign (like either would refuse a 6 year deal!), but it's basically firesaling and hurts the leagues image.

There should be no trading of impending free agents that give one team more opportunity to negotiate with players than another.

It gets real scummy when all that Nashville gets in return is something that was theirs to begin with. Watch Philly resign Forsberg now that their team has just become more competitive.

Could draft day soon become a frenzy for trading impending UFA's away for picks?

On June 15, 2001, Montreal acquired the rights to Joe Juneau similarily before July 1 from Phoenix , for future considerations should Juneau sign. Prior to the lockout, the Canadiens also sold the rights to Stephane Quintal to Los Angeles prior to July 1 as well. Both transactions were minor deals using this exact same method. Neither, however compromised the ideal of what a transaction is supposed to be.
























The fact that there is no longer compensatory draft picks for teams that lose free agents likely enables this type of scam. Nashville, with the loss of these guys being imminent, could no longer fall back on the sandwich picks they would normally be entitled to under the old CBA.

The league ditched the compensatory picks when an abundance of teams make a mockery of the rule.

I realize this trade by NHL rules is legal and not entirely precedent setting.

There are many details that we do not yet know of concerning this, such as were the 2 players shopped at all. , I would imagine that a better offer could have been obtained.

The beef is with NHL and the perception of lost integrity.

Paul Holmgren looks brilliant for pulling it off of course, as would Gainey had he done it, but that's not my point.

The nature of a trade should have to with aquiring an equal value that a team uses to go forward with, or in the least is value for value in its intent.

In this case, it is neither of those, and that's why I find integrity being compromised.

Teams retain the right negotiate with impending free agents due to a loyalty presumption and not to seek gain when the future looks grim.

It also looks like Nashville's going out of their way to tank season ticket sales to kick the relocation clause in their rental lease into effect.

While it may all legal, it surely isn't right.

The Difference Between Winners And Losers

Sun Media's Robert Tychkowski has a perceptive rant in today's paper on late season rent a players such as the newly Predatored Peter Forsberg. He writes:

"Does Peter Forsberg really deserve a Stanley Cup ring this year? Does Todd Bertuzzi? Or Keith Tkachuk?"

"They've accomplished nothing for their teams, aside from getting a couple of coaches fired, but now, thanks to the NHL's Rent -A-Player System, they are perfectly situated to win a championship."

(Note - Bertuzzi and Tkachuk have yet to be dealt. Robert)

"Deadline deals will always be a part of hockey, and it's incumbant on any GM to bolster his team for the playoffs, but I lose a lot of respect for the $5 million veteran who "wants to go to a contender." The reason his team paid him $5 million in the first place was to make them a contender."

"Tkachuk hasn't won a thing since....ever. Would going to Anaheim for a Cup of coffee suddenly make him a winner?"

"No. Just like going to Carolina last year doesn't make Doug Weight a winner. He has a ring with an asterisk on it, and if Forsberg, Bertuzzi, or Tkachuk get a ring this year, theirs will too."

Pointed words, to be sure. I agree for the most part, except that the Stanley Cup isn't won in the regular season. These Rent-A-Players do make valid contributions. Tychkowski is right in the sense that it is kind of like falling into bed with Rosie O'Donnell and waking up with Jessica Alba.

In another corner of Tychkowski's 2 page Sun spread, he relates this little ditty:

"Vote Early, Vote Often"

The Hockey News appears to be the latest victim of internet nerds having fun with a vote. How else do you explain the hideous Carolina Hurricanes sweater winning the coolest jersey in the eastern Conference poll, by a 12,000 to 700 margin over the second place Montreal Canadiens?

Said THN's web editor Ed Fraser: "I think we've been Rory Fitzpatricked!"

Forsberg Goes Twang!

Peter Forberg is headed of to Nashville, without his much needed foolproof right skate boot, but clutching a lyric sheet for "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" firmly in hand.

For Forsberg, the Flyers aquire F Scottie Upshall, D Ryan Parent, a first and third round pick in the 2007 draft.

Talk about rolling the dice on a deal.

For the Predators, it's all about winning Stanley and nothing else - as it should be. Gambling on a high risk player such as Forsberg with his chronic foot ailments could work wonders for Nashville, who were considered a Stanley Cup favorite even before pulling the trigger on the deal. Their risk is somewhat minimal in that their worst case scenario is that they don't win it all, they do not gain credibility so desperately needed in a city that seems to be indifferent to their success, and the four assets traded become key members of the Flyers.

The Predators could look foolish should Forsberg resign with the Flyers in July - a scenario that has been mentioned by both the team and Forsberg. They could also be hearing "I told you so's" and "should have known better's" should the the injury prone Forsbrg crap out.

It could be hefty price for a rental player, especially if it doesn't cash out.

The Flyers meanwhile, took the best deal on the table. Ryan Parent and Scottie Upshall are decent young players with an interesting upside. They should be able to make more of a contribution to success in Philly than they have with the Predators. The late first round pick received is almost inconsequencial. Should they resign Forsberg, the Flyers come out looking very smart. Not getting a solid sure fire NHL'er in the trade is about the only knock on them. A top six forward in return might have been better than a first round pick.

Predators GM David Poile, who was once described by a colleague as "a sheep in sheep's clothing" had this to say about the Predators big gamble for elite team status.

Bob McKenzie, who was all over the deal up until it happened, weighs in with his usual insight.

Considering what was given up, I think the Montreal Canadiens could have easily bested this deal. They likely didn't, seeing as their first round pick for next season could well turn out to be Angelo Esposito, currently rated 10th in prospects. If the Habs continue to drop in the standings, atop pick could be a consolation.

I'm actually surprised that the Flyers weren't more patient in upping the selling price. Perhaps they chose not to wait due to Forsberg's injury status.