We need guys who can move the puck and play on the PP. Leetch showed he still has some left in the tank when healthy. Our blueline is thin and adding him for a one-year contract might work. The thought of bringing in Leetch actually crossed my mind last week.
Could be a good stop-gap if we are to trade souray, but we don't really have the cap room without making another move.
I would also move Bonk to get the money for leetch and have Lapierre on the fourth line, but not everyone would agree with that move.
I'd do the same. But I'd also see Chip taking that 4th line spot. I'd say go with the best of those two. Getting rid of Bonk and having Leetch around would be OK, IMO.
I'd do the same. But I'd also see Chip taking that 4th line spot. I'd say go with the best of those two. Getting rid of Bonk and having Leetch around would be OK, IMO.
Sure Camp competition is always good. If you wanna through Ferland in that mix too.
Well, not at $2M. And he seems to be a guy who will be fairly choosy about where he plays, so I don't see PQ, Canada being a very likely choice of destination for him.
I certainly wouldn't juggle up our lineup to accommodate him, anyway. If Lapierre outplays Bonk in camp (which I think is highly unlikely) then Lapierre can have the job. That's hockey. But any other scenario is NHL2K6 or whatever.
Generally speaking, I'd pass on Leetch. But I don't think our chemistry is so sensitive that adding him (or any other good NHL player) at an extremely discounted salary ($1M or less for Leetch?) would be a bad idea in terms of asset management and advance planning.
Brian Leetch would definitely be a good fit with the Habs at the right price. I think he could help Markov and Souray's offensive game develop even more, similar to how players like McCabe and Zubov improved after playing the powerplay with Leetch.
He would have to be really cheap. Because he's not the same guy you remember. He had an awfull last couple of years. There are probably still better options available.
Brian Leetch would definitely be a good fit with the Habs at the right price. I think he could help Markov and Souray's offensive game develop even more, similar to how players like McCabe and Zubov improved after playing the powerplay with Leetch.
Leetch could be to Souray what Kaberle is to McCabe....a setup man for a big shot at the point on the powerplay. I think Leetch could help bring some veteren leadership to a young Montreal defensive corp. He isn't quite the dman he used to be, but he wouldn't be a bad addition for the right price. I wouldn't give him much more then 1.5 mill tho and no longer then 1 year.
I'd say no to Leetch. For me, such a move does not address the Habs need for another #1/2 guy (Markov can't do it all - and if he gets hurt, look out). Leetch only adds depth imo, and I think we can cover that just fine with guys like Cote and Streit.
Anyone who says no to leetch with the current roster we have now on "D" has to give there head a shake. besidesMarkov and Souray (maybe) who on our D is a better PP player than Leetch, To say no to this player at a good price is crazy, of course we could use him, his leadership enough for our young D-men would be worth the price
I would definately take Leetch on this team...He's better than Boullion and Dandeneault (unless Dandy plays like he did at the end of the season + playoffs, he was awesome then).
People think because a guy is old, he's useless but come on. Leetch is a good player and still has some gas left. There are certain guys who just last forever (Chelios is anotheR).
I think Leetch has been overrated for several years now.
His defensive play was always overshadowed by his tremendous offensive abilities but he is no longer able to hide his defensive deficiencies with points.
I think Leetch has been overrated for several years now.
His defensive play was always overshadowed by his tremendous offensive abilities but he is no longer able to hide his defensive deficiencies with points.
As someone who watched his entire career closely that is 100% false. Infact the opposite is true, during his career his tremendous offensive abilites overshadowed his defensive abilities. As a Ranger, Leetch always was on the the first pk unit and always on the ice in the last minute defending a one goal lead. While not a huge hitter he was strong positionally and was awesome at intercepting passes and breaking up plays. Obviously he's not as good as he once was but he isn't a defensive liabilty like a Sandis Ozolinsh or Tom Poti.
