I don't get it, if he was in the AHL, doesn't that mean he had a professional contract with the Habs? And if he did, how can he sign another contact somewhere else? Wouldn't this be like the Radulov situation?
This LD, RD stuff is way overblown. The 1981 CCCP team had like 2 right handed shots on the entire roster. Any player can be taught his off-side.
taught maybe... but at what point in time? and how much of a transition is it.
Did you watch the preseason games where guys were on their off side.... its awkward and it takes some adjusting too.
Also it is more important for d than forwards when they take the bottom hand off their stick and skate backwards... keeping the stick in passing lanes and using it to pokecheck. being on the wrong side is difficult.
I don't get it, if he was in the AHL, doesn't that mean he had a professional contract with the Habs? And if he did, how can he sign another contact somewhere else? Wouldn't this be like the Radulov situation?
He did, for this year and the year after. The word thus far is that the Canadiens allowed him to sign in Russia for the remainder of this year for personal reasons. The deal he got with Moscow has 2 more option years on it at Valentenko's choice. It's *not* clear if the Canadiens were aware of that, or would contest Valentenko taking that option given his NHL contract.
Last edited by Dan K: 10-30-2008 at 03:13 PM.
Reason: fixed typo
This LD, RD stuff is way overblown. The 1981 CCCP team had like 2 right handed shots on the entire roster. Any player can be taught his off-side.
I don't know what the '81 CCCP team really has to do with this but it's not about a player being taught, it's about being comfortable in your position and playing well. Do you recall when they had to try Rivet at LD and he said he hated it. Some players can play on either side, others can't. Since we are talking about playing at the highest level in the world, then it's risky to take a young guy and try and play him in his off position imo. O'Byrne looked shaky in the preseason at LD, while I've seen Emelin play both LD and RD, I would take it on a case by case basis.
Whatever happened with Valetenko the most important thing is that he's on good terms with the team, which is what I hope ...
As for playing in Russia, I know from speaking a while back to Fred Brathwaite that it's a pretty '' cocooned '' quality of life, allot of people here think that these guys are followed around by the Mafia for protection ...
but keep in mind, these teams are owned by Government allied Bazillionaires, and believe me ... these guys have their own personal army that makes sure the Mafia doesn't mess with them, their players, their property.
I'm holding him personally responsible for Buturlin. I'm not talking to him anymore. Tell Montreal that in future I'll communicate to him thru you.
Bill, please tell your friend mcphee that I didn't have anything to do with Buturlin and I resent these accusations. For that I respond, Purple Monkey Dishwasher!
He did, for this year and the year after. The word thus far is that the Canadiens allowed him to sign in Russia for the remainder of this year for personal reasons. The deal he got with Moscow has 2 more option years on it at Valentenko's choice. It's in clear if the Canadiens were aware of that, or would contest Valentenko taking that option given his NHL contract.
RDS is reporting that the Habs have no indication of Valentenko signing with Dynamo Moscow.
taught maybe... but at what point in time? and how much of a transition is it.
Did you watch the preseason games where guys were on their off side.... its awkward and it takes some adjusting too.
Also it is more important for d than forwards when they take the bottom hand off their stick and skate backwards... keeping the stick in passing lanes and using it to pokecheck. being on the wrong side is difficult.
Teaching is what the AHL is for. Weber, Subban et al still have alot of developmental time on their hands. You play the guys who at first appear more comfortable on their off side for a year and see how they develop. My guess is, if they see it as their ticket to the show, they will work hard at it and learn how to play that role. The best time to teach a player a new role is when he is young and still developing.
Major loss.
Valentenko was the next Konstantinov. NHL should put rules into place that if a play signs another contract with another league, RHL etc, they are banned from the NHL for life. Ridiculous that players get away with breaking contracts without consequence.
Saw him in a couple of games vs Marlies, and he is a solid D-man that hits and stays at home. Something the Habs are lacking in (beside Komi). You don't need 5 offensive defense men to win, you really only need 2 the most, so having guys like Subban, Carle, MCD, etc and rushing them are pointless.
Valentenko would have cracked the line-up 1-3 games this year.
Oh well, that's what you get for drafting Europeans.
Lack of class expands like the universe. One day the rate of our unclassy expansion* will become so great that we will collapse into Senator fans. I estimate that's not for another century or two though.
Lack of class expands like the universe. One day the rate of our unclassy expansion* will become so great that we will collapse into Senator fans. I estimate that's not for another century or two though.
*kind of like the NHL
If the rate of unclassy expansion would become so great, would it not simply dissipate into the unknown leaving nothing but classy?
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