Which free agent would you like to see the Habs pursue if they can't get Kovalev? Please take all things into account when making your decision (salary, age, the team's current needs, etc.).
Basically, I sort of think there will come a point at some time in this possibly-lockout-extended free agent season when there will be literally *hundreds* of UFAs. Even some guys who are Group II now will be joining the list on July 1st when they aren't qualified, and if the lockout drags through to next year and involves a cap or adjustment of the FA age limits, then almost *everybody* will be a free agent soon.
That being the case, I can't say there is any one guy in particular I would target right now. I would trawl around with some lowball offers to a whole bunch of these guys, in the off chance that I get a nibble. At some point, the UFA market will become akin to shooting fish in a barrel. The market will be so flooded. So I'll save my bullets until that time, and who knows, I can probably get 2 or 3 of 'em, if I want to.
I'd like to sign Conroy and Simon if Calgary is unable to hold onto them.
I think Conroy would be a good 2nd/3rd line center for us playing against other teams top lines. Hes proven he can be succesful in a tight defensive system in Calgary and I think he could help our team in that respect more than Kovalev would. He most likely wont sign as a 3rd line player playing a limited role, but Julien over uses his checking line center making Conroy a 2nd line center in terms of ice time. I think he could be a great mentor for Chris Higgins along the way as well.
I'd add Simon because we need a bit more size on the 2nd and 3rd lines. He is not the most skilled player, but he has shown he can score when it matters and may be a better fit than Dagenais with Ribeiro and Ryder. If one of the rookies needs a more offensive role, hes a good 3rd line checker along with Bulis and Conroy and could make a very interesting line IMO. Sign him in hopes to create some room and add a defensive player who plays his heart out on the second line rather than a big offensive contributor. If Ribeiro is really the playmaker hes worked up to be, Simon should have no trouble producing.
1. Palffy
2. Murray
3. Bondra (hes still good, and could be had for around 4 mill)
4. Kariya (small, i know, but what skill!)
5. Recchi
6. Selanne (if no one else is available, why not)
Every one after that is not a first line players/winger imo.
There's only one choice you can make on that poll making it pretty useless. I don't know if we really need to replace Kovalev. I think we should focus on keeping our salary low heading into the CBA and then, if a cap isnt put in place or whatever, trade for another player at the deadline and hope for a decent run.
There's only one choice you can make on that poll making it pretty useless. I don't know if we really need to replace Kovalev. I think we should focus on keeping our salary low heading into the CBA and then, if a cap isnt put in place or whatever, trade for another player at the deadline and hope for a decent run.
I agree. That's why I think none of the players listed will be in a Habs uniform next year.
I just can't believe that 22 people voted for Ziggy?!
We need size and a presence in front of the net. Not the kissing bandit!!
Regarding the kiss on the lips Zigmund Palffy gave him after a goal:
"Ziggy kind of surprised me. I guess he was just pretty happy to get a goal. I guess that’s what Europeans do. But if he tries it again, I’ll run to the bench."
-- Travis Green - Late February 1997
I just can't believe that 22 people voted for Ziggy?!
We need size and a presence in front of the net. Not the kissing bandit!!
Regarding the kiss on the lips Zigmund Palffy gave him after a goal:
"Ziggy kind of surprised me. I guess he was just pretty happy to get a goal. I guess that’s what Europeans do. But if he tries it again, I’ll run to the bench."
-- Travis Green - Late February 1997
HAHA! Never seen it live. I just heard it. Anyone have a link? Must be very funny :lol
Right now he makes more than Kovalev at 7 million, and he doesn't want to take a pay cut either. So what makes you think we'll be able to get him? Also, Not really realistic with what we need right now. Yes he is a very skilled player, but he is very small, and not very strong.
Maybe we should aim for Paul Kariya or Teemu Selanne. They would come cheeper than Palffy and they would be great injection of pure talent. I prefer having Kariya on my team than ''i need Thornton to produce'' Murray. It's a no brainer.
Maybe we should aim for Paul Kariya or Teemu Selanne. They would come cheeper than Palffy and they would be great injection of pure talent. I prefer having Kariya on my team than ''i need Thornton to produce'' Murray. It's a no brainer.
Id love Kariya, but i doubt he will sign so cheap ever again. Hes probably gona ask for around 6-7 mill atleast. Whats sad is, some like the Wings or Leafs will pay.
Id love Kariya, but i doubt he will sign so cheap ever again. Hes probably gona ask for around 6-7 mill atleast. Whats sad is, some like the Wings or Leafs will pay.
Kariya don't seems to be as good as he was in the past. There's a reason why Gretz choose not to take him on his team. The fact is that he will probably sign in the 5 millions range IMO. 5 years ago, when we were talking about the best players in NHL, we were talking about Jagr, Forsberg, Kariya & Lindros. Things have changed but i think Kariya is due for a good season. He is not the same player since Gary Suter cross-check him in the face.
Kariya don't seems to be as good as he was in the past. There's a reason why Gretz choose not to take him on his team. The fact is that he will probably sign in the 5 millions range IMO. 5 years ago, when we were talking about the best players in NHL, we were talking about Jagr, Forsberg, Kariya & Lindros. Things have changed but i think Kariya is due for a good season. He is not the same player since Gary Suter cross-check him in the face.
Thats very true. I think he has become injury prone, but thats a reason, no that i think about it, for him not to get a lot of money. Also, now that i think about it, why sign him if hes injury prone.
Thats very true. I think he has become injury prone, but thats a reason, no that i think about it, for him not to get a lot of money. Also, now that i think about it, why sign him if hes injury prone.
Bondra already said he wouldn't play in Montreal and Palffy is notorious about wanting his privacy, so I wouldn't count on those two. Selanne also likes to play in California or with his buddy Paul. Kariya will resign with Colorado no doubt.
Bondra already said he wouldn't play in Montreal and Palffy is notorious about wanting his privacy, so I wouldn't count on those two. Selanne also likes to play in California or with his buddy Paul. Kariya will resign with Colorado no doubt.
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dont know for Paul. He had a very bad year for his standards..Maybe he wants to play elsewhere. As for Selanne, yes he might want to play with Paul but he can't when he is playing on 3rd line. Also, with the playoffs results, i'm not sure if Lacroix wants to sign those 2. He now know that having too much talent à la rangers is not the recipe for stanley cup hopes. And it's expensive.
