Fourth Period is saying Habs intersted in Richards, or Penner, and possibly Kovalev. I really don't want to see Kovalev back. Word is they would like to move Gomez also, but it won't happen. http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/mtl101205.html
To you honestly think Weber will give us a big dominant centre who is better than Gomez? Burke would be the only GM dumb enough to do it, but he doesn't have any good centres. How do you see this deal shaking down?
To you honestly think Weber will give us a big dominant centre who is better than Gomez? Burke would be the only GM dumb enough to do it, but he doesn't have any good centres. How do you see this deal shaking down?
A center doesn't have to be big or dominant to be better than Gomez. He has 4 even strength points in 27 games.
I really don't think so especially with Markov out the need for an offensive dman is increased. I hope he can become something close to what Streit was with us and is with the Islanders and I think that is very possible.
Seeing Weber play it puts us in a very tight position, a very good one from a team standpoint as we clearly have the depth to remain good defensively with an injury or two.
However it kind of makes you look at Picard Gill and Spacek a lot closer. I think I'm in the minority that believes Spacek has improved a ton. I also believe I'm in the minority that believes Gill though a situational player plays an important enough role on our team and isn't enough of a detriment outside of the PK that he should definitely stay. To me that leaves Picard.
Don't get me wrong I love Picard, I think since joining our team he's done nothing but improve and get better and better as time has gone on. I see him as the odd man out though. I consider him a poor mans Josh Gorges to some degree. Not that I think he's very similar just that I find Gorges brings everything he does defensively but better. Picard might lay a hit or play a bit more offensively but I think he's the odd man out here at the end of the day.
We all know Subban is going to be part of our top 4. We know Hammer isn't going anywhere until the end of the season. If Weber keeps up playing the way he has the Picard almost becomes redundant. It isn't that Picard isn't better defensively he is but at the time time we need offense not defense out of our #6-7 guy (Picard) cause we have plenty of D already to fill roles defensively.
With Weber/Subban playing up to speed, Hammer likely staying and Spacek likely not being able to be dealt imo that leaves Picard. He's probably in all honesty the one being showcased. Signed to 1 year as a depth guy in case our AHL guys couldn't make the leap. If Weber makes the leap and continues playing well then imo it's only a matter of time before Subban gets the green light, Weber does as well and Picard sits in the press box.
Now we'd probably keep him for depth but imo we'd probably be in the market for a top 6 forward come July. I think Jacques wants 3 scoring lines and this is why he's keeping the 3rd line as Pouliot/Eller/Darche and not moving Pouliot up. I have a feeling at deadline we'll complete the 2nd line and then role with 3 scoring lines.
Problem is a Picard/Weber would likely be part of that deal. If Weber becomes part of our offensive success I can't see him being dealt especially if our power play is booming and we remain consistent defensively. Subban isn't going anywhere, Spacek would be difficult to move and we don't need to free up his space anymore.
All signs point to Weber/Picard being dealt. Problem is though we'd need to rely on a #7d from the AHL in order to do that or possibly take a salary dump D with 1 year left in the process.
Hardly ideal but if it gets us a top 6 forward heading into the playoffs it could be interesting for us. I think we're some chemistry/player development and a top 6 forward away from having a serious chance this post season. That having been said Gauthier might take the easier/better route, realize we don't have the best shot this year and to keep assets and wait for the UFA period to sign a real top 6 winger along with a guy like Kaberle. Depending on the cap space left we could then re-sign Hammer or Gill. I think Markov re-signing will be largely dependent on him taking a salary cut. The org just can't take the risk anymore without some form of crutch. (cap space)
if Weber can develop his dzone game and strength - like streit did - he has the potential to become like a streit, especially with that shot and skating ability. i wouldn't be in a rush to deal him since were razor thin on D...prospect wise.
losing valentenko, OB, Macdonag, komisarek etc is a lot of dmen in a few years
