I`ve read many post regarding Alex Kovalev since he left town. But what many people do not remember is that he scored some big goals for us at important times of the games, and he made our Power Play a real threat to score every time. Alex always scored against the Bruins (playoffs) and was the leading goal scorer last time he faced them. He might have been the difference for us this year against the Bruins had we signed him......I think he`s worth signing for 1 year. And lets face it, he loves Montreal and the the city loves him.
I`ve read many post regarding Alex Kovalev since he left town. But what many people do not remember is that he scored some big goals for us at important times of the games, and he made our Power Play a real threat to score every time. Alex always scored against the Bruins (playoffs) and was the leading goal scorer last time he faced them. He might have been the difference for us this year against the Bruins had we signed him......I think he`s worth signing for 1 year. And lets face it, he loves Montreal and the the city loves him.
A motivated Kovalev is sublime on the ice. With his strenght and skill Kovalev is a terrific threat. He can be a game changer.
But in today's hockey you need to bring your whole attributes at all times. Not doing so tends to label you as been a streaky and emotionless performer. This is Kovalev's achilles heel.
Because of that Kovalev has a hard time solidifying himself in a any NHL roster.
Unfortunatly his "style" or "mentality" of play hinders to team he plays with and this con overweights the pros of having him on the ice.
On paper, a line of AK - Eller - Kovy makes me drool. They could - not would - dominate.
The more I think about Wiz walking the more I question the complete non-interest on PG's part. I know what Wiz signed for but it doesn't necessarily mean he would have had the same deal in Montreal.
The defense as it stands looks to be one injury away from a disaster. IMO teams will focus more on Subban this year and if Gill is his partner that could be pretty easy. Subban didn't get the attention because of his "newness".
Markov's partner is still a question mark and Markov himself needs to get back into shape. Ditto for Gorges who may end up being Markov's partner.
I just don't think letting two top four d-man walk with little effort in signing them was the smartest move but we'll see I guess. And the talent pool to even add depth lessens everyday too.
Letting wiz walk considering everything (age, contract, pp abulities, top 4 dman) was madness. He was exactly what this team needed. I can understand if the guy had ridiculous demands, but was it the case?
Losing Wisniewski hurts, and probably will feel it for next year, but the UFA market for defencemen was too perfect for Wiz to get 5.5 mil a year... he would have never been offered that in MTL (not saying he doesnt deserve it)
Losing Wisniewski hurts, and probably will feel it for next year, but the UFA market for defencemen was too perfect for Wiz to get 5.5 mil a year... he would have never been offered that in MTL (not saying he doesnt deserve it)
If you don't want to, I'll do it.
Wiz doesn't deserve $5.5M. Oh well, perhaps with the cap going up and that.. NO! He doesn't deserve $5.5M.
Mike Cammalleri-Tomas Plekanec-Erik Cole
Max Pacioretty-Scott Gomez-Brian Gionta
Mathieu Darche-David Desharnais-Andrei Kostitsyn
Travis Moen-Andreas Engqvist-Ryan White
Mike Blunden
IR Lars Eller
DEFENSEMEN
Andrei Markov - Josh Gorges/Alexei Yemelin
Alexei Yemelin/Josh Gorges - P.K. Subban
Hal Gill - Yannick Weber
Jaroslav Spacek
I like the team we've got today. We've got some money in reserve to pull in a UFA or make a trade to fill a hole if necessary. We've finally got a good mix of veterans and youth, and there doesn't seem to be any locker room issues. The habs have spent the last 3 years chasing away distractions, don't expect them to bring in any.
I think they'll wait till training camp to see how Diaz and Emelin look and then sign a guy like Mara who can sit down games without complaining as 7th d.
Hope they get Drury if he's healthy to play our usual veteran 3rd line guy.
For the NHL, I'd add Drury up front. And on D, if we move Spacek, why not a guy like Steve Eminger?
And I would add some AHL players for the Dogs. Like Jason Jaffray, Ryan Johnson (nice veteran depth to have for the Dogs and callup if badly needed), even Fernando Pisani...on a 2-way...would he accept? Will he have any choice? I'd also ask a guy like Adam Mair if he's interested in signing a 2-way deal as well. Andy Hilbert, Michael Ryan, Joey Crabb, Grant Lewis or Rob Davison.
For the NHL, I'd add Drury up front. And on D, if we move Spacek, why not a guy like Steve Eminger?
And I would add some AHL players for the Dogs. Like Jason Jaffray, Ryan Johnson (nice veteran depth to have for the Dogs and callup if badly needed), even Fernando Pisani...on a 2-way...would he accept? Will he have any choice? I'd also ask a guy like Adam Mair if he's interested in signing a 2-way deal as well. Andy Hilbert, Michael Ryan, Joey Crabb, Grant Lewis or Rob Davison.
Oh and fire Jimmy Bonneau and get David Koci...
Hamilton have already 6 D signed: Mitera-Nash-Diaz-Henry-St-Denis-Stejskal
Already 14 F : Leblanc-Palushaj-Avstin-Fortier-Berger-Nattinen-Trotter-Dumont-Conboy-Willsie-Bishop-Schulz-Lefebvre-Masse
Hamilton have already 6 D signed: Mitera-Nash-Diaz-Henry-St-Denis-Stejskal
Already 14 F : Leblanc-Palushaj-Avstin-Fortier-Berger-Nattinen-Trotter-Dumont-Conboy-Willsie-Bishop-Schulz-Lefebvre-Masse
Sorry but that lineup is scary...and that's not scary good. Fortier on the 2nd line? First, Willsie will be on your 1st line. Not sure if they'll end up putting Leblanc already where he belongs, which is on the wings. And there are some players that I'd like to see them play a key role....with Wheeling in the ECHL. Like Lefebvre, Bishop, Stejskal and Massé. To me those guys are Wheeling material. And also a strong possibility I'd send Schultz as well though his progression might be better suitd for the Dogs...but I'm not close to the idea. Which opens some spots for some vets/guys in need of a fresh start. And that would eventually make the Dogs a much better team than what we have right now. 'Cause amongst the guys I didn't mention, there are some interesting question marks...like Avtsin, Dumont, Berger, Leblanc, Fortier and Naatinen. It could go well....but it could be average as well. This team needs better players. Add the fact that it's a total question mark in nets and maybe the worst we've ever had in a long time. You need a MUCH MUCH stronger team in front of them.
I think they'll wait till training camp to see how Diaz and Emelin look and then sign a guy like Mara who can sit down games without complaining as 7th d.
Hope they get Drury if he's healthy to play our usual veteran 3rd line guy.
I would be kinda funny to see Gomez and Drury on the same team again and Drury making the top 6 while getting 1 million.
