Free Agent News

So, with the season over now, and my grieving completed, we must wonder what is in the cards for changes to the team for next season. Some rumours just will not go away.

One of those rumours is that Mats Sundin is interested in coming to Montreal. I am not sure how much stock I would put into this rumour, but there is no doubt, adding a guy who has put up a point per game for 15 years and is big and strong would be a big help to our team. Not to mention, all those Leaf fans that don't like Sundin would finally get a feeling for how good he actually is.

Streit will likely be able to command a decent salary on the market but he also seems like the kind of guy who would consider giving Montreal a 'home team' discount. It is hard to justify big bucks for a guy who can't even play defence everyday but then again, he is a great asset on the point during the powerplay.

Ryder has likely played his last game in Montreal and will likely leave town for half the money he was hoping to command. I suspect that where ever he ends up, he will put the puck in the net and show that last season was just a bad year. But that is my predictions.

We will have to keep our ears to the ground to see if Sir Gainey makes any draft day deals to move up, likely not, but you never know.

Is it September yet?

Trade Deadline is Approaching...

With the trade deadline approaching and the team fighting for 1st place in the Eastern conference, it is no surprise that Canadiens appear to be the team looking to improve for a cup run.

Gainey seems to be the kind of guy who doesn't like to let the cat out of the bag early and doesn't really like to let anyone know what exactly he is working on. However, when asked, Gainey does not deny that he could be looking around the league for a new offensive threat.

The names being tossed around most recently are Mats Sundin, Marian Hossa, Ollie Jokinen, and Alex Tanguay. The names that are not being said as much are Brad Richards and why not, Vinny, the Montreal boy. The first three players would add an instant boost to an offence that is already the top power play team in the league.

The question is, what would we have to give up? It seems as though the rent a player technique is not as rewarding and as glowing as it once was. This hopefully will keep the cost down. That being said, it is likely that winger Michael Ryder would have to be included in a trade and then some top draft picks.

I am sure Bob knows what is going on so he isn't going to sell the farm to get a player for the playoff run but is willing to put some assets in a trade to give them a better chance to do well in the playoffs.

Michael Ryder's two goals on Tuesday night is probably throwing a stick in the spokes because it leaves everyone wondering if the back to back 30 goal scorer is back on track.

Only time will tell but what ever happens, it should be interesting to see what happens. Even if no roster changes happen, the Habs should put a team that could contend in the Eastern conference.

Where Are All these Goals Coming From?

It is halfway through the game tonight and Montreal is winning 3-0. The thing that I can't seem to figure out is where are all these goals coming from? Previous versions of the Canadiens have always lacked offence and have gotten by on strong defence, not strong offence.

I think most of it is coming from the system. Draft picks such as Higgins, Plekanec, the Kostitsyns, and Markov are delivering on a regular basis. Veterans such as Koivu, Kovalev, and Hamrlik are also showing why they deserve to be leaders for this young team.

When I look at the goals for in the conference stats, you can see that Montreal is not having too much trouble putting the puck in the net although if you look at the point leaders, you don't see any Canadiens near the top. This is directly related to the fact that the Habs put out a balance offence game in and game out which makes it difficult for any team to shut down the first line becase the second line is just as dangerous.

If this scoring keeps up, watch out for the playoffs because these boys mean business.

Competing in the Spring?

While the Canadiens head into the All Star break, it seems like they might escape their typical collapse after the new year. The team is playing as well as ever and Michael Ryder, the highly unproductive goal scorer, is playing better and bounces are starting to go his way.

The other things that are really great to see is the play of Plekanec, Kovalev, and Kostitsyn. This line is putting pucks in the net left, right, and center. Kovalev is playing with the talent he has, Plekanec is scoring and showing real potential, while the young Kostitsyn seems to be finding some real goal scoring prowess and some excellent offensive skills.

Huet is going to be able to play comfortably in the net with Price back in Hamilton. The pressure is off and he can focus on playing hockey and winning games.

Points wise, they are close to second place in the east, which if they can continue on the same pace, will give them a decent seeding in the playoffs and allow for a good match up.

However, we can talk all we want, but there is still half a season to go and the east is as close as ever, so they need to focus on each game and hopefully come playoffs, we will get some magic.

Vinny Lecavalier to the Habs?

Stanley Cup Underdog?

After watching last nights game against the Flyers, I went to bed with a feeling that the Habs could possibly be one of the most under rated teams in the NHL. The game against the flyers, who are doing pretty well, was domination. The game was not even close.

Kovalev scored on of his famous goals. He scored the exact same goal against the Thrashers. He is hot, he is playing well, and he is playing well defensively. Hopefully Ryder finds his stride because Koivu and Higgins are playing great and generating tons of offence.

There are not too many people who predict a team like the Canadiens to make any noise in the playoffs but who gave Edmonton a chance two years ago? The Habs are built for speed and smart defence. They try hard and they are playing with confidence. Those are most important when the playoffs come around.

They simply need to keep trying hard and don't let there great start end up like last season where they fell apart after Christmas. But this team is different than last year, they are older, more responsible, and are being led by a coach who has a little bit more experience.

Next spring should be exciting.

Ryder Writing His Own Ticket Out of Town?

Coach Guy called out Ryder today stating that Ryder is a shooter and getting one shot a game is unacceptable. Ryder currently has 2 goals this year and is clearly off to a bad start. Being the Habs highest goal scorer the last two years, Montreal's offence would be much more potent with an effective Ryder.

In my last post I mentioned that the Canucks were looking for a top six forward. Could they possibly looking for a guy like Michael Ryder? I believe it is possible. However, what would Vancouver be able to offer? Montreal needs goal scoring and you don't get scoring by trading a goal scorer.

The simple fact still remains, Ryder has signed to one year contracts in a row so I don't see Ryder having any more years in Montreal after this one. But if this season continues as it started for Ryder, he is going to have trouble signing a big contract.