Audette redux
Jan 24, 2003 9:12:07 GMT -5
Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jan 24, 2003 9:12:07 GMT -5
Mathias Brunet
La Presse
The Donald Audette case is beginning to chafe the Canadiens, and team management put the right winger on waivers yesterday.
If he isn't claimed in 48 hours (it would be surprising if he is taken, because of his annual salary of 3.3 million), he could well find himself in Hamilton.
GM André Savard refuses to show his cards for the moment. "I will not make comments on the possibility of a demotion to the minors in his case, answers Savard. I don't say yes, I don't say no."
Sometimes general managers subject a player to waivers only to gauge the interest of other teams. In Audette's situation however, one wouldn't be astonished by a demotion to the American League when Chad Kilger is back.
In addition, Savard was very careful yesterday morning when he had to comment on the last public appearance of his right winger Wednesday in Tampa. But he nevertheless implied that he expected a more consistent effort on his part.
"Results don't come automatically in the NHL, stated Savard. I'm not speaking about his case in particular, but we need a consistent effort from everyone at all times. Standards are very high in today's hockey.
Look at our team. To get favorable results it's necessary to work with purpose from the beginning to the end of the game. It's the same thing on the individual level. If one wonders why Donald doesn't play, the answer is so simple."
Left aside in Tampa, Audette, three goals and twelve points in 36 games, a ranking of -5, made his complaint public the morning of the game against the Lightning, a little like Mariusz Czerkawski at the beginning of December in Denver.
"They will have to make a decision very soon on me. I want to play with the Canadiens, I wanted to finish my career here, but if they don't want my services any more, then do something to solve the problem. I can't spend the season being used sporadically."
Obviously, Savard is disappointed at the turn of the events. "I would never have imagined such a scenario a year ago. I still remember Donald's arrival last season. it was fun to have acquired a scorer, there was enthusiasm, he played spectacularly. Everyone was happy."
The general manager refuses to believe that his right winger is slowed down by the serious injury to his forearm last year. "It shouldn't be forgotten that he got ten points in the playoffs after that, I believe that answers the question."
Difficult to know the intentions of Audette's agent, Gilles Lupien. Lupien decided a few years ago to make himself unavailable to reporters.
His business partner, Enrico Ciccone, is more or less at ease to comment on the situation because the dossier isn't his. "I can speak as a former player, not as an agent, says Ciccone.
What I can say, is that a scorer must be on the ice to do his job. It takes a very big stick to score a goal from the stands... "
"When the new coach arrived, there was hope, Donald believed that he would get a fresh start with him, but that's not the case, adds Ciccone. It's all a question of confidence. When one breaks a leg, one knows how long it takes to heal. Confidence is more complicated. it's not in practice that he'll find his touch. it's in games."
According to a rumour, Florida would have shown interest in Audette, but they required the Canadiens to assume part of his salary. It would be astonishing if they claim Audette and his two years of salary.
- translated from www.cyberpresse.ca/sports/article/1,154,1881,012003,188667.shtml
La Presse
The Donald Audette case is beginning to chafe the Canadiens, and team management put the right winger on waivers yesterday.
If he isn't claimed in 48 hours (it would be surprising if he is taken, because of his annual salary of 3.3 million), he could well find himself in Hamilton.
GM André Savard refuses to show his cards for the moment. "I will not make comments on the possibility of a demotion to the minors in his case, answers Savard. I don't say yes, I don't say no."
Sometimes general managers subject a player to waivers only to gauge the interest of other teams. In Audette's situation however, one wouldn't be astonished by a demotion to the American League when Chad Kilger is back.
In addition, Savard was very careful yesterday morning when he had to comment on the last public appearance of his right winger Wednesday in Tampa. But he nevertheless implied that he expected a more consistent effort on his part.
"Results don't come automatically in the NHL, stated Savard. I'm not speaking about his case in particular, but we need a consistent effort from everyone at all times. Standards are very high in today's hockey.
Look at our team. To get favorable results it's necessary to work with purpose from the beginning to the end of the game. It's the same thing on the individual level. If one wonders why Donald doesn't play, the answer is so simple."
Left aside in Tampa, Audette, three goals and twelve points in 36 games, a ranking of -5, made his complaint public the morning of the game against the Lightning, a little like Mariusz Czerkawski at the beginning of December in Denver.
"They will have to make a decision very soon on me. I want to play with the Canadiens, I wanted to finish my career here, but if they don't want my services any more, then do something to solve the problem. I can't spend the season being used sporadically."
Obviously, Savard is disappointed at the turn of the events. "I would never have imagined such a scenario a year ago. I still remember Donald's arrival last season. it was fun to have acquired a scorer, there was enthusiasm, he played spectacularly. Everyone was happy."
The general manager refuses to believe that his right winger is slowed down by the serious injury to his forearm last year. "It shouldn't be forgotten that he got ten points in the playoffs after that, I believe that answers the question."
Difficult to know the intentions of Audette's agent, Gilles Lupien. Lupien decided a few years ago to make himself unavailable to reporters.
His business partner, Enrico Ciccone, is more or less at ease to comment on the situation because the dossier isn't his. "I can speak as a former player, not as an agent, says Ciccone.
What I can say, is that a scorer must be on the ice to do his job. It takes a very big stick to score a goal from the stands... "
"When the new coach arrived, there was hope, Donald believed that he would get a fresh start with him, but that's not the case, adds Ciccone. It's all a question of confidence. When one breaks a leg, one knows how long it takes to heal. Confidence is more complicated. it's not in practice that he'll find his touch. it's in games."
According to a rumour, Florida would have shown interest in Audette, but they required the Canadiens to assume part of his salary. It would be astonishing if they claim Audette and his two years of salary.
- translated from www.cyberpresse.ca/sports/article/1,154,1881,012003,188667.shtml