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Post by Boston_Habs on Dec 4, 2002 9:58:25 GMT -5
As much as folks here are ready to string up Andre Savard for his poor "asset management", I would say (again) that the long term prognosis for the franchise is good, and that this is a short-term problem... but a tough one to fix.
Savard may be a good hockey man, a great scout and evaluator of talent, but as a managing executive he is still learning, as the current state of affairs would indicate. I think he under-estimated how difficult it would be to ice a balanced team and still satisfy the ice time demands of guys like Gilmour, Audette, Czerkawski, and Perreault. However, you can say that as a GM he SHOULD have anticipated these problems, and I would agree with that. He also learning fast that small, slow, one-dimensional, overpaid, aging players are virtually impossible to move. After loading up on vets (most of which have worked out OK) I think Savard probably thought that SOMEBODY would take Audette or Czerkawski off his hands if he needed to adjust the roster, but there are no takers.
My lingering concern is not that guys like Jason Ward are being denied a chance to show what they can do because the roster is full (if Ward continues at this pace for the rest of the year, he will get a legit shot next year). My concern is that for all Savard's sense in understanding and evaluating talent, most successful GMs have good instincts for making the right moves at the right time. Does Savard have that? I don't know yet, but I do think he showed poor instincts in the way he assembled the 2002-03 Habs.
It's a gut thing, like Lou Lamoriello axing Robbie Ftorek with 10 games left in the season and the Devils in 1st place.... and winning the Cup in the end. You can't learn that. Now I'm in no way turning on Savard, I think the right view for this franchise is a 2-3 year window when the youngsters start to come on, and that is where Savard is looking. He definitely has the "head" for the game. But at some point Savard is going to have to make a bold or possibly a risky move, a gut decision based as much on instincts as much as anything else, and when I look at the current mess surrounding this team, I just have to question if he has the "feel".
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Post by Habsolutely on Dec 4, 2002 10:16:17 GMT -5
He knew all of that..
The problem is, that's the price to pay when you take over a team who was so crappy and so untalented at the beginning.
People are saying how Savard did wrong by acquiring Audette, Perreault, Czerkawski, Gilmour and others. I couldn't disagree more about it.
Some fans are talking like our team is 4-12-2.. which is wrong big time, we are a game over ,500 despite all those "problems" which is a big improvement if you compare to 2-3 years ago.
Don't forget one thing.. all those players were acquired for almost nothing and some of them.. for nothing indeed. They gave us some pretty good performances.. and in the present too. It's not because we are struggling now that everyone sucks.
The true backbones of this franchise are Koivu, Theodore, Zednik and Markov and in the future.. Hainsey, Komisarek, Hossa, Milroy and others.
Savard made this team a playoff contender... until he finally put them in Stanley Cup contention.. which will happen in a few years, I'm very sure of it.
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Post by Boston_Habs on Dec 4, 2002 10:34:15 GMT -5
Most of Savard's moves I had no problem with, and I know that he needed to ice a veteran team to be competitive since we had no NHL-ready prospects. But just because he only gave up Asham and a 4th for Czerkawski, doesn't mean it was a good move. In a vacuum perhaps, but not in reality.
That's what I meant by questioning Savard's instincts. People on this board were scratching their heads over the Czerk trade after it happened. Why? Why add Czerk when you already have Audette and Petrov? I didn't think it was a big deal at the time; so we get some more scoring depth, great. But it has ended up playing a part in the messy forward rotation, and you have to wonder why Savard didn't see that coming? And I don't buy the injury-insurance argument. If Audette went down during the year, you fix that problem when it happens. You don't add $2MM to the payroll and stick Czerk on the 4th line or the press box.
Juneau, Dackell, Perreault, Quintal... I'm cool with all those guys. But I think Savard tinkered a bit too much, and I have no idea why Therrien is still behind the bench. Like I said, I pretty much fall into the pro-Savard camp on this board and the situation is by no means dire, but he's made some mistakes. Hopefully he'll learn from them
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Post by Habsolutely on Dec 4, 2002 10:51:23 GMT -5
Most of Savard's moves I had no problem with, and I know that he needed to ice a veteran team to be competitive since we had no NHL-ready prospects. But just because he only gave up Asham and a 4th for Czerkawski, doesn't mean it was a good move. In a vacuum perhaps, but not in reality. That's what I meant by questioning Savard's instincts. People on this board were scratching their heads over the Czerk trade after it happened. Why? Why add Czerk when you already have Audette and Petrov? I didn't think it was a big deal at the time; so we get some more scoring depth, great. But it has ended up playing a part in the messy forward rotation, and you have to wonder why Savard didn't see that coming? And I don't buy the injury-insurance argument. If Audette went down during the year, you fix that problem when it happens. You don't add $2MM to the payroll and stick Czerk on the 4th line or the press box. Juneau, Dackell, Perreault, Quintal... I'm cool with all those guys. But I think Savard tinkered a bit too much, and I have no idea why Therrien is still behind the bench. Like I said, I pretty much fall into the pro-Savard camp on this board and the situation is by no means dire, but he's made some mistakes. Hopefully he'll learn from them I understand your point, but if you have a chance to get a player who scored about 70-80 goals in the last 3 seasons or a player who always showed that we would not be a big thing in the NHL.. do you really have a choice ? Savard tried to add more talent in the lineup. Mariuz was praised by koivu for his efforts and defensive game in training camp.. so where are those 2 points in the regular season ? Is it Savard's fault if it disappeared? And no, not everyone in Habland was angry to see Czer come on.. heck, many predicted that he would score 30 goals with us. Maybe the move didn't pay off at the end.. but in the other side, when a GM tries to improve the team like this.. I won't consider this as a mistake. And anyway, it's not like Asham is tearing the league..
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Post by JacquesInFL on Dec 4, 2002 11:37:09 GMT -5
I agree with much of what you say, Habsolutely. However, it does not always make sense to acquire redundant parts just because you can.
If Pat Quinn wants to have lunch with you today and says you can have Robert Reichel (and Leafs will pay 75% of his contract but this clause in the deal is void if you want to turn around and trade him) for Blouin, do you make the move? I watched the Olympics, Reichel has world class talent and Blouin is a stiff. However, Reichel looks an awful lot like the rest of the Habs centres -- small, soft and not very capable defensively. For me, the situation with Czerkawski is not much different.
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Post by JohnnyVerdun on Dec 4, 2002 11:44:46 GMT -5
I'm not amused. I'm a big Savard fan, and in the long run I'm still optimistic, but I am not amused in the least.
This is what I find not amusing:
1. Once we go and get Czerkawski, you have to find a place to use him. We didn't do a good job of that, and in fact it doesn't really look like we tried that hard;
2. Once the three offensive lines theory fails, you still have to find a place to use him;
3. Even if the guy you really want to be rid of is Audette, but nobody's interested, you still have to find a way to use Czerkawski, or trade him;
4. If you can't trade Czerk or Audette, then you have to move Petrov. You simply can't hang on to all three of these guys and watch the team implode this way for lack of ice time;
5. You don't waive a guy in response to his request to be traded, for cryin' out loud;
6. We paid good money to get Czerk, and to burn him up like this and hope somebody scoops him up out of the gutter is just bad planning;
7. The whole thing reflects really badly on the organization at a time when you want to be increasing the team's credibility among future free agents. People can yap all they like about how this is Czerk's 3rd team in 8 years (!) but he's not been half the ping pong ball that Zubrus has, for cryin out loud. We brought the guy here. Nobody forced him on us. We knew what he brought and what he didn't, and we've horribly mis-used him and treated him like crap and now we waive him when he says "I want a fresh start". I'm sorry, but more players out there are shaking their heads and wondering what the hell's going on in Montreal than are wondering what's wrong with Mariusz Czerkawski. And the majority would be asking the right question. This is just chickensh#t, if you ask me.
8. You know what else is chickensh#t? The way we're using Kilger, Gilmour, Bulis and Mckay. Why? Cause Gilmour is a center and we have one center spot. The fourth. That's for Dougie. This is what we should be bringing against big fast team's like Dallas:
Kilger/Koivu/Zednick Bulis/Perreault/Mckay Lindsay/Juneau/Dackell Hossa/Gilmour/Ward
If money's not the object (and it appears not to be) then just sit Petrov until he's traded. Sit Czerkawski until he's traded. Sit Audette until he's traded. At least this lineup has a chance to win against the better teams in the league.....especially if we get good goaltending.
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 4, 2002 12:02:05 GMT -5
Well said JV.
With those players I would go with
Hossa-Koivu-Zednik Bulis-Perreault-McKay Kilger-Juneau-Dackell Lindsay-Gilmour-Ward
and maybe flipflop Mac with Jason if Mac can't keep up
Clean up the mess AS!
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Post by AH on Dec 4, 2002 12:30:26 GMT -5
Is Andre Savard cracking under pressure ? That is IMO he bigger question right now. The current situation / mess is his biggest challenge to date as a GM. And it is interesting to see how he is reacting ...
Evidence A: He spouts off about Ribeiro to someone who asked why is he not playing. The response posted word for word seemed to me like he was very irritated. It's not a good sign when a GM bad-mouths an asset like he did. He is only hurting his value on the market, if the asset has any value at all.
Evidence B: Putting Chow on waivers. Questionable move at best.
Evidence C: Someone posted on HF that in todays Le Soleil, Savard said he doubts Gratton or Ward could ever make it to the NHL despite the fact that they are both tearing up the AHL. Again, seems like a snappy response to a question from a reporter as to when the farmhands are going to get a chance. Not a good sign when the team's GM tries to break the spirit of a couple of his minor-leaguers. Sort of like the Houle treatment of Terry Ryan way back when.
The current roster headaches seem to be getting to him. The answer to the original question will be answered sooner rather than later.
One can only hope that he over-reacts and pulls the trigger on MT. ;D
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 4, 2002 12:38:23 GMT -5
It's starting....... ...to keep his crappy roster together AS is basically calming down expectations for Ribeiro, Ward and Gratton. Next will be Hainsey, next will be Hossa and then Komisarek. Hainsey will be traded for Robert Reichel, Hossa will be traded for Jiri Dopita and Komi will stay in Hamilton for the next 5-10 seasons before he is traded off for a 7th round pick. Traverse will remain on the top pairing and AS will be happy
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Post by JohnnyVerdun on Dec 4, 2002 12:40:53 GMT -5
you're right, and it's not Savard's m.o. at all. He's typically pretty tight-lipped and it's something I've liked about him. I don't know what he's supposed to have said about Ward and Gratton, but I didn't like his comments on Ribs (even though I hate Ribs) and I sure as hell don't like the way he's handled the whole Czerkawski thing.
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Post by Boston_Habs on Dec 4, 2002 12:55:44 GMT -5
Good points, all. Savard is clearly frustrated by what's going on with the team and I'm sure he's having a devil of a time trying to fix things. Nobody wants Audette, nobody wants Czerkawski.... he just doesn't have a lot of good options right now.
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Post by AH on Dec 4, 2002 13:06:47 GMT -5
The fix is simple. If Audette and Chow are unmarketable because of their contracts, then you do have a guy in Petrov who is because of his relatively low 1.2 million contract.
Along with being frustrated with the current sitation and having a pretty big ego to boot, Savard is waiting for sweetheart deals from other teams in order to make trades. His own over-valuation of current assets, along with being stubborn, is paralyzing him and in turn killing the team.
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Post by zenseeker on Dec 4, 2002 16:46:14 GMT -5
When examining Savards role as GM you must look at all the areas he is in charge of. Trades and drafting ARE NOT the only areas of concern. Yeah sure he has been decent at making trades but how good is the coaching staff he has assembled. Sure he has drafted some good players, but when will they get in the line-up 2008. We also don't know how much he takes into account the opinions of the numerous Habs scouts. Does he ignore recomendations or does he hold their advice as invaluable. How well does he handle the media? Previously i thought he did a good job, but lately he has been making remarks that he would have been better off making none at all. How good are his managerial skills? Savard did a great job at fixing the leaky ship, but now that it is fixed we have an old ship that doesn't sail as fast as the others.
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Post by Viper on Dec 4, 2002 19:18:17 GMT -5
This is Quite a thread some very interesting comments regarding AS and his abilities the learning curve is what intrigues me the most and the whole gut instinct thing Boston was talking about. I can't really add much as everyone has already sommed up pretty much all my thoughts already but i will say i hope that this mess that was created by Savard is resolved by Savard efficiently. It won't be easy as it's obvious his options are minimal but as for me this is make or break time for him. If he gets the mess fixed fine but if he continue's to sit idly by while the team implodes well ........................................
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Post by zenseeker on Dec 4, 2002 19:25:56 GMT -5
Your right Viper, it is definately make or break time for AS. He is like Maverick in Top Gun he won't engage, he seems to be in a sort of shell shock. Hopefully he can pull it together and start creating some solutions.
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 4, 2002 19:46:07 GMT -5
Yup, now we see if he can make a move when things are crumbling on and off the ice
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Post by Habsolutely on Dec 4, 2002 20:23:09 GMT -5
It won't be break or make time for Savard anytime soon. This guy is safe. This team still has a winning record.
People are overracting too much and it's laughable.
Yes, we may not play our best hockey, but heck, we aren't the Red Wings yet..
This team will definitly get better.
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Post by seventeen on Dec 4, 2002 23:28:00 GMT -5
Habsolutely....you are staunchly loyal. I, however, will not be following Andre Savard into battle. Of course, roosters are noted for more than just fighting.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Dec 5, 2002 0:27:06 GMT -5
Savards only weaknesses are:
1. He made the team older and smaller. 2. Most of the scorers he brought in were on the downside of three consecutive years of decline and haven't produced. 3. He overpaid his players and made them untradeable. 4. His trading was very ordinary. 5. His drafting was great (when he was with Ottawa). 6. He stuck with MT long after the rest of the world gave up on him and extended MT's contract. 7. His free agent signings were non-existant except for a few slow journeymen. 8. We get outshot 9 out of 10 nights by teams with better players. (Goaltending and luck can only last so long). 9. Team chemistry sucks! 10. Player development (Pick good prospects and keep them in the AHL for ten years of seasoning. If they stay there that long are they really that good?) 11. Did I mention that the team is older and smaller? The defense is soft too.
Savards strengths are:
1. He made us deeper in ordinary forwards and defensemen. 2. He communicates with the press in French. (Communication consists of explaining why the team was outshot and lost again) 3. He's a big improvement over Houle and Serge Savard. (Spent a lot more money too)
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Post by Willie Dog on Dec 5, 2002 9:58:21 GMT -5
Is Savard stubborn or just stupid? Does he have a god complex? I don't know, but I do know one thing, AS does not walk on water. The biggest problem AS seems to have is he, like Pat Quinn, don't back track on stupid moves. Quinn plays Reichel all of the time and AS wants Travesty and some of the other yahoos played all of the time and Therrien, the puppy dog that he is does AS's bidding. Until AS realizes he's human, my Habs will not do as well as they should or deserve. It's pretty sad that a team with all of this potential is going to lose every game on the current road trip (even with the excellent goaltending we get).
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Post by Habsolutely on Dec 5, 2002 10:19:40 GMT -5
Habsolutely....you are staunchly loyal. I, however, will not be following Andre Savard into battle. Of course, roosters are noted for more than just fighting. This is not just about being loyal.. this is about being fair and realistic about a man who, I trully believe, is the right guy to drive our team in the promise land. But Habs fan ( not all of them I should say) is so tough and unfair with him, this is getting very annoying. Yes, right now, we are in big trouble.. but it had to be expected a little bit.. when Savard took this team 2 years ago.. we were lacking depth, we were lacking pure talent, we were very lacking talent in our farm system and draft wise.. it was horrible. But Habs fan forget about it. Habs fans see our team being 2 games away from the Eastern Conference Finals.. so Habs fan wants more. But Habs fan will have to understand that right now, we aren't a powerful force in this league. Our biggest strength ( which is already a good thing to start with ) is in goal. Jose Theodore, despite his recent stats, is the real deal.. and will be a great goalie for at least 10 years. Our defense (or future defense I should say) is starting to look a little brighter with Markov taking a big step towards superstardom. Offensively.. getting Zednik and Bulis was great.. + Koivu stepping up big time.. so there are still positives. However, Habs fan will have to understand again that the only way the Habs will contend for a Cup for many years is by drafting oftenly well.. which is the biggest quality of Savard ( who has a big word on who to draft ). As for his trading records.. when you have to trade crap players like Zholtok, Rucinsky, Savage, Berezin, P.J Stock, Asham.. don't expect to get any Forsberg or Peca in return. I was actually very happy of the players that he got for those garbages.
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 5, 2002 10:19:46 GMT -5
That's called being stubborn and AS shows no signs of getting out of it
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Post by zenseeker on Dec 5, 2002 15:03:21 GMT -5
Excellent post Habs fan LA. I also have been pointing out actual reasons why I believe Savard is not doing a great job. It seems that the AS loyalists will not look at anything negative about AS.
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Post by montreal on Dec 5, 2002 17:27:01 GMT -5
Excellent post Habs fan LA. I also have been pointing out actual reasons why I believe Savard is not doing a great job. It seems that the AS loyalists will not look at anything negative about AS. It goes both ways. Savard has done a lot of good, and he has made mistakes. He's a rookie GM, who took over a very crappy team. Some people are glad with the turnaround, while others are not, and want more. But in reality, it doesn't matter what you or I think, cause we don't run the team, and I would say that Savard will be here for a few years at least. I am a big fan of Savard's but I don't expect him to create mircales, nor do I except him to be error free. He's human and this is his first time as GM, so I don't expect him to pull off major trades where he robbes other GM's. There's no way someone can say that are farm team isn't better then it was just a few short years ago. It doesn't mean we will automaticlly be good in a few years, as those players have to step in and take it to the next level, but it's always good to see prospects playing well. I think most will agree that in order for us to contend for a cup, it will take several years to happen, and we MUST draft well. I have total confidence that Savard can draft well enough, and so far I am very happy with the results. But it will be years before we really see what he has done. I would say at least 5 years before his picks start playing a major role on the team, as some of them will be hitting their prime. I also like the way he's handled RFA's and UFA's. Before it was the wait till the last minute approach, and that cost us. Now, its get it out of the way ahead of time, and that's refreshing to see. To me it says that he has a plan and is following through with it. Trades have also improved, IMO. I know most may disagree, but I think Savard has done a decent to good job on the trade front. When Houle was here, and I heard we made a trade, I would just wait to see how bad we got screwed on the deal. Now, I feel confident that it's something that's fair and should help the team. Some people complain that they want a blockbuster deal, and Savard hasnt done that. Well I want a Million dollars and that hasn't happened yet either. It easy to say, Savard should do a blockbuster, but not so easy to pull one off without giving up our core assets or prime prospects/picks. Contract signings. Not his strongest area, but not so bad. I really like how he handled Ribs, Garon, Ward, Koivu, Zednik. But I didn't like the Theodore deal (easy to say now), and the Rivet deal is questionable. I was harsh on Savard for resigning Traverse, and getting Quintal, but I do have to say Traverse has been a decent 7th defensmen. Plus Rivet's big money doesn't kick in till next year, so I will wait to see what he does then.
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Post by montreal on Dec 5, 2002 17:43:16 GMT -5
Savard continued....
I wasn't so happy at first with the Brisebois deal, but now that I have thought it over some, I think it's a fair deal. He is our #1, and has played much better this year and last, so as long as we don't see any more of the -31 Brezzy, it will be ok.
I was surprised that Savard got Komisarek out of college this year, as from what I heard, Florida was going to take him in the draft, but they knew he was saying that he was going to stay in NCAA for all 4 years, and they didn't want to wait. So, I think its good that they got him in the system already, even if it does take 2 years or more.
Now the weakest part. Coaching staff. Yes just about everyone will jump on Savard for his coaching staff. But there's good and bad to be found. Good- He got Martin Madden, who I have heard a lot of good things about and he has a lot of pro experience. He kept Rollie the Goalie, who both Theodore and Garon have had high praises for helping them. He got Trevor Timmins from Ottawa, and he has a lot of pro experience and is still young. I don't know much about him, but from the Ottawa fans I talked too, they say he is very good with young talent, and they were pissed he left. Guy Charron is another good additon, even though the PK sucks. He had a good PK with the Ducks, and that were a bad team, so I have faith that he will turn it around. Also Clement Jodin to run the PP, seems like a good additon, but I don't know a whole lot about him either. Bad- Therrien of course. But I can stick up for that move. Not many GM's would fire a coach after taking an average team into the playoffs, and even though he messed up in the playoffs, (which the refs admitted to making a mistake) he realized that this team isn't going to win a cup for a few years, and coaches don't last long in this league, so another year or two of MT makes sense. If Theodore plays anywhere close to last years preformance, we have a much better record (.500 aint bad) and the hang MT threads wouldn't be so rampant, IMO. Therrien wont be the coach forever, and you have to find the right replacement, before we just can him. Also Rick Green should go. I don't like how he has the defence playing, but to his credit, they aren't very good to begin with, so what can you do with a bunch of crap? IMO, I would get rid of Green first, but again, we need the right man for the job, instead of just canning him.
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 5, 2002 17:49:47 GMT -5
I was surprised that Savard got Komisarek out of college this year, as from what I heard, Florida was going to take him in the draft, but they knew he was saying that he was going to stay in NCAA for all 4 years, and they didn't want to wait. So, I think its good that they got him in the system already, even if it does take 2 years or more. If you were the Panthers and you had the chance to pick a stud like Weiss to help out a thin situation at center immediately or a Komi who may help you sometime in 2003 or 2004,what would you have done? I am sure they are happy with the way things have turned out. Weiss is going to be great and is already a big leaguer. But it's an interesting debate. You would have to think they take Nash instead of Bouwmeester if Komi is with them
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Post by montreal on Dec 5, 2002 18:16:33 GMT -5
If you were the Panthers and you had the chance to pick a stud like Weiss to help out a thin situation at center immediately or a Komi who may help you sometime in 2003 or 2004,what would you have done? I am sure they are happy with the way things have turned out. Weiss is going to be great and is already a big leaguer. But it's an interesting debate. You would have to think they take Nash instead of Bouwmeester if Komi is with them Oh I understand why they did it, but my point was that it was expected that Komi would stay in college, so I don't know how Savard got him inked. As for Weiss, I'm not sold on him yet, and I would much much much rather have Komi than Weiss. But if they took him, what a scary thought to have Komi and Bouwmeester.
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 5, 2002 18:46:51 GMT -5
My point is, if they would have picked Komi, they probably would have gone for Nash in the last draft. They need a power forward as well. So is Komi+Nash better than Bouwmeester+Weiss? I really don't know
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Post by Viper on Dec 5, 2002 18:48:59 GMT -5
It goes both ways. Savard ............. . Absolutely he will be here for a while as Canning him now will most likely mean wholesale changes and a new start as a different GM will want to make the team his own it's too early to start a fire AS campaign but if things don't start changing soon i'll get even more worried. There's no way someone can say that are farm team................... Well for sure the farm is looking better but with the huge amount of Depth that isn't needed and the blatent favoruitism by the coaching staff the 5 year's could turn into a lot longer. The Whole argument about overshooting because of injury is a bogus argument IMO that's what the farm is for when a guy gets hurt you bring in a kid to replace him that way you get a better chance to evaluate his progression at the NHL level as opposed to versus people similar to himself when he gets demoted it's understood why before it happens but if he proves worthwhile then the GM could potentially make trades or adjustments accordingly. Everyone wins in that scenario especially the organization and it's player's. As of right now even 2 or three injuries is only gonna make room for the already warm bodies in the press room. The kids haven't much hope no matter what they do. I also like the way he's handled RFA's and UFA's. Before it was the wait till the last minute approach, and that cost us. Now, its get it out of the way ahead of time, and that's refreshing to see. To me it says that he has a plan and is following through with it.. Me too. Trades have also improved, IMO. I know most .............. . Of course i have to disagree Talent Wise fine most of them are okay but talent is not why trades are made. Team is why trades are made holes get filled by the best available or best that can be acquired to fill that hole. When Savard starts acquiring guys like Cerk just because of talent and not because he's a needed asset it creates what exists now. A horrible mess to me his trading is not team oriented and it tells me that he doesn't quite understand how to build one. This will make his drafting redundant in the future if the picks all don't fit together properly we just have a talented team that sucks because they don't work well together. Can anyone say Ranger's. Contract signings. Not his strongest area, but not so bad. I really like how he handled Ribs, Garon, Ward, Koivu,........... I like the Rivet and Theo deals actually first Theo. Right now he's not earning his money but is steadily improving and the last couple year's he's been a huge bargain IMO. THe problem with him lies with Hackett IMO. His mentor so to speak is on the bench and it has him spooked much the same way a man is when his father comes to visit the grandkids your not quite yourself always thinking you are doing the right things so dad will be proud. As i said he's steadily improving and moving Hackett sooner as opposed to later will rapidly increase his improvementrrate as he has always excelled when hackett wasn't around. The rivet deal well we all we're moaning about the Briser Deal and to tell you the truth i believe he's earning his money he's a trooper and always gives his all for the habs despite all the critisism from media and fans. He does the best he can during the worst time in history of the organization. He never asked to be moved never complained just kept on keeping on for us He is paying off big time and will be a huge mentor and leader for our younger core in the future. I fro one have always respected breezer for his dedication and heart that he gives us because his talent has been misused under the circumstances of this horrid team he's been a number one D with number three skills and when he gets more support he'll fill his role and make less mistakes. Hell when your seeing more ice than every single hab your bound to screw up. The sad thing is his seem to always be huge. I believe rivet will develop similarly to Briser and ern his money By the time his contract ends we'll all say he wasn't overpaid after all but then again we all might be even more pissed if he sucks. the rest of the guys like traverse and quintal etcetera well i'm with you on those ones so he's average here IMO.
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Post by Viper on Dec 5, 2002 18:54:13 GMT -5
Savard continued.... he realized that this team isn't going to win a cup for a few years, and coaches don't last long in this league, so another year or two of MT makes sense. If Theodore plays anywhere close to last years preformance, we have a much better record (.500 aint bad) and the hang MT threads wouldn't be so rampant, IMO. Therrien wont be the coach forever, and you have to find the right replacement, before we just can him. Also Rick Green should go. I don't like how he has the defence playing, but to his credit, they aren't very good to begin with, so what can you do with a bunch of crap? IMO, I would get rid of Green first, but again, we need the right man for the job, instead of just canning him. Well he better hurry the hack up and find appropriate replacements. Keeping idiots like this around cannot under any circumstances help this team the moral is horrible the lack of effort is disgraceful the favouritism is a freaking nightmare and the whole thing is a huge mess. Theodore's improved performance will only Peeve me off It's our goaltending that is hiding all the aforementioned problems or at least sheltering the coaches because if not for hackett and theo our record this year and last would be horrenduos at best.
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