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Post by CentreHice on Jan 27, 2009 3:12:23 GMT -5
I don't see Higgins' name mentioned in the article....only that it's someone whose name is usually mentioned in trade rumours.
Am I missing something?
Interesting what Cournoyer had to say.
Yvan Cournoyer tells: "Sam Pollock twisted my arm so that I marry. What did it give me? A missed marriage, a painful divorce and unhappy children. I was not ready to get married, I had seen nothing in life..."
Happily for him, his second marriage has lasted for decades.
I wonder how many players were in the same boat back in that day. Your owner/GM pressured you to get married...thinking it would keep you in-line and under control party-wise. And so you did, because you wanted to play hockey and keep the boss happy.
Glad times have changed in terms of that kind of expectation/control on a player.
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Post by Skilly on Jan 27, 2009 8:38:17 GMT -5
I guess so. I don't get it, but whatever.  What's not to get? When his new contract kicks in, he's not as immovable as the media was saying up to the ASG. IMO that leaves the door open for continued rumors. Were it a straight NTC then come July 1, discussion would be over. OK. I am going to give this one more chance to explain. You are assuming (I think) that a NTC is different from a NMC when it comes to being traded. They are not. After July 1, if Vinny has a NTC, and Tampa wants to trade him, they can ask him "Will you accept being traded" ... if Vinny says "yes", than he gets moved. Vinny can give them a list of teams, or just one team.... his option. If he says "no" , then Tampa is stuck with him. After July 1, if Vinny has a NMC, and Tampa wants to trade him, they can ask Vinny "Will you accept being traded" ... if Vinny says "yes", than he gets moved. Viiny can give them a list of teams, or just one team ... his option. If he says "no", then Tampa is stuck with him AND can not waive or demote him. The confusion here (I think) is that you assume one of those contracts (the NTC or the NMC) means that Vinny has a pre-approved list of teams for trading in the contract. This is not true. That type of contract is called a "partial no-trade clause". Now Vinny may have pre-approved team. But he doesn't have to. And I am betting he does not since it has never been released in the media that his NTC or NMC is a "partial" NTC/NMC .... ... either way, if it is a NTC or a NMC, Vinny has the final say in where he goes. So after July 1st, he only gets moved IF he wants to .... |
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Post by blny on Jan 27, 2009 15:23:30 GMT -5
Interesting tidbit about Higgins... www.cyberpresse.ca/sports/hockey/200901/24/01-820538-des-hockeyeurs-froids-et-silencieux.phpIn short, a lot of strange hockey decisions over the years can be explained by how a player behaved off the ice (ie, puck-bunny hunting), and according to the author of the article, a certain name which keeps on popping up in trade rumours can't keep things reasonable, or at least reasonably discreet. Might also explain why he's not developing the way he could, if his focus isn't entirely on his game... When one considers how off-ice issues got Ribeiro, Svoboda, Chelios and who knows who else traded, it's worth considering. Might also be part of the reason Hainsey wasn't valued as highly as some would've thought. I think the Habs should use the Mike Keenan strategy. For example, when Kovalev was with the Rangers and staying on the ice way too long, Keenan kept him on for a Looooooonnnggg stretch and wore him out. So the Habs should stuff Higgins full of Viagra until it hurts to stand to attention and that should cure him. Warning to reader: I didn't look up the article, cause my French is pretty bad, so I'm extrapolating from PTH's comments and could be totally off base in my reasoning. Or not. Awesome! lol "If erection lasts longer than four hours, consult physician." Sorry, I'd be consulting women, not my doctor lol. Seriously though, Chris wouldn't be the first player swept up by some of the activities Montreal has to offer. I'm not saying he has been though. If Chris' stock is low it's mostly because of injuries over the last 2 season. I think that's hampered his development as much as, or more than, anything. |
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Post by Doc Holliday on Jan 28, 2009 12:46:49 GMT -5
What's not to get? When his new contract kicks in, he's not as immovable as the media was saying up to the ASG. IMO that leaves the door open for continued rumors. Were it a straight NTC then come July 1, discussion would be over. OK. I am going to give this one more chance to explain. You are assuming (I think) that a NTC is different from a NMC when it comes to being traded. They are not. After July 1, if Vinny has a NTC, and Tampa wants to trade him, they can ask him "Will you accept being traded" ... if Vinny says "yes", than he gets moved. Vinny can give them a list of teams, or just one team.... his option. If he says "no" , then Tampa is stuck with him. After July 1, if Vinny has a NMC, and Tampa wants to trade him, they can ask Vinny "Will you accept being traded" ... if Vinny says "yes", than he gets moved. Viiny can give them a list of teams, or just one team ... his option. If he says "no", then Tampa is stuck with him AND can not waive or demote him. The confusion here (I think) is that you assume one of those contracts (the NTC or the NMC) means that Vinny has a pre-approved list of teams for trading in the contract. This is not true. That type of contract is called a "partial no-trade clause". Now Vinny may have pre-approved team. But he doesn't have to. And I am betting he does not since it has never been released in the media that his NTC or NMC is a "partial" NTC/NMC .... ... either way, if it is a NTC or a NMC, Vinny has the final say in where he goes. So after July 1st, he only gets moved IF he wants to .... ...an NMC is exactly like an NTC with the actual addition that it protects you from being sent to the minors. With an NTC, a GM can chose not to trade you but send you in the minors to hide your salary (see Denis Gauthier), while he can't do that with a NMC. |
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Post by Doc Holliday on Jan 28, 2009 12:50:15 GMT -5
Interesting tidbit about Higgins... www.cyberpresse.ca/sports/hockey/200901/24/01-820538-des-hockeyeurs-froids-et-silencieux.phpIn short, a lot of strange hockey decisions over the years can be explained by how a player behaved off the ice (ie, puck-bunny hunting), and according to the author of the article, a certain name which keeps on popping up in trade rumours can't keep things reasonable, or at least reasonably discreet. Might also explain why he's not developing the way he could, if his focus isn't entirely on his game... When one considers how off-ice issues got Ribeiro, Svoboda, Chelios and who knows who else traded, it's worth considering. Might also be part of the reason Hainsey wasn't valued as highly as some would've thought. Good things Higgins is not from Quebec 'cause CJAD would be all over him on a daily basis with this kind of stuff... I read and see a lot of things that makes me believe this group lacks serious and focus. |
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Post by seventeen on Jan 28, 2009 22:10:12 GMT -5
Some of these guys can leave it off the ice, though. Chelios for example, was a terrific player. A partier, from the sounds of it, but such a good player that you forgive it. The early 80's Oilers had their share of party animals, to the point where Sather was a pseudo father. You have to manage it.
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Post by CentreHice on Jan 28, 2009 22:23:41 GMT -5
Again, I'll ask. Where does it identify Higgins by name?
Is it implied/inferred or common knowledge?
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Post by CrocRob on Jan 28, 2009 23:20:05 GMT -5
Again, I'll ask. Where does it identify Higgins by name? Is it implied/inferred or common knowledge? Presumably he's the name that comes up in trade rumours, but I agree. It's a stretch to assume it's him. O'Byrne's name seems to pop up a lot recently, too. Maybe it's him. |
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Post by Doc Holliday on Jan 29, 2009 8:18:48 GMT -5
Again, I'll ask. Where does it identify Higgins by name? Is it implied/inferred or common knowledge? He's not named. Here's the phrase: ...In the actual edition of the Canadiens, some youngsters would benefit from being more discrete and act like gentlemen in public. The name of one of them comes up in trade rumors often...The talk around town is that the group of Higgins, Price, Georges and some others are quite the party crowd. A few years ago the "3 amigos" which were really the 4+ amigos since it included Ryder, were in the same situation more or less. The difference back then is that not a day would go by without CJAD pounding on that nail, calling them immature, punks, etc... All 4 are gone. While the current group of young partiers is seen as "just young guys having harmless fun". Tell you one thing, none of Theo, Dags, Ryder or Ribs ever got arrested in a bar for stealing purses or resisting arrest. Gossip stuff fer sure, but when you see no echo of this on the ice it ususally doesn't surface. Some of these guys though are not exactly having dream seasons... |
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Post by CentreHice on Jan 29, 2009 8:32:23 GMT -5
If we knew exactly what pro athletes did during their night lives, we'd likely be appalled and say, "No wonder their performance suffers on any given night."
The fans expect 100% commitment...and it's very likely not being honoured by many players....yet they get 100% of their guaranteed contract $$.
No doubt the partying-to-commitment ratio goes way down during a contract year.
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Post by jkr on Jan 29, 2009 9:00:39 GMT -5
Again, I'll ask. Where does it identify Higgins by name? Is it implied/inferred or common knowledge? Presumably he's the name that comes up in trade rumours, but I agree. It's a stretch to assume it's him. O'Byrne's name seems to pop up a lot recently, too. Maybe it's him. Based on what is already public about O'Byrne, I would put my money on him. |
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Post by Doc Holliday on Jan 29, 2009 9:04:04 GMT -5
If we knew exactly what pro athletes did during their night lives, we'd likely be appalled and say, "No wonder their performance suffers on any given night." The fans expect 100% commitment...and it's very likely not being honoured by many players....yet they get 100% of their guaranteed contract $$. No doubt the partying-to-commitment ratio goes way down during a contract year. ...it ties in somewhat to leadership or lack of it. Nobody keeps this crowd together or makes sure everyone stays in line... A Messier, a Gilmour, a Lemieux, a Gainey... When Ribs got in Dallas, to his own admittance, he "got in line". That's certainly not because there's no bars or night life in Texas, but there are leaders there, that keep the focus in that room and will not tolerate half-ass efforts... and before someone slams me for criticizing Koivu, I'm not. IMO Saku is simply not the kind of guy that goes to someone and tells him to his face that he lacks serious and that it's hurting the team. He's a leave-it-all-on-the-ice, I'll-be-there-for-you kinda guy, which is great, but you also need that other kind, the one that kinda "scares" players. ...but we're straying a bit from Lecavalier rumors |
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Post by Skilly on Jan 29, 2009 10:04:36 GMT -5
Again, I'll ask. Where does it identify Higgins by name? Is it implied/inferred or common knowledge? He's not named. Here's the phrase: ...In the actual edition of the Canadiens, some youngsters would benefit from being more discrete and act like gentlemen in public. The name of one of them comes up in trade rumors often...The talk around town is that the group of Higgins, Price, Georges and some others are quite the party crowd. A few years ago the "3 amigos" which were really the 4+ amigos since it included Ryder, were in the same situation more or less. The difference back then is that not a day would go by without CJAD pounding on that nail, calling them immature, punks, etc... All 4 are gone. While the current group of young partiers is seen as "just young guys having harmless fun". Tell you one thing, none of Theo, Dags, Ryder or Ribs ever got arrested in a bar for stealing purses or resisting arrest. Gossip stuff fer sure, but when you see no echo of this on the ice it ususally doesn't surface. Some of these guys though are not exactly having dream seasons... hmmmmmm maybe Ryder was guilty by association, being the party boy's room-mate...  .... boy oh boy, I sure hope Higgins doesn't get real wild and start making paper airplanes!!  |
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Post by clear observer on Jan 29, 2009 11:16:55 GMT -5
and before someone slams me for criticizing Koivu, I'm not. Then why single him out? IMO Saku is simply not the kind of guy that goes to someone and tells him to his face that he lacks serious and that it's hurting the team. Nor is he required to be. He's a leave-it-all-on-the-ice, I'll-be-there-for-you kinda guy, which is great Yep, great indeed, and moreover, more than enough. Leadership comes in many, many forms. Koivu leads, and leads well, the best he knows how. He does it admirably and has done so longer than any Hab in history. While I know you're thinking that you're not questioning any of these facts directly, what your post does suggest, subtle or not, is that he's lacking, that Koivu's leadership has shortcomings, is incomplete, etc. I don't think it fair. Joe Sakic is perhaps the quietest, most mellow, soft-spoken NHL'er to ever play the game yet is considered one of it's all-time greatest leaders. Gordie Howe quickly comes to mind....Doug Harvey, Steve Yzerman....the list goes on. A loudmouth opinionated player that strikes fear into a team-mate does not a leader make. You want someone more "vocal", "judgemental"? Hire John Brophy. I want a guy that does his talking on the ice. |
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Post by Doc Holliday on Jan 29, 2009 13:26:30 GMT -5
and before someone slams me for criticizing Koivu, I'm not. Then why single him out? . ...because it's hard to talk about leadership issues while avoiding the guy wearing the C... Nor is he required to be. . In your opinion. While I know you're thinking that you're not questioning any of these facts directly, what your post does suggest, subtle or not, is that he's lacking, that Koivu's leadership has shortcomings, is incomplete, etc. I don't think it fair. ...when the team is in dissaray, coach Carbo often had to challenge Koivu to do something, gather the guys, make a team meeting, etc... When he got in Detroit Aaron Downey said that the leadership there was the biggest difference as they wouldn't allow the kind of stuff that was allowed in Montreal... IMO, there is more to being a leader that just giving an effort on the ice most of the time, especially when you wear the "C" just like there is more to being a boss than actually doing your tasks right and hope it'll motivate and rallye the troops.... I still believe Koivu needs help to lead the troop because it is obvious that not every player on that team feel the must or have to work as hard as the guy wearing the C... Captains like Modano and Lecavalier took a step back at some point in their carreer because their leadership was not getting through, yet they remained important presence around the team. |
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Post by clear observer on Jan 29, 2009 14:55:12 GMT -5
Then why single him out? . ...because it's hard to talk about leadership issues while avoiding the guy wearing the C... But doc, you prefaced your post with, "and before someone slams me for criticizing Koivu, I'm not." but then carried on with precisely that; a criticism of Koivu's shortcomings as a leader. You wrote: "IMO Saku is simply not the kind of guy that goes to someone and tells him to his face that he lacks serious and that it's hurting the team." I responded: "Nor is he required to be." You responded: "In your opinion". While true, this is my opinion, it is also true that it must also be the opinion of the organization AND ITS players that have allowed him to lead their team longer than ANYONE ELSE in it's history...a history richer and deeper than any other, it should be noted. Quite a testiment for a player "lacking" in leadership. If the criteria to be a team captain is as you suggest then it would follow that quiet soft-spoken players like Gainey, Yzerman, Howe, Harvey, Sakic, (the list is endless) might not have captained your teams? Yes, Koivu needs support. EVERY captain on EVERY team needs support. I've stated time and again that the best followers make the best leaders, and vice versa. If Koivu is in ANY way failing his team, it's SOLELY because the team is failing him. I too, wish he were an Henri Richard type (IMO, the greatest Hab captain I've ever seen play) but then we would be without a Saku Koivu type. Leadership manifests itself in many, many ways. He leads his nation and he leads our Habs. I'll take what he's gives and has given since September 30, 1999 and be content. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jan 29, 2009 19:16:05 GMT -5
Just heard on TSN that since the Vinny rumours started swirling, Tomas Plekanec's play dropped off significantly. According to MacKenzie, Pleks was one of the players being mentioned in the scenario.
They also mentioned the JayBo talk to Montreal as well, but didn't mention any details. Maybe in the 1st intermission. Who knows.
Cheers.
Edit: it's only speculation by TSN. "What if Montreal went after JayBo ..."
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Post by jkr on Jan 30, 2009 10:42:26 GMT -5
Just heard on TSN that since the Vinny rumours started swirling, Tomas Plekanec's play dropped off significantly. According to MacKenzie, Pleks was one of the players being mentioned in the scenario. They also mentioned the JayBo talk to Montreal as well, but didn't mention any details. Maybe in the 1st intermission. Who knows. Cheers. Edit: it's only speculation by TSN. "What if Montreal went after JayBo ..." I wish TSN would stick to real news instead od trade speculation. Once they start that they are just steps away from Eklund.  BTW have they been watching Plekanec play this year? How could they tell if his play has dropped off? It's been at a low level all season. |
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Post by clear observer on Jan 30, 2009 12:11:12 GMT -5
BTW have they been watching Plekanec play this year? How could they tell if his play has dropped off? It's been at a low level all season. They can, much in the same manner they chose Komisarek as the Habs ALL-TIME RD under ANY criteria. Dimwits. |
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Post by jkr on Jan 30, 2009 12:47:52 GMT -5
BTW have they been watching Plekanec play this year? How could they tell if his play has dropped off? It's been at a low level all season. They can, much in the same manner they chose Komisarek as the Habs ALL-TIME RD under ANY criteria. Dimwits. That's not the way I understood the selection of that team. I beleive it was intended to simulate a real team, not an all star or all time team. |
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Post by clear observer on Jan 30, 2009 13:17:24 GMT -5
They can, much in the same manner they chose Komisarek as the Habs ALL-TIME RD under ANY criteria. Dimwits. That's not the way I understood the selection of that team. I beleive it was intended to simulate a real team, not an all star or all time team. Unless of course the criteria they set forth was "highest drafted over-rated, right-shooting D-man, goaltender-screening, zero puck-poise, passing, shooting, can't fight, ridiculously weak relative to size, can't open-ice hit, crosschecks to backs of necks in order to contain forwards, still learning defensive zone coverage after 300 NHL games, etc..............." then I see absolutely NO reason why he gets the nod over pretty-much ANY Montreal Canadien defenseman that has played on the right-side top pairing. I'd rather a young (hell, some nights even an old) Patrice Brisebois there instead. Not only does his "defensive prowess" NOT make up for his offensive difficiencies, he's actually become quite shiitty in his own end most nights this season. His game truly handcuffs Markov, IMO. |
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Post by CrocRob on Jan 30, 2009 13:37:22 GMT -5
His game truly handcuffs Markov, IMO. Hah. I just spit out my coffee. Markov has been nothing short of mediocre with and without Komisarek this year. Hate on Mike all you want, but Markov's not handcuffed with having to bail out Komisarek night after night like EVERY defenseman has to do for Markov. Nobody handcuffs Markov. He handcuffs himself by forcing stretch passes that don't hit forwards and pinching down low WHEN ALL THREE FORWARDS ARE ON THE GOAL LINE. |
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Post by clear observer on Jan 30, 2009 13:50:05 GMT -5
His game truly handcuffs Markov, IMO. Hah. I just spit out my coffee. Markov has been nothing short of mediocre with and without Komisarek this year. Hate on Mike all you want, but Markov's not handcuffed with having to bail out Komisarek night after night like EVERY defenseman has to do for Markov. Nobody handcuffs Markov. He handcuffs himself by forcing stretch passes that don't hit forwards and pinching down low WHEN ALL THREE FORWARDS ARE ON THE GOAL LINE. Yeah, and you thought Komi was strong last night when everyone, even his staunchest supporters, acknowledge he played like crapola. Ah well...I think he handcuffs Markov and you don't....careful not to choke....oh, and clean up that mess....coffee can leave a nasty stain! ;D |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jan 30, 2009 14:32:50 GMT -5
Lecavalier is not leading the league in scoring.
He is big.
He is talented.
He is French. (make that born in Quebec)
He is not the same calibre as Malkin, Crosby or Ovetchkin.
Sure I want him, but he is not the "Six million dollar man." (sorry, that was a pre-inflation reference to superhuman)
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jan 30, 2009 14:51:39 GMT -5
Hah. I just spit out my coffee. Markov has been nothing short of mediocre with and without Komisarek this year. Hate on Mike all you want, but Markov's not handcuffed with having to bail out Komisarek night after night like EVERY defenseman has to do for Markov. Nobody handcuffs Markov. He handcuffs himself by forcing stretch passes that don't hit forwards and pinching down low WHEN ALL THREE FORWARDS ARE ON THE GOAL LINE. Yeah, and you thought Komi was strong last night when everyone, even his staunchest supporters, acknowledge he played like crapola. Ah well...I think he handcuffs Markov and you don't....careful not to choke....oh, and clean up that mess....coffee can leave a nasty stain! ;D Markov is leading our team in scoring right now. I don`t know if it`s a case of either player handcuffing the other, but they simply don`t work well together on many nights. Behind Markov in scoring is Lang. I`m happy for Robert, don`t get me wrong, but other players on our team are being paid to out-score these guys and it ain`t happening. I just wish this Vinny issue could be resolved sooner rather than later. It`s creating a lot of distraction and side conflicts the longer it goes on. But, I`m sure the media will be dragging it on as long as they can ... and dragging everyone along with them. SIGH!!! |
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Post by CrocRob on Jan 30, 2009 16:20:40 GMT -5
Hah. I just spit out my coffee. Markov has been nothing short of mediocre with and without Komisarek this year. Hate on Mike all you want, but Markov's not handcuffed with having to bail out Komisarek night after night like EVERY defenseman has to do for Markov. Nobody handcuffs Markov. He handcuffs himself by forcing stretch passes that don't hit forwards and pinching down low WHEN ALL THREE FORWARDS ARE ON THE GOAL LINE. Yeah, and you thought Komi was strong last night when everyone, even his staunchest supporters, acknowledge he played like crapola. Ah well...I think he handcuffs Markov and you don't....careful not to choke....oh, and clean up that mess....coffee can leave a nasty stain! ;D I'm just jumping on a plane to Chicago so I don't have time to reply in fill but that's in fact not what I said. And moreover in what world is skilly one of komisarek's staunchest supporters? |
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Post by Doc Holliday on Jan 31, 2009 9:45:08 GMT -5
While true, this is my opinion, it is also true that it must also be the opinion of the organization AND ITS players that have allowed him to lead their team longer than ANYONE ELSE in it's history...a history richer and deeper than any other, it should be noted. Quite a testiment for a player "lacking" in leadership. ...in all honesty, where did Koivu ever lead this team? ***cricket*** ***cricket***Longest serving captain during the weakest years of this franchise. Players may have voted him in at some poin but players no longer in that room also have said that leadership is an issue. GMs over the years continually had to break cliques in hope to create unity. Last year the team was the best we saw in years becasue Kovalev took matter in his own hands and carried it as far as he could. Meanwhile Saku was having an ordinary season. ...this year Kovalev just doesn't seem to be able to hit that same high note and so we're back at seeing the familiar picture of players showing up when they feel like it... Is Koivu making a difference? I'm not seeing it. We're all waiting for Price or Kovalev or somebody to pick up that ball... You mention names like Sakic and Yzerman... These guys carried their team, lead the league, they were franchse players, not sixty-ish pts players that disapear for stretches... Completely different beasts... Koivu needs a strong supporting cast to hold it together and color me skeptical that he and Kovy see eye to eye and can gather the troops around them. And with a guys like Higgins completing the trio, you have a pretty weak leadership core in my book. |
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Post by HFTO on Jan 31, 2009 11:44:41 GMT -5
...Habs may never move forward until Koivu is gone?
HFTO
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Post by clear observer on Jan 31, 2009 13:37:36 GMT -5
You mention names like Sakic and Yzerman... These guys carried their team, lead the league, they were franchse players, not sixty-ish pts players that disapear for stretches... Completely different beasts... I don't see any correlation between leading statistically and leading; in fact, there is none. Same applies where being branded the "franchise player". Whenever did Guy Lafleur wear a "C"? Mike Bossy? I don't ever recall Henri Richard winning any scoring titles? Serge Savard, Bob Gainey, Guy Carbonneau? Moreover, were any of them ever considered "franchise players"? Marcel Dionne was a scoring machine, one of the greatest EVER...how many rings does he wear? Was HE a poor captain? Having said that, Koivu HAS consistently led his Habs statistically every season he's played; always atop his teamm' leaderboard. 5th in his rookie-year (3rd-line center) 4th in 1997 (in ONLY 50 Games played) 3rd in 1998 (missed 13 games) 2nd in 1999 (missed 17 games) In 2000 he scored 21pts in 24 games 1st in 2001 (missing an 28 games!!) In 2002 he had scored 2pts in 3 games 1st in 2003 3rd in 2004 (missed 14 games) 2nd in 2006 (missed 10 games) 1st in 2007 5th in 2008 (missed 5 games) Sakic, Yzerman had MAGNIFICENT supporting cast members...EVERY cup-winning team must. Koivu's been a great leader IN SPITE of his, IMO. Has he done enough? Damn straight he has. Does he do enough? Again, damn straight. I'd hate to see how far this franchise would have fallen had they not drafted Saku Koivu. He, more than anyone else since 1995-96, has kept this franchise respectable. He HAS been it's "franchise player". |
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Post by Doc Holliday on Feb 1, 2009 10:17:22 GMT -5
You mention names like Sakic and Yzerman... These guys carried their team, lead the league, they were franchse players, not sixty-ish pts players that disapear for stretches... Completely different beasts... I don't see any correlation between leading statistically and leading; Holly cow, Sakik and Yzerman did more that lead statiscally. Both were players that could turn a game around and did it often. Anyone would build a team around these guys in their prime. And anyone whould pick either ahead of Koivu. Gainey? Best ever defensive forward, called best player in the world by Tikhonov (sp?). Carbo? Richard? These guys were pure guts, controlling their team with a iron hand. Dunno where we'd be without Koivu. He's a good player for sure. World class in fact. Thing is, IMO, he was miscasted early in his carreer as a guy that could carry this team on his back and for all sort of reasons never did. Guys like Damphousse, Theodore and Kovalev come to mind as guys that carried the franchise above and beyond at some point in time since Roy left. I'm not saying we should get rid of Koivu, but I maintain leadership is an issue on this team. |
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.... boy oh boy, I sure hope Higgins doesn't get real wild and start making paper airplanes!! 
