Marcel Hossa and Chris Higgins

[Bob]

Sifting through the stats from this year, the average player who played on the second line scored about 40 points last year. Some like Ribeiro did much better and others not so well.

Breaking it down even further, the top scorer on the second line averaged about 50 points and the lowest scorer averaged about 30 points.

Let's make a HUGE assumption and say that our first line next year will be Zednik, Koivu and Kovalev.

If Ribeiro and Ryder remain as fixtures on the second line, do Hossa or Higgins have the ability to contribute 30 points or more as the second line LW next year while playing a strong all-around game.

Keep in mind that Dagenais had 27 points in only 50 games. That equates to about 44 points over the course of a full year and would be about average for a second line player. However, he brings little else to the table in terms of all-around play.

Perreault also scored 31 points in 69 games but he is also a defensive liability and provides no grit.

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

I would widen the field to include Plekanec and Perezhogin, both of whom I think could contribute 30 points. I see Higgins and Plekanec as, at this point at least, being the most defensively skilled and responsible of the four.

[Bob]

Mr. said:

I would widen the field to include Plekanec and Perezhogin, both of whom I think could contribute 30 points. I see Higgins and Plekanec as, at this point at least, being the most defensively skilled and responsible of the four.

I see Plekanec being given a great opportunity to earn his stripes as the 4th line centre with a chance to move up in the depth charts to become the third line centre. He is smaller than than Juneau but plays bigger.

Perezhogin simply wows me with his potential but in the short term I see Hossa or Higgins as a better fit on LW. Part of it is that both are look to be physically stronger than Perezhogin. I can foresee Perezhogin playing the first half year in the minors and if his play warrants a call-up then by all means.

Of course this is all on the assumption that there is an NHL season next year and that Montreal re-signs Kovalev. If Kovalev is not re-signed, Perezhogin would become my first choice as a replacement on RW.

This is a nice problem to have for a change.

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

Bob said:

Sifting through the stats from this year, the average player who played on the second line scored about 40 points last year. Some like Ribeiro did much better and others not so well.

Breaking it down even further, the top scorer on the second line averaged about 50 points and the lowest scorer averaged about 30 points.

Let's make a HUGE assumption and say that our first line next year will be Zednik, Koivu and Kovalev.

If Ribeiro and Ryder remain as fixtures on the second line, do Hossa or Higgins have the ability to contribute 30 points or more as the second line LW next year while playing a strong all-around game.

Keep in mind that Dagenais had 27 points in only 50 games. That equates to about 44 points over the course of a full year and would be about average for a second line player. However, he brings little else to the table in terms of all-around play.

Perreault also scored 31 points in 69 games but he is also a defensive liability and provides no grit.

I hope everyone is keeping Dagenais in mind. If he works on his skating and improves a bit, 6'5", young, and 27 points in 50 games isn't a bad place to start.
Our stars of the future, Ribeiro, Higgins, and Locke are not big imposing power forwards. Kastitsyn isn't a giant either if he ever makes it here.

[seventeen]

Habs_fan_in_LA said:

I hope everyone is keeping Dagenais in mind.

I am. I'm trying to figure our what someone will give us for him now that we've showcased him for half a year, to prove he can score in the NHL.

[PTH]

Habs_fan_in_LA said:

.... If he works on his skating and improves a bit.....

Problem is that he's past the age where players are improving. This is like asking Bouillon to grow a few inches - it just won't happen.

[Bob]

Habs_fan_in_LA said:

I hope everyone is keeping Dagenais in mind. If he works on his skating and improves a bit, 6'5", young, and 27 points in 50 games isn't a bad place to start.
Our stars of the future, Ribeiro, Higgins, and Locke are not big imposing power forwards. Kastitsyn isn't a giant either if he ever makes it here.

When you compare Hossa to Dagenais you get some very intersting numbers.

Throughout their AHL careers both players have put up points on a relatively equal basis. Hossa has averaged .722 points per game while Dagenais averaged .727 points per game. Dagenais has played roughly twice as many games in the AHL as Hossa (297 to 144) and given more experience in that league, it is conceivable that Hossa would surpass Dagenais' point totals.

Dagenais and Hossa are both big players with the edge to Dagenais on size and a huge to Hossa on skating ability. Both can shoot the puck but Hossa is stronger along the boards when he puts his mind to it. Hossa can also pass the puck. Dagenais' assists seem to happen when someone puts in a rebound of one of his big shots.

Since turning pro Hossa has never spent a full season for anyone one club. He has been bounced up and down between the AHL and the NHL. These constant changes can have an effect on a player's psyche and that sometimes prevents him from reaching his full potential.

As a matter of comparison, we need to look no farther than Jason Ward who was bounced around like a yo-yo before finally settling in with Hamilton last year. He finally blossomed and has earned his spot on the Habs.

Hossa is also 3 years younger than Dagenais.

I think it is a huge mistake to dismiss Hossa as a candidate for the Habs next year.

[montreal]

Hossa will be on the Habs or traded, cause there's no way he would clear waviers.