Hamilton 2004-05

[Bob]

Last year over 30 different players wore the Bulldogs uniform but many of the familiar faces won't be back

The Bulldogs have lost 3 of their top 4 scorers and if Plekanec and Hossa happen to make the Habs, then they have lost 5 of their top six scorers. Kostitsyn is an interesting possiblity at RW.

With the signing of Morgan and Ivanans, it's obvious the Canadiens are adding some toughness to their organization and that should help to give some of the skilled players more skating room.

I believe both Hainsey and Beauchemin would have to clear waivers to remain with the Dogs, so chances are that they have lost their top two defensemen as well. Shasby, Flood and Glenn all look like long shots at this point. Glenn in particular because he didn't even attend the prospects camp

It will be interesting to see who plays behind Danis next year. I'm sure Damphousse remains a possibility. Michaud is still young and could use another year in the ECHL getting lots of shots and lots of ice time. And Dallas could be sending a goaltending prospect as well.

Here is a list of players that might be considered. A lot will depend on who Dallas happens to send to Hamilton.

Higgins-Plekanec-Kostitsyn
Lambert-Urquhart-Milroy
Larivee-Locke-Ferland
Ivanans- ? -Morgan
Carpentier - ? - Thinel

Cote - ?
Vydareney - Archer
Shasby - Flood
Glenn - ?

Danis
Damphousse
Michaud
?


Did I miss anyone?

Are there any comments or opinions about the players on this list?

[blaise]

That doesn't like like a bad complement.

[montreal]

With Morgan and Ivantas, I would think Carpentier is done. But I would expect Plante to be back, as he has a team option and played well this year. Cote I hope is signed. I would like to see Shasby given a shot as well, Flood could be signed instead of going back as an over ager, and Glenn if signed I would think will be in the ECHL.

Dallas is supposed to send a goalie from what I've heard, so I would think Michaud will be in the ECHL as well. Other then that and the stars prospects, the roster looks right.

[HabbaDasher]

Dagenais
Hossa
Lapierre

And isn't Dykhuis still under contract?

[NWTHabsFan]

I would expect that Dykuis' $1.7M contract is one that attracts frugal Bob Gainey's attention. Expect some action on that before first game in October IMO.

Stars have Daley and Shawn Belle on D, both of whom who would help a Bulldogs D that needed some work. Given Archer's good camp, I would guess that one of Hainsey/Beauchy (my guess being the latter), would be back, joining Archer, Vrdareney, Cote (although unsigned, still good for the farm), Shasby and two Stars prospects. That might explain leaving Carpentier alone and also signing that big Ivanas who can also sub in for D if needed. Look for Flood to make a case for a spot, and Glenn should get his shot although a lack of Dev Camp invite speaks volumes IMO.

[montreal]

HabbaDasher said:

Dagenais
Hossa
Lapierre

And isn't Dykhuis still under contract?

Lapierre is too young, he can't play in the AHL next year, it's PEI for him.

[montreal]

NWTHabsFan said:

I would expect that Dykuis' $1.7M contract is one that attracts frugal Bob Gainey's attention. Expect some action on that before first game in October IMO.

Stars have Daley and Shawn Belle on D, both of whom who would help a Bulldogs D that needed some work. Given Archer's good camp, I would guess that one of Hainsey/Beauchy (my guess being the latter), would be back, joining Archer, Vrdareney, Cote (although unsigned, still good for the farm), Shasby and two Stars prospects. That might explain leaving Carpentier alone and also signing that big Ivanas who can also sub in for D if needed. Look for Flood to make a case for a spot, and Glenn should get his shot although a lack of Dev Camp invite speaks volumes IMO.

Belle is too young for the AHL, he won't be 20 till januray. Daley would be a solid pickup for Hamilton, as they will need experience if Beauchemin isn't back and if he is they still could have Archer, Shasby and Flood in the lineup all who have little or no AHL experience.

Cote has to be signed to play anywhere, as he is a FA, as he was signed to a one year deal by Hamilton back in september. Cote doesn't have great skills, but is a hard working player that will get his nose dirty and is coming off a solid rookie season. I really hope he's signed, and I'm glad the leafs let him walk a few years back.

[Bob]

If Dallas contributes between 4 & 6 players there will be some on this list who won't make it. I would prefer to see players like Flood and Glenn play a lot of minutes in the ECHL rather than ride the bench behind Dallas prospects in Hamilton. The same is true for Michaud, however, I don't think he fits in the Habs long term plans unless he really surprises.

I hope the relationship works out better than what we had with Tampa. Only two players played the full season for Hamilton and it left the baby Habs scrambling at times.

Gainey knows the Dallas organization and I am sure he wants to build a winning tradition in the AHL so the players have that mindset when they graduate to the NHL.

[Maritimer]

Hopefully Dallas will send a few "experienced" prospects. That is not a very strong AHL team...its too young. You need a solid mix of the 20 and 23-24 year old prospects to make it work.
There is nobody on that roster to put the puck in the net and possibly two rookie goalies? Ouch

[Bob]

Perhaps one of the Dallas prospects will be Junior Lessard.

That would give the Dogs two out of the three Hobey Baker finalists on their roster

[blaise]

Bob said:

Perhaps one of the Dallas prospects will be Junior Lessard.

That would give the Dogs two out of the three Hobey Baker finalists on their roster

Isn't it possible (although not probable) that Kotsitsyn would be playing in Montréal rather than Hamilton if he has a sensational training camp?

[NWTHabsFan]

Blaise said:

Isn't it possible (although not probable) that Kotsitsyn would be playing in Montréal rather than Hamilton if he has a sensational training camp?

It is possible, but my odds would be a transition period in Hamilton for Kosty.

BTW, the three Hobie Baker hat trick finalists were Yann Danis, Junior Lessard and Zach Parise with Junior of UMD winning the award. Lessard as a Dallas prospect and Danis as a Habs prospect are most likely to be playing together in Hamilton if Lessard is one of the possible 6 players Dallas sends to Hamilton.

[oldhabsfan]

Re: Kostitsyn playing in Montreal versus Hamilton -

NWTHabsFan said:

It is possible, but my odds would be a transition period in Hamilton for Kosty.

The prospect camp reports had Kostitsyn being weak on defence with that being the
main hole in his game. I suspect managememt will tell him "As soon as you clean up
your defensive game playing in the AHL, you'll be in the big league"; and with that incentive and Jarvis' "advice" it won't be long.

Always assuming, or course, that there is an NHL in 2004-5.

Another Kovalchuk would be nice, but another Gilles Tremblay might be even nicer
(speaking of quality and ignoring position).

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

oldhabsfan said:

Re: Kostitsyn playing in Montreal versus Hamilton -

The prospect camp reports had Kostitsyn being weak on defence with that being the
main hole in his game. I suspect managememt will tell him "As soon as you clean up
your defensive game playing in the AHL, you'll be in the big league"; and with that incentive and Jarvis' "advice" it won't be long.

I think he'll pick up enough defensive awareness under Jarvis' tutelage to make him more an asset than a liabilty. Offensively this kid sounds like a natural. It's a tall call but I wouldn't be at all surprised if Kostitsyn turns out to be the most exciting Hab since Lafleur.

Another Kovalchuk would be nice, but another Gilles Tremblay might be even nicer
(speaking of quality and ignoring position).

Flashback: I got Gille's autograph on my Victoriaville at my pee-wee team's banquet in the 60s. What speed he had. Too bad he busted his leg after skating over a penny near the boards.

[blaise]

Gilles Tremblay was my favorite Hab after Maurice Richard retired. In addition to everything else he was a very smart player, very good defensively.

[oldhabsfan]

Blaise said:

Gilles Tremblay was my favorite Hab after Maurice Richard retired. In addition to everything else he was a very smart player, very good defensively.

In the early 60's, in Bobby Hull's heyday, Gilles Tremblay was considered the second best left winger in the league - on some nights the best. His kind of two-way game wins Cups.

I was very sad when asthma forced him to retire early.

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

oldhabsfan said:

In the early 60's, in Bobby Hull's heyday, Gilles Tremblay was considered the second best left winger in the league - on some nights the best. His kind of two-way game wins Cups.

I was very sad when asthma forced him to retire early.

I liked Gilles Tremblay too, but he was never considered the second best left winger in the league. He wasn't even the second best left winger on the Hab's.
He was an effective checker and hard worker with a modicum of speed, but second best, not the way I remember him.

Doug Riseboro, Dickie Duff and Mario Tremblay reminded me of Gilles Tremblay in style.

Mahovlich, Ferguson, Moore, Shutt, Provost and Lambert were all effective left wingers.

[blaise]

Habs_fan_in_LA said:

I liked Gilles Tremblay too, but he was never considered the second best left winger in the league. He wasn't even the second best left winger on the Hab's.
He was an effective checker and hard worker with a modicum of speed, but second best, not the way I remember him.

Doug Riseboro, Dickie Duff and Mario Tremblay reminded me of Gilles Tremblay in style.

Mahovlich, Ferguson, Moore, Shutt, Provost and Lambert were all effective left wingers.

Claude Provost was a right wing. In fact, the Habs had a line of Tremblay-Béliveau-Provost that I remember very well because of their ability to shut down the Mikita line in the playoffs.

Gilles Tremblay was a better skater than Risebrough and Mario Tremblay. For a time he played on a unit with Henri Richard and Bobby Rousseau that could really fly. Frank Mahovlich, of course, was a great skater, better than Tremblay. The Hab who most resembled Mahovlich in skating style was Murray Wilson (but little resemblance when it came to shooting, passing, or stickhandling).

Finally, most of those players (Mahovlich, Shutt, Lambert, Risebrough, and Mario Tremblay) weren't on the Habs at any time during Gilles Tremblay's years with the team. Only Ferguson, Moore, Duff, and Provost were.

[blaise]

oldhabsfan said:

In the early 60's, in Bobby Hull's heyday, Gilles Tremblay was considered the second best left winger in the league - on some nights the best. His kind of two-way game wins Cups.

I was very sad when asthma forced him to retire early.

Aren't you overlooking, among others, Frank Mahovlich?

[seventeen]

Blaise said:

The Hab who most resembled Mahovlich in skating style was Murray Wilson (but little resemblance when it came to shooting, passing, or stickhandling).

Hey. You're knocking one of my faves at the time. (Notice the resemblence in numbers). Not only could Murray skate, he also may have had the hardest shot on the team. I say hardest, not most accurate. Shutt's was heavier, but Murray could really let it rip. Great sound off the back boards.

[blaise]

I enjoyed watching Murray, but he just didn't bulge the twines with his shot often enough.

[blaise]

If there is a lockout, and the Habs send down Komisarek and Ryder, they may regret accepting 6 players from Dallas because there won't be room in Hamilton for all of their prospects.

[NWTHabsFan]

Since the Hamilton roster is getting firmed up and camp is less than a fortnight away, I will play around a bit and throw together a fun potential lineup (a direct spin off from another thread where we are now all strong sworn supporters of the Bulldog cause):

Higgins-Plekanec-Kostitsyn
Miettinen-Dusablon-Milroy
Ott-Morgan-Ferland
Lambert-Urquhart-Thinel

Spares: Ivanans, Larrivee, Locke

First line puts all your top players at each position, and also gives Kosty some experienced players and some good two-way guys to work with.

Second line puts an experienced Dusablon who can get the points in the AHL with Miettinen who has good overall skills and Milroy who has earned some more regular ice time based on a good camp/tourney. This line won't hurt you.

Third line is energy all the way. Pesky Morgan gets to match up with agitator Ott and physical Ferland, this trio can check and can also get you a goal or two.

Fourth line is sort of a left over bunch. Newbies Ferland and Urquhart get to work some ice time in with ECHL guy Thinel. The team has the flex to insert monster Ivanans, Locke or Larrivee as needed, so good overall mix and depth up front.

Daley-Komisarek
Cote-Archer
Shasby-??

Still surprised we only received one defenceman from Dallas. Plante and Carpentier may be back (not sure of their status but they likely will be back since there are spots open), and it looks like Flood will remain in juniors unless he gets invited to the Dogs camp and possibly gets signed to the Dogs.

The first pairing is a good one, the best young defencemen from two NHL organizations. One big defensive guy and a good offensive minded guy alongside. The second group is a nice stay at home pair, and they should dish out some hits in front and behind the net. Keep your heads up against these two. Shasby should get the call on the third pairing after a good ECHL season, and he has some offensive abilities to also see him possibly get some PP time on the second pairing. Not sure who will round out the top 6 or fill in as the #7 or 8 guy, but Plante and/or Carpentier if they return. Dan reported Ryan Glenn is at the NYR AHL camp, so it appears that the Habs have no interest in signing now that he is done at the NCAA.

Danis
Ellis

These two will get the nod and I would imagine Michaud will be the depth guy who likely sees more time in the ECHL in the meantime (note: I know some feel he may be a RFA, so this all may be moot).

[Bob]

NWTHabsFan said:

Since the Hamilton roster is getting firmed up and camp is less than a fortnight away, I will play around a bit and throw together a fun potential lineup (a direct spin off from another thread where we are now all strong sworn supporters of the Bulldog cause):

Higgins-Plekanec-Kostitsyn
Miettinen-Dusablon-Milroy
Ott-Morgan-Ferland
Lambert-Urquhart-Thinel

Spares: Ivanans, Larrivee, Locke

First line puts all your top players at each position, and also gives Kosty some experienced players and some good two-way guys to work with.

Second line puts an experienced Dusablon who can get the points in the AHL with Miettinen who has good overall skills and Milroy who has earned some more regular ice time based on a good camp/tourney. This line won't hurt you.

Third line is energy all the way. Pesky Morgan gets to match up with agitator Ott and physical Ferland, this trio can check and can also get you a goal or two.

Fourth line is sort of a left over bunch. Newbies Ferland and Urquhart get to work some ice time in with ECHL guy Thinel. The team has the flex to insert monster Ivanans, Locke or Larrivee as needed, so good overall mix and depth up front.

Your lines look like a possibility to me but I think we might see Morgan as a RW on the 4th line with Urquhart and Locke filling out the 3rd and 4th line centre spots.

[Deleted]

I'm going to the Dogs website right now to find out when I can catch some Bulldog games.

[NWTHabsFan]

Bob said:

Your lines look like a possibility to me but I think we might see Morgan as a RW on the 4th line with Urquhart and Locke filling out the 3rd and 4th line centre spots.

Bob, your alternative is quite clearly a possibility. With such a young team I went on the presumption that they would keep the experienced Morgan, a proven pesky two-way guy, as opposed to the Cory/Corey rookies both going at centre. The third line C has big time defensive responsibilities and I am not sure if either are proven commodities in that regard in Jarvis' eyes quite yet. A 28 year old Morgan has earned his stripes in that regard.

I also wouldn't be surprised that if they wanted both Cories in the game, then Uruqhart gets some time on the wing alongside Locke stock and barrel since Mr U's faceoff winning percentage in the Q was not superb.

Oh well, it is fun speculating and coming up with different options, at least we will be able to talk real hockey again soon as their camp starts at the end of this month.

[legaspesien]

NWTHabsFan said:

Spares: Ivanans, Larrivee, Locke

Larrivée will be in the top 6 foward next season

[Bob]

The training camp roster has been announced and there are some new names to go along with those that were invited from the rookie camp.

[Goldthorpe]

The habs have assigned the following 21 players to Hamilton for next season (source: www.canoe.ca/AHL/News/2004/09/20/636895.html):

Benoit Dusablon (C)
Chris Higgins (C)
Corey Locke (C)
Tomas Plekanec (C)
Cory Urquhart (C)
Michael Lambert (LW)
Christian Larrivee (LW)
Jonathan Ferland (RW)
Andrei Kostitsyn (RW)
Duncan Milroy (RW)
Marc-Andre Thinel (RW)
Raitis Ivanans (?)
Gavin Morgan (?)
Benjamin Carpentier (?)

Andrew Archer (D)
Jean-Philippe Cote (D)
Mike Komisarek (D)
Philippe Plante (D)
Matt Shasby (D)

Yann Danis (G)
Olivier Michaud (G)

Of course, Dallas has still to assign their 4(5?) players.

[NWTHabsFan]

21 Habs players, 4 from Dallas, and these 7 tryouts:

"A total of seven more players round out the Bulldogs 2004 Training Camp roster: defensemen Dan Jancevski, Jonathan Jolette, Derick Martin, James Sanford and Gary Zinck, and forwards Eric Normandin and Marco Rosa."

Jolette, Martin and Sanford are all invitees from the Habs' rookie camp.

Jancevski seems to be a big 23 year old from the Stars' org and played in Utah of the AHL for the last three years.

www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=42375

Zinck is a 24 year old who has played in the Q, Canadian University, and briefly in the UHL and CHL.

www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=49787

Normandin is a well travelled 27 year old, with a few stamps on his passport.

www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=26816

Rosa is a Stars 2001 draft pick who just finished up his NCAA career.

www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=56506

A few more links to the Dallas organization it would appear.