Gainey looking of offensive d-man

[Disgruntled70sHab]

Guys, I'll post what I can from this but it would take me a while to translate the whole shebang.

Here's the article.

I think the article says, among other things, that Brian Burke has yet to receive any serious offers for the #2 selection.

I jumped down to the "Adrian Aucoin" paragraph and it confirms that with departure of Brisebois, Gainey is looking for an offensive d-man, preferably a righty. It goes on to say that Aucoin has a cannon-shot from that accounted for the 23 goals he scored while with Vancouver.

If one of you guys want to do the honours that would be great. Like I was saying, it would take me a while to translate the whole thing. Thanks.

Cheers.

[PTH]

disgruntled70shab said:

I jumped down to the "Adrian Aucoin" paragraph and it confirms that with departure of Brisebois, Gainey is looking for an offensive d-man, preferably a righty. It goes on to say that Aucoin has a cannon-shot from that accounted for the 23 goals he scored while with Vancouver.

The article doesn't say much - Habs have chit-chatted with the teams a few picks higher and lower, and are looking (at the NHL level, not the draft) for an offensive defenseman and a high-level forward. They talk about Kovelev, which is to be expected, but the Aucoin babble is really just a reporter making things up, there's no reason to think any more than before that Aucoin is on his way.

My guess is that Gainey will wind up going for a lesser name, someone we in MTL might not know as well since he'll be from out West - Gainey still knows the Western Conference better than the Eastern, after all those years in Dallas.

[duster]

I'll give it a shot...my french is getting rusty


Bob Gainey has held talks with two teams in the hope of improving the Canadiens position for Saturday's draft in Ottawa.

"We've received calls from one or two teams ahead of us" said the Canadiens GM during an informal press conference held in a Gatineau hotel. " We've also received calls from one or two teams selecting behind us. I won't hide that my preference is to move up rather than down."

Gainey noted that the chances of a trade are slim a few hours prior to the draft

" It's a possibility but I'll admit that it's unlikely at the moment. Things could change Saturday morning"

The Anaheim Mighty Ducks have already expressed their willingness to trade their second overall pick. GM Brian Burke has said that, despite some conversations, he has received no serious proposals. His colleague Jim Rutherford, GM for the Carolina Hurricanes, has no intention of trading his pick. He could be receiving offers if nothing happens with the Ducks.

"We are in a favourable position no matter what " said Gainey "We have the opportunity to pick 5th without having finished 25th overall."

Adrian Aucoin

Gainey confirmed that he was looking for a defenseman and a first rate forward.

The departure of Patrice Brisebois means that Gainey would prefer a right shooting defenseman. Adrian Aucoin would seem to top the list. An unrestricted free agent, Aucoin played for the Islanders for the past three seasons. In 2003-2004, the Ottawa native scored 13 goals and totalled 44 points in 81 games. He played on average 26 minutes a game.

Aucoin, who is 32 years old, has a booming shot as the 23 goals he scored in Vancouver in 1998-1999 can attest. 18 of those goals were scored on the powerplay.

In the forward position, the name of Alexei Kovalev is constantly being mentioned. Theoretically, Gainey cannot speak with Kovalev until Monday. However, rumours say that they have already had a discussion. More to come

Qualifying offers.

Gainey said that all restricted free agents will receive qualifying offers before 5 p.m. Sunday. At present, Jose Theodore, Andrei Markov, Saku Koivu and Mike Ribeiro have received qualifying offers

Finally, the Canadiens will hold their rookie camp as part of a tournament being held in Ottawa on September 5th. The Canadiens camp starts the 13th of September at the Bell Centre.

[PTH]

duster said:

I'll give it a shot...my french is getting rusty

If you say so; sure doesn't show in that nifty translation.

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

Rusty Duster? I think not. We want more!