|
|
Post by Bob on Feb 6, 2006 20:42:17 GMT -5
Which rookies do you think have a serious shot at making the Habs next year. For the purposes of this question, Kostsitsyn doesn't qualify.
Judging on his performance this year, I think Latendresse will be spending another year in Drummondville, O'Byrne would likely play in Hamilton if he turns pro, Chipchura also looks destined for Hamilton and Lapierre needs more seasoning. Locke is far from ready, Milroy and Lambert could be career AHLers.
That leaves Yann Danis in a crowded goaltending picture and Alexi Emelin who is a longshot because of his age and lack of North American experience. There are not a lot of bonafide candidates to move up next year.
Personally I would like to see the Habs begin the season with Emelin as a #6 or #7 defenseman to see how he would work out. He has more raw talent than many of our current defensive corps and plays with and edge.
Other than that, improvement next year will have to come from the existing players on the team, perhaps a free-agent signing and/or a trade or two.
|
|
|
|
Post by Doc Holliday on Feb 6, 2006 21:21:10 GMT -5
I think both Lapierre and Ferland will get good shot at cracking the lineup on the 4th line. Both guys play an intense game that fits well on lower lines. I can see Bob and Mini-Bob wanting to keep them especially with the likes of Bulis and Sundstrom heading into free agency next year.
Danis has to come up.
I agree that Chip will probably have to get a bit of AHL in him before making the jump.
Lats will only be 19 so he can't go in the AHL... Considering the fiasco that this Junior season is turning into for Lats, I think that if he shows the same kind of game in camp next season that he showed this season, I doubt the HABS brass will want to return him him to the hands of the Drummondvill staff... I know that 19 is still awful young but Latendresse is not moving forward playing with kids in the Q...
Baring a surpise trade, there is no room on D for any kid next year.
|
|
|
|
Post by PTH on Feb 6, 2006 22:15:07 GMT -5
I think next year our only true rookie might be Kotsy.
Other possibles are Côté if a LD is moved - either Souray traded or Bouillon or Streit let go/dumped.
Danis might get a chance, who knows though given the confusing Theo situation. But I'd be wary of letting go of Huet if Theo is still around, even if he does get back into shape.
Up front I'm thinking Lapierre and Ferland might get part-time roles for bits of the season, but I don't see either playing 60 games, either.
Latendresse and Chipchura will be left alone for next season, though Chips might get a cup of coffee.
Emelin is a wild card since I don't know much about him; he could force a guy like Bouillon out at camp, or push Dandenault up front.
|
|
|
|
Post by Bob on Feb 6, 2006 22:28:01 GMT -5
I forgot about Ferland and do think he could challenge. Cote is a guy I would like to see. The best thing that could happen to Latendresse is a trade to a junior team with a good coach.
If Emelin made the team it means he would be better than what we have and any improvement in our current situation on defense would be appreciated. And a guy who knows what to do on the PP would be very helpful. Emelin has the potential to fill both those roles.
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 7, 2006 0:02:01 GMT -5
Tough for any of the guys to make the team full time next year.
Kosty - That early season inconsistency was not evident is his most recent call up. Has enough skill to make the team depending on who is still around next year, but may get eased in next year unless he has a standout camp. Both are possible.
Ferland - A ready made fourth liner who will crash and bang, and has some decent hands to add a few points every now and then. He likely will be getting a few frequent flyer points between Steeltown and Montreal. A player who loves to finish his checks, wonder if Gainey, Carbo and Jarvis will warm to that style.
Lapierre - Ditto, with more wheels. Ferland, Lapierre and Lemieux have made up a real fun-to-watch line in Hamilton this season, and the fans have not had a lot to cheer about for the most part. I expect to see Mad Max slowly work his way onto the Habs' third line as some of the older players and UFA's move on. I really like this kid's game.
Danis - The AHL All-Star game co-MVP. Recorded a shutout in his first NHL game this season. He looks almost ready for the big show, but hard to gauge without a full season and all the stresses it entails. His call up to the Habs next season is really contingent in what happens with both Theo and Huet. One could be traded (alhtough I don't see it happening) and the other is a UFA. With respect to Huet, his play of late and his cheap salary (about a half of what Danis makes in the bigs), could see his resigned if he plays a big part to a second half resurgence of the team this year.
Cote - He has not looked out of place with the Habs despite the Habs signing him as a free agent rookie try out two seasons ago. A decent depth guy who should see lots of air miles as well bouncing between the two clubs depending on injuries and depth in any free agent signings over the summer. I expect the Habs to go looking for an impact Dman this year...or at least I hope so.
Locke - An AHL all star this year, and a team leader in points, but has been inconsistent this season and has been passed up in a callup despite others getting the call at different points to date. A smart, but slow and undersized player with oodles of skill. Still not sure how it will translate into the NHL. As such, some of the other bigger body more NHL ready guys listed above still have the edge over Corey.
A bunch of guys should join Hamilton next season and have a good impact down there: Chipchura, D'Agostini, Aubin, Gleed, and G Stewart. I would really like to see Grabovski, Emelin, O'Byrne and Korpikari signed over the summer and brought into Hamilton. Each of those four have been doing well in their own leagues, but the Habs just need to reel them into their own system to take their development to the next level. I really can't see any of them getting anything more than a decent camp with the Habs. I would guess due to his good play at the RSL for the past few seasons would make Grabovski the most NHL ready of the bunch and the one, that if signed, could get a call up at some point next season. That's a lot of what-ifs though.
|
|
|
|
Post by BadCompany on Feb 7, 2006 9:17:10 GMT -5
I think Lapierre should be a lock, assuming he doesn't totally stink out the joint next training camp. Frankly speaking, I'm not sure why both Murray and Ferland were called up ahead of him, as he seems to be having much more of an impact down there.
Cote, if things stay the way they are, should get the nod, but I'll be real disappointed if Bob doesn't try to do something with regards to the blueline this offseason, if not before (Phillippe Boucher?).
I've read on the net that Yann Danis is a Group VI UFA this summer. Is that true? If so, that may go a long way towards determining what kind of contract he gets (one-way or two-way), which will determine where he plays.
As for a surprise pick, I'll go with Guillaume Latendresse and... Derrik Brassard. There. I'm calling the Habs first round pick today, February 7th. Assuming we pick somewhere between 10th and 18th, that's who I'll say they take (though I would really, really like Jordan Staal, to say nothing of Erik Johnson).
Habs will take Latendresse's junior center, because, according to Redline, they have amazing chemistry together. They'll throw both teenagers out there, and it will create a buzz in both the stands, and the dressing room, something that has been sorely missing for quite some time now. It will be fun, it will be exciting, and it might even work.
So there. Note the date. ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by clear observer on Feb 7, 2006 10:26:26 GMT -5
So there. Note the date. ;D You finally got a date??!! |
|
|
|
Post by montreal on Feb 7, 2006 12:05:52 GMT -5
Danis is a UFA since he'll turn 25 this summer. I would expect him to be in the NHL next year but we'll have to see what Bob thinks. Imo Halak moves up to the Dogs, and I'd assume they bring back Michaud if Danis is moved up, since he has experience and could backup Halak who is putting up great numbers in the ECHL, if not for the injuries his gaa and save % would be #1 in the ECHL. (needs about 200 minutes to be ranked in gaa)
Ferland and Lapierre will get a look on the 4th line again. Lapierre is enjoying a very good rookie year, strong on the PK, works hard, skates well, has very good speed, throws the body. What's not to like? Ferland will have to clear waivers to play in Hamilton so perhaps that will give him the nod over Lappy but a good camp would make things interesting. Ferland could use some work on his foot speed over the summer.
Cote will likely fight for the 7th spot. Archer may see time if injuries hit the right side.
James Sanford wasn't resigned by Gainey but Savard did sign him to an AHL contract and he's been solid if not one of the better defensemen in Hamilton. He still is scary in his own end but he's got speed, good offensive skills, moves the puck well and takes the body despite his small height. I've heard some rumors of attitude problems but it is likely just hearsay (this was told to me as to why the Habs didn't resign him after a good rookie year) With the year he's having, I expect him to be back in Hamilton.
Benoit I think could get a look at some point but he's got to get stronger and more aggressive in his own end. He moves the puck really well but has struggled at times this year.
O'Byrne I have no clue if he will turn pro or finish out his final year at Cornell.
Emelin I would be surprised to see with the Habs outside of injury woes. He'll be 20 and only 1+ year of experience in the Russian Super league, as his rookie year he played somewhere around 10 games but did play in the championship game and looked solid. (he played against Markov, great game to watch, got it on dvd-r)
Korpikari would love to see him signed. We have until the following summer of '07 to sign him, and I can't see us putting a lot of rookies in Hamilton as they are already looking like a young team again unless more vets are brought in.
As for the forwards, Chipchura I can see getting his feet wet but I would expect him to spend most of the season with the Dogs. Needs work on his mobility, foot speed.
Grabovsky would be great to see him signed. Very fast, and creates offense with his speed.
Milroy will need to be resigned but he's a good depth player for Hamilton. At this point he's been a disappointment imo, so I'd be shocked to see him in the NHL but he's usually a 2nd half player and plays a decent game just doesn't get involved enough physically.
Lambert has struggled this year but has the tools. He's got size, skating and good speed with an excellent shot but he's very much a one way player that lacks vision, doesn't always work hard, doesn't always get involved physically and isn't great in his own end. Next year will be a big year for him if he wants to stick around. Same for his buddy Urquhart.
Latendresse is still a mystery and who knows who it will play out. I could see him on the team next year or I could see him back in the Q. at this point I'd say he's going back to the Q but who knows what he will do until camp is over.
Locke is a tough call. He's leading the team in scoring and has impressive offensive skills but he's easily pushed off the puck, lacks speed and skating and seems to wear down easily.
|
|
|
|
Post by Doc Holliday on Feb 7, 2006 12:37:42 GMT -5
Habs will take Latendresse's junior center, because, according to Redline, they have amazing chemistry together. They'll throw both teenagers out there, and it will create a buzz in both the stands, and the dressing room, something that has been sorely missing for quite some time now. It will be fun, it will be exciting, and it might even work. ...this has the making of a Ribeiro/Dagenais thingy... Not sure I like the sound of it... |
|
|
|
Post by TheHabsfan on Feb 7, 2006 15:10:46 GMT -5
So there. Note the date. ;D You finally got a date??!! BURN!!!! THF |
|
|
|
Post by BadCompany on Feb 9, 2006 9:06:24 GMT -5
Habs will take Latendresse's junior center, because, according to Redline, they have amazing chemistry together. They'll throw both teenagers out there, and it will create a buzz in both the stands, and the dressing room, something that has been sorely missing for quite some time now. It will be fun, it will be exciting, and it might even work. ...this has the making of a Ribeiro/Dagenais thingy... Not sure I like the sound of it... I hear what you are saying, but I think that if Ribeiro and Dagenais were having the types of seasons that were expected of them, there would be no problem… Brassard is a top 15 talent, perhaps even top 10, so it’s not like they would be drafting a guy out of the blue, just because he happens to center one of our top prospects. But, seeing as he is a guy that could be slated to go right around where we could be picking, he fills a need (slick, offensive #2 center), he’s a hometown kid, AND he just so happens to have very good chemistry with another one of our top prospects… Seems like a no-brainer to me. And, just to top it all off, his dad was once drafted by the Montreal Canadiens. I am no scout (though I do sometimes play one on TV), but from what I understand Brassard is a very good skater, a pure offensive talent. I’ve read comparisons to Simon Gagne, perhaps Patrice Bergeron, which ain’t that bad. Even if we didn’t have Latendresse he might be a guy we would consider. |
|
|
|
Post by Polarice on Feb 9, 2006 9:37:45 GMT -5
I am no scout (though I do sometimes play one on TV), but from what I understand Brassard is a very good skater, a pure offensive talent. I’ve read comparisons to Simon Gagne, perhaps Patrice Bergeron, which ain’t that bad. Even if we didn’t have Latendresse he might be a guy we would consider. From what I've heard your right on......but I guess he's very weak without the puck. Maybe Carbo could help him out with that.....maybe. |
|
|
|
Post by Cranky on Feb 10, 2006 22:32:14 GMT -5
So there. Note the date. ;D You finally got a date??!! Sure did! He's feels the love in sweet little Volchenka's arms ......  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Am I the only one who is concerned with so many sophomores AND rookies on the same team? Having said that...... If Lapierre, Kotsy, Danis AND Chips are in! Who's gone? |
|
|
|
Post by MC Habber on Feb 10, 2006 23:06:55 GMT -5
I hear what you are saying, but I think that if Ribeiro and Dagenais were having the types of seasons that were expected of them, there would be no problem… I thought Dagenais was having the type of season we expected from him.... |
|
|
|
Post by Anardil1 on Feb 11, 2006 14:06:55 GMT -5
I honestly don't see anyone other than Kosty having a better than a 60/40 chance of making the team. There are just too many question marks around the potential rookies. Questions like lack of experience (professional) or more development needed follow each player. A lot depends on who is let go or retained in the off-season. IMHO someone will have to have a Latendresse-like camp to have a shot.
|
|
