|
|
Post by Willie Dog on Jul 2, 2024 11:55:06 GMT -5
Yup so turns out we were in on Marchessault and once again finished runner up. Can't even convince a homegrown francophone to sign here. Been happening forever No way Hughes was going to give him 5 years and 30% more salary than no state tax Nashville did... he would have been crucified in 2 years for having an anchor contract... also if you read what Marchesssult said, he was concerned about his kids being impacted by the fans and media in montreal if he or the team has a bad stretch... Forget about getting quebec born free agents coming to Montreal, they only show up when they have no where else to go like Briere the liar... I trust HuGo will do right by the team and build this thing properly... I've had enough of bandaid solutions to last a lifetime, I want a real contender for a decade, not a flash in the pan. |
|
|
|
Post by jkr on Jul 2, 2024 13:07:51 GMT -5
Yup so turns out we were in on Marchessault and once again finished runner up. Can't even convince a homegrown francophone to sign here. Been happening forever No way Hughes was going to give him 5 years and 30% more salary than no state tax Nashville did... he would have been crucified in 2 years for having an anchor contract... also if you read what Marchesssult said, he was concerned about his kids being impacted by the fans and media in montreal if he or the team has a bad stretch... Forget about getting quebec born free agents coming to Montreal, they only show up when they have no where else to go like Briere the liar... I trust HuGo will do right by the team and build this thing properly... I've had enough of bandaid solutions to last a lifetime, I want a real contender for a decade, not a flash in the pan. Agreed. At this stage the team doesnt need a 33 year old UFA with a 5 year deal. We spend enough time here complaining about Armia, Anderson & Gallagher. Don't add another to the list. And the comments about the media pressure are valid & something Canadian teams have to deal with - especially Montreal and Toronto. |
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jul 2, 2024 13:40:24 GMT -5
This is not the year to sign free big money free agents....we are not ready yet. Depending how we do this year will determine what we do at the trade deadline and July 1st. If they show progress in their development, the Habs management will take the next step, especially with Demidov coming in next year. That’s a red herring excuse. Even when the time was right *cough*2013*cough* we do nothing
People may be right that this year is not the right time, but for MTL they use that excuse every year Different (and much dumber) management were in charge in 2013. Hughes and Gorton would probably have done something. Hell they would have made getting a centre Job 1 right away if they were in charge. The team is no where near being good enough or experienced enough right now. A short term, 2 year contract for someone would be ok and they tried that with Patrick Kane. But giving someone 3 or 4 years or longer is going to interfere with the CAP situation when the kids are ready and you might need one guy to give you extra depth somewhere or more talent in a particular position. Hughes explained that well, yesterday, I believe. I agree with managements' position to save your powder for when it's needed. |
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jul 2, 2024 13:42:44 GMT -5
Yup so turns out we were in on Marchessault and once again finished runner up. Can't even convince a homegrown francophone to sign here. Been happening forever He got a 5 year contract. No way do we need a worn out Marchessault 3 years from now causing us Gallagher and Anderson pain. And Marchessault wasn't settling for a 2 year or maybe even 3 year term, which Hughes probably would have done. Montreal's offer was for more money per year, but not for as long, so can't blame Marchessault. |
|
|
|
Post by Cranky on Jul 2, 2024 14:08:56 GMT -5
Didn't we have a townhall meeting and agree that we wont give out retirement contracts? Are we trying to resurrect the Ghost of BargainBin?
|
|
|
|
Post by Polarice on Jul 2, 2024 14:14:30 GMT -5
Didn't we have a townhall meeting and agree that we wont give out retirement contracts? Are we trying to resurrect the Ghost of BargainBin? Depends who is retiring and what we are paying....I believe Crosby is going to be available at the trade deadline this year. If we progress this year where we can be contending in the next couple of years, do you make a play to trade for him then turn around and sign him for 2 to 3 years to a contract similar to stamkos? The sweater sales will probably pay most of his contract.  |
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Jul 2, 2024 14:17:00 GMT -5
Yup so turns out we were in on Marchessault and once again finished runner up. Can't even convince a homegrown francophone to sign here. Been happening forever We were in on Patrick Kane, Marchessault, and one source I read mentioned Stamkos The point is, we fans keep saying “the time isn’t right” to convince ourselves we are ok with nothing happening But the fact is the management team does think the time is right, it’s the cost that is not right, and the main reason is the locale. Montreal is no longer a wish list destination to play. Why? Because there is no longer a commitment to winning (right now), the media will hound players over non hockey issues, and the fans are hard to take. |
|
|
|
Post by Tankdriver on Jul 2, 2024 14:32:53 GMT -5
Since we've done nothing this summer and we are going with the kids, do we just ''tank'' and hope for another top 5 pick again this year as burn another year off the Anderson and Gallagher contracts?
Think about this, we are actually worse than last year's team since we don't have Monahan, Kovacevic, Allen, Ylonen.
I know each of these are replaceable and we are expecting growth, but seems like we are basically going to tread water until Demidov comes over.
By then we will lose Savard, Dvorak, Armia and Evans.
I'm not trying to sound negative and am glad we didn't overpay on term for a player, but a two year deal at a high mount for a veteran player would have been appreciated. I just don't know where the goals are coming this year as we are a 1.5 line team.
|
|
|
|
Post by drkcloud on Jul 2, 2024 15:11:34 GMT -5
Yup so turns out we were in on Marchessault and once again finished runner up. Can't even convince a homegrown francophone to sign here. Been happening forever We were in on Patrick Kane, Marchessault, and one source I read mentioned Stamkos The point is, we fans keep saying “the time isn’t right” to convince ourselves we are ok with nothing happening But the fact is the management team does think the time is right, it’s the cost that is not right, and the main reason is the locale. Montreal is no longer a wish list destination to play. Why? Because there is no longer a commitment to winning (right now), the media will hound players over non hockey issues, and the fans are hard to take. We like to tell ourselves it's the media and the spotlight. The real truth is that while the spotlight is bright in Montreal, it's no worse than Toronto or Vancouver and they consistently attract free agents. It seems to be a number of things together. Family life? Mandatory french schools? I really don't know. I can't believe someone would rather live in Detroit than Montreal lol I'm glad we didn't go 5 years on Marchessault but it's concerning nonetheless |
|
|
|
Post by jkr on Jul 2, 2024 15:15:53 GMT -5
But how many guys are willing to take a 2 year deal? Kane took a short term to stay in Detroit even before he reached UFA status.
Marchessault took 5 & Stamkos 4. Debrusk took 7 years. Monahan got 5 years. That's the kind of term that needs to be given to get guys on July1.
|
|
|
|
Post by jkr on Jul 2, 2024 15:19:22 GMT -5
We were in on Patrick Kane, Marchessault, and one source I read mentioned Stamkos The point is, we fans keep saying “the time isn’t right” to convince ourselves we are ok with nothing happening But the fact is the management team does think the time is right, it’s the cost that is not right, and the main reason is the locale. Montreal is no longer a wish list destination to play. Why? Because there is no longer a commitment to winning (right now), the media will hound players over non hockey issues, and the fans are hard to take. We like to tell ourselves it's the media and the spotlight. The real truth is that while the spotlight is bright in Montreal, it's no worse than Toronto or Vancouver and they consistently attract free agents. It seems to be a number of things together. Family life? Mandatory french schools? I really don't know. I can't believe someone would rather live in Detroit than Montreal lol I'm glad we didn't go 5 years on Marchessault but it's concerning nonetheless Toronto & Van got their guys because they are playoff teams & handed out big term. Frig, 6 years for 34 year old Tanev? The Leafs are probably the only team that would sign him until he's 40. For most of these guys I'd argue that term is more important. Most teams can hand out the cash but how many want to make the long term commitment? Do you think Tanev would have signed in Toronto if they said " sorry , 3 years is as far as we can go, you're too old"? I wonder how many teams would give Debrusk 7 years? Just look at some of the mistakes that teams like Edmonton (Campbell) and Carolina (Kotkaniemi) have made. Buyouts are costly and dud players weigh down a team. |
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Jul 2, 2024 15:25:10 GMT -5
We were in on Patrick Kane, Marchessault, and one source I read mentioned Stamkos The point is, we fans keep saying “the time isn’t right” to convince ourselves we are ok with nothing happening But the fact is the management team does think the time is right, it’s the cost that is not right, and the main reason is the locale. Montreal is no longer a wish list destination to play. Why? Because there is no longer a commitment to winning (right now), the media will hound players over non hockey issues, and the fans are hard to take. We like to tell ourselves it's the media and the spotlight. The real truth is that while the spotlight is bright in Montreal, it's no worse than Toronto or Vancouver and they consistently attract free agents. It seems to be a number of things together. Family life? Mandatory french schools? I really don't know. I can't believe someone would rather live in Detroit than Montreal lol I'm glad we didn't go 5 years on Marchessault but it's concerning nonetheless Vancouver has the climate and their fans and media are not as intense Toronto is always trying to win. But even when they weren’t winning, management was trying to pursue free agents. Toronto media is much similar to MTL’s , except they do not have the language issue always being asked. Their fans are fairly similar except they idolize third liners and give more leeway In MTL, players are gods only if they are good / putting up numbers |
|
|
|
Post by drkcloud on Jul 2, 2024 16:32:34 GMT -5
Yes, Vancouver has the climate (rain), but you're kidding yourself if you think the fans and media aren't just as intense
|
|
|
|
Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jul 2, 2024 16:33:26 GMT -5
We like to tell ourselves it's the media and the spotlight. The real truth is that while the spotlight is bright in Montreal, it's no worse than Toronto or Vancouver and they consistently attract free agents. It seems to be a number of things together. Family life? Mandatory french schools? I really don't know. I can't believe someone would rather live in Detroit than Montreal lol I'm glad we didn't go 5 years on Marchessault but it's concerning nonetheless Vancouver has the climate and their fans and media are not as intense Toronto is always trying to win. But even when they weren’t winning, management was trying to pursue free agents. Toronto media is much similar to MTL’s , except they do not have the language issue always being asked. Their fans are fairly similar except they idolize third liners and give more leeway In MTL, players are gods only if they are good / putting up numbers Montreal is my hometown but I left largely because of the language issues despite the fact that I speak French. Many young players throughout Canada have a negative view of the province. No team picked a qmjhl until later in the second round and their press didn’t complain..our Russian future superstar is working hard to learn English and not French. It’s more than just signs and schools. It’s movies and government services and constantly oppressive news about new restrictions. Add the worst taxes on highest wage earners who have short careers. Cold winters, potholes and corruption make an otherwise wonderful city less attractive for relocation. Some players want the challenge and scrutiny while others want some privacy. The only thing that Bergevin was right about is that it’s hard. Fewer players are refusing the city they were drafted by but more free agents are adamant about no trade clauses. Is RHP really a top two scoring machine? Would the team hire Sammy Pollack and Toe Blake in the current environment? |
|
|
|
Post by jkr on Jul 2, 2024 19:21:15 GMT -5
Vancouver has the climate and their fans and media are not as intense Toronto is always trying to win. But even when they weren’t winning, management was trying to pursue free agents. Toronto media is much similar to MTL’s , except they do not have the language issue always being asked. Their fans are fairly similar except they idolize third liners and give more leeway In MTL, players are gods only if they are good / putting up numbers Montreal is my hometown but I left largely because of the language issues despite the fact that I speak French. Many young players throughout Canada have a negative view of the province. No team picked a qmjhl until later in the second round and their press didn’t complain..our Russian future superstar is working hard to learn English and not French. It’s more than just signs and schools. It’s movies and government services and constantly oppressive news about new restrictions. Add the worst taxes on highest wage earners who have short careers. Cold winters, potholes and corruption make an otherwise wonderful city less attractive for relocation. Some players want the challenge and scrutiny while others want some privacy. The only thing that Bergevin was right about is that it’s hard. Fewer players are refusing the city they were drafted by but more free agents are adamant about no trade clauses. Is RHP really a top two scoring machine? Would the team hire Sammy Pollack and Toe Blake in the current environment? I can't agree with some of the reasons you've listed. Yes, as someone who was born in Montreal and now lives in Ontario the laws seem restrictive. But that's an outsiders view. Our Quebec based posters would know better. How do they affect day to day life? And how does it affect people living and working in Quebec that are not Quebec or even Canadian born? Are there exemptions? For American or European born players I don't see sign laws ,for instance, as a deal breaker. I'm not sure what you are getting at re: your point about a lack of players being drafted from the Q. That is a problem the league and perhaps the Canadiens should be working to remedy. it's not a problem with the Canadiens but I would like to see Montreal draft more guys from that league. Other than that I have no ideas, to be honest. I can't address the tax question because I don't know how high taxes are in Montreal compared to other NHL cities. Rather than make a generalization we need real numbers. Cold winters? Yes but winters are cold through the entire northeast and midwest. It certainly isn't restricted to Montreal or even Canada. Bad roads. That would not be enough to dissuade me from moving to a city and it's another issue that exists everywhere. Just come to Toronto. They have been working on the Eglinton Avenue LRT extension for about a decade. Corruption? You make it sound like it exists nowhere else when we all know it is everywhere. Most of the issues you raise are not unique to Montreal. The problem with the Habs attracting players is winning - there isn't enough of it. Once the team starts winning on a regular basis I believe the interest will return. |
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jul 2, 2024 19:30:07 GMT -5
Since we've done nothing this summer and we are going with the kids, do we just ''tank'' and hope for another top 5 pick again this year as burn another year off the Anderson and Gallagher contracts? Think about this, we are actually worse than last year's team since we don't have Monahan, Kovacevic, Allen, Ylonen. I know each of these are replaceable and we are expecting growth, but seems like we are basically going to tread water until Demidov comes over. By then we will lose Savard, Dvorak, Armia and Evans. I'm not trying to sound negative and am glad we didn't overpay on term for a player, but a two year deal at a high mount for a veteran player would have been appreciated. I just don't know where the goals are coming this year as we are a 1.5 line team. Of the 4 guys mentioned, Monahan is the only one who really contributed anything on the ice. In judging if we're better off, we have to look at what we have for replacing Monahan, who is a good player. The obvious answer is Dach and as long as he doesn't have another freak injury, I think he can produce better numbers than Monahan. I also think we are understating the improvement we expect from some of the kids, or the contribution an addition can make. Josh Roy would have been with the Habs the rest of the year, if not for the need for him to help Laval. The best laid plans, yadda yadda. But he'll play this whole year and he is a real talent. We're going to have more consistent goaltending (IMO) with Monty and Primeau than last year when no one was getting enough ice time to be able to get into a rhythm. Defence. This may be the most interesting aspect. I expect Guhle's production to go up. I expect all the 'kids' (Xhekaj, Struble, Harris) to improve on their 2023/24 points. I expect one of Mailloux, Hutson or Reinbacher to make the team. All three are good transition players and I think that will boost the rush chances and goals resulting from those opportunities. I also expect a trade between now and training camp. My best guess and hope is that we package one or two of the LHD's or a RHD along with the worst of next year's first rounders or a second rounder to pick up McGroarty. That would really fill out the 2nd line . It will be gross (for other teams) for the Habs to have a 3rd line, after Demidov arrives, of Beck/Kapanen, McGroarty and Newhook. That is truly sick. It'll be better than a lot of 2nd lines in time. So, we just have to grab McGroarty and it will be worth it to use that LHD capital or one LHD and one RHD, but the names would vary depending on various factors. I don't think Barron will do it, Mailloux would definitely do it, but we'd like to keep him. Harris and Struble plus a second rounder might be enough, or it might have to be upgraded to a first. Anyway, I shall leave it up to Hughes except that he HAS to acquire McGroarty. Forwards - Dach and Roy were mentioned earlier. I expect that top line to produce all year long like they did at the end of last season, perhaps even more as Caufield rediscovered his goal scoring touch late in the year. Second line shown as Demidov -Dach - Roy, but that can change too. I've left Hage off for now. I just expect everyone to be a bit better and an improvement of at least 30 goals for the season. Perhaps more. |
|
|
|
Post by Willie Dog on Jul 2, 2024 19:37:27 GMT -5
Since we've done nothing this summer and we are going with the kids, do we just ''tank'' and hope for another top 5 pick again this year as burn another year off the Anderson and Gallagher contracts? Think about this, we are actually worse than last year's team since we don't have Monahan, Kovacevic, Allen, Ylonen. I know each of these are replaceable and we are expecting growth, but seems like we are basically going to tread water until Demidov comes over. By then we will lose Savard, Dvorak, Armia and Evans. I'm not trying to sound negative and am glad we didn't overpay on term for a player, but a two year deal at a high mount for a veteran player would have been appreciated. I just don't know where the goals are coming this year as we are a 1.5 line team. Of the 4 guys mentioned, Monahan is the only one who really contributed anything on the ice. In judging if we're better off, we have to look at what we have for replacing Monahan, who is a good player. The obvious answer is Dach and as long as he doesn't have another freak injury, I think he can produce better numbers than Monahan. I also think we are understating the improvement we expect from some of the kids, or the contribution an addition can make. Josh Roy would have been with the Habs the rest of the year, if not for the need for him to help Laval. The best laid plans, yadda yadda. But he'll play this whole year and he is a real talent. We're going to have more consistent goaltending (IMO) with Monty and Primeau than last year when no one was getting enough ice time to be able to get into a rhythm. Defence. This may be the most interesting aspect. I expect Guhle's production to go up. I expect all the 'kids' (Xhekaj, Struble, Harris) to improve on their 2023/24 points. I expect one of Mailloux, Hutson or Reinbacher to make the team. All three are good transition players and I think that will boost the rush chances and goals resulting from those opportunities. I also expect a trade between now and training camp. My best guess and hope is that we package one or two of the LHD's or a RHD along with the worst of next year's first rounders or a second rounder to pick up McGroarty. That would really fill out the 2nd line . It will be gross (for other teams) for the Habs to have a 3rd line, after Demidov arrives, of Beck/Kapanen, McGroarty and Newhook. That is truly sick. It'll be better than a lot of 2nd lines in time. So, we just have to grab McGroarty and it will be worth it to use that LHD capital or one LHD and one RHD, but the names would vary depending on various factors. I don't think Barron will do it, Mailloux would definitely do it, but we'd like to keep him. Harris and Struble plus a second rounder might be enough, or it might have to be upgraded to a first. Anyway, I shall leave it up to Hughes except that he HAS to acquire McGroarty. Forwards - Dach and Roy were mentioned earlier. I expect that top line to produce all year long like they did at the end of last season, perhaps even more as Caufield rediscovered his goal scoring touch late in the year. Second line shown as Demidov -Dach - Roy, but that can change too. I've left Hage off for now. I just expect everyone to be a bit better and an improvement of at least 30 goals for the season. Perhaps more. I agree with this, I like the idea of grabbing mcgroarty, even if it takes 2 D and since the Pens will suck, we can include the 2nd we got from the pens. I said it before the Jets need help on D and Struble and their choice or Barron or Harris with the 2nd might do it. |
|
|
|
Post by Tankdriver on Jul 2, 2024 20:00:46 GMT -5
Since we've done nothing this summer and we are going with the kids, do we just ''tank'' and hope for another top 5 pick again this year as burn another year off the Anderson and Gallagher contracts? Think about this, we are actually worse than last year's team since we don't have Monahan, Kovacevic, Allen, Ylonen. I know each of these are replaceable and we are expecting growth, but seems like we are basically going to tread water until Demidov comes over. By then we will lose Savard, Dvorak, Armia and Evans. I'm not trying to sound negative and am glad we didn't overpay on term for a player, but a two year deal at a high mount for a veteran player would have been appreciated. I just don't know where the goals are coming this year as we are a 1.5 line team. Of the 4 guys mentioned, Monahan is the only one who really contributed anything on the ice. In judging if we're better off, we have to look at what we have for replacing Monahan, who is a good player. The obvious answer is Dach and as long as he doesn't have another freak injury, I think he can produce better numbers than Monahan. I also think we are understating the improvement we expect from some of the kids, or the contribution an addition can make. Josh Roy would have been with the Habs the rest of the year, if not for the need for him to help Laval. The best laid plans, yadda yadda. But he'll play this whole year and he is a real talent. We're going to have more consistent goaltending (IMO) with Monty and Primeau than last year when no one was getting enough ice time to be able to get into a rhythm. Defence. This may be the most interesting aspect. I expect Guhle's production to go up. I expect all the 'kids' (Xhekaj, Struble, Harris) to improve on their 2023/24 points. I expect one of Mailloux, Hutson or Reinbacher to make the team. All three are good transition players and I think that will boost the rush chances and goals resulting from those opportunities. I also expect a trade between now and training camp. My best guess and hope is that we package one or two of the LHD's or a RHD along with the worst of next year's first rounders or a second rounder to pick up McGroarty. That would really fill out the 2nd line . It will be gross (for other teams) for the Habs to have a 3rd line, after Demidov arrives, of Beck/Kapanen, McGroarty and Newhook. That is truly sick. It'll be better than a lot of 2nd lines in time. So, we just have to grab McGroarty and it will be worth it to use that LHD capital or one LHD and one RHD, but the names would vary depending on various factors. I don't think Barron will do it, Mailloux would definitely do it, but we'd like to keep him. Harris and Struble plus a second rounder might be enough, or it might have to be upgraded to a first. Anyway, I shall leave it up to Hughes except that he HAS to acquire McGroarty. Forwards - Dach and Roy were mentioned earlier. I expect that top line to produce all year long like they did at the end of last season, perhaps even more as Caufield rediscovered his goal scoring touch late in the year. Second line shown as Demidov -Dach - Roy, but that can change too. I've left Hage off for now. I just expect everyone to be a bit better and an improvement of at least 30 goals for the season. Perhaps more. To quote Skilly players progression is not liner, some will fall and some will rise. However what is fact is that we have not improved ourselves at all this year. Demidov is a year away and likely 2 full seasons before having a serious impact. Our defense was top five in goal scoring and i don't expect that to stay the same. Pinto resigned with the Sens, and he was a guy I was thinking maybe Hughes was looking into. If we do go the way of McGorty, I am willing to do a Mesar, Barron and 2nd rounder. I still think we should try for Zegras or Laine, both have 2 years left, and worse comes to worse we can flip for a return in 2 years if it doesn't work out. So in short, yes I think we are another bottom 5 team as we have done nothing to improve for next year. |
|
|
|
Post by Cranky on Jul 2, 2024 20:37:17 GMT -5
To quote Skilly players pogression see not li esr, so.e will fall and some will rise. However what is fact is that we have not improved ourselves at all this year. Demidov is a year away and likely 2 full seasons before having a serious impact. Our defense was top five in goal scoring and i don't expect that to stay the same. Pinto resigned with the Sens, and he was a guy I was thinking maybe Hughes was looking into. If we do go the way of McGorty, I am willing to do a Mesar, Barron and 2nd rounder. I still think we should try for Zegras or Laine, both have 2 years left and worse comes to worse we can flip for a return in 2 years if it doesn't work out. So in short, yes I think we are another bottom 5 team as we have done nothing to improve for next year. I've made room for you on my weeping wagon! Without Monahan, Dach return is wiped out. So basically got the same team and expecting what? 20 more points? 30 goal Ghally? 9 goal Blinders Anderson to break out? HuGo isn't BargainBin so I expect he see the nowhere fast this team is heading to so there has to be some kind of trade that blosters us. Or not. |
|
|
|
Post by Tankdriver on Jul 2, 2024 21:18:19 GMT -5
To quote Skilly players pogression see not li esr, so.e will fall and some will rise. However what is fact is that we have not improved ourselves at all this year. Demidov is a year away and likely 2 full seasons before having a serious impact. Our defense was top five in goal scoring and i don't expect that to stay the same. Pinto resigned with the Sens, and he was a guy I was thinking maybe Hughes was looking into. If we do go the way of McGorty, I am willing to do a Mesar, Barron and 2nd rounder. I still think we should try for Zegras or Laine, both have 2 years left and worse comes to worse we can flip for a return in 2 years if it doesn't work out. So in short, yes I think we are another bottom 5 team as we have done nothing to improve for next year. I've made room for you on my weeping wagon! Without Monahan, Dach return is wiped out. So basically got the same team and expecting what? 20 more points? 30 goal Ghally? 9 goal Blinders Anderson to break out? HuGo isn't BargainBin so I expect he see the nowhere fast this team is heading to so there has to be some kind of trade that blosters us. Or not. Exactly. Had to fix my quote above as I didn't proof read. Dach production replaces Monahan. There will be some improvement but not enough to even get close to a playoff unless we do a trade. |
|
|
|
Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jul 2, 2024 21:27:15 GMT -5
Montreal is my hometown but I left largely because of the language issues despite the fact that I speak French. Many young players throughout Canada have a negative view of the province. No team picked a qmjhl until later in the second round and their press didn’t complain..our Russian future superstar is working hard to learn English and not French. It’s more than just signs and schools. It’s movies and government services and constantly oppressive news about new restrictions. Add the worst taxes on highest wage earners who have short careers. Cold winters, potholes and corruption make an otherwise wonderful city less attractive for relocation. Some players want the challenge and scrutiny while others want some privacy. The only thing that Bergevin was right about is that it’s hard. Fewer players are refusing the city they were drafted by but more free agents are adamant about no trade clauses. Is RHP really a top two scoring machine? Would the team hire Sammy Pollack and Toe Blake in the current environment? I can't agree with some of the reasons you've listed. Yes, as someone who was born in Montreal and now lives in Ontario the laws seem restrictive. But that's an outsiders view. Our Quebec based posters would know better. How do they affect day to day life? And how does it affect people living and working in Quebec that are not Quebec or even Canadian born? Are there exemptions? For American or European born players I don't see sign laws ,for instance, as a deal breaker. I'm not sure what you are getting at re: your point about a lack of players being drafted from the Q. That is a problem the league and perhaps the Canadiens should be working to remedy. it's not a problem with the Canadiens but I would like to see Montreal draft more guys from that league. Other than that I have no ideas, to be honest. I can't address the tax question because I don't know how high taxes are in Montreal compared to other NHL cities. Rather than make a generalization we need real numbers. Cold winters? Yes but winters are cold through the entire northeast and midwest. It certainly isn't restricted to Montreal or even Canada. Bad roads. That would not be enough to dissuade me from moving to a city and it's another issue that exists everywhere. Just come to Toronto. They have been working on the Eglinton Avenue LRT extension for about a decade. Corruption? You make it sound like it exists nowhere else when we all know it is everywhere. Most of the issues you raise are not unique to Montreal. The problem with the Habs attracting players is winning - there isn't enough of it. Once the team starts winning on a regular basis I believe the interest will return. My comments are not based on right or wrong of anything specific. Players are not likely to base decisions on taxes of 53% vs 47%. Lowering taxes by 5% won’t make me return or not. The general impressions count more than bill 22 of language bill of the week. The overall impression or emotional impact outweighs any specific issue. Montrealers dislike Toronto despite the reality that they no longer roll up the sidewalk at 6pm. Wealthy Albertans that contribute equalization payments are disliked in other provinces, not because of specific tax advantages but because of impressions of lack of caring. Young players like Eric Lindros have impressions unrelated to specifics. |
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Jul 3, 2024 0:34:19 GMT -5
Vancouver has the climate and their fans and media are not as intense Toronto is always trying to win. But even when they weren’t winning, management was trying to pursue free agents. Toronto media is much similar to MTL’s , except they do not have the language issue always being asked. Their fans are fairly similar except they idolize third liners and give more leeway In MTL, players are gods only if they are good / putting up numbers Montreal is my hometown but I left largely because of the language issues despite the fact that I speak French. Many young players throughout Canada have a negative view of the province. No team picked a qmjhl until later in the second round and their press didn’t complain..our Russian future superstar is working hard to learn English and not French. It’s more than just signs and schools. It’s movies and government services and constantly oppressive news about new restrictions. Add the worst taxes on highest wage earners who have short careers. Cold winters, potholes and corruption make an otherwise wonderful city less attractive for relocation. Some players want the challenge and scrutiny while others want some privacy. The only thing that Bergevin was right about is that it’s hard. Fewer players are refusing the city they were drafted by but more free agents are adamant about no trade clauses. Is RHP really a top two scoring machine? Would the team hire Sammy Pollack and Toe Blake in the current environment? At the draft Demidov said (paraphrased) “I try to learn English for NHL, now I guess I learn French” |
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Jul 3, 2024 0:43:04 GMT -5
Of the 4 guys mentioned, Monahan is the only one who really contributed anything on the ice. In judging if we're better off, we have to look at what we have for replacing Monahan, who is a good player. The obvious answer is Dach and as long as he doesn't have another freak injury, I think he can produce better numbers than Monahan. I also think we are understating the improvement we expect from some of the kids, or the contribution an addition can make. Josh Roy would have been with the Habs the rest of the year, if not for the need for him to help Laval. The best laid plans, yadda yadda. But he'll play this whole year and he is a real talent. We're going to have more consistent goaltending (IMO) with Monty and Primeau than last year when no one was getting enough ice time to be able to get into a rhythm. Defence. This may be the most interesting aspect. I expect Guhle's production to go up. I expect all the 'kids' (Xhekaj, Struble, Harris) to improve on their 2023/24 points. I expect one of Mailloux, Hutson or Reinbacher to make the team. All three are good transition players and I think that will boost the rush chances and goals resulting from those opportunities. I also expect a trade between now and training camp. My best guess and hope is that we package one or two of the LHD's or a RHD along with the worst of next year's first rounders or a second rounder to pick up McGroarty. That would really fill out the 2nd line . It will be gross (for other teams) for the Habs to have a 3rd line, after Demidov arrives, of Beck/Kapanen, McGroarty and Newhook. That is truly sick. It'll be better than a lot of 2nd lines in time. So, we just have to grab McGroarty and it will be worth it to use that LHD capital or one LHD and one RHD, but the names would vary depending on various factors. I don't think Barron will do it, Mailloux would definitely do it, but we'd like to keep him. Harris and Struble plus a second rounder might be enough, or it might have to be upgraded to a first. Anyway, I shall leave it up to Hughes except that he HAS to acquire McGroarty. Forwards - Dach and Roy were mentioned earlier. I expect that top line to produce all year long like they did at the end of last season, perhaps even more as Caufield rediscovered his goal scoring touch late in the year. Second line shown as Demidov -Dach - Roy, but that can change too. I've left Hage off for now. I just expect everyone to be a bit better and an improvement of at least 30 goals for the season. Perhaps more. To quote Skilly players progression is not liner, some will fall and some will rise. However what is fact is that we have not improved ourselves at all this year. Demidov is a year away and likely 2 full seasons before having a serious impact. Our defense was top five in goal scoring and i don't expect that to stay the same. Pinto resigned with the Sens, and he was a guy I was thinking maybe Hughes was looking into. If we do go the way of McGorty, I am willing to do a Mesar, Barron and 2nd rounder. I still think we should try for Zegras or Laine, both have 2 years left, and worse comes to worse we can flip for a return in 2 years if it doesn't work out. So in short, yes I think we are another bottom 5 team as we have done nothing to improve for next year. You beat me to it We still don’t know if Caufield is a 30 goal scorer. And if he does manage to do it, does that mean Suzuki’s totals drop? Regarding Dach: this is Drouin all over again. No, not comparing production, just the scenario. I’ve always said acquiring Drouin was not the issue. Letting Radulov get away and putting the pressure on Drouin was the problem. So yeah Dach kinda replaces Monahan, but not really. It’s just a lateral move where we once again have no idea if the player we have can produce at the rate of the guy let go. And as with the Radulov situation, imagine having both players instead of just one |
|
|
|
Post by Polarice on Jul 3, 2024 5:30:29 GMT -5
I didn't watch much of the free agent frenzy as I figured Montreal was taking a pass on the free agents this year. Other than maybe Stamkos there wasn't really anyone that I felt was a real improvement over what we already have. All it would have done was take cap space away from a trade or maybe something at the trade deadline if we are floating around the playoffs. I have zero worries about our top two lines or our defence...the bottom two will need a little work this year, maybe we can shed a contract or two with a trade for the above mentioned. Other than that I'm happy standing pat...for the most part this year, next year I expect some big moves.
|
|
|
|
Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jul 3, 2024 10:18:29 GMT -5
Montreal is my hometown but I left largely because of the language issues despite the fact that I speak French. Many young players throughout Canada have a negative view of the province. No team picked a qmjhl until later in the second round and their press didn’t complain..our Russian future superstar is working hard to learn English and not French. It’s more than just signs and schools. It’s movies and government services and constantly oppressive news about new restrictions. Add the worst taxes on highest wage earners who have short careers. Cold winters, potholes and corruption make an otherwise wonderful city less attractive for relocation. Some players want the challenge and scrutiny while others want some privacy. The only thing that Bergevin was right about is that it’s hard. Fewer players are refusing the city they were drafted by but more free agents are adamant about no trade clauses. Is RHP really a top two scoring machine? Would the team hire Sammy Pollack and Toe Blake in the current environment? At the draft Demidov said (paraphrased) “I try to learn English for NHL, now I guess I learn French” Good news for Quebec fans. |
|
|
|
Post by Tankdriver on Jul 3, 2024 10:51:21 GMT -5
How about Pacioretty? I know he is on the downside of his career but if you can get for a year a la Monahan, it could help put up another 15 to 20 goals.
|
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jul 3, 2024 12:14:53 GMT -5
How about Pacioretty? I know he is on the downside of his career but if you can get for a year a la Monahan, it could help put up another 15 to 20 goals. I would check that out for sure. He couldn't possible cost much...$3MM, depending on how many games he plays? |
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Jul 3, 2024 14:39:38 GMT -5
I do think they need to get a veteran or two, just not sure it is him at the price range he will want. Also you are missing newhook in that lineeup You're right I am missing newhook, I don't think Roy should be a 3rd liner and newhook with Beck and marchesault would be a deadly third line I don’t get why everyone automatically demotes Newhook and slots Roy into the second line Newhook is way better. It’s not even close Newhook had Monahan production on this team AND Slafkovsky production when prorated. Monahan had 35 points in 49 games and Newhook had 34 in 55 games. Prorated over 82 games that’s 51 points and Slaf got 50. It makes no sense how a guy with 9 points in 23 games gets to jump ahead of someone who was actually making lines work |
|
|
|
Post by jkr on Jul 3, 2024 14:47:37 GMT -5
Before he was injured Newhook was on pace for 25 goals and 50 points. That's a lot better than 3rd line production. And despite the injury he was able to maintain that PPG pace. You're not alone Silly.  |
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Jul 3, 2024 15:11:40 GMT -5
Before he was injured Newhook was on pace for 25 goals and 50 points. That's a lot better than 3rd line production. And despite the injury he was able to maintain that PPG pace. You're not alone Silly. It’s good to know To add to my “evidence” Roy’s most common linemates were Newhook and Armia (133 mins). When Roy first joined the team, he was put on Monahan’s line until Monahan was traded. With Monahan and Armia (46 mins) Roy played 6 games and got 2 points. Then after the Monahan trade, Roy got 7 points (all ES) in 17 games, with Newhook and Armia Newhook’s most common linemates were Roy and Armia (133 mins) and the Gallagher and Armia (129 mins). In the 17 games with Roy and Armia, Newhook got 7 even strength points and 2 PP points. When he wasn’t with Roy, he got 25 points in 38 games. That’s a pace of 54 points. I know the argument is going to be Newhook got more PP time than Roy. But Newhook had 6 PP points in those 38 games and he led the team in ES production per 60 mins. One of the second line winger spot should be Newhook’s to start the year |
|
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/archetype/6F6VF25GCFF2HFJCOITRJSGNPE.jpg)
