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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2004 18:17:04 GMT -5
Here's a list that TSN has put forth: www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature.asp?fid=9229Does anybody from this list interest anyone? EDIT: Here's a list of "big name" players available... [Wingers/Centers] Peter Bondra, Pavel Bure, Brett Hull, Paul Kariya, Alexei Kovalev (!!), Glen Murray, Mark Recchi, Gary Roberts, Teemu Selanne, Brendan Shanahan, Mario Lemieux, Eric Lindros, Petr Nedved [Goalies/Defensemen] Ed Belfour, Sedan Burke, Dominik Hasek, Nikolai Khabibulin, Al MacInnis |
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Post by jkr on May 11, 2004 22:13:53 GMT -5
Kovavlev had the best playoff of any forward on that list and we saw how he ignited Koivu. He's the only one I would be interested in.
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Post by Forum Ghost on May 12, 2004 0:02:46 GMT -5
Another thing to consider is that Kovalev is 31 years old. He's still in his prime. Most of the other high-imact forwards are in their mid-to-late thirties. They would be simply playing for retirement contracts.
Kovalev would definitely be my first choice out of that list.
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on May 12, 2004 5:00:25 GMT -5
Kovalev would be my priority as well.
I'm intrigued by Murray. 117 total goals in his last 3 seasons. Big, smooth skater. Not afraid to get in front of the net. Earned $3.85M this past season. *Only* 32 years old.
Zednik-Koivu-Kovalev
Ryder-Ribeiro-Murray
I like.
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Post by franko on May 12, 2004 5:51:34 GMT -5
Agree with Kovalev and Murray.
Will be interesting to see what comes of the CBA and how many RFAs are set free -- dynamics might really change.
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Post by blny on May 12, 2004 9:35:07 GMT -5
Kovalev would be my priority as well. I'm intrigued by Murray. 117 total goals in his last 3 seasons. Big, smooth skater. Not afraid to get in front of the net. Earned $3.85M this past season. *Only* 32 years old. Zednik-Koivu-Kovalev Ryder-Ribeiro-Murray I like. I suppose it is something to consider. Glenn certainly has a knack for scoring goals - although the playoffs this year saw him struggle. He's great on the PP too. There's always the chance that Sinden lets him walk. If he could be had for what he's making now, or a tad less, it would certainly bolster the lineup. I think we'd have one of the best top 6 in the East. |
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Post by blny on May 12, 2004 10:06:58 GMT -5
First it's Kovalev all the way, but there are some slots to consider filling from outside the organization. Second line LW and third line centre to be specific, but also maybe a bigger/grittier role player.
Wingers
DiMaio, Rob $800,000 DAL - -
Drake, Dallas $2,000,000 STL - -
Knuble, Mike $800,000 BOS - -
Konowalchuk, Steve $1,575,000 COL - -
Kovalev, Alex $6,600,000 MON - -
Langdon, Darren $550,000 MON - -
Simon, Chris $1,500,000 CGY - -
Stevenson, Turner $1,350,000 NJD - -
Think in terms of a confined budget, particularly with Kovalev signed, it will be hard to find a strong second line LW presence. Would Knuble be an option? I've said that he really represents a strong third liner more than a second liner, but he has better hands than Bulis, and would add some serious beef to Ribs' line for not a heck of a lot of cash. He could bang and crash and force turnovers for Ryder and Ribs.
If Langdon isn't retained, in favour of someone with a little more game perhaps, I've listed a few that could be possibilities. Perhaps Chris Simon? He's got some scoring ability, and a lot more speed than Langer. He's prone to the bad penalty, but that's about it. Someone like Drake would be old, but cheap and a good character guy that few like to play against.
Konowalchuk would be a great third line addition, but I don't see it. He's likely going to command more than BG is willing to spend on that role. I also think Dowd offers great bang for the buck quality and is a true centre.
Centers
Dowd, Jim $775,000 MON - -
Eastwood, Mike $600,000 PIT - -
Madden, John $2,000,000 NJD - -
Primeau, Keith $5,000,000 PHI - -
Reichel, Robert $3,250,000 TOR - -
Rheaume, Pascal $550,000 STL - -
Ricci, Mike $3,000,000 SAN - -
There's a wide array of skill at the centre position this year. Dowd, Eastwood, and Rheaume are all the same type of player. No offense really, but strong checkers that know their role and are inexpensive. Dowd and Eastwood are the elder statesmen at 37. Rheaume will be 31 in a month. Rheaume and Eastwood are quite a bit bigger than Dowd. I recall last Spring the job that Rheaume did for New Jersey. He was a shrewd pickup by the Devils and was an important piece in their Cup win. If Dowd can't be resigned, perhaps Pascal is an option.
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Post by Forum Ghost on May 12, 2004 11:41:30 GMT -5
There's a wide array of skill at the centre position this year. Dowd, Eastwood, and Rheaume are all the same type of player. No offense really, but strong checkers that know their role and are inexpensive. Dowd and Eastwood are the elder statesmen at 37. Rheaume will be 31 in a month. Rheaume and Eastwood are quite a bit bigger than Dowd. I recall last Spring the job that Rheaume did for New Jersey. He was a shrewd pickup by the Devils and was an important piece in their Cup win. If Dowd can't be resigned, perhaps Pascal is an option. Yes, I like the suggestion of Rheaume. He did some solid work for the Devils during their last Cup run and he would provide some grit and size (6'1", 220 lbs) to the fourth line. But even if Dowd is re-signed, with Juneau gone, the Habs need to fill the position of fourth line centre. Begin can do it, but I would prefer to bring in someone like Ian Laperriere and push Begin to the wing. Laperriere is 31 years old, gritty, energetic, physical and isn't afraid to drop the gloves if necessary. He's a hard working player who is also considered to be a strong penalty-killer. His size (6'1", 201 lbs) is fairly decent as well. If Gainey wants to fill the fourth line center position via free agency, Laperriere would be my first choice, with Rheaume being option B. |
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Post by blny on May 12, 2004 12:54:12 GMT -5
Yes, I like the suggestion of Rheaume. He did some solid work for the Devils during their last Cup run and he would provide some grit and size (6'1", 220 lbs) to the fourth line. But even if Dowd is re-signed, with Juneau gone, the Habs need to fill the position of fourth line centre. Begin can do it, but I would prefer to bring in someone like Ian Laperriere and push Begin to the wing. Laperriere is 31 years old, gritty, energetic, physical and isn't afraid to drop the gloves if necessary. He's a hard working player who is also considered to be a strong penalty-killer. His size (6'1", 201 lbs) is fairly decent as well. If Gainey wants to fill the fourth line center position via free agency, Laperriere would be my first choice, with Rheaume being option B. That's a good choice too. He's hard-nosed for sure - as is evident by the badly broken nose. |
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Post by HABSLAND on May 12, 2004 17:04:21 GMT -5
I think Ian Laperriere in LA is a free agent, and I think the Habs are going to go get him, he would be a good fit here.
Kovalev has to be a priority
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Post by Andrew on May 12, 2004 17:22:03 GMT -5
Kovalev is at the top of my list as well. I'm pretty sure that Palffy is UFA this year - he'd be a good consolation prize. A close third, for me, is John Madden.
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Post by Forum Ghost on May 12, 2004 20:16:07 GMT -5
Yes, if Kovalev is not re-signed, then Palffy would definitely be the best option, but it looks like the Kings are going to try really hard to keep him.
The numbers being tossed around by the Kings don't compare to the kind of figures we've tossed around here for Kovalev.
Most posters on this board, including myself, agreed that something in the $4-5M range is fair for Kovy. If the Kings are offering Palffy $16-18M over 3 years then that's an offer of between $5.3-6M per season.
Since both players are comparable in age and talent, I'm sure that Kovalev would want a similar type of offer from the Habs.
This doesn't look good.
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Post by blny on May 13, 2004 6:27:39 GMT -5
Yes, if Kovalev is not re-signed, then Palffy would definitely be the best option, but it looks like the Kings are going to try really hard to keep him. The numbers being tossed around by the Kings don't compare to the kind of figures we've tossed around here for Kovalev. Most posters on this board, including myself, agreed that something in the $4-5M range is fair for Kovy. If the Kings are offering Palffy $16-18M over 3 years then that's an offer of between $5.3-6M per season. Since both players are comparable in age and talent, I'm sure that Kovalev would want a similar type of offer from the Habs. This doesn't look good. I've been saying that it would take more than $5m to retain Alex all along. It makes for a pricey contract, but IMO it's worth it. Good players don't come cheap. I think that to expect $4m is enough to lure Alex back is silly. I'm sure he's prepared to take a paycut of some kind, but a 35% approx drop is asking a lot. The amount of money BG will have to play with because of the playoffs, UFAs not coming back, and buyouts off the books means that $6m should be doable. If we can get him for less than that in the first couple of seasons of a deal great, but I wouldn't hold my breath. There will be over $10m to spend on various things with the removal of Perreault, Juneau, Dackell, Quintal, and the contracts of McKay and Czerkawski. If $6m of that goes to Alex, that leaves $4m to take care of RFAs. IF BG can be creative enough, there is the potential to retain AK, and all the important RFAs without an increase to the overall budget. One thing of note is that the Kings are in a real bind for goals. Allison and Deadmarsh are suffering PCS, and Lucky Luc may retire. That thins them out big time. I can't believe they scored any in the second half of this past season. The shortage paints them into a corner, and forces them to offer a substantial amount to Palffy. Of the two (AK and ZP) I think I'd much rather AK at this point. ZP is a smaller perimeter player. AK gives us more of a PF type, with the speed and shot. IMO AK fits our need much better. He's more apt to achieve success in the East. I'm not trying to lessen the quality of ZP. I'm just not sure he'd fit as well. |
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Post by Forum Ghost on May 13, 2004 12:40:08 GMT -5
There will be over $10m to spend on various things with the removal of Perreault, Juneau, Dackell, Quintal, and the contracts of McKay and Czerkawski. If $6m of that goes to Alex, that leaves $4m to take care of RFAs. IF BG can be creative enough, there is the potential to retain AK, and all the important RFAs without an increase to the overall budget. That's true. The Habs should have enough money in the budget to sign Kovalev, but the question is whether or not Gainey is willing to sign him for $6M. It's hard to say right now because we don't know what the NHL's new economic landscape is going to look like. I would prefer to sign Kovalev for less, but I guess I have to keep in mind that he is one of the premier talents in the league, and should be paid accordingly. But how much is too much? Absolutely. Palffy is an outstanding player, but Kovalev is much better suited for the Habs and the Eastern Conference. His combination of size, strength and skill is exactly what the Habs have been missing for so long on their top line. |
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Post by franko on May 13, 2004 15:06:38 GMT -5
Rumour has it that Brett Hull is no longer welcome in Detoit, and possibly not very many other places. Overweight, overpaid, and over-ego'd, he has underachieved and underwhelmed this past season. He'll be cheaper than what he thinks he's worth if anyone wants to take a risk.
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Post by blaise on May 13, 2004 16:04:04 GMT -5
I'd really hate to lose Kovalev overa difference of 0.5-1.0$M.
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Post by Forum Ghost on May 13, 2004 16:54:39 GMT -5
Rumour has it that Brett Hull is no longer welcome in Detoit, and possibly not very many other places. Overweight, overpaid, and over-ego'd, he has underachieved and underwhelmed this past season. He'll be cheaper than what he thinks he's worth if anyone wants to take a risk. I hear that the CBC might be interested in him as Don Cherry's replacement.  I'd really hate to lose Kovalev overa difference of 0.5-1.0$M. Same here. After what he's shown us, it would be a shame if he is let go for that kind of a difference. |
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2004 17:29:14 GMT -5
I'd really hate to lose Kovalev overa difference of 0.5-1.0$M. Depends who's offering him the money. He said he really likes it in Hab-land and may stay, of course, if the offer is right. |
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Post by blny on May 16, 2004 13:45:17 GMT -5
Rumour has it that Brett Hull is no longer welcome in Detoit, and possibly not very many other places. Overweight, overpaid, and over-ego'd, he has underachieved and underwhelmed this past season. He'll be cheaper than what he thinks he's worth if anyone wants to take a risk. If he signs with us I officially turn in all my Habs stuff  . I don't quite have the distain for Brett that I once did, but I still don't like him. Brett's got a big mouth and prima dona attitude. Despite the fact that he played in Dallas under BG, I can't see it happening. He was never fast, but he did look particiularly slow this season. The whole Wings team looked slow in the playoffs. That would concern me greatly if I were within that org. Calgary and Nashville often skated rings around them. Hull's name and career will get him a deal somewhere, but now is not the time to consider a perimeter player with little or no speed. |
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Post by Doc Holliday on Jun 8, 2004 19:01:37 GMT -5
...Looking at free agents, maybe we could take a chance on Selanne for our second line? Since he seems to be loosing steps maybe there won't be much takers and he wouldn't cost all that much  Say in the area of 6mil for 2 years ? Zednik - Koivu - Kovalev Ryder - Ribeiro - Selanne Doesn't look too bad... |
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Post by blaise on Jun 8, 2004 19:29:01 GMT -5
...Looking at free agents, maybe we could take a chance on Selanne for our second line? Since he seems to be loosing steps maybe there won't be much takers and he wouldn't cost all that much Say in the area of 6mil for 2 years ? Zednik - Koivu - Kovalev Ryder - Ribeiro - Selanne Doesn't look too bad... I think that if the Habs go for a UFA offensive forward (in addition to Kovalev) they should sign a LW who plays with an edge. Not only would shifting Ryder to LW take him away from his natural position but it would leave Dagenais in limbo. He wouldn't fit on the 3rd or 4th line and the only logical destination would be Hamilton (where I think he belongs anyway). |
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Post by PTH on Jun 8, 2004 22:05:51 GMT -5
...Looking at free agents, maybe we could take a chance on Selanne for our second line? Since he seems to be loosing steps maybe there won't be much takers and he wouldn't cost all that much Say in the area of 6mil for 2 years ? Zednik - Koivu - Kovalev Ryder - Ribeiro - Selanne Doesn't look too bad... I think Selanne should simply be a plan B if we can't sign Kovalev - first of all, I wouldn't want two ageing players from the same mold.... with Zed and Ryder here already, the road would be pretty much locked up for Kats or Zhogin. Also, I think both would be signing expecting to be playing on Saku's wing, and I just don't see those two with Saku forming a useful line. |
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Post by Maritimer on Jun 9, 2004 13:31:52 GMT -5
What about bring Mark Recchi back...from all accounts he enjoyed his time here and he has some gas left in the tank.
Not only that but I think we could use the leadership. Wouldn't he look good keeping the youngsters on track!
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Post by blaise on Jun 9, 2004 18:39:45 GMT -5
What about bring Mark Recchi back...from all accounts he enjoyed his time here and he has some gas left in the tank. Not only that but I think we could use the leadership. Wouldn't he look good keeping the youngsters on track! He's a very good player but I don't think he would be affordable. |
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Post by blny on Jun 10, 2004 6:04:50 GMT -5
He's a very good player but I don't think he would be affordable. We also have a glut of RWers. I don't know how much gas is in his tank either. He wasn't very impressive in the postseason, ofcourse most of the Flyers weren't. Primeau carried them. |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jun 13, 2004 23:43:21 GMT -5
There are two Kovalev's
The one who played for the Rangers and Habs in the regular season, and the one who caught fire for 10 playoff games.
The optimists think he will sign and perform all season for $4M.
The pessimists tthink we could end up with a $22M Rucinsky/Czerkawski for three years.
Trust but verify. It's a gamble at best. We pay, you play maybe?
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jun 14, 2004 13:17:13 GMT -5
There are two Kovalev's The one who played for the Rangers and Habs in the regular season, and the one who caught fire for 10 playoff games. The optimists think he will sign and perform all season for $4M. The pessimists tthink we could end up with a $22M Rucinsky/Czerkawski for three years. Trust but verify. It's a gamble at best. We pay, you play maybe? "FREE AGENTS" A conjunction of two bad words. Nothing is ever free much less a $6,000,000 free agent. It's like the email spam we get for Free Viagra or Free cd's. Agent conjures sleezebags who suck 10% out of their more talented and less educated clients. One notch above used car salesmen and one below pimps. Very few winning hockey teams were built with free agents. NY Rangers, Detroit Redwings, and Toronto Leafs have them; Tampa and Calgary don't. |
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Post by razor on Jun 14, 2004 15:14:28 GMT -5
If Langdon isn't retained, in favour of someone with a little more game perhaps, I've listed a few that could be possibilities. Perhaps Chris Simon? He's got some scoring ability, and a lot more speed than Langer. He's prone to the bad penalty, but that's about it. Yes, Yes, Yes  I've said this before - Langdon is a waste of a roster spot. We need a tough guy that can go out on either of the top lines when a physical presence is needed, someone who can go in front of the net on the power play, and can play physical without having to drop the gloves. The days of the one dimensional goon are gone, and that is what Langon is - completely one dimensional, a scrapper all the way. I see the goon/enforcer role as completely secondary to being either a big, punishing, checker/defensive forward, or being a player able to contribute offensively as described above. Simon probably would have made as big an impact, if not larger, than Kovalev did. I want them both! Then our top two lines are set. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 18, 2004 20:42:28 GMT -5
Simon probably would have made as big an impact, if not larger, than Kovalev did. I want them both! Then our top two lines are set. I think he may want to stay in Calgary. |
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Post by Skilly on Jun 24, 2004 18:58:35 GMT -5
Yes, Yes, Yes I've said this before - Langdon is a waste of a roster spot. We need a tough guy that can go out on either of the top lines when a physical presence is needed, someone who can go in front of the net on the power play, and can play physical without having to drop the gloves. The days of the one dimensional goon are gone, and that is what Langon is - completely one dimensional, a scrapper all the way. I see the goon/enforcer role as completely secondary to being either a big, punishing, checker/defensive forward, or being a player able to contribute offensively as described above. Simon probably would have made as big an impact, if not larger, than Kovalev did. I want them both! Then our top two lines are set. Actually Langdon is more than one-dimensional. He brings things Chris Simon does not .... leadership, a level head, passion, his teammates actually like him. When Darren Langdon speaks in the dressing room ...rest assured everyone is listening. |
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. I don't quite have the distain for Brett that I once did, but I still don't like him. Brett's got a big mouth and prima dona attitude. Despite the fact that he played in Dallas under BG, I can't see it happening.
Say in the area of 6mil for 2 years ?
