Buyers or Sellers?

[Polarice]

Buyers or Sellers?

With the trade deadline around the corner, and the Habs battling for a playoff spot, do you think that BG will be buying or selling?

With teams like Toronto, Atlanta, Boston and even NY Islanders, what kind of chance do you think we have?

Theo is down and out for most of the season and when he was around....well lets just say he won't be missed. What kind of chance do we have? Can Huet lead us to the Playoffs?

IMO I can't see BG doing anything at all, to trade away some prospects for a rental without having a legitimate starter is very, very risky. If anything I think BG will be getting rid of a few players...not really selling, but preparing for the off season, clearing some cap space.

[clear observer]

With the trade deadline around the corner, and the Habs battling for a playoff spot, do you think that BG will be buying or selling?

Like any good G.M. attempting to improve short and long-term he'll dump dead-wood where necessary and add value if possible.

With teams like Toronto, Atlanta, Boston and even NY Islanders, what kind of chance do you think we have?

As good as their's...possibly better.

Theo is down and out for most of the season and when he was around....well lets just say he won't be missed. What kind of chance do we have? Can Huet lead us to the Playoffs?

Can he? Yes. Will he? Doubtful he'll do so singlehandedly.

CO

[franko]

Clearers.

"Sellers" implies we have something of value to sell and "buyers" implies that there is great purpose and hope (and something we would willingly part with to "buy").

Those whom we would "sell" have some, but little, value -- not enough to interest a serious contender (in saying this I admit that we are not -- we are still middlin' and muddlin', and hoping to go second-round and ride a hot goalie [where might he be?] and a return to October form). Hence, a "clearing", which probably means we get rid of our deadwood by taking someone else's (the change-of-scenery scenario).

To "buy" would mean we would have to give up prospects so that Georgie could be made happy with a possible second-round berth . . . but leaves us starting to look like the MakeBelieves, and I don't think BG is going to take us there.

[Ryan]

I'd expect some more lateral moves if anything.

If you can get a decent return for Zednik, Ribs, or any defenceman not named Markov then you do it. Try not to give up too much of the future, but for a young defenceman I would give up some of our forward prospects without blinking.

[Doc Holliday]

I think Gainey was pretty straight forward about his intention of acquiring another dmen.

I wouldn't be surprised to see guys like Bulis and Zed getting moved. Bulis could probably do well with the National Check team of New York in exchange of Poti that's been in and out of the coach's dog house or even for good 'ole Darius that would fit right in our Russian flavored team (how his contract looking beyond this year?).

Saku obviously (and desperately) could use some help on his line but I have strong doubts that Gainey will find the answer to that problem this year.

[Forum Ghost]

Brendan Witt anyone?

He was discussed a lot last season, but not too much mention of him this year.

I read in the paper today that George McPhee is looking for a roster player or a prospect in return for Witt. He doesn't want to deal him for a draft pick.

Perhaps Bouillon could get the deal done.

[Forum Ghost]

I also think that Gainey will probably make lateral moves as opposed to making a big splash.

Players like Zednik, Bulis and Ribeiro are probably the most likely to be shopped.

Also, with no right-handed center on the team, I wonder if Bob will make another "Dowd-type" of transaction.

[Deleted]

I am not in the mood for selling unless we can get rid of our useless parts. For free even, I don't care.

I'd say the only direction we can take is buying, even if it is a trade that will affect one of our regulars (ie. Bulis, Zednik). By buying, we can improve our team in the short term and possibly long run should whoever we acquire chooses to stay.

Definitely need an upgrade on D. I'd be persuing Witt, since he has asked for a trade (ages and ages ago; don't ask for a source, I'm sure you all remember).

[Andrew]

forumghost2 said:

I also think that Gainey will probably make lateral moves as opposed to making a big splash.

Players like Zednik, Bulis and Ribeiro are probably the most likely to be shopped.

I'm fine with a move like that. I'd even be inclined to move Ryder if he could bring us an equal value young puck moving defenceman. Any ideas? (Leopold perhaps)

[franko]

ryan said:

I'd expect some more lateral moves if anything.

If you can get a decent return for Zednik, Ribs, or any defenceman not named Markov then you do it. Try not to give up too much of the future, but for a young defenceman I would give up some of our forward prospects without blinking.

mattdhf said:

I am not in the mood for selling unless we can get rid of our useless parts. For free even, I don't care.

Which to me isn't selling, but clearing (semantics, I'm sure). Selling would be losing Markov and Koivu.

Though I'm sure that HA would include Kovalev in the "clearing" scenario ;D

[Skilly]

I have been advocating a trade for Brendan Witt for some time now .... And like Forum Ghost I don't think it would take much to get him. Sundstrom maybe?

I heard on Sportsnet this morning that Sheldon Souray might be traded to Vancouver. This makes sense with the injuries to Salo, Jovo, and Ohlund. But who comes the other way? They obviously wont be giving up a defenseman .... and the only non-defensemen on their roster that look good to me are Morrison, Carter, Kesler, and Auld.

[Polarice]

skilly said:

I have been advocating a trade for Brendan Witt for some time now .... And like Forum Ghost I don't think it would take much to get him. Sundstrom maybe?

I heard on Sportsnet this morning that Sheldon Souray might be traded to Vancouver. This makes sense with the injuries to Salo, Jovo, and Ohlund. But who comes the other way? They obviously wont be giving up a defenseman .... and the only non-defensemen on their roster that look good to me are Morrison, Carter, Kesler, and Auld.

From some of the rumour sites out there the players involved are Kesler or Cooke.

[Skilly]

polarice said:

skilly said:

I have been advocating a trade for Brendan Witt for some time now .... And like Forum Ghost I don't think it would take much to get him. Sundstrom maybe?

I heard on Sportsnet this morning that Sheldon Souray might be traded to Vancouver. This makes sense with the injuries to Salo, Jovo, and Ohlund. But who comes the other way? They obviously wont be giving up a defenseman .... and the only non-defensemen on their roster that look good to me are Morrison, Carter, Kesler, and Auld.

From some of the rumour sites out there the players involved are Kesler or Cooke.

Really?

That sucks. Cooke is good, but he only makes sense if we are going to deal one of our third or fourth line players. Begin, Cooke, and Murray has the makings of a nice fourth line.

[Doc Holliday]

skilly said:

I have been advocating a trade for Brendan Witt for some time now .... And like Forum Ghost I don't think it would take much to get him. Sundstrom maybe?

Many teams are interested in getting a good dmen and Witt is a prime candidate. McPhee said he's looking for either a roster player or a good prospect in exchange of Witt. I think a bidding was could happen.

polarice said:

From some of the rumour sites out there the players involved are Kesler or Cooke.

I would hope Sheldon's value is higher than a 3rd/4th line agitator but you never know.

[BadCompany]

docholliday said:

I would hope Sheldon's value is higher than a 3rd/4th line agitator but you never know.

If we don't get two defensemen back for Souray, what will be the point? Our team seriously lacks defensemen, both for now and the future, and like it or not, Souray is a top 3 for us. We need him, albeit in the #4 or 5 slot, but we need him nonetheless.

If we deal Sheldon to the Canucks, I would want a current NHL defenseman, and a 2nd tier defensive prospect, minimum.

[Polarice]

badcompany said:

If we deal Sheldon to the Canucks, I would want a current NHL defenseman, and a 2nd tier defensive prospect, minimum.

ROFL....not to disagree but I don't think Vancouver has that many defensemen left.

[Skilly]

polarice said:

badcompany said:

If we deal Sheldon to the Canucks, I would want a current NHL defenseman, and a 2nd tier defensive prospect, minimum.

ROFL....not to disagree but I don't think Vancouver has that many defensemen left.

Which is why we should deal Souray to Vancouver and get Carter. Then turn around and deal Sundstrom/Riberio and get Witt/Zubrus. Our second, third and defense all upgraded in one big swoop.

[Forum Ghost]

skilly said:

Which is why we should deal Souray to Vancouver and get Carter.

I would think that Anson Carter is probably not getting moved. He has great chemistry with the Sedins and I doubt that Nonis would want to break that up. Those who follow the Canucks say that the Sedin line has been the #1 line this season.

Then turn around and deal Sundstrom/Riberio and get Witt/Zubrus. Our second, third and defense all upgraded in one big swoop.

I like this proposal. Getting Witt and Zubrus for Sunny and Ribs would be a coup.

[Forum Ghost]

badcompany said:

If we don't get two defensemen back for Souray, what will be the point? Our team seriously lacks defensemen, both for now and the future, and like it or not, Souray is a top 3 for us. We need him, albeit in the #4 or 5 slot, but we need him nonetheless.

If we deal Sheldon to the Canucks, I would want a current NHL defenseman, and a 2nd tier defensive prospect, minimum.

I agree.

There's no point in trading Souray for another #4 defencemen. It would be a lateral move that doesn't make too much sense. We shouldn't deal him just for the sake of it so, as a minimum, Gainey should deal him for two defencemen. The Habs desperately need to gain some depth on the blueline.

Perhaps Calgary would be an ideal partner. The Flames have a surplus of defenceman and Souray seems like the "Darryl Sutter-type". Souray's also an Alberta boy - something that Sutter prefers.

[blny]

No one thought Gainey would make a splash at the last deadline, and he did. I'm not saying he will this time around, but I wouldn't rule it out either. I think there are deals to be made - moving a forward for a defenceman, etc.

[HabSolute]

I have this funny feeling that Gainey will pull a "Kovalev" kinda deal before the trade deadline...

[BadCompany]

What has Gainey said? That he wants a puck-moving defenseman capable of playing 18-22 minutes a game, and that ever elusive right-handed center? Plus, can we assume he wants to pick up a big name, UFA-to-be, perhaps somebody who is struggling, who has never lived up to his name, but who nonetheless has tonnes of skill? Like Kovalev?

How about Jeff Friesen, Jeff Halpern and Byran Muir for Ribeiro, Streit and a 7th?

Halpern = Ribeiro (Halpern is a better player, but he’s also a UFA)
Friesen = Streit (Friesen makes Bonk look like good bang-for-the-buck value)
Muir = 7th (admit it, you had never even heard of Bryan Muir)

All three Caps are UFA’s to be, which means we can walk away from them if they totally bomb, and which means Washington is probably looking to deal them for anything. Friesen has never lived up to his potential, but we’re trying to catch lightning in a bottle, and if he gets hot down the stretch… If nothing else it will seriously increase the team’s speed. Halpern is that right-handed center (top 10 in face-offs), good defensively, great character guy in the dressing room. Muir is a decent puck mover, has good size, and is currently averaging about 20 minutes a game. We’d be picking up about $3 million in salary (most of it Friesen’s), but again, we can let them walk.

Higgins – Koivu – Ryder
Perezhogin – Halpern – Kovalev
Friesen – Bulis – Zednik
Plekanec – Bonk – Begin

Markov – Komisarek
Souray – Rivet
Muir – Dandenault
Bouillon

[Cranky]

I fear that Mr. I-Will-Buy-A-Hockey-Team-With-Fumes will demand that Bob go out and acquire talent so that the Lord Master can make a few bucks in the playoff rounds.

Think about this....

Asan owner of a team, would you give up Higgins if it helped you get an extra 6 million in three playoff games? Of course you would. And that's my nightmare.....

Let's see how much of a butt licking yes man Gainey is........or a true CH hockey man.

[Anardil1]

If the Habs can get Kessler (sp?) for Souray, I for one would be very happy. Kessler is a Higgins clone (with probably less offensive upside). A team that truly wants to contend can't have enough "Higgins'" on the roster. My only problem with this possibility is the weakening of the Habs weakest position, defense. IMHO the Habs should look to improving their biggest needs, which to me, in order are:

1. Legit top 4 d-man (preferably righty)
2. Top 2 Center (preferably over 6'0 & righty)
3. Legit power forward.

Lastly, I would really love the Habs to make a serious offer to add Jokinen, but only if he decides to test the UFA market. I believe that he would cost too much to acquire via trade at this moment.

[The Edge]

I predict we will only make some minor moves. the chemistry is now starting to be rebuilt. Adding a big name player can risk ruining our very sensitive chemistry.

I think we will pick up 2 rentals. A 3rd or 4th line forward who may possible be a RH centre. This player will be in the mold of Jim Dowd. Just a rental. Heck, it may be Dowd again.

The 2nd player will be a backup goalie to help down the stretch and maybe in the playoffs depending on Theo's progress physically and mentally. TSN is reporting we may have inquired about Weekes although after what happened in our series vs Caroline in 2002, I doubt he will want to come here. Anyways, this goalie will also just be a rental.

At most we will give up late round picks. I dont see us parting with any prospests and who in the right mind would want to take Bonk or Zednik with their contracts statuses. Ribeiro is a wildcard but his line is starting to gel.

[Disgruntled70sHab]

Everyone needs improvements here and there but if the club continues to drive into the playoffs I don't know if Gainey will pull the trigger on a trade or not.

Cheers.

[Cranky]

I'm going to schedule myself a day off on Thursday. Should be an interesting day.

[Disgruntled70sHab]

Just read on TSN that Jokenin is probably available now however there are some risks.

* He turned down a 4-year, 16-million contract already. He knows he'll get more elsewhere.

* The team that wants to land him knows Keenan has to move Jokenin. Still they'd have to come up with the right combination of players, prospects and picks. The Habs have that but how expensive will he be?

* Also, the team that lands him might just lose him to UFA very soon afterwards. The cap is going up, which will give clubs more options (should they want to spend the money).

I'd love to land this guy a la Kovalev. But, like you're saying HA, it should be an interesting day. I'll have my TSN ticker minimized at work.

Cheers.

[HFTO]

I think BC is on the right track here,Gaineys going to have to be creative,with the likes of a Ribs,Zed Streit or Bulis and late round picks.
I'm quite sure no blockbuster is coming our way unless it involves players who are signed and can make contributions down the road.
A proposal such as BC's gives Gainey an open ended option without touching whom he has identified as his core.
HFTO

[jkr]

habsaddict said:

I'm going to schedule myself a day off on Thursday. Should be an interesting day.

Don't forget to tell the boss.