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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Feb 5, 2007 13:26:25 GMT -5
Report: Trade talks have Aucoin on outsFebruary 5, 2007 BY LEN ZIEHM Staff ReporterSAN JOSE, Calif. -- Things finally might be looking up for Blackhawks captain Adrian Aucoin. Just where he ends up, though, is another matter. Aucoin, injured most of the time since signing a four-year, $16 million contract with the Hawks in the summer of 2005, returned to the lineup Saturday in a 4-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks after missing eight games with a groin injury. The veteran defenseman has played in only 65 of a possible 134 games since the Hawks signed him. The combination of his health issues and big contract makes Aucoin seemingly difficult for the Hawks to move as general manager Dale Tallon prepares to shed players before the Feb. 27 trade deadline. But Canadian sports network TSN has reported a possible deal that could make sense: Aucoin to the Montreal Canadiens for winger Sergei Samsonov and center [!?] Craig Rivet. Samsonov has been a bad fit in Montreal, getting only 22 points in 51 games. He has another year left on a contract that will pay him $3.75 million next season. The trade of high-priced stars might be possible now that Aucoin is playing again. Hawks coach Denis Savard felt Aucoin and Lasse Kukkonen were his best defensemen in the loss to the Sharks. The Hawks are deep in defensemen but need forwards, suggesting that Samsonov might be a good fit. ... - tinyurl.com/3b5crm
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Post by cigarviper on Feb 5, 2007 13:30:17 GMT -5
They're gonna try Rivet at centre? Good luck.
I'm not sure we need to move both Rivet and Sammy for him. Not even sure I want him at all. Rivet is on his way out but not before the deadline I wouldn't think. I think he'll just walk this summer.
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Post by HFTO on Feb 5, 2007 16:48:16 GMT -5
Aucoin and Rivet could be viewed as a sawoff considering Rivets poor play this year, and well the Sammy throw in would just to accomodate Aucoins extravagant salary. The question is what to do with Markov and Souray by overpaying for Aucoin the Habs are in a jam to keep both. So if you move one do want a d-man back or more help up front. Unfortunately Sourays production is hard to replace unless it is made up by a bonafide forward.The other problem is Aucoin's health and if he is still effective enough not to kill you. HFTO
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Post by jkr on Feb 5, 2007 16:58:02 GMT -5
This reminds me of the rumors last year involving various Ribiero deals to Chicago. Nothing came of those either.
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Post by Forum Ghost on Feb 5, 2007 18:13:41 GMT -5
Although I said that I wouldn't mind Aucoin before, the more I think about it, the less I want him on the Habs.
$4M for two more seasons is a bit much. That, and the fact that groin injuries are recurring, make me think that there is no way that the Hawks are going to find a taker this year or next.
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Post by seventeen on Feb 5, 2007 20:28:58 GMT -5
I might do that deal, but then I've seen Aucoin play at a pretty good level (with the Canucks). Stronger than Rivet, much better shot, able to miss opposing forwards with his shot, but if he does hit them, they go to the bench rather than the breakaway. It also opens a roster spot for a forward. It does appear interesting, but it won't happen.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2007 21:58:55 GMT -5
Why Chicago would be interested in 2 players who aren't playing well would be beyond me. Although Aucoin would be very intriguing. A change of scenery could possibly give him some jump.
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Feb 6, 2007 1:14:31 GMT -5
... Rumor mill: According to The Sports Network in Canada, the Montreal Canadiens might be interested in Adrian Aucoin. That might explain why Canadiens scout Gordie Roberts has been following the Hawks around. It’s believed the Canadiens also are interested in center Bryan Smolinski. The TSN report claimed the Hawks are interested in Canadiens winger Sergei Samsonov, who is having a poor season. Samsonov has long been a favorite of assistant general manager Rick Dudley. The Hawks also were linked to having interest in Montreal defenseman Craig Rivet. Aucoin is owed $8 million over the next two seasons. Samsonov has next year remaining on his contract at $3.7 million. - www.dailyherald.com/sports/blackhawks.asp
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Post by revin5 on Feb 6, 2007 3:02:15 GMT -5
It makes sense in both the short term and the long. Aucoin is an improvement over Rivet, and Samsonov's spot can go to Perezhogin (who seems to be the odd man out with the log-jam upfront). For now it sets us up for a decent run at the cup with Souray and Aucoin on board. At the end of the year, we only have to sign Markov, and hope that Aucoin can be a decent replacement for Souray (who really wants to go out to California).
As a plus it frees up another two million in cap space (with whatever that means when number of games is taken into account) so we can either add another player or go after someone who's UFA in the offseason.
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Feb 6, 2007 8:45:20 GMT -5
It makes sense in both the short term and the long. Aucoin is an improvement over Rivet, and Samsonov's spot can go to Perezhogin (who seems to be the odd man out with the log-jam upfront). For now it sets us up for a decent run at the cup with Souray and Aucoin on board. At the end of the year, we only have to sign Markov, and hope that Aucoin can be a decent replacement for Souray (who really wants to go out to California). As a plus it frees up another two million in cap space (with whatever that means when number of games is taken into account) so we can either add another player or go after someone who's UFA in the offseason. The Montreal media has picked up the ball this morning and started to run with it. Aucoin for Samsonov straight up? Or Aucoin and Smolinski for Samsonov and Rivet? I think you've summed up the scenario. The first proposed deal would gain cap space. A straight Aucoin for Samsonov swap would create room for a forward on the roster (Lapierre or maybe Kostitsyn) but leave us carrying too many d-men (unless Streit is plugged virtually fulltime into the vacant forward slot).
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Post by TheHabsfan on Feb 6, 2007 8:59:19 GMT -5
It makes sense in both the short term and the long. Aucoin is an improvement over Rivet, and Samsonov's spot can go to Perezhogin (who seems to be the odd man out with the log-jam upfront). For now it sets us up for a decent run at the cup with Souray and Aucoin on board. At the end of the year, we only have to sign Markov, and hope that Aucoin can be a decent replacement for Souray (who really wants to go out to California). As a plus it frees up another two million in cap space (with whatever that means when number of games is taken into account) so we can either add another player or go after someone who's UFA in the offseason. The Montreal media has picked up the ball this morning and started to run with it. Aucoin for Samsonov straight up? Or Aucoin and Smolinski for Samsonov and Rivet? I think you've summed up the scenario. If either of the proposed deals were made the Habs would gain cap space. A straight Aucoin for Samsonov swap would create room for a forward on the roster (Lapierre or maybe Kostitsyn) but leave us carrying too many d-men (unless Streit is plugged virtually fulltime into the vacant forward slot). Strangely enough, I find Streit to be a much better forward than he is a defenseman. He gives Carbo another option along with Dandenault. I could see him playing Streit on the fourth line on a regular basis whilst giving us flexibility in case of injury to the back end, especially if the fragile D, Aucoin is brought in. BTW....what's up Mr B...been a long time! THF
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Post by HFTO on Feb 6, 2007 9:05:29 GMT -5
Given Samsonov's age wouldn't there be a better deal out there,possibly with St.Loius if the thinking is short term at this point?This team still needs offense would Guerin or Tkachuck work? HFTO
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Post by HabSolute on Feb 6, 2007 9:09:56 GMT -5
I hate players that go out publicly asking for a trade because they are not happy. Samsonov was benched because he played like crap and that's all there is to it. An argument can be made that someone else could have been benched but it was him. Suck it up and shut up. I was willing to be patient with him but that's the second time he talks about trade. The first time I figured it was possible that his agent opened his big mouth too fast. But again, his agent went publicly to Le Journal de Montreal and bla bla bla. This time it's not an accident. Samsonov must be requesting him to do so. He should have suck it up until the summer, or at the very least, request the trade to Gainey behind closed door and not through the media. You signed a contract Sammy, and get pay a LOT for it, suck it up. Unless other details emerge from this, as of now, I hope Samsonov NEVER gets the privilige of wearing the Montreal Canadiens jersey ever again. I suspect I am not the only one and the fans will let him know. Imagine if they get on his case and start boing him on top of that.....will he leave the ice crying to his agent ? The Habs Fan have been SURPRISINGELY very patient with him, but I think that his agent just put an end to that. You see Sammy, we would love to trade you, the problem is, NOBODY seems to want you and your 22 pts for 3.5M$. Did I say I hate guys that ask for trade throught the media?...
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Feb 6, 2007 9:14:22 GMT -5
I hate players that go out publicly asking for a trade because they are not happy. Samsonov was benched because he played like crap and that's all there is to it. An argument can be made that someone else could have been benched but it was him. Suck it up and shut up. I was willing to be patient with him but that's the second time he talks about trade. The first time I figured it was possible that his agent opened his big mouth too fast. But again, his agent went publicly to Le Journal de Montreal and bla bla bla. This time it's not an accident. Samsonov must be requesting him to do so. He should have suck it up until the summer, or at the very least, request the trade to Gainey behind closed door and not through the media. You signed a contract Sammy, and get pay a LOT for it, suck it up. Unless other details emerge from this, as of now, I hope Samsonov NEVER gets the privilige of wearing the Montreal Canadiens jersey ever again. You see Sammy, we would love to trade you, the problem is, NOBODY seems to want you and your 22 pts for 3.5M$. Did I say I hate guys that ask for trade throught the media?... I share your attitude regarding Samsonov's blackmail negotiating tactics. I would do this deal even if Aucoin isn't 100% what he used to be. At least we can be assured that he'll deliver what he can when he can (which could still be a considerable positive contribution).
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Post by HabSolute on Feb 6, 2007 9:21:31 GMT -5
I share your attitude regarding Samsonov's blackmail negotiating tactics. I would do this deal even if Aucoin isn't 100% what he used to be. At least we can be assured that he'll deliver what he can when he can (which could still be a considerable positive contribution). Yup, it's over for him now.... The Fans WILL not forgive him this time. They have been very patient with him so far, never been booed ! But telling those Fans "I don't want to be on this team anymore" isn't the right thing to do. Don't know how many times he's been booed before, but if he hasn't, he's about to find out what it means when you get on the wrong side of Habs Fans....
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Feb 6, 2007 9:36:13 GMT -5
I share your attitude regarding Samsonov's blackmail negotiating tactics. I would do this deal even if Aucoin isn't 100% what he used to be. At least we can be assured that he'll deliver what he can when he can (which could still be a considerable positive contribution). Yup, it's over for him now.... The Fans WILL not forgive him this time. They have been very patient with him so far, never been booed ! But telling those Fans "I don't want to be on this team anymore" isn't the right thing to do. Don't know how many times he's been booed before, but if he hasn't, he's about to find out what it means when you get on the wrong side of Habs Fans.... I voiced my disgust the first time Samsonov pulled this stunt a few months back. In fact I still believe that public sulk and the metaphorical finger he gave to Carbonneau's authority to run the team as he sees fit marked the beginning of the Habs malaise. Good riddance.
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Post by TheHabsfan on Feb 6, 2007 10:06:36 GMT -5
I hate players that go out publicly asking for a trade because they are not happy. Samsonov was benched because he played like crap and that's all there is to it. An argument can be made that someone else could have been benched but it was him. Suck it up and shut up. I was willing to be patient with him but that's the second time he talks about trade. The first time I figured it was possible that his agent opened his big mouth too fast. But again, his agent went publicly to Le Journal de Montreal and bla bla bla. This time it's not an accident. Samsonov must be requesting him to do so. He should have suck it up until the summer, or at the very least, request the trade to Gainey behind closed door and not through the media. You signed a contract Sammy, and get pay a LOT for it, suck it up. Unless other details emerge from this, as of now, I hope Samsonov NEVER gets the privilige of wearing the Montreal Canadiens jersey ever again. I suspect I am not the only one and the fans will let him know. Imagine if they get on his case and start boing him on top of that.....will he leave the ice crying to his agent ? The Habs Fan have been SURPRISINGELY very patient with him, but I think that his agent just put an end to that. You see Sammy, we would love to trade you, the problem is, NOBODY seems to want you and your 22 pts for 3.5M$. Did I say I hate guys that ask for trade throught the media?... I see the words Sammy and Suck an awful lot in your post...coincidence??? ;D THF
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Feb 6, 2007 11:27:37 GMT -5
The Montreal media has picked up the ball this morning and started to run with it. Aucoin for Samsonov straight up? Or Aucoin and Smolinski for Samsonov and Rivet? I think you've summed up the scenario. If either of the proposed deals were made the Habs would gain cap space. A straight Aucoin for Samsonov swap would create room for a forward on the roster (Lapierre or maybe Kostitsyn) but leave us carrying too many d-men (unless Streit is plugged virtually fulltime into the vacant forward slot). Strangely enough, I find Streit to be a much better forward than he is a defenseman. He gives Carbo another option along with Dandenault. I could see him playing Streit on the fourth line on a regular basis whilst giving us flexibility in case of injury to the back end, especially if the fragile D, Aucoin is brought in. Streit and Plekanec are among those who have earned their place on the team. Too long. Where you been (or I suppose, more to the point, what you been doing)? I'll PM you if you PM me. Or vice-versa.
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Feb 6, 2007 11:53:50 GMT -5
Smolinski: C/LW, 11-20-31, +6 (for the Blackhawks!), 1.52MM
Samsonov; Floater, 7-15-22, 0, 3.525MM
Tough call.
Or maybe not. Which of the two players does this description fit so far this season?
ASSETS: Is a nifty playmaker. Has excellent two-way ability and face-off skills. Knows where to be at all times. Adds versatility to any lineup.
FLAWS: Can go long stretches without scoring a goal. Doesn't use his body to win battles enough. Is declining in terms of production.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Two-way forward.
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Post by FREEHAB on Feb 6, 2007 12:30:01 GMT -5
Samsy has been put on waivers, so I guess the Chicago deal for Aucoin isn't going to happen. Now what?
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Feb 6, 2007 12:31:33 GMT -5
Samsy has been put on waivers, so I guess the Chicago deal for Aucoin isn't going to happen. Now what? Why, bring up Kostitsyn, of course.
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Post by HabSolute on Feb 8, 2007 10:59:17 GMT -5
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Post by blny on Feb 8, 2007 11:28:07 GMT -5
I just can't get excited about any move that includes Aucoin. I'd almost rather stick with Sammy through the duration of his contract. Smo isn't a bad move, but is he appreciably better than Pleks? He'd add a lot of depth that is for sure. Koivu, Pleks, Bonk, Smo is certainly better than what we have now.
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Post by HabSolute on Feb 9, 2007 9:11:46 GMT -5
From Spector's mailbag:
"Dominic" sends in the following on the free-falling Canadiens: "I was listening CKAC 730 AM at 10:46 PM when Ron Fournier said live on radio that a GM of a NHL Team call him to get information on Michael Ryder.
He said that he suggest that Bob Gainey won't trade Ryder. When the GM ask him why ... he answer that Ryder have the possibility to always finish 2nd or third goal scorer for the team each years. He said that he is a 30 goals scorer per year.
He never said which GM have called him or which team.
My thought : I think that Ryder could be on the market. Become RFA at the end of the years ... Gainey unable to lock him long-term and he is probably the player that have the highest value right now on the Habs roster with Guillaume Latendresse. Ryder play awful for some time... Haven't score in 15 or more games ... If the offer is good, Gainey will do it. I suggest Ken Holland to have interest in Ryder.
Also, speculation have started ... Samsonov bench after they said that he got a meeting with Carbonneau and Gainey and that everything was fine and everything was finally over.
Rivet strangely is sick for this game...
The rumors of Samsonov-Rivet for Aucoin-Smolinski is heating up.
At 11h19 PM CKAC 730 AM Montreal
Ron Fournier said that is really strange that Samsonov and Rivet did not play against the Sens. He suggested that the Habs could make a deal. Ron said when he ask what Rivet have to miss the game he said he never got an answer. Upper Body, Lower Body, Back, Arm, Flu ... Just nothing.
On RDS.ca they said that Rivet have the flu."
Rivet's sudden FLU did come as a surprise.....
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2007 12:25:50 GMT -5
If the past is any indication, there's no deal underway.
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Post by Skilly on Feb 10, 2007 0:41:54 GMT -5
From Spector's mailbag: "Dominic" sends in the following on the free-falling Canadiens: "I was listening CKAC 730 AM at 10:46 PM when Ron Fournier said live on radio that a GM of a NHL Team call him to get information on Michael Ryder.Well at least it wasn't the GM of Liverpool. At least Bob has some sense ..... But last time I checked Ryder has 4 goals and 4 assists in his last 15 games. Just to set the record straight.
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