Not a rumor, but the player the Habs need is......

[Bugsy]

Nathan Horton!!

I know Florida signed him long term, but the guy has been struggling somewhat this season. He has something like 4 goals in 22 games. If Florida truly believes he is a building block for their franchise, he may not be available, but if they feel he is just a very good hockey player, perhaps he could be had!

I would hate for the Habs to trade away prospects and whatever for a "rental" type player, but Horton would not just be a rental. He would be that missing element that would put the Habs as true contenders. He could replace Ryder on RW with Higgins and Koivu. He could be that player who does the little things that Ryder isn't doing, plus he would bring a physical element.

Not sure what kind of offer it would take, but do you think Horton may be a possibility considering Florida looks doubtfull for the post season again?? They may be hesitant to trade another player considering how the Luongo deal turned out, but if Florida really wants to improve their depth, moving a player like Horton may be an option for them!

[habmeister]

not a chance, he's a stud, and teams don't trade away young studs like him.

[franko]

2G 11A in January . . . and the only way Horton moves is if the team moves -- or the Panthers are given a handful of #1s and a stud or two in return.

Mike isn't there any more to trade the team's present and future.

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

How about Daniel Ryder to motivate his older brother to start scoring.
I can't just drop Michael Ryder, a player who just had two great seasons and one bad one.
If Daniel (must be available cheap) can push his brother the way Sidhari pushes Alexi, we could be on to something. Seems Daniel is on something.
We can sign Ryder to a long term contract for considerable less than it would have cost if he just completed this season with 30 goals.
Daniel has a lot of talent, is currently fishing or waiting tables or sharing a rehab bed with Brittney Spears, is of no use to Calgary. Low risk, longshot with potential for high rewards.
Corey Locke: Day 2 fourth round pick, low risk, high reward potential.
I hate having to give up a lot for someone like Hossa that might be a rental mersonary.
Daniel is not somebody the Hab's need, but an envigorated Michael is definately useful.

[CrocRob]

Daniel was in Montreal on the weekend according to various reports, so I don't know in what capacity you intend to employ Dan that would motivate Michael. Personally, I don't think effort is what's got Michael Ryder down. I think it's the inability of the current coaching staff to teach scoring technique effectively. Not that they're necessarily bad at it, but that whatever they're doing isn't helping Ryder.

[Skilly]

redscull said:

Daniel was in Montreal on the weekend according to various reports, so I don't know in what capacity you intend to employ Dan that would motivate Michael. Personally, I don't think effort is what's got Michael Ryder down. I think it's the inability of the current coaching staff to teach scoring technique effectively. Not that they're necessarily bad at it, but that whatever they're doing isn't helping Ryder.

A motivated Danny Ryder is 5 times the hockey player Michael Ryder is ....

[Disgruntled70sHab]

redscull said:

Personally, I don't think effort is what's got Michael Ryder down. I think it's the inability of the current coaching staff to teach scoring technique effectively. Not that they're necessarily bad at it, but that whatever they're doing isn't helping Ryder.

I think its Ryder, himself, knowing that he's not wanted by his current organization. He won't be back next season one way or the other and I think we're seeing his reaction on the ice.

It's not good for the team, the organization or Mike, himself. I can only imagine what's going through his head. The guy has scored 30 goals in two-straight seasons for a club that doesn't want him back.

Odd trying to figure out why.

Cheers.