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Post by CrocRob on Feb 22, 2008 12:43:10 GMT -5
I figured that since there's at least one of us who listens every day, and all Montreal-related rumours surfacing from Toronto need to be taken with a grain of salt, we might put them in a thread a-la Eklund.
Today:
Habs-related:
Montreal is still pushing for Sundin, but no official word as to whether Montreal is on Sundin's list.
Lebrun says that Gainey isn't peddling Higgins, but the rumours that are surfacing are the product of other teams wanting him. (aside: Nick Kypreos thinks Higgins is going to be one of the best LW's in the game in a couple years.. That might be over the top, but it still makes you happy as a Hab fan)
Lebrun also said that Tanguay would likely waive his NTC to go to Montreal if asked because it's just one year. Kypreos says no.
Non-Habs:
Sundin's been asked to provide a list of teams he'll be traded to. Speculation that Detroit and Anaheim would be on the forefront of that list, and Montreal might be on it, too.
Columbus is in on Richards pretty heavy. Montreal isn't.
Waddell still looking for a "hockey move."
KLowe ditto. (lol who cares?)
I kinda fazed out after this.. I think Dis listens, maybe he has something to add.
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Post by franko on Feb 22, 2008 12:54:39 GMT -5
MacKenzie on the team last night talked about Richards and Columbus as well.
[and thanks, RS]
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Post by clear observer on Feb 22, 2008 13:06:30 GMT -5
Nick Kypreos thinks Higgins is going to be one of the best LW's in the game in a couple years. He's right. The complete toolbox is there. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Feb 22, 2008 13:07:35 GMT -5
Sorry Red. Don't get any TV or streaming here at work. I guess it has more to do with bandwidth and security issues.
Just not sold on any big deal involving Montreal now. I think if Gainey does make a move it will be more to give Mike Ryder a change of scenery more than anything else.
But, if he stays it wouldn't surprise me at all either. The group is growing intertependent on one another, which is a crucial building block to any successful team.
I think if Gainey does pull off a deal it will be for who he was looking for in the first place; an experienced, right-handed faceoff man.
Interesting time of year, no?
Cheers.
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Post by blny on Feb 22, 2008 14:31:18 GMT -5
Nick Kypreos thinks Higgins is going to be one of the best LW's in the game in a couple years. He's right. The complete toolbox is there. ... and sometimes it takes a while to put it all together. When I watch Chris skate, more than anything, I see such purpose in it. He skates with aggression and speed. |
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Post by habmeister on Feb 22, 2008 14:39:51 GMT -5
still think ryder might be the perfect fit in vancouver, they're in bad need of a goal scorer, and play more of a cycle slow game, who'd come back? i'd like bmo, but he's injured and hard to say if he'll be back soon and effective, bourdon is natural, but i don't think nonis is dumb enough to give up on him already. ryder for burrows i'd do, and that could be possible, and easy sell to vancouver fans, "look we got a goal scorer for a grinder!"
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Post by blny on Feb 22, 2008 14:52:38 GMT -5
still think ryder might be the perfect fit in vancouver, they're in bad need of a goal scorer, and play more of a cycle slow game, who'd come back? i'd like bmo, but he's injured and hard to say if he'll be back soon and effective, bourdon is natural, but i don't think nonis is dumb enough to give up on him already. ryder for burrows i'd do, and that could be possible, and easy sell to vancouver fans, "look we got a goal scorer for a grinder!" Ryder and dandy/cube/streit and a pick/prospect for Ohlund.  |
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Post by habmeister on Feb 22, 2008 18:16:58 GMT -5
still think ryder might be the perfect fit in vancouver, they're in bad need of a goal scorer, and play more of a cycle slow game, who'd come back? i'd like bmo, but he's injured and hard to say if he'll be back soon and effective, bourdon is natural, but i don't think nonis is dumb enough to give up on him already. ryder for burrows i'd do, and that could be possible, and easy sell to vancouver fans, "look we got a goal scorer for a grinder!" Ryder and dandy/cube/streit and a pick/prospect for Ohlund. ohlund is pretty injury prone and really on the downside i think of his career, and it seems to be a slippery slope, i think we need a true stay at home d-man, that would be overpaying imo. i have the advantage of seeing the nux quite a bit though. |
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Post by Skilly on Feb 22, 2008 19:17:27 GMT -5
Habs-related: Montreal is still pushing for Sundin, but no official word as to whether Montreal is on Sundin's list. I think we are .... not many teams are as stocked in prospects as Montreal. Toronto needs to look forward. I used to value LeBrun's opinion alot ... but over the last two years, I have found him to be either wrong on the Hotstove alot or being used by GMs Kypreos is one of the guys who talk before thinking ... he is all about the show and not about the substance. Nick, have you taken a look at the LWs in the NHL. How do the names Ovechkin, Heatley, Kovalchuk grab ya .... if you define "one of the best" as top 15-20 sure. If you define it as "name the best left wings in the league" ... no. As of right now, he is not even the best left-wing on the Habs! That would be A. Kostitsyn. So we shall see who is more "connected" (pardun the pun). My bet is on Kypreos. I've always heard announcers/analysts say Tanguay has no burning desire to play in Montreal. ... and both LeBrun and Kypreos in there comments show this to be true; "because it is only one year" (read - cant wait to get out of town quickly enough). Maybe the lure of a Cup run will change his mind .... who knows. |
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Post by jkr on Feb 23, 2008 8:51:58 GMT -5
Habs-related: Montreal is still pushing for Sundin, but no official word as to whether Montreal is on Sundin's list. I think we are .... not many teams are as stocked in prospects as Montreal. Toronto needs to look forward. Kypreos is one of the guys who talk before thinking ... he is all about the show and not about the substance. Nick, have you taken a look at the LWs in the NHL. How do the names Ovechkin, Heatley, Kovalchuk grab ya .... if you define "one of the best" as top 15-20 sure. If you define it as "name the best left wings in the league" ... no. As of right now, he is not even the best left-wing on the Habs! That would be A. Kostitsyn. Ovechkin & KOvalchuk are right shots. Do they play left wing? Agree on Kypreos. I hear him on the FAN590 in Toronto. They call him an insider but he spends his time bantering with the hosts & offering no insight. |
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Post by mic on Feb 23, 2008 13:46:45 GMT -5
I love Sundin (most of us are impressed by Kovalev this season, but Sundin has done at least as well most of the past 15 years), but I would certainly hate to see the Habs refurnishing the Leafs' prospect pool. Especially as there is no chance on earth that he would stay in Montreal.
If true, it's a shame that the Habs don't try to get Richards. He would really strengthen the team's weakest spot (aside from high quality defensemen perhaps).
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Post by blny on Feb 23, 2008 18:48:40 GMT -5
Hockey Central tonight discounts the idea of Hossa in Montreal. They feel Waddell has to get value he can add to the roster now to save his job if Hossa gets dealt, and they feel that makes Montreal a bad fit for a trade. On the contrary, they feel that makes the Panthers a good fit with Olli Jokinen.
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Post by jkr on Feb 23, 2008 20:12:00 GMT -5
Hockey Central tonight discounts the idea of Hossa in Montreal. They feel Waddell has to get value he can add to the roster now to save his job if Hossa gets dealt, and they feel that makes Montreal a bad fit for a trade. On the contrary, they feel that makes the Panthers a good fit with Olli Jokinen. Do they mean that Florida will take the type of players Montreal is likeley to offer in any deal? |
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Post by Skilly on Feb 23, 2008 20:35:02 GMT -5
I think we are .... not many teams are as stocked in prospects as Montreal. Toronto needs to look forward. Kypreos is one of the guys who talk before thinking ... he is all about the show and not about the substance. Nick, have you taken a look at the LWs in the NHL. How do the names Ovechkin, Heatley, Kovalchuk grab ya .... if you define "one of the best" as top 15-20 sure. If you define it as "name the best left wings in the league" ... no. As of right now, he is not even the best left-wing on the Habs! That would be A. Kostitsyn. Ovechkin & KOvalchuk are right shots. Do they play left wing? Agree on Kypreos. I hear him on the FAN590 in Toronto. They call him an insider but he spends his time bantering with the hosts & offering no insight. According to nhl.com and yahoo sports they are left wingers |
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Post by blny on Feb 24, 2008 16:00:50 GMT -5
Hockey Central tonight discounts the idea of Hossa in Montreal. They feel Waddell has to get value he can add to the roster now to save his job if Hossa gets dealt, and they feel that makes Montreal a bad fit for a trade. On the contrary, they feel that makes the Panthers a good fit with Olli Jokinen. Do they mean that Florida will take the type of players Montreal is likeley to offer in any deal? That was the implication yes. |
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Post by Skilly on Feb 24, 2008 18:31:18 GMT -5
Tampa Bay have notified Brad Richards that they intend to shop him around the league and asked him to waive his NTC ......
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Post by HabSolute on Feb 24, 2008 18:47:37 GMT -5
And Montreal is not on his list of team
as per RDS
Strike One,........
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Post by HabSolute on Feb 24, 2008 22:56:19 GMT -5
Richards Strike One
Sundin Strike Two
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Post by seventeen on Feb 25, 2008 0:37:58 GMT -5
My favourite possiblity is not Hossa, cause I think he's just a rental, but Jokinen, who could be with us for a while.
Hossa is definitely a mercenary, which makes me question his commitment come play-off time.
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Post by mic on Feb 25, 2008 6:34:45 GMT -5
My favourite possiblity is not Hossa, cause I think he's just a rental, but Jokinen, who could be with us for a while. Hossa is definitely a mercenary, which makes me question his commitment come play-off time. To be frank, I wouldn't care which one, as long as he is signed. Both would bring the team to a new level, and solve an important weakness of the team (strong center or scoring winger). |
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Post by franko on Feb 25, 2008 6:56:24 GMT -5
using my name in vain?  |
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Post by Skilly on Feb 25, 2008 6:58:57 GMT -5
Richards Strike One Sundin Strike Two Unfortunately, we only have 2 more pitches to get that game-winning hit ..... Hossa? Jokinen? C'mon ump!! I can't hold the ball here all day ...make the bloody call!!!Montreal according to sources is in the mix for the two of them ..... and, IMO, neither team Florida or Atlanta needs what Bob is willing to offer. Ryder is a bad fit for both teams, especially without Jokinen in Florida. If you were Florida's GM, would you take Tanguay or UFA-to-be Ryder? When rumours persist that teams like Boston are peddling Kessel, well our GM has to step up and offer Higgins to even get to the table.... You don't go to war with row-boats when others are coming at you with frigates. |
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Post by blny on Feb 25, 2008 7:12:28 GMT -5
Skilly, I think Gainey will step up to a point. He apparently doesn't want to tamper too much with the youth on the current roster, but may have to to get a deal done.
IMO Florida as a trading partner makes sense. They're still a building team that, aside from Jokinen and Bouwmeester, doesn't have much. It may cost Martin his job, but stocking up on talented youth would be good for the long term. It's a hard sell to the fans of course (although most of their fans resemble green seats).
My only qualm with going after Jokinen is what do we do with Koivu? Getting someone like Hossa doesn't tamper with our centers. Adding Olli means we have to shuffle the deck a bit. Does Olli move to the wing? Will he like that? Does Saku move to a third line role? Will he accept that? Adding a Hossa would be the most seamless move imo.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Feb 25, 2008 7:42:40 GMT -5
Hossa is definitely a mercenary, which makes me question his commitment come play-off time. "Have-skates-will-travel." While he's a pure talent, this is what causes me the most aprehension with Hossa. He'll possibly end up to the team that will pay him the most. His name came up at work the other day in the same sentence as 'greedy.' If the Senators get him, they'll be that much stronger, granted. However, like you're saying, a guy like Hossa can be as much a liability in the playoffs, as he can be an impact player. I think that's why they moved him in the first place and I can still remember the immediate impact Danny Heately had upon his arrival to Ottawa. That team changed practically overnight. To be fair, Hossa exceled in Atlanta, but not to the degree Heately did in Ottawa. Heately added much more than just scoring. He was, and remains today, a major contributor to the dressing room. As I was saying earlier, though, I'll be surprised if any of these impact players will sign in Montreal. I don't think its a case of Gainey not trying hard enough, but a lot of these guys either won't waive their NTCs, or if they do, their lists of teams usually don't include Montreal. Seems to be the pattern. Cheers. |
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Post by blny on Feb 25, 2008 7:52:45 GMT -5
I have those same reservations Dis. Still, I think we have a number of people in the room capable of making up for it. I think in order for this team to get to the next level, the talent level has to get to the next level. Hossa accomplishes that.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Feb 25, 2008 8:00:12 GMT -5
Skilly, I think Gainey will step up to a point. He apparently doesn't want to tamper too much with the youth on the current roster, but may have to to get a deal done. I think that's part of the equation, BLNY. However, with the exception of Ryder, I think that youth may come from the farm. Gainey has been reluctant to touch roster in the past. If Jokinen is part of a deal, then the Panthers will need to see an immediate on-ice return in addition to some potential down the road. I can't say for sure, but if a deal went down involving Jokinen, the youth going the other way would probably be inserted directly into the Florida lineup. And if that deal involves Montreal, then we might be able to reasonably predict which prospects would be NHL-ready. I don't think Koivu would care one way or the other if he had to play 3rd fiddle. I think if we had Jokinen, Plekanec and Koivu down the middle, the opposition would soon realize they simply don't have enough checkers. It would probably lead to line-for-line match ups right down the roster. Still, its nice to think about Jokinen in Montreal. But, I don't know if Florida would be willing to move the face of their franchise actually. Cheers. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Feb 25, 2008 8:08:40 GMT -5
I have those same reservations Dis. Still, I think we have a number of people in the room capable of making up for it. I think in order for this team to get to the next level, the talent level has to get to the next level. Hossa accomplishes that. Well said, BLNY. I think you're right in that our talent level would go up immediately with the addition of Hossa. Even if this kind of player doesn't push us over the top this year, he'll be around for a few years after that (if Gainey has his way) and would be a contributor to that developing core of young players. Cheers. |
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Post by blny on Feb 25, 2008 8:12:57 GMT -5
Skilly, I think Gainey will step up to a point. He apparently doesn't want to tamper too much with the youth on the current roster, but may have to to get a deal done. I think that's part of the equation, BLNY. However, with the exception of Ryder, I think that youth may come from the farm. Gainey has been reluctant to touch roster in the past. He has, and it's because he wanted to give them all a fair chance to prove their worth. Some just might be worth more in a trade. Our farm being as deep as it is, some of our farm hands could easily be inserted into their lineup. Mikhail Grabovsky for example. I like the 3 lines of skating fury. It's not quite four lines, but it's good. I have faith that Saku would accept the role until his contract is up, but would he want to remain in that sort of role? Hard to say. |
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Post by franko on Feb 25, 2008 8:53:31 GMT -5
If Jokinen is part of a deal, then the Panthers will need to see an immediate on-ice return in addition to some potential down the road. I can't say for sure, but if a deal went down involving Jokinen, the youth going the other way would probably be inserted directly into the Florida lineup. Were you listening to McGuire this morning? He said the same thing: the Panthers need players as well as prospects. If the rift between Jokinen and Martin is as "well-documented" as suggested then Ollie's gonna go . . . may as well come our way. Salei is also reportedly going to leave Florida, but not interested. In fact, I think he might like it -- less pressure on him might just make him a better player/bring back what he used to bring to the team. I LIKE IT!!! One face or another will move: Jokinen, or Martin. We'll know in just over a day which one. |
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Post by blny on Feb 25, 2008 8:58:40 GMT -5
One face or another will move: Jokinen, or Martin. We'll know in just over a day which one. Could be both. If Martin trades Jokinen, it could easily be the last straw. |
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