larionov or oates in montreal

[marcel]

i think you know my vote...larinov

[Thomas]

Neither, Oates seems to be demanding too much money for what he could bring to a team at his age, and Larionov is on his last legs. I wouldnt mind having either as an assistant coach, but I think its time for them to hang them up.

[Ryan]

Hey Marcel, welcome to the board.

If you're Marcel Hossa, you have to tell us right now ;D

I wouldn't take either of those guys at this point. In fact I'm thinking if the Habs could unload Juneau or Perreault at this point the would. Ribeiro must see ice time, it's make it or break it for him, so plug him in as second line center. I just don't see where Larionov or Oates would fit in.

I'm sure they'll both play another year though, they can be very valuable to a contending team.

[marcel]

i say fordet oates...he thing retirement but he probally hoping for a call from detroit for a one last run at the cup...he been in the leauge along time and no ring...hey maybe he sign with the avalance just before the playoffs and they can do for him what they did for bourque?eh?lol...maybe oates will play follow the karyia ?lol

[Patty Roy]

Neither.

Some are fed up with Perreault's soft play and lack of speed...imagine how they'd feel about these two dinosaurs?

[DeportivoHabs]

somehow you guys were satisfied with gilmour though?

45 points in 67 games and fills a void we desperately need - a proven set up man on the 2nd half of the power play.

old? yes....but he was last year as well.

Don't get me wrong...for too much money it's not worth it...but you could use this guy on either the #2 or #3 lines and ensure our wingers would be better set up than with ribs or perreault.

I'll vote for oates.

[BadCompany]

I'll vote for Larionov, if Juneau *cough rat cough* is dumped. He'd be a great mentor, and a better player than Joey. Oates would be Doug Gilmour the second, only without the leadership. He'd want top line, pp minutes, so he can pad his stats. Larionov would be quite happy as a 3rd line center, methinks...

[DeportivoHabs]

sorry...never heard of oates whining about playing time.

had this guy in the pool last year and he was playing quite well on the 2nd line with the likes of Leclerc and Chistov and helped those guys play really well. It was only when the team and Rucchin began to slump that he was moved to the top line with Kariya and Sykora.

if we were to take igor...I'd rather hire him simply as an assistant or mentor of some kind - have him practive with the team etc.

[mikeg]

where`s the smurf juice option?

[Deleted]

Neither. We've tried veterans already, not to mention Gainey said that he won't be making any huge UFA signings.

[marcel]

i would not consider larionov a major accuaction at 1+ million per season

[legaspesien]

Please play the kids...or bring back Cournoyer

[Deleted]

marcel said:

i would not consider larionov a major accuaction at 1+ million per season

Perhaps I should clarify: Bob Gainey is intended to play the youngsters a chance which they deserve. Jason Ward was awesome last year in the AHL, and even racked up some points the few games when he was called up to the big club. Mike Komisarek seems to be ready to play a full season, and Mike Ribeiro is working harder than ever to make sure that he stays on the roster. I'm not too sure what Marcel Hossa's going to do but he needs to do something to regain his confidence.

I like the team we have now. Let them grow.

[IamCanadiens]

I don't think either of them would help the Habs get Ovechkin ;D

[Viper]

IamCanadiens said:

I don't think either of them would help the Habs get Ovechkin ;D

nothing will get us ovechkin we won't need him we will be progressing effectively with our existing depth and to trade away alot of it for ONE guy would be silly and I don't believe the team will be bad enough to land him as our pick.

as for Oates and Larionov.

Niether.

we have talent on the farm that will be fighting the likes of juneau and others for a spot and i truly believe they need to EARN a spot but to sign even more NHL veteran talent is like kicking them back down just as they get their head above water. Much the same way things happened last year when we overinflated our roster with one dimensional wingers we had no use for.

[IamCanadiens]

That comment was tongue in cheek (I even used one of those stupid smilies) but since you've made it an issue I'll back it. With the parity in the league these days I'd never be so bold as to say nothing will get us Ovechkin. Injuries to key players, slow development of prospects, and poor goaltending could lead to a lottery spot. Look at what happened to the Canes last year. I thought they'd be in a dog fight for a playoff and not a lottery position. Poop happens! Montreal is a mediocre team at best. Their success 2 seasons ago was due to Theodore's brilliant play. He is the key to the Habs. In front of him is an atrocious D. No goalie should have to play behind that many bums. Enter Komo. What if the learning curve is steep? Thats a lot to expect a young guy to come in and be an impact player. And Haisey appears to lack maturity. Then what happens if Saku or Zeds get hurt?.........The way I see it the Habs are better than the Pens, the Jackets, the Preds, and the Flames. But the Thrashers, the Sabres, and the Panthers are all improving and any or all of them could finish above a struggling Habs squad. Montreal could easily end up with a lottery pick. On the flip side Komo could step right in, Theodore could have another stellar year, and a number of guys could be a pleasent surprise. A playoff spot isn't out of the question........Don't kid yourself into thinking the Habs don't need Ovechkin. Every team in the league could use his talent. If he was eligible he would've gone #1 this year.

[freebzy]

neither one thank you.

I am just as happy to go with what we have. Let Mr Gainey assess the talent and grow this franchise into a serious contender in the next few years.