A Montreal Canadiens fan blog
Yves
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Homepage: http://yvesonhabs.com/
Posts by Yves
New Year ahead, hopeful for Erik Cole
Jul 16th
We’re July 16th as I write this. We’ve gone through the draft and the “Free Agent Frenzy”. We’ve seen the Montreal Canadiens spend a few bucks and the NHL spend a bunch more.
I’m generally an optimist. Gotta be.
In years past there were some things that I didn’t like… like say the constant line juggling that we saw just a few years ago and some signings. I mean, honestly when the Habs first signed Hal Gill, I wasn’t sure how to feel because I could get past his former Leafs and Bruins jerseys… 
(I think Gill is a valuable asset today, not only on the ice but in the room from what we hear)
When Gauthier was hired, I didn’t know what to think. I was somewhat pessimistic.
But going into the fall this year I’m satisfied with what he’s done. I think Gauthier has done a decent job. Sure, someone can can point at a deal or two they don’t like or that may not have turned out 100%. But I’m not convinced it’s so different on many a team. Trades and drafts are sometimes a crap shoot. It’s like rolling the dice sometimes.
One move that I liked was the addition of Erik Cole.
When people talk about UFAs and over payment, it’s a given that UFAs are getting a pay day. Multiple teams trying to get in on signing players…. it’s a bidding war. It is what it is.
I’m looking forward to see Cole in a Habs uniform. As many have said, he just may be the power forward that the team’s been lacking for a number of years. He also may be a great mentor for Max Pacioretty.
When I think of the forwards I do think he may be a great compliment. Plekanec, Gomez, Gionta, Cammalleri…. speedy guys, they can move the puck…. if Cole becomes an annoyance in the crease of the opposing teams it should give these guys more room to move the puck. And Cole has the hands to score some goals. Habs fans know that all to well.
Plus, he loves playing in Montreal. He’s mentioned that he loves the atmosphere. He’s always been the villain. Now he can be the hero. I think he’ll love it… and that’s an other important aspect of the move. He knows that it’s a media frenzy.
I’m pumped up for training camps to start…. pre-season and the new season.
Here’s a couple of shorts vids of Erik meeting the media in Montreal.
Go Habs Go!
Erik meeting some new fans
Meet Nathan Beaulieu, 17th draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens
Jun 25th
I was quite pleased to see the Montreal Canadiens pick Nathan Beaulieu last night. The Habs have a few solid young defensemen. Think Tinordi, think P.K. Subban who’s making his mark in Montreal…
Add to that Josh Gorges and the possibility of having Yemelin (or Emelin) for a future defensive lineup. Maybe things will look good! Assumptions always though, with player moves, injuries, trades….
But certainly some interesting thoughts.
Beaulieu’s a great skater, he’s got puck moving skill and he’s got a 6’3 frame.
Check out this video of Beaulieu:
Also a nice article on Hockey’s Future on Nathan Beaulieu.
Added this interview after original post
It’s over – Congrats to the Bruins
Jun 16th
Geez, I can’t believe I wrote those words, but I do consider myself a good sport.
The Boston Bruins won the cup last night which was a disappointment to me as I was really hoping Vancouver would pull through. I should also note that I generally harbor no love for the Bruins…. but seeing as I am a huge fan of NHL hockey, I enjoy the sport. But whatever. Congrats.
All in all though after watching many games in this year’s 2011 edition of the NHL Playoffs, I still have to go back to the opening round and say that for me the best most entertaining series was the Canadiens vs the Bruins. It had intensity, back and forth hockey, goaltending… it had it all. Game 7 overtime…. etc.
Finally, congrats to some of the people in Vancouver for showing us your drunken stupor…. I seriously doubt many of you participated in that riot were actually die hard Canucks / NHL fans…. and more so just fans of the “drunken stupor”…. May you who participated see it for what it really was with sober sight.
Enjoy
Andrei Markov or James Wisniewski? Which would you sign?
Jun 10th
This is purely a question I ask for fun while I watch the Boston Bruins play the Vancouver Canucks in Game 5 of the NHL finals…. and dream of next year’s “Habs watching” season.
If you were Pierre Gauthier and looking forward with $$, contract terms and player’s future potential in mind… and let’s say you could only sign one of these 2 guys…
Which guy would you sign?
For how much?
For how long?
Personally I’ve always been a fan of Andrei Markov. Always. He’s been one of the league’s premier offensive defensemen. I believe he’s loved Montreal and has been one of the cornerstones of this franchise.
But looking forward, would you offer him a long term deal for $5 million a year? I usually tend to feel nostalgic when looking at a player I’ve watched favorably for many a season so that is my natural tendency.
But looking at how Wisniewski played both with grit and with his offensive numbers… geez.
You know, I think I’d offer James a comfortable long term deal. He’s entering the prime of his career, has offensive skills, plays with some grit….
As for numbers, I’m not sure what I’d do. I’m thinking I’d offer him a 3-4 year deal. Maybe even up to 5 for a bit of a lower cap number. Given that he’s 27 years old he could very well have many strong years ahead.
What would you do??
Hal Gill close to resigning with Montreal Canadiens
Jun 1st
It’s been reported that Hal Gill has signed a 1 year deal with the Habs. On the Canadien’s website, he’s “close to resigning with the Canadiens“. Which means the deal is done I would think.
I think Hal is a great piece to the “habs puzzle”. He’s obviously a leader on the team, we’ve heard about his great attitude and his mentoring of the younger Habs defensemen.
While he’s not the fastest skater or the most skilled player in the NHL, he gives his 100% and the amount of shots he directly blocks or alters in the course of a season is a valued statistic.
Glad to see you back Hal!
