A Montreal Canadiens fan blog
Rumours
Do all the rumors and trash talk have an impact on your team?
Sep 1st
This is something that’s been debated a little here and there. Do you think that all the wild trade rumors, all the crazy fan bantor where people cook up 100 different scenarios to “get rid of” or get a certain player ultimately have an impact on how players feel about playing in certain cities.
I asked myself this question a couple of times today after Tony Marino said on the Team990 that he thought it might be a possibility that people could eventually run Carey Price out of town.
Fans naturally have tons of emotion…. really, people have tons of emotion, about all kinds of stuff…. like that driver in front of you who’s driving to slow, maybe that pisses you off…. or maybe it’s the guy/gal riding your bumper.
Maybe it’s a GM who just pulled off a deal trading away your (current) favorite goaltender and you’ve just ground down all your teeth… tearing your vocal chords apart while screaming in horror.
More >
Sergei Kostitsyn – Will he stay or will he go?
Oct 22nd
I remember when we first saw Sergei in Montreal during the first batch of pre-season games 3 years ago. In that pre-season stint, I was impressed and I remember Carbo saying how it was hard to send him to Hamilton.
We didn’t have to wait long and Sergei was called up to play in Montreal.
Fast forward a few years and here we are.
Sergei Kostitsyn had a place on this roster. There is no doubt. But there’s been this kind of cloud hovering above him since last season.
Last year all the media (well not ALL the media, but some media certainly) were finding new issues every couple of weeks…. Kostitsyn’s name was mentioned along with the word “party”…. and then later on he and brother Andrei were thought to be involved with some shady figures in Montreal (along with Hamrlik).
Sergei had been demoted after all that stuff came about… but even before that the Habs team were sinking fast. I’m not sure if half the team just stopped playing for Carbo or what…. but there had been whispers of attitude problems.
More >
Rumour Mill – Plekanec could get offer from KHL
Jul 10th
I hadn’t heard about this at all until this morning and I could find it plausible.
Seems as though Marc De Foy from ruefrontenac.com is reporting that there is interest by a KHL team to make an offer to Plekanec.
(article is here)
The KHL has recently recruited a few NHLers… including Jiri Hudler of the Detroit Red Wings.
I think NHL GMs will likely continue to be a little more weary on picking european players in the drafts because there is a strong possibility and even likelyhood that many young players will opt to play in the KHL.
There are differences for sure between the 2 leagues… and one that could help draw players is taxation on salary. Many contracts I’ve read about for players going to the KHL are tax free. This makes a big difference for the KHL teams in helping them be willing to match or even outbid NHL teams for certain players.
RDS is reporting that Plekanec acknowledged that he did receive offers from the KHL but wished to play in the NHL.
(article is here)
A clarification on Kovalev
Jul 8th
Yesterday, I had written an email to PJ Stock over at the Team990 about Kovalev being in Ottawa. And as I’m not writer, I think I came out sounding a bit harsh.
Basically, I’ve always loved Kovalev in Montreal. I would have gladly taken him back.
I’m actually a bit sad to see him go… and according to reports, he did want to stay in Montreal… and Gainey did want him back. A lack of communication it seems.
Now, one thing that I don’t understand is that while people have been to the streets in Montreal prior to his (Kovalev) signing in Ottawa, in attempts to convince Bob Gainey to sign him, is that while he was a member of the Canadiens, I would often hear and read comments by people calling him the best player on the face of the earth… and other comments calling him a bum.
The opposite ends of the spectrum.
We all know that Kovalev is likely one of the very top skilled forwards in the world. I don’t think there is any doubt. But, consistency has dogged him.
Mind you, last year has been called a disappoint… but it was far better then the 2007-2008 season. Statiscally, I don’t think it was that bad a year. Since the whole team seemed to go down the drain at the mid-way point. People just see what talents he has and believe (or expect) that he should carry the team… be the offensive leader.
And while some people were calling to put the “C” on Kovalev in Montreal. I’m not so sure. In a way, if he would have signed, it certainly would have been major motivation for him. In another way, I would put the “C” on someone who brings it every night without a doubt… someone who buys into the system the team is playing… etc.
Kovalev might indeed have been a good captain and player in Montreal for the proposed 2 years / 10 Million. But, we’ll never know.
Alex, once again. Have a great year in Ottawa. Loved your time in Montreal and I will keep watching you play for Ottawa. But I hope you understand, I gotta cheer against you when you’re playing against Montreal…. 
No hard feelings right??
Changes and maybe more changes to come
Oct 24th
Posted by Yves in My thoughts
Comments
As pressure mounts in Montreal there will inevitably be a line to cross. This line will likely mean the difference between a substantial move or another band aid move.
Mike Blunden has been recalled and while he won’t be the turning point of the season a guy like him could bring a whole lot of hustle and a whole lot of hits. Both of which I wouldn’t mind seeing right about now. I don’t think this can hurt the lineup any more then they’ve been suffering.
Petteri Nokelainen was acquired to add some depth in the center position. I would have preferred Betts… if he would have been healthy of course.
Let’s hope Petteri brings something. So far he’s won 18 face offs and lost 13. Not a huge stat there.
We need somethin’ folks.
Trade rumors… well, if you listen to call ins, you’ll likely hear rabid fans suggesting every possible scenario. Hey, we’re Habs fans after all right? Passion?? You got it.
Reports about Kostitsyn being on the block. Those rumors certainly aren’t new. We’ll see what happens.
My personal thoughts are that if the ship doesn’t change course, Mr Martin will be sailing somewhere else. And a player or 2 could sail the seas as well.
Tonight…. Habs vs Panthers. What will happen??
Stay Tuned.