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.

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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.

Whatever the case may be, some people seem to be so negative. I really love following the Habs. The Montreal Canadiens have been my favorite team for as long as I can remember and I’ve never been the type of guy to jump ship.

I love listening to the Team 990 in Montreal, Marinaro, Campbell, Ross… they all do a great job. But at times when I listen to some callers…. that start with some name calling, and the continual put down of some players.. it drives me nuts. Also seeing some comments online sometimes…. it drives me nuts…. absolutely crazy.

When I try to put myself in the shoes of an NHLer, playing in a place like Montreal, I’ve pretty much come to the conclusion that I would almost need to ignore most commentary on my profession. I think of Saku Koivu who played years in Montreal and had to put up with so much crap in papers…etc. How about when fans were booing Patrice Brisebois off the ice? I think of Carey Price right now…. it was mentioned on Tony’s show today that just talking about him brings up such a strong reaction…. and it does.

A new scientific study that was talked about today on CBC radio shows direct relation between performance/productivity and happiness at work.

Could you be happy working a job in a place where so much attention is given at crapping on you?

Really think expressing “passion” in such a negative sense could have a positive effect? I don’t think so. I think that if a guy is slumping or under performing, he likely already knows it. At least, that’s always been the case for me in my life. And when I’ve been struggling like that, beating me over the head with it didn’t seem to help.

Not being a bandwagon jumper…. I’ve always thought that it’s best to support the team no matter what. Because all those guys, they’re human too. Just like me, and just like you.

Let me be very clear, I’m not saying that people shouldn’t have an opinion. Of course you should. Of course you should voice it. If I’m not sure I would have pulled off a move, I can say that. But getting to the point where it’s firestorms and people feeding each other’s fires?? A bit much.

At the end of the day folks, I’ll tell you what.

NHL players, NHL coachs, NHL GMs….. they’re doing their job.

We don’t have to like the moves the GM makes but if I, if you, if we get all “road rage” about that move or players on the roster….. then it’s time to chill, step back and count to 10.

Because like it or not, it’s entertainment for you unless they’re (NHL) paying your mortgage/rent.

Support your team and (try to) enjoy the new NHL season!

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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.

This season, Martin made it clear that he wanted to run a tighter ship… the boys better work hard…. etc.

Right off the bat Sergei got himself in the bad books.

I’m not an “insider”. I’m a fan. I watch every game I can which comes close to all the games. I follow reporting on the team…etc.

From what I’ve seen the last 2 years I’m assuming that in fact Sergei does have some growing up in the sense that he needs to learn to take directives from his boss. From the coach and from the GM.

In hockey it’s not like boxing. You’ve got teammates. It’s a team sport. And in most team sports you have a coach that analyzes his players, what their strengths and weaknesses are and not only a general team strategy but a game per game strategy.

Sergei also decided to “force” management to trade him by not reporting. Honestly Sergei, what would have been the big deal to work hard in Hamilton? There’s a spot for you on the roster dude. But here’s the deal….. it’s not gonna be handed to you because you have potential. When you’re potential comes into fruition with work ethic then you deserve the spot. I have no doubt that you would have earned that spot much sooner then later.

But at this point even the title of my blog post kind of “erks me”… because the possibility of Sergei staying has gotten very slim to none.

Now if you’re reading this you may have heard the various rumors. I don’t really write rumors and rarely write about them but one rumor has the Kostitsyn’s going to LA for Frolov. I don’t mind that deal if it ever happened.

I’m always hoping that Andrei finds his “overdrive”.. but he hasn’t as of yet. Sergei just doesn’t want to listen to his boss or so it seems.

How long does Gainey wait?

Frolov would be a low risk acquisition because he is UFA at year’s end.

Personally, I wish all of this would just straighten around… Andrei starts putting up points… Sergei works hard comes to Montreal and helps the team’s offense… and we all live happily ever after.

But do you think that will happen??

Maybe after all this I just need a bigger cup of coffee….

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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)

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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??

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Alex Kovalev has definately been one of the most popular players in recent years in the Montreal Canadiens organisation. Kovalev, dubbed as “the artist”, has shown his mad skills on the ice in Montreal much to the pleasure of the fans… and some fans have taken it upon themselves to try and convince Gainey to sign him before he signs elsewhere.

Honestly, I would have taken Kovalev back in a heartbeat. I still would if a deal were to be reached.

I believe that Kovalev knows that he was really loved by the fans in Montreal. At least, for me, Kovalev was a joy to watch. Sometimes, I’ll admit, it was frustrating to watch him… but that is just because of the expectation that we (as fans.. and maybe the “experts”… and staff) placed upon him… due to his incredible talent that was always so evident.

I loved watching Kovalev play for the Habs.

If Gainey were to change his mind he would still have to address the defense, which may require a trade.

So far, François Beauchemin seemed to the the favorite by many to try and get signed as he would fill up the defense nicely… and rumour has it that he’s expressed a desire to play in Montreal.

So if Kovalev was resigned, it would certainly look as though Gainey would be out in the Beauchemin races….. and it would probably kill the rumour that Koivu “could” be back in Montreal.. (Eklund’s rumour here)

I know there is another petition for Saku Koivu….. I don’t know… but really, I’m still attached to these 2 great players who served us well in their time with the Canadiens. And I would welcome both back. I’m just not sure how Gainey would work signing either Kovalev or Koivu or both…. and still addressing a need at the defensive position. But.. one can always acquire a defenseman via trade.

Can’t wait for the season to start!

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It’s only been a short time since their demise and the playoffs aren’t yet done.. but I’m experiencing slight Habs withdrawl.

The draft approachs and the numerous holes in the roster will start being filled soon.

RDS is reporting that Alexei Yemelin and the Montreal Canadiens are negotiating to have him in Montreal as early as next season.

And so it has begun… with the signing of Dany Masse‘s signing earlier this month…

Now on Yemelin… I think it’s some good news…. a great young prospect who represent’s (in my opinion) something that the Habs were really lacking this season. A physical stay at home D-man.

We saw many times how opposing teams would have it a bit to easy in front of Carey or Jaro. Yemelin would add some youthful energy and some general nasty-ness that is needed in Hab-Land.

Another interesting little bit…. Yemelin’s hometown is Togliatti (in Russia) which is where Alex Kovalev is also from.

I honestly can’t wait for the draft, then the prospect camps…. then the pre-season… then the season!!! Go Habs!

(Here’s Togliatti on a map)

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