A Montreal Canadiens fan blog
UFAs
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
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!
Montreal Canadiens sign defenseman Kyle Klubertanz
May 28th
Kyle Klubertanz (photo by Wikipedia)
It was announced that Pierre Gauthier has signed free agent defenseman Kyle Klubertanz to a 1 year deal.
Kyle Klubertanz is a former 3rd round pick of the Anaheim Ducks.
From the Official Press release
The 24-year old Klubertanz is a 6’01” 180 lbs defenseman who hails from Madison, WI. In 2009-10, he played with Djurgardens of the Swedish Elite League. Klubertanz was tied for second in scoring on his team, first amongst defensemen with 31 points in 55 games (12 goals, 19 assists).
It’s a pretty minor signing…. but no sooner then the season and playoffs end do we see a little movement. Another US college defenseman to add into the organisation.
Oh yeah that’s right, the playoffs aren’t officially over are they??
D’Agostini signs and next year’s contracts
Aug 14th
Today it was announced that Matt D’Agostini has signed a 1 year deal with the Montreal Canadiens. D’Agostini certain came out of the gates after being called up last year flying offensively but then after a short time slowed down like the entire team.
I wonder what role D’Agostini will play this season. He seems to have a decent shot. Will Jacques Martin play him on the 2nd line? 3rd line? Time will tell.
I’m hopeful that Martin will have success in further developing these young guys just as he seemed to do in Ottawa with the Senators.
After July 1st and the few weeks that followed Gainey has signed many one year deals. That just got me thinking a bit. Here’s a list of players broken down into the length of contracts.
Players with 1 year under contract ’til 2010-2011
UFA – Tomas Plekanec
UFA – Glen Metropolit
RFA – Sergei Kostitsyn
RFA – Guillaume Latendress
RFA* – Maxim Lapierre
RFA – Matt D’Agostini
RFA* – Kyle Chipchura
UFA – Paul Mara
RFA – Carey Price
RFA* – Jaroslav Halak
* = Arbitration Eligible
Players with 2 years, ’til 2011-2012
RFA* – Andrei Kostitsyn
UFA – Georges Laraque
UFA – Andrei Markov
UFA – Roman Hamrlik
UFA – Hal Gill
RFA* – Josh Gorges
RFA* – Ryan O’Byrne
Players with 3 years, ’til 2012-2013
UFA – Travis Moen
UFA – Jaroslav Spacek
Players with 5 years, ’til 2014-2015
UFA – Scott Gomez
UFA – Mike Cammalleri
UFA – Brian Gionta
It’s just my thought but next year will probably bring some more changes. Probably not a whole lot in terms of trades but it’s likely that some of the players we have today will not likely be back.
One of the reasons is going into next year Carey Price will need to be re-signed and he will get a raise.
All trade rumors and speculation aside going into next year Gainey will once again have his work cut out for him replacing and/or re-signing the RFAs and some UFAs to fill out his roster. Some of those young guys will demand a raise next year.
At the same time it could make it alot easier for him to move them if he finds a suitable trade.
Most of the defense is locked in for 2 years. If Weber and/or Subban don’t come up this year they’ll be up next year.
The message I get from all these 1 year deals is:
It’s time to produce guys.
What do you think?
These are just some passing thoughts that I’ve got…
Scott Gomez – Welcome!
Jul 18th
Scott Gomez, when I first heard of that trade, I’ll say that I really didn’t like the deal. Not at all.
Since July 1st though, I’ll say that Gainey deserves credit. Some of the UFAs that were signed probably wouldn’t have come to the Montreal Canadiens if Gomez hadn’t have been a member of the new team.
Mr Gomez, if you’re reading this… I’m now happy to have you aboard. I know that some people have said that your production dropped with the New York Rangers… but so did Alex Kovalev prior to coming to Montreal where he enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career 2 years ago. Some people are saying the same about Brian Gionta.
But I think that a new beginning in Montreal with some familiar faces like Brian Gionta and Paul Mara…. coupled with a coaching system which I suspect will be similar to that which you had in New Jersey with the Devils might be a good fresh start.
With all the current changes to my beloved Montreal Canadiens I was a bit sad to see so many people go that I spent countless hours cheering on… but I’m looking forward to cheering for you (Scott) as well as the new teammates.
I’ve heard a few of the new players talk about you’re (Scott) great playmaking skill. All I can say is that I’m so looking forward for this season to start… I can’t wait.
So now, I ask you Habs fans… Who can resist seeing someone score against the Leafs??
Scott Gomez highlight vs Maple Leafs Feb 22 2009.
Or how about seeing a guy score against the Bruins??
Scott Gomez highlight vs Bruins March 8th 2009.
Can’t wait to see you lace ‘em up in Montreal!
So Welcome Scott Gomez!
