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.

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….

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)

Seems as though the online petition to keep Alex Kovalev in Montreal got a little more attention as RDS put out a little piece on it today.

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!

Well… it’s been a long long time since I’ve written anything…. and while I continued to watch my beloved Habs in the playoffs… I was not inspired to write a thing.

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)

View Larger Map

We’re almost at the trade deadline.

I was very happy when Gainey went out and signed Laraque. The way that Montreal was played by the Flyers in the playoffs and the way certain teams would take liberties… this was certainly a move that would add lot’s of toughness.

Obviously, the centennial year isn’t shaping up to be what some people expected….

The rumour mill is certainly making noise about the Kovalev situation.

Lot’s has happened since I last posted…. some ups and downs. Maybe major downs lately.

The big slump or whatever you would like to call it has sparked lot’s of emotion by Habs fans… Listening to Team990, I’ve heard lot’s of opinions… lot’s of negativity.

I find interesting that just a few months ago, so much sounded “rosie” because they weren’t doing to badly… just totally injury riddled.

Kovalev has been told to take time… so many people have put blame on him… but listen, the guy is 35 years old… almost 36 (on Feb 24th!!

Just a little bit after I posted about the “Habs for sale” rumour….