A Montreal Canadiens fan blog
Posts tagged UFA
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!
No offers for Dominic Moore and Glen Metropolit
Jul 6th
It’s official. Dominic Moore and Glen Metropolit will not be offered new contracts.
I can say that I was a fan of Metropolit from the time he came to Montreal. And really, who could forget that first game?
He’s put on waivers by his team at the time, the Philadelphia Flyers, only to be picked up by Bob Gainey’s (at the time) Montreal Canadiens. What made this unforgettable is that Metro had to face his former team that day.
I remember watching that game and how it was mentioned…. later on I remember hearing about the adversity he faced in his youth and also beating the odds to play in the NHL.
More >
Off season rumblings have begun
May 29th
Lot’s of talk already just days after the Canadiens playoff run ended.
I know that for some of you the interest in your favorite NHL team doesn’t end. For me, it certainly does not.
While the Habs were on their playoff run I tried to focus on their games. Current line ups, their performance etc…. while trying to leave the impending UFAs, RFAs, salary cap and that question that will keep lingering of which goaltender stays in Montreal??? Or IF they can somehow keep both.
Now that it’s the off-season (ok, not for you Hawks/Flyers fans) I’m starting to think about this stuff a little bit and am reading what other bloggers have to say as well as the media.
Certainly some interesting articles out there. Here are just a few.
More >
Welcome Travis Moen
Jul 13th
At the end of last week, it was announced that Gainey signed to more players.
One of these is Travis Moen.
Travis Moen will likely be the replacement to Tom Kostopoulos… he’s a real team guy who will try to block every shot he can and certainly won’t back down in the rough stuff.
Here’s a taste of Travis squaring off with Carcillo (from Pheonix):
I’ll say it again, because I have said it before, that I’m impressed with the changes that Gainey has been able to make. In a mere few weeks the team has a new coach and coaching staff, a whole new look when it comes to the players on the roster (10 guys not back…. maybe more to come??)…
Unreal.
The addition of Moen goes to address alot of the early comments that the team will once again be too small…. champions aren’t always the biggest team. But Gainey has certainly added some pieces to make sure they’ll be able to mix it up a bit more physically. So those Montreal VS Boston games, Montreal VS Toronto games will be lots of fun.
Plus, Moen has playoff experience. His name is on the cup. I’m not sure how much that really matters… but at least some experts can say that he is a tough customer… and knows what it takes to win.
So, Travis Moen…. welcome to the Montreal Canadiens!
