Today I will continue my week long look ahead at the summer rumor preview for the teams who are out of the playoffs in Canada.
On Montreal...
Window: Starting to Open.
Fan Desperation level: 8 of 10
Fan expectations: 10 of 10
Management changes coming?:5 of 10
Player Changes coming?: 8 of 10
Fans won't be satisfied unless: They are back near the top of their division and competitive in the playoffs.
This was the Montreal Canadiens season to forget and it was perhaps the one most will remember for a long time as the team went from their best start in this storied franchise's history to a total collapse following the loss of their goalie/heart and soul Carey Price.
The Canadiens were missing a lot of players this year beyond Price and coach Therrien was unable to inspire the troops at all or even come up with some sort of viable option to make them competitive. Compare what happened in Montreal to what went down in Anaheim. The Ducks dug out of their struggle through brilliant coaching and completely shifting the way they played the game. Boudreau was masterful. The only thing that Bruce Boudreau didn't get out of his miracle working is a guaranteed job next year....and somehow Michel Therrien won out there...He will be back.
Marc Bergevin is one of the sneakiest and smartest GMs in the game. He is also one of the most aggressive when it comes to player moves...I am hearing Montreal will be extremely active heading into the Draft and on UFA day. Since they aren't changing the coach I guess you have to change the players...although I could argue both are needed.
Bergevin's public confidence in Therrien seems to run exactly opposite of Therrien's confidence in PK Subban. How do you say "Opposite Day" in French? I don't get the Habs not being more public in their praise and backing of PK. After Price there is simply no better Canadien player deserving of the key to the city in my opinion.
What will Montreal try to do?
The Habs I am told are looking to make a big splash and bring in some Grade A, bona fide top 6 forwards. They have a solid prospect pool from which to dea, but they lack any star power despite their depth with prospects...so Montreal will have to package some together if they are to get the sort of impact "star" they are looking to grab. They too will be in on Stamkos I am told, but I am not sure they have what Stamkos wants the most: A life away from controversy.
The Habs will certainly try to make impact moves though...and Bergevin is well versed at such moves...The only concern I have is just how much he and the coach are on the same page. Trading for big name players requires Michel Therrien to be on board. Signing big name players requires Therrien to be honest with the potential players regarding their expectations, playing time, etc. The current Habs do have a bit of a rep going that they promise players more than they can deliver given Therrien's system.
These guys talk you know....Word gets out. It has made attracting UFA's dicey...No scorer wants to come in and ride the bench for missing a defensive assignment. Another reason being nice to Subban is so important.
If Subban is traded and Therrien remains, Habs fans will lose their minds...and rightfully so.
What say you about the coming summer for the Habs?
We will discuss this and of course the playoffs on today's HockeyBuzzCast at 1pm.
Try Relay: the free SMS and picture text app for iPhone.
Join the Discussion:
»