Checking in from vacation: A major nono, but can't help myself, nor can I deprive my loyal readers any longer. That being said, gonna keep this one to note form...
-It'll be interesting to see what Benoit Pouliot can produce if he comes into a training camp in somewhat decent physical condition. That would be a great improvement over not being in shape at all...A good deal for the Canadiens, and potentially a better one if he plays to his capabilities. Would be nice to see him continue what he started and trailed off of with 20 games to go in the regular season.
-Tom Pyatt, 500,000$. Comes to Canadiens as an afterthought in Gomez-Higgins-McDonagh shuffle, works ass off in Hamilton, joins Habs, works ass off with Habs, earns important minutes, continues to pay dues. Is there anything this guy has done that Sergei Kostitsyn can't learn from?
-Speaking of "Problem Child", he's Nashville's problem now. I see one of two things happening; Either Nashville signs him and he plays well before finding himself in a similar position as he was in with the Canadiens, or he bolts for the KHL where he belongs...
-Dan Ellis, anyone? Weird dynamics here. As Bob McKenzie pointed out in his
instant analysis of the trade, Ellis is represented by Octagon's Mike Liut, the same agency that represents Jaroslav Halak. As I've been assured by one prominent agent, teams never let relationships with agents affect their interest in a potential target. The Canadiens interest in Ellis makes perfect sense, consistent with Gauthier's suggestion the team was in the market to ensure they have two strong goalies. Ellis will cost far less than what Halak would've settled for, and could be a great compliment to Price. It'll be interesting to follow whether or not Pierre Gauthier intends on signing Ellis in the next 24 hours, ahead of unrestricted free agency. If he can get him inked, it's a real bonus, considering Dustin Boyd came for Kostitsyn as well.
-And Dustin Boyd has to figure into the Canadiens plan. He's a much better fit for the team's bottom 6 than Sergei Kostitsyn ever was. He's got some size, some skill, and he's a physical player who has been brought up in two physical systems; Calgary and Nashville.
-Speaking of Boyd, the Canadiens were painfully thin at centre last season. They now have Eller and Boyd in the mix, and Dominic Moore waiting, if they're still interested. I'm not sure they're worried about July 1st in Moore's case, but giving up a second rounder for him, and then letting him walk after he played very well down the stretch and into the playoffs would be unfortunate.
-Same way it's unfortunate they won't be able to bring Glen Metropolit back. I hope someone picks up the phone and scoops Metropolit, before he entertains thoughts of hockey in Europe. Boston just re-upped with Recchi, and Metropolit could help bring along youngsters from another team just as well. He's also versatile; can play powerplay and centre a third line on a lot of teams in this league.
-Also available, at the centre/wing position/ will play defense if guaranteed an important role on a team, is Mike Modano. I floated the idea on twitter a couple of days ago (not based on speculation, sources, or any other delusion) that he would look great in a Habs uniform. I'm not off that idea, either. If the Canadiens could add him to the mix for a year, why not? Doubt he'll land in Montreal, but I'd love to see his career reinvigorated by a new start anywhere but Dallas. The last few years have been beyond tough for him there; losing captaincy, and his role with the team. The Stars hardly gave him powerplay time last season... When they came to Montreal in January, he played an excellent game, exhibiting the same skill that made him so exciting throughout his career, and scored his 550th career goal. Modano still has speed, and a huge heart to go with his huge shot, all he needs is a team to show him some confidence.
-Don't know if the Canadiens have much planned for July 1st. They've got to get Price and whoever will back him up under contract. If not Ellis, Martin Biron is the obvious option on the market.
More to come...
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