Good read. As much as I love what Murray brings to the table, I agree that Murray/Markov is a disaster. I'm still puzzled over the Briere signing though. We boast the smallest top 6, might as well add another little guy.
- tourns

Markov finished the season with Subban and will likely start this season with him as well. He'll be re-paired with Emelin once the latter returns, but no one else in the lineup (other than Tinordi) can really play with Markov at this point.

Interesting blog! Thanks for reading mine by the way. most interesting thing is how differently we see the D sorting itself out. If a GM is interested, do you consider keeping Diaz and trading Gorges?
- kev1586

I actually would trade Gorges, but we would need another steady D to replace him in the trade or maybe sign Hainsey?

I love reading Habs stuff bro lol. I'm interested in hockey 24/7 haha

Interesting blog! Thanks for reading mine by the way. most interesting thing is how differently we see the D sorting itself out. If a GM is interested, do you consider keeping Diaz and trading Gorges?
- kev1586

During the last full season, everyone loved Gorges. He is a shot blocking machine and solid on the PK. I think he suffered with Gill leaving but will get back into form. He may never live up to his contract but even then, he's AT MOST $0.9M high. Probably mor like $0.4M. Trading him when we don't have players like him to put in his place is stupid. PK, Markov, Diaz, Beaulieu are all offensive. Bouillon, Drewiski are 7th dmen, Murray and Emelin are hitters, Gorges is D only, and Tinordi is Tinordi

Markov finished the season with Subban and will likely start this season with him as well. He'll be re-paired with Emelin once the latter returns, but no one else in the lineup (other than Tinordi) can really play with Markov at this point.
- kev1586

Why not Gorges?

Silence the separatists? I'm pretty sure many Federalists wanted Lecavalier for the simple reason that he's a 6'4 Center who managed .65+ PPG in his last handful of seasons. Heck, Toronto wanted Vincent too.

I understand it gives color to the overall text, but thread carefully with politics.

Putting everyone that wants more francophone on the team in the separatist basket is an error you should refrain from doing. But hey, this is your first blog.

As for Erne, he would have brought as much tougness and size up front. The Habs simply prefered McCarron to him. Probably because Erne was reported to have shape issues, let's just say the guy is not a training freak.

Silence the separatists? I'm pretty sure many Federalists wanted Lecavalier for the simple reason that he's a 6'4 Center who managed .65+ PPG in his last handful of seasons. Heck, Toronto wanted Vincent too.

I understand it gives color to the overall text, but thread carefully with politics.

Putting everyone that wants more francophone on the team in the separatist basket is an error you should refrain from doing. But hey, this is your first blog.

As for Erne, he would have brought as much tougness and size up front. The Habs simply prefered McCarron to him. Probably because Erne was reported to have shape issues, let's just say the guy is not a training freak.
- QuebecPride

Silence the separatists? I'm pretty sure many Federalists wanted Lecavalier for the simple reason that he's a 6'4 Center who managed .65+ PPG in his last handful of seasons. Heck, Toronto wanted Vincent too.

I understand it gives color to the overall text, but thread carefully with politics.

Putting everyone that wants more francophone on the team in the separatist basket is an error you should refrain from doing. But hey, this is your first blog.

As for Erne, he would have brought as much tougness and size up front. The Habs simply prefered McCarron to him. Probably because Erne was reported to have shape issues, let's just say the guy is not a training freak.
- QuebecPride

I was just adding some flavor to the article, but there are political people out there that slam the Canadiens for their lack of Francophone players. But if its offensive, just let me know and I'll refrain from that stuff. But I was just having fun with the writing and sometimes pissing off a couple ppl attracts some attention .

Also, I love going to Montreal. It's a yearly trip for me for a end of the season Saturday night game and I love the city, the ppl, the food. I just think ppl should ease up on drilling the team for lack of French players. Koivu was a exceptional captain and he had to deal with that from time to time and he shouldn't of had to at all, IMO.

I was just adding some flavor to the article, but there are political people out there that slam the Canadiens for their lack of Francophone players. But if its offensive, just let me know and I'll refrain from that stuff. But I was just having fun with the writing and sometimes pissing off a couple ppl attracts some attention .

Also, I love going to Montreal. It's a yearly trip for me for a end of the season Saturday night game and I love the city, the ppl, the food. I just think ppl should ease up on drilling the team for lack of French players. Koivu was a exceptional captain and he had to deal with that from time to time and he shouldn't of had to at all, IMO.
- SmielmaN

As long as you don't mind the drama that it will garner, fire away.

I agree that people were getting overzealous about Koivu. French is not an easy language to learn, but at the same time, they were right to want at least something from him in French more than the odd Merci after living most of his adulthood in Québec, including a decade as the captain of a team representing the second biggest francophone city in the world.

I dont think we should refrain from players that don't speak French. Obviously the Habs never did and will never do that. But there's a middle ground between grabbing all francophones and two 4th liners, I'm sure you'll agree with me. Looks like Bergevin understood that on 1st day. Good for him.

As long as you don't mind the drama that it will garner, fire away.

I agree that people were getting overzealous about Koivu. French is not an easy language to learn, but at the same time, they were right to want at least something from him in French more than the odd Merci after living most of his adulthood in Québec, including a decade as the captain of a team representing the second biggest francophone city in the world.

I dont think we should refrain from players that don't speak French. Obviously the Habs never did and will never do that. But there's a middle ground between grabbing all francophones and two 4th liners, I'm sure you'll agree with me. Looks like Bergevin understood that on 1st day. Good for him.
- QuebecPride

edit: (frank)ing POS website deleted my comment before it posted.

Basically, (frank) all the French requirement crap. It's what's holding the team back.

edit: (frank)ing POS website deleted my comment before it posted.

Basically, (frank) all the French requirement crap. It's what's holding the team back.
- muffin_man

I feel that the "requirement" of a French superstar left a long time ago with Patrick Roy and Vinny Damphousse. It would be different if Giroux or Letang were sporting the CH, but as fans we should relish the fact that a Torontonian in Subban grew up cheering for the Habs and plays his heart out for the team. I respect the French language, I watch all the games in French, but I can't speak it. But if I had the skills to play NHL hockey for the Canadiens I would give everything I had. But I would t appreciate grief for being unable to communicate in the language. Either way, it's part of the culture/heritage but we should cheer for the guys who give their all regardless of their language.

During the last full season, everyone loved Gorges. He is a shot blocking machine and solid on the PK. I think he suffered with Gill leaving but will get back into form. He may never live up to his contract but even then, he's AT MOST $0.9M high. Probably mor like $0.4M. Trading him when we don't have players like him to put in his place is stupid. PK, Markov, Diaz, Beaulieu are all offensive. Bouillon, Drewiski are 7th dmen, Murray and Emelin are hitters, Gorges is D only, and Tinordi is Tinordi
- muffin_man

While I agree with this in general, I don't really Diaz as having much value whereas for the skillset, Gorges might have a half decent value in the eyes of other GM's.

As for your suggestion of placing Gorges with Markov, who plays the top minutes with PK in this scenario? Diaz?

Last season Therrien started with a pairing of Gorges and Diaz together oftn playing agsint the oppositions best. This season this has the potential of being our 3rd pairing.

Once healthy I would personally go with

Markov-Emelin
Murray-Subban
Gorges-Diaz

Reason for Murray with Subban is 2 fold. First I have a feeling that many players will be gunning for Subban this season. I would just like to see that added protection.

Second, a balanced line-up. With those pairings the coach doesn;t really have to worry about a matching game. No matter who is out there they have the potentially of being a top pairing.

Last season Therrien started with a pairing of Gorges and Diaz together oftn playing agsint the oppositions best. This season this has the potential of being our 3rd pairing.

Once healthy I would personally go with

Markov-Emelin
Murray-Subban
Gorges-Diaz

Reason for Murray with Subban is 2 fold. First I have a feeling that many players will be gunning for Subban this season. I would just like to see that added protection.

Second, a balanced line-up. With those pairings the coach doesn;t really have to worry about a matching game. No matter who is out there they have the potentially of being a top pairing.
- willey101

Agree with Bouillon and Drewiske as the spare parts. Are you leaving Tinordi in Hamilton?

Agree with Bouillon and Drewiske as the spare parts. Are you leaving Tinordi in Hamilton?
- kev1586

I would. He will get more playing time with less pressure. Can't Luke Schenn this one

Habs Guest Writer: The Habs Off Season Report- by Brandon Smillie
- Eklund

Hey Winnipeg if we trade you Plecks- Beaulieu- Diaz can you send us Kane and a 2nd!
We're there is smoke there is fire !! The numerous rumours of Bergevin talking about Kane ( who seems to be having problems with management )
You get a well respected two way Center
A power play Def
A Grade 'A' prospect
Ready to get abused

Hey Winnipeg if we trade you Plecks- Beaulieu- Diaz can you send us Kane and a 2nd!
We're there is smoke there is fire !! The numerous rumours of Bergevin talking about Kane ( who seems to be having problems with management )
You get a well respected two way Center
A power play Def
A Grade 'A' prospect
Ready to get abused
- spitfire

It's really not horrible but I suspect they'd ask for Eller instead of Plek