and yet defensively Pleks has Eller beat 6 ways to Sunday and DD does get some advantage with room offensively But I do agree DD wins some battles just through determination.
- Pie

Pleks is also a few years older than Eller.

If there was someone who came in with a strong plan and clear understanding of the drafting / talent evaluation, I think that person might be able to sell it to Habs fans.

I am just not sure there is a strong enough personality to make that happen, other than the French version of Burke - Pierre McGuire, and I am not sure I want him as GM.
- JDJ

People are losing their minds with a half season of losing. And they're still not going to completly tank. What do you think happens with a few seasons of this? You can't rebuild like that in Mtl.

I am happy with Eller's progression this year, especially given the role on the 3rd line and what he has done with that.

The next question he has to prove - can he do the same in a top 6 role, producing offensively.
- JDJ

He'll have to be put in such situations at some point.

I fear that Molson only gives a (frank) about the almighty dollar and not winning, and the habs have become the new leafs.
- shinebox

I am not sure about that.

I just think Molson is waaaay over his head and is paralysed by fear of making the wrong decision.

Especially after being raked over the coals so far this season with allt he management mistakes to date.

When it was announced he would take over as President, I said I feared something like this would happen. He needed to find a hockey guy for the role to put some distance between himself and the team...

I fear that Molson only gives a (frank) about the almighty dollar and not winning, and the habs have become the new leafs.
- shinebox

Actually, Molson is a puppet. The Thomson Group is calling the shots.

I don't think anyone is saying he's a bust. But if that big C is picked up by trade you have to think long and hard about nixing it over Subban.
- Pie

Yeah, but not the laughing and hanging up that EE said on the thread today, that maybe the part that really led to his quote being my location, you think any GM in the league wouldnt think long and hard about Parise and or Getzlaf no matter who was going back the other way?

Eller is improving on the PK.

He is also put up against the opposition's best line more regularly.

He might never be as good as Plek on the defensive side, but he has better stick handling than Plek. And of course, you can't teach size.

He's not there yet, but he's progressing.
- Dgrdnr

He's got the size no doubt I don't think he'll ever have the sense though. But my point was more if you don't have to move Pleks for C because your drafting the C then why not keep him.

I read it as PK needs to gain the respect of his teammates, my Mom raised fat kids, not dumb ones, sorry.
- pete26

That's still not the same as he's a problem in the room.

Yeah, but not the laughing and hanging up that EE said on the thread today, that maybe the part that really led to his quote being my location, you think any GM in the league wouldnt think long and hard about Parise and or Getzlaf no matter who was going back the other way?
- shinebox

Like I said, I'm not his apologist.

That's still not the same as he's a problem in the room.
- habby

HAHAHA Pete's a fatty....still stick up with you in a bar Pete.

I agree Pleks has greater value than DD a substantial amount in my mind even though I really appreciate DDs effort to date. I would think you could pick up a FA winger easier than have to trade away assets, especially if the drafted C is someone guys want to play with.
- Pie

Unless you trade Pleks for a solid top end prospect or a top 5 pick - both unlikely, I just do not see the point in trading him right now.

Getting a vet forward or center back will not really make a difference at this point, unless he is the test tube clone made up of Lafleur, Mario, Gretzky, Orr, and Howe DNA.

Pleks is also a few years older than Eller.
- shinebox

Thats probably the most vital point especially if its going to take 3-4 years to realize any success...poor (frank)ing Cole.

People are losing their minds with a half season of losing. And they're still not going to completly tank. What do you think happens with a few seasons of this? You can't rebuild like that in Mtl.
- habby

At some point, the Habs just have to suck it up and take the heat.

JFJ, Sutter... I am sure there have been other recent ones.
- JDJ

Firing the GM is easy, finding the replacement isn't. I don't think there's a guy the habs would consider as a possible replacement that would be available mid-season.

HAHAHA Pete's a fatty....still stick up with you in a bar Pete.
- Pie

I never grabbed her ass, honestly she brushed by me

Like I said, I'm not his apologist.
- Pie

Ok, i just thought id explain myself further as you really seemed to need it, its not so much that quote as the laughing and hanging up part. I like PK, and he should be a great player, but no GM in their (frank)ing right mind is hanging up when a GM calls and has Getzlaf or Parise ready to move, that, was a little too much.

At some point, the Habs just have to suck it up and take the heat.
- JDJ

Fans have already accepted that the Habs will not make the playoffs. They would be happier with a lottery pick instead of a 12th pick. It's the consortium that is not ready to accept it.

HAHAHA Pete's a fatty....still stick up with you in a bar Pete.
- Pie

I could use a good fight, but it would be a first.

Firing the GM is easy, finding the replacement isn't. I don't think there's a guy the habs would consider as a possible replacement that would be available mid-season.
- habby

I have stated, I do think that is another reason PG still has his job... just like why Cunny got the Habs coaching job...

Who is really out there right now to be able to confidently commit to long term?

I never grabbed her ass, honestly she brushed by me
- pete26

Ducks fans get free wings at Hooters when they score 5 goals in a game...

...(frank)ing Cage aux Sports

Fans have already accepted that the Habs will not make the playoffs. They would be happier with a lottery pick instead of a 12th pick. It's the consortium that is not ready to accept it.
- Champ

1 or 2 extra games via playoffs is not gonna make the team that more profitable.

He's got the size no doubt I don't think he'll ever have the sense though. But my point was more if you don't have to move Pleks for C because your drafting the C then why not keep him.
- Pie

Because he's the guy that will get you the most back in a trade.

Only reason.

I have stated, I do think that is another reason PG still has his job... just like why Cunny got the Habs coaching job...

Who is really out there right now to be able to confidently commit to long term?
- JDJ

I have no doubt he's gone after the season.

Thats probably the most vital point especially if its going to take 3-4 years to realize any success...poor (frank)ing Cole.
- Pie

Poor cole? I feel bad for Rene Bourque, first shift as a hab and he has to go already, wait til they have to face Boston and Philly and he and Moen sit on the bench and realize they are the only ones that can stand up to anybody on those two teams, that gotta be a lonely feeling. Cause they are both gonna get wrecked.