Back later with the Buzz Game of the Night and all the new projected standings, but start here today...
It feels almost crazy to think the Montreal Canadiens are in a rebuild mode.
People ask me all the time, is it even possible to sell to that fan base on such a thing? And I respond, “I really don’t think so. I sure hope not.…
The fact that I am not sure is part of why I love Montreal Canadiens fans. As you may or may not know, the Canadiens have always been my second team. I understand the level of passion felt in that city. I understand the history. I understand the demand for perfection. I understand how nothing short of a Stanley Cup will do. A lot of teams say this, but in Montreal it is very real.
There are always a few fans who want their team to tear it down, tank the season, maybe tank another season, etc. and follow the mold some recent teams have done to varying success. Field an AHL team for half a dozen years and compile draft picks. It has worked in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and looks like it could be working in Toronto...that is still to be determined. It has NOT really yet worked in Edmonton, Buffalo, Arizona, etc...
It is a risk to throw away years of your life in hopes that the right ping pong ball hops up to help you grab maybe one of the 2-5 generational type of players who come to the NHL each decade...
It’s a horrible way to live. I can’t stand what Toronto and Buffalo have done over the past several years. Life is too short to wish for your team to stink without any guarantees. I have listened to fans of two of the best hockey cities in the world who want their teams to lose too often. Life is too short and unpredictable to wish away a single day.
I don’t see Montréal fans allowing for it. I know there are a few...of course...but right now, with Carey Price out, I hear more love for Antti Niemi’s astonishing play than I do haters wishing he would lose games. The guy was just named Habs player of the month. They could have dealt Niemi at the deadline, but they didn’t...
They could have moved Pacioretty or Galcheynuk out at the deadline, but they didn’t. I am not saying they won’t move Pacioretty at some point. I think they will in the summer to Florida, but the fact they didn’t make a move now matters. It makes games down the stretch worth watching...
But moving Pacioretty in the summer is not a “tank… move. It’s really more of a “the guy wants to live in Florida and we can get plenty for him" move...and yes I saw the post deadline article about how he wants to stay in Montreal... maybe he will, but I seriously don’t get that impression...
But what about the rest of this season?
They are sitting 10 points out of the playoffs with under 20 games to go. Going 20-0 they would only end with 101 points...so they are NOT making the playoffs...so why not go for the first overall pick?
It’s not a guarantee...last year NJ and Philly got the top two picks..and while this is a very solid draft, throwing the rest of the season just isn’t worth it...and here is why:
Experience and opportunity. The Montréal Canadiens right now I have almost 20 games where they get to play without any pressure. I can’t remember the last time that statement was true. The city and team are always in a pressure cooker. You have a ton of young players on the team, and by building some momentum going down the stretch there is potential for a legitimate turn around as early as next season.
The experience gained, and the confidence gained, are worth way more than the difference between the 3rd or 11th pick overall....That is one player who may or may not have an impact on your team 2 to 3 years down the line...
Toronto and Montreal always battle it out for the hockey center of the universe. I just don’t see Montreal fans being all in on a tank...Even though it looks to have worked in Toronto.
But you tell me.....
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— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) August 2, 2017