Karine Hains: Make that Three in a Row The Habs tried and succeeded...for a while. Unfortunately, you don't get any points for playing for 2 periods.

This is exactly what Bergevin needed. A reminder of how far off this team really is. If he didn't know already, and I believe he did, this team still has quite a ways to go. Keep our draft picks and stay the course.

Either Bergevin get us some pieces at the deadline to hang with these guys using our picks or we need to decide whether having Weber and Price tied to long and expensive contracts are good for that team. Thoughts? For now, we have to look in our rearview mirror as Canes, Pens, Flyers and Sabres are back there

This is exactly what Bergevin needed. A reminder of how far off this team really is. If he didn't know already, and I believe he did, this team still has quite a ways to go. Keep our draft picks and stay the course.
- Hardbalz

Oh I don't think he's deluded...he knows this is not the year and he'll stay the course. I don't expect much to happen at the deadline.

Either Bergevin get us some pieces at the deadline to hang with these guys using our picks or we need to decide whether having Weber and Price tied to long and expensive contracts are good for that team. Thoughts? For now, we have to look in our rearview mirror as Canes, Pens, Flyers and Sabres are back there
- habs88888

I don't expect much to happen at the deadline, MB knows this is not the year and he won't come back on his word to keep his young assets. As for Weber and Price, clearly, they are here to stay. In a couple of years when Kotkaniemi has matured and Poehling is there too, Danault will be our 3rd centre and we'll finally have a good centre line and both Weber and Price will still be elite players (providing the injury ninja leaves them alone)

If it takes another 3 years for Habs to be a power force, is it fair to keep Weber and Price for that long? At that time will they be way past their prime?

If it takes another 3 years for Habs to be a power force, is it fair to keep Weber and Price for that long? At that time will they be way past their prime?
- habs88888

there's no if, it will take 2-3 years. clear as day.

If it takes another 3 years for Habs to be a power force, is it fair to keep Weber and Price for that long? At that time will they be way past their prime?
- habs88888

Habs don't need 3 more top 5 picks, they actually have a decent core... Lots will obviously depend on what Kotkaniemi becomes, with a few good prospects coming, it should give Bergevin the kind of depth he needs to make a play for a top line RW or a LD in a trade. Which are really the only 2 pieces they may need if the likes of Kotkaniemi, Romanov, Suzuki, Poehling and Brook can make an impact within that 3 years

Habs don't need 3 more top 5 picks, they actually have a decent core... Lots will obviously depend on what Kotkaniemi becomes, with a few good prospects coming, it should give Bergevin the kind of depth he needs to make a play for a top line RW or a LD in a trade. Which are really the only 2 pieces they may need if the likes of Kotkaniemi, Romanov, Suzuki, Poehling and Brook can make an impact within that 3 years
- obie

meh, close. maybe not 3 top5 but at least 2. like you said, 1 LD and 1 forward with elite talent.

there's no if, it will take 2-3 years. clear as day.
- fidopro

Yes and no, if Bergevin is willing to give up Weber or Price it will be shorter

Habs should trade all their picks and prospects and really go for it this year.

Habs should trade all their picks and prospects and really go for it this year.
- dt99999

I agree Karine, Tampa is in another league.

I'm sure some teams think they can beat them, but as I see it, it is their cup to lose.

I guess the cap will catch up to them at some point.

meh, close. maybe not 3 top5 but at least 2. like you said, 1 LD and 1 forward with elite talent.
- fidopro

There's a few options on the FA market this summer.

The pick will most likely be further this year, so that might be harder to pull off that way.

Trades are an option.

There's a few options on the FA market this summer.

The pick will most likely be further this year, so that might be harder to pull off that way.

Trades are an option.
- deadpoulet

of course, I was just pointing out that yes, Habs are still missing some key pieces

Yes and no, if Bergevin is willing to give up Weber or Price it will be shorter
- habs88888

I'm afraid these two will retire as MTL Canadiens.
they will show the way to all the kids and prospects on how to never win anything.

of course, I was just pointing out that yes, Habs are still missing some key pieces
- fidopro

I agree. I was just thinking out loud about how to get theese pieces.

But one thing to keep in mind is the expansion draft. If you have too many good pieces when it comes, you lose one piece for nothing.

I agree. I was just thinking out loud about how to get theese pieces.

But one thing to keep in mind is the expansion draft. If you have too many good pieces when it comes, you lose one piece for nothing.
- deadpoulet

good one

meh, close. maybe not 3 top5 but at least 2. like you said, 1 LD and 1 forward with elite talent.
- fidopro

But with the depth he's creating, he can turn around and trade for 1 of those assets

I agree Karine, Tampa is in another league.

I'm sure some teams think they can beat them, but as I see it, it is their cup to lose.

I guess the cap will catch up to them at some point.
- deadpoulet

Oh it will for sure, much like it did Chicago but that's the cap world eh?

Funny though winning the President trophy
Has been around since 85-86 and since then, it's only happened 8 times that it's winner also won the cup. I pity the team who will face them in the first round...

Yes and no, if Bergevin is willing to give up Weber or Price it will be shorter
- habs88888

I don't see that as an option at the moment really... Petry and Tatar is another story though

But with the depth he's creating, he can turn around and trade for 1 of those assets
- obie

yeah,
but I would prefer if this depth in the prospect pool is used to replace guys like Tatar and Shaw when their contract expire in 2-3 years, prospects will then be ready to step in.
that's how successful teams do. they always have prospects coming in to replace older guys, saving capspace.

I don't see that as an option at the moment really... Petry and Tatar is another story though
- obie

It's not happenning, but signing Karlsson and then trading away Petry would be great.

As much as I get the idea of selling high, if you trade Petry, you need somebody to step up. Cause the defense is already below average with him.

yeah,
but I would prefer if this depth in the prospect pool replace guys like Tatar and Shaw when their contract expire in 2-3 years, prospects will then be ready to step in.
that's how successful teams do. they always have prospects coming in to replace older guys, saving capspace.
- fidopro

I agree but Tatar and Shaw among other could be some pieces that go in a said trade. I think Domi will go back to the wing eventually, which will make Tatar fairly expendable

It's not happenning, but signing Karlsson and then trading away Petry would be great.

As much as I get the idea of selling high, if you trade Petry, you need somebody to step up. Cause the defense is already below average with him.
- deadpoulet

I'm not talking this year, none of that is happening this year