Montreal Canadiens - 5th - 64 Points
Total Salary = 53,699,667$
Cap Space = 1,064,699$
The Plot:
The Canadien's had a fairy tale season last season and blew everyones expectations out of the water. They made the playoffs and knocked out Boston in 7 and struggled with Philly's physical play in the next round and were downed. This season the pressure is on to not only repeat but to win a cup as it is Montreal's 100th season so Bob Gainey went out and acquired Alex Tanguay from the Flames and attempted to beef up by adding big George Laraque to the line-up. Montreal had a terrific start to the season but now appear to be on a slippery slope downwards after a series of injuries. Montreal has plenty or should have plenty of firepower up front with enigmatic Alexei Kovalev who when he wants can be a dangerous playmaker and sniper. Kovalev while playing with Andrei Kostitsyn and Tomas Plekanec last season were a dominant force but this season the magic appears to have faded. Andrei Kostitsyn had a slow start but now is starting to tear again. A big blow oacured to the 2nd line when Robert Lang was announced out for season after having his Achille's Tendon slashed during a game. Alex Tanguay should help when he returns from injury to give the Habs two effective offensive lines again. Saku Koivu and Chris Higgins round up the first line with one of the two pleseant rookie surprises this year in Alex Pacioretty and Matt D'Agostini. Montreals bottom two lines are pretty decent but still lack the size they are looking for. Maxime Lapierre has become an effective agitator who can also play in any role and score timely goals. Steve Begin plays every game like it could be his last but injuries and a crowded roster have kept him in the stands most nights. Tom Kostopoulos and George Laraque add a big of intimidation and grit to the Habs but Laraque hasn't been able to stay healthy this season so the effect has yet to take place. Softmores Guillaume Latendresse and Sergei Kostitsyn have shown signs of taking it up a level but injuries from rugged play have sindelined Latendresse and Sergei Kostitsyn has problems staying out of the box and his defensive play is lacking.
Montreal's blueline is still extremely small and they still are suffering from the loss of Mark Streit and Sheldon Souray. The fact Montreal is looking for another puck moving defenseman to spark their lifeless powerplay is no secret. Andrei Markov is possibly one of the best puck moving D in the Eastern conference and quite possibly the league. His partner Mike Komisarek is competitive and has a nasty edge that has forwards fearing entering the zone. Roman Hamrlik has recently awakened but he is more know for being solid defensively rather than his offensive upside these days. Little Francois Bouillon provides a bit of physical play and the Habs wish they could say the same for Ryan O'Byrne who has struggled all season long. Patrice Brisebois provides veteran leadership and can fill in when needed. Josh Georges is starting to looking like a 3-4 D but looks defensively unreliable at times and struggles when the going gets tough.
The goaltending should be a shineing light for the Habitants but once Carey Price went down with the lower body injury both goalies seamed to struggle simontaniously. Carey Price has been touted as the next great goalie but this season hes looked average and has problems stealing games for them. Jaroslav Halak played great while Price was injured but since his return has looked shakey. The young tendom might need a veteran to give them some confidence and to push them.
Major Injuries:
Alex Tanguay - Seperated left shoulder will return late February.
Guillaume Latendresse - Another seperated shoulder is listed as day to day.
Patrice Brisebois - Lower body injury out two weeks.
Mathieu Dandenault - Fractured arm will return by the end of the month it is rumored.
Key Prospects:
1. D Ryan McDonagh - Wisconsin University
2. D David Fischer - Minnesota University
3. C Ben Maxwell - Hamilton Bulldogs
4. D Alexei Yemelin - Kazan Ak-Bars
5. LW Danny Kristo - USHL
6. D P.K Subban - Belleville Bulls
Players On The Block:
G Jaroslav Halak - The Canadians have been trying to find the perfect trade situation since Carey Price is the chosen one but Halak's affordable price and the stale goaltender market have prevented any deals from going down. The Habs have Marc Denis as insurance so if the situation arises then they might possibly trade him.
G Marc Denis - The same really applies for Marc Denis as well except the Canadians would trade him in a heartbeat if they got an offer for him. Denis has been out of the NHL for a while now and not many teams would want to take a risk on him unless there is dire circumstances. He could fill in nicely though as a third string or back up goalie.
D Pavel Valentenko - The Russian prospect asked for personal time off so he could visit his family but ended up having to stay in Russia and play for the KHL to support his parents. There is a distant chance he may return citing he still wants to play in the NHL one day and this is only because his family was struggling. Montreal would like to unload his rights as they feel this a longshot and his upside isn't worth the headache.
LW Chris Higgins - Higgins has been the subject of tons of rumors in recent trade deadline days and even was apparently part of the deal to Toronto to bring in Mats Sundin that the Swede vetoed. I believe the Habs may use him as bait in any deals they may in the works. Higgins is also an unrestricted free agent next season as well.
Team Wants/Needs:
The Canadiens would like to add a puck moving defenseman to help out on the powerplay and provide that jump from the backend thats been mssing all season. Once they get their powerplay back on track they can become the dangerous team they were last season. They are also still missing a little grit and someone who can play old time hockey. Last of all Gainey would like to add someone to replace Robert Lang and perforably an elite upgrade who can game break.
Possible Targets:
C Vincent Lecavalier - The fans were going crazy at the Allstar game for Vinny and the rumors have been spiraling ever since, well even before. Montreal would love to have hometown boy vicent Lecavalier return home. What doesn't Vinny add to any team? He is a franchise player capable of carrying a team on his back, well maybe not the Lightning. There has been much confusion to where the Tampa Bay management stands on trading Lecavalier. One half claims hes untouchable and their unwilling to part with him at this time but the other went on to say that pretty much only Stamkos is untouchable and every player has a price. I really think this could happen if the Habs throw an amazing deal back that could help the lightning skip the rest of the rebuilding stages. Vincent has even said he would like to play for Montreal and it would be on a list of teams he'd agree to be traded to. Bob Gainey should try and will try everything in his power to swing thsi one.
D Tomas Kaberle - Tomas Kaberle to Montreal is a longshot just because their bitter rivals and why would Toronto want to see Kaberle 6 times a year? Not to mention their both in the same division. Then again did Toronto not agree to a deal in principle for it's captain and longtime hero Mats Sundin? Kaberle is exactly what the Habs need, another pucking moving defenseman to give Andrei Markov some support and to qaurterback the powerplay. Kaberle is a master of the stretch pass something the Canadians love to use with their speed and finesse. It could be a perfect fit but highly unlikely.
D Sergei Gonchar - If the Penguins end up slipping out of contention then they may decide to shop Gonchar to the highest bidder. Gonchar still has incredible vision and can compliment any speedy puck moving team. He's getting a bit fragile in his old age but still can play the role the Habs need. His 5MIL$ salary could be a problem and has yet to play a game this season due to injury but speculation is that he'll be returning in time for playoffs.
D Filip Kuba - There has been some talk regarding Kuba to Montreal the past few weeks but once again would the Sens be willing to trade to a division rival. Chances are Kuba won't stay where he lands though as he is unrestricted at the end of the season. Kuba can move the puck well but gets caught in defensive lapses quite often. Montreal would be willing to let some gaffes slide if they can rekindle their powerplay in time for the playoffs.
D Brendan Witt - Witt is the perfect stay at home shut down defenseman, he plays with an edge and is willing to battle each and every shift. Montreal would love to have more of a physical edge incase they have to play a physical team like Philly or their longtime rivals the Bruins. Witt would be perfect and I'm positive the Canadians have Witt as their back-up plan incase they can land an offensive stud.
D Mathieu Schnieder - Schnieder is a former Hab who fits the bill for what the Canadians want. He can see the ice well, and make offensive plays. He has taken a few steps back but can still play the role. Montreal doesn't necessarily need a number 1-2 D they need someone who can be there on the powerplay and someone who can step in when called upon.
RW Ian Laperriere - Laperriere is the definition of a team player, he'll fight, block shots and is not afraid to call teamates out. Born in Quebec so he can handle both the French and English media and would be fan favorite instantly. Laperriere would add that extra element the Canadiens have been missing for a while. Colorado would be willing to part with him if their out of the picture as he is an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The Final Word:
Montreal has the potential to be a really good team but they need to get healthy first and stop this slide. As it stands right now their only 4 points ahead of 8th and thats not good enough. The Canadien's and Bob Gainey are pressed for time and must act quickly. Right now their's not many big names out there but thats what Gainey wants is a game breaking big name to replace Lang and elite puck moving defenseman. While the defenseman is possible and that should solve their powerplay problems, the elite forward is going to be hard as the playoff picture is still really tight and only four teams are really ready to be declaired sellers. Montreal is going to go down to the deadline for the superstar their looking for.
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