More Deadline Craziness

Updating a recent post, Brian Burke has flatly denied that the Bruins have made a pitch for Kaberle.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=269448&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

Perhaps they're focusing their efforts on Pronger?

Also be sure to check out The Insider video link on the main TSN page this morning, where Darren Dreger discusses a lot of interesting tidbits about the upcoming deadline. Included among them is the possibility that the Blues will be buying rather than selling; a disappointing proposition for all of those teams who were looking at Keith Tkachuk as a reasonable solution for their postseason push.

Trade Requests

With the movement of Steve Begin earlier today, and the general unrest of Mathieu Dandenault and Georges Laraque implying that they too would like to be traded, there seems to be an alarming trend of Canadiens depth players wanting to get out (the fact that they're predominantly French-Canadian will likely also get some press). While this is clearly (and somewhat understandably) the result of there not being enough ice time to go around with a large number of young players working into similar roles in the lineup this season, the public way in which these claims have been coming out kills any potential trade values these players would have (Begin was traded for somebody who has to clear waivers; a possible swap that could net the Canadiens nothing in return).

While I'm all for guys like Begin and Dandenault getting the chance to play somewhere else given that their talents were squandered in Montreal on account of depth, it's still a bit painful to see them hanging the team out to dry in terms of a potential return. Almost everybody who leaves Montreal (with Samsonov and Grabovski being notable recent exceptions) talks about how much they enjoyed their time with the Canadiens, so it's too bad that they wind up hurting that same team (and consequently limiting the quality of teams they themselves could be moved to) by publicly demanding trades so close to the deadline.

In other news, with so much 4th line grit and character wanting to leave the team, look for a move to acquire Ian Laperriere to be become a much more reasonable possibility. Also, with salary continuing to come off of the cap, other, bigger-name talent might also work its way into the Habs' deadline day discussions. As always, we'll keep you posted on any developments in this regard as soon as we have the information.

Gainey's Deadline List

With the shot against my insistence of looking at the cap restraints of any possible deals aside, I suppose I can consider the 5 trades proposed. Remember, I'll primarily be judging these in terms of talent and impact, and not worrying quite as much about the possibility of them ever actually happening in reality (as much as it pains me to do so).

Trade 1: I like it. The Canadiens give up negligible factors in the short term and add a proven commodity in Cole. Granted, he'd likely get injured immediately upon arriving in Montreal given his history and the luck that has befallen virtually all of their recent additions (Lang and Tanguay have both missed significant time; Schneider currently fears for his well-being), but for the time that he was healthy he'd be a logical fit. It would also prevent Boston from acquiring him (the more likely outcome in reality), which would be a plus.

Trade 2: Very good idea, and also very plausible. Lapperiere would add all kinds of character and grit which the team sorely lacks. You could pair him with Lapierre and Kostopoulos or Begin and have a great 4th line.

Trade 3: While the payout is minimal, this won't happen. Price and Halak are locked on to the roster, and the team can't really justify paying a roster position to act as a mentor. If you wanted to bring him in as an "assistant goalie coach" then fine, but no way a roster position should be sacrificed. Also, does anybody really think that Brian Burke will trade with Montreal?

Trade 4: I think the Habs would be better served keeping Begin and finding a way to get him into the lineup. Why he's relegated to the press box so often is baffling. He's just the sort of motivated player that a good fourth line needs, and having him on the roster and not taking advantage of it is criminal.

Trade 5: The hardest one to assess. It basically comes down to whether or not a loan of Selanne is worth a solid young player in Higgins and a versatile D-man in Boullion. If the Canadiens were primed for a deep playoff run then yes, it would be fine, but in their current position it would be better to trade for somebody with the potential to stick around for a couple of years rather than being a one-and-done like Selanne. I say no deal here.


What does everybody else think? Are any of these deals better/worse than we're making them out to be? Is there anything else that you think the Habs should/shouldn't be doing at the deadline? We'd love to hear what you think.

Bob Gainey's Deadline List

Now it's important we get feedback, so feel free to dissect these proposals!

Alright, not really, but my predictions for Canadiens trades before next Wednesday, March 4: Deadline Day. I am making trades from the perspective that the Canadiens have a good team and have a chance come playoff time. So yes, the Habs may be losing some youth and depth, but let's take a chance and go for it (for once).

(if I get one right, I'll be happy)

Trade #1: 

To Edmonton: Mathieu Carle (prospect), Georges Laraque, 3rd Round Pick

To Montreal: Erik Cole, 5th Round Pick

Why?: Erik Cole is a proven, effective scorer in the playoffs with size and strength. He can play on any of the top three lines and make a difference. He's also played a little at centre, so he adds much needed depth. Laraque wants out, Edmonton loves him, and he loves Edmonton. Great trade for all. 

Trade # 2: 

To Colorado: 3rd Round Pick, Brock Trotter (prospect)

To Montreal: Ian Lapperiere

Why?: Lapperiere adds some much needed sandpaper for the 4th line, replacing Laraque. Not only that, he can score, and will stand up for teammates when necessary. He's Tom Kostopolous, bigger, stronger, and he'll be a hit with the fans. 

Trade # 3:

To Montreal: Curtis Joseph

To Toronto: 7th Round Pick

Why?: Joseph doesn't play now. He's the only experienced veteran who will come in and be comfortable perhaps even being a number three. He played well last year in the playoffs. And he can give advice to Halak and Price as the pressure mounts. A solid acquisition with little risk and great potential reward.

Trade # 4: 

To Minnesota: Steve Begin

To Montreal: 4th Round Pick

Why?: Minnesota is always looking for toughness come playoff time. Begin brings that and more. Most Habs fans love him, but its only fair to trade him so he has the chance to play, and Minnesota is a good fit.

Trade # 5:

To Montreal: Teemu Selanne, 3rd round pick

To Anaheim: Chris Higgins, Francis Bouillon

Why?: Selanne and Koivu have chemistry. This trade gives the Canadiens the chance to win now. Selanne would bring a dimension this team is missing: a pure goal scorer. Higgins has not lived up to his potential, and Latendresse is coming back and can fill his role. 

Perhaps The Doc will now conduct a financial review and prove these impossible in a cap world, but they seem reasonable, and if any of them happen, I'll be happy. 

Today's Rumour Recap

For your trade-deadline-approaching-pleasure:

• Bouwmeester is available: Florida GM Jacques Martin
• Lecavalier is not available: Tampa GM Brian Lawton
• Something brewing in Denver, potential trade with Pittsburgh or Boston, possibly Hedjuk, possibly Staal or Fernandez going to Colorado: Denver Post
• Brendan Witt getting ready to move: Interview with Brendan Witt
• Kovalev not available: Pierre McGuire on the TEAM 990
• Scott Gomez is being shopped: Pierre McGuire
• Wade Redden will be dealt if anyone wants him: Various Outlets
• Chris Pronger will be traded, but probably not until the summer: Bob McKenzie