By Eitan Calmy (@habsaddict)
Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America
ELLER NEEDS TO GO SO “GALCHENYUK CAN PLAY CENTRE”
Lars Eller is a third line centre. He will never be anything more
than that. If the organization and Lars himself don’t make that clear to each
other, Eller will be another one of those players that everyone will always
wonder about. What if this? What if that?
Some will say that I’m being hard, but I’m not. He has had
his chances. He’s going to be a very good shut down guy with some offensive
upside. As long as Eller does not accept that role he will always be playing
musical chairs, on the wrong line and with the wrong teammates. He has consistency issues. When expected to produce, it's as if he cracks under pressure. He fits the third-line centre role perfectly. When on his game, extremely reliable defensively and can surprise you with speed and strength which will create some offense.
David Desharnais and Tomas Plekanec aren’t going anywhere as
long as they have contracts. Desharnais has no trade value due in part to what
I write below. Plekanec is one of the best two-way players in the game. He is a
good second-line centre and in a perfect world probably the best third-line
centre in the game. I would hesitate to move him.
Desharnais is untouchable. For some strange reason Montreal
Canadiens management and coaching refuse to entertain the possibility of
playing Max Pacioretty with anybody else. It is undeniable that they have
chemistry. Desharnais is a very good playmaker. But if he’s that good, then why
not try different line combinations? Why not test Plekanec with Pacioretty or
Galchenyuk with Pacioretty?
To be very clear, if I thought that there was any chance the
organization would even consider trading Desharnais, the title of this article
would be: “Desharnais needs to go so... “
Why fix or toy with something that’s not broken? Because
your number one centre is undersized, because your number one centre can’t play
shorthanded. Because your number one centre can’t play in crucial defensive
missions; whether it’s to preserve a lead or play against other teams top
lines. David Desharnais is and always will be a one-dimensional player. In my opinion, and please know that as a fan
that bleeds Blue/White/Red, it hurts to
say this, but “the Montreal Canadiens will not win a Stanley Cup as long as
David Desharnais is the number one centre.”
It’s becoming more and more evident that Alex Galchenyuk is
a special player. He has more natural skills than anybody on the current line-up.
His passes are divine and his puck control is
comparable to the elite players in the league. Michel Therrien has to let him express
himself. The coach needs to, has to free Galchenyuk from Plekanec. He needs to
let him spread his wings and fly. Galchenyuk is ready. Game after game he shows
his creativity, his passion and skill. Other than Max Pacioretty’s scoring
ability, Alex Galchenyuk is the next best thing, maybe better. With all due
respect to Plekanec and Gallagher, they are simply not skilled enough to play
with the future star. I’d even say that there’s probably no forward on this
team that’s talented enough to play at Galchenyuk’s level or simply follow his
lead. One of the only players that has been able to finish what he has started
was PK Subban.
If the Montreal Canadiens won’t move Desharnais from that
top line, then they have to find a way to make a trade and add a "Power Forward" to
the team that can play at the level that Galchenyuk is capable of. That being
said I am not saying it’s easy because every single team in the league wants
those big forwards that can’t score.
Montreal will have to make the right offer, they will probably
have to overpay. I am not a GM but it’s obvious that it will at the very least
cost one or two established guys from your line-up + either Jarred Tinordi or Nathan Beaulieu and
probably a first-round draft pick. In order to get you have to give. Those of
you that think it’s too much, well it’s never going to happen.
I have complete confidence in Marc Bergevin and I strongly
believe that we are in good hands for many years to come. The Montreal
Canadiens have a 14-5-1 record. The team
has had a great stretch as of late; however, just as Bergevin has done so far,
you can always improve and I strongly believe that the big step forward will occur
when Galchenyuk becomes that #1 centre.
1.
Who do you think should be moved in order for
Galchenyuk to play centre?
2.
Does Michel Therrien have what it takes to bring
Subban, Galchenyuk and others to the next level or just like in Pittsburgh, the
Canadiens will have to bring somebody else to finish the job?
3.
Do you
think Bergevin will pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade?
4.
Will the #Habs maintain their position for the
rest of the season or is this just an illusion?
I’m a fan just like all you other wackos out there. These
are my opinions and if you do or don’t like them tweet me or comment on the post.
I often comment on referees as I was an official for over 15 years. Hockey is
more than just a sport, it’s a way of life!
4 comments:
You're full of shit. Guys the size of Desharnais and Plecanec skate circles around guys like Chara every nite of the week.They backcheck faster than some guys can skate on breakaways.Size would be a bonus, but pure speed [and superior puck passing ability] will and should keep Desharnais right where he is.
anonoymous who are dilussional.
dd is a 4thline center on any team.
send dd and tinordi and bowman and 1st roundto l.a. for anze kopitar.
It's DD that has to go to make room for Chucky.
Eller needs to go , with beaulieu and first for a genuine top line winger for galchenyuk.if not the canadians will be just a good team not a feared team
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