Doan Signs, Lockout Explanation, Canada/Russia Series And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

This morning I will lead off with the Doan signing for the simple reason of putting it behind us. Hockey talk this summer has been limited to the pending lock out and the mystery of where Doan will sign to end his career.

My eagerness to put this story to bed is not a form of disrespect. Doan has put up respectful numbers throughout his career and done so while playing with a hard nosed style. While his decison to stay in Phoenix will be judged and for the most part ridiculed by fans throughout the league you can't help but respect his loyalty to the only franchise he's played for in his 14 year career.

My rush to get this over with simply stems from confusion. I never would've guessed that a less than stellar bruiser who is less than a month away from his 36th birthday would cause this much of a fuss throughout the duration of an entire off-season.

Habs And Hockey News

- The one negative aspect of the Doan saga coming to an end is that the only distraction from the CBA talks has escaped us. With that being said, there's a fun piece over at Puck Daddy giving tips on how to explain the whole lockout ordeal to your non hockey friends.

- It seems the NHLPA are already looking into ways to keep the players active while the higher ups butt heads. There is talk of a possible Canada/Russia series that would take place in December.

- Detroit, Dallas and Washington were among the teams beating the lockout buzzer and making a few last minute deals.


(Photo by Petersen/Getty Images North America)

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Marchand Signs, Subban Next? Leaf Dubbed Worst Team, Northeast Preview & More...

Good Morning Addicts!

It seems there is no actual season necessary for the P.K. Subban, Brad Marchand rivalry to flourish. Marchand signed a four year extension today and right away the focus shifts towards Subban.

While Marchand is a skilled player who has shown what he can deliver on the ice, Subban also displays tons of talent but in a position that is in higher demand. With that being said, many people - okay, many people in Montreal - feel that Subban will be rewarded with a more luxurious contract.

TVA however, has reported that Subban will possibly sign before September 15th at a price very similar to Marchand's.

Habs And Hockey News

- As if it wasn't good enough that the weekend has arrived, ESPN ranked the Toronto Maple Leafs the worst team in professional sports. That's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

- Our own Fred Poulin takes a look at the Northeast division in his latest fantasy hockey preview.

- Shane Doan has apparently come to a verbal agreement with the Phoenix Coyotes.

- The Hockey Writers picked the five best value picks in each round of the 2012 NHL entry draft. It's very refreshing to see just how many of those picks belong to the Montreal Canadiens.

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Top Ten Captains, 72 Series Anniversary, Phil Esposito Interview And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

With the CBA talks on hold and another two weeks before we reach Shane Doan's self imposed signing deadline, there is not so much happening in the NHL world.

Speaking of Doan, NHL.com composed a list of the league's top ten Captains with Doan starting things off at number ten.

The list also includes the likes of Steve Yzerman, Ray Bourque, Sidney Crosby, Joe Sakic and more. It's hard to argue with some of the names on the list, however the order is sure to cause a debate.

What order would you put these captains? Are there any on the list you would replace?

Habs and Hockey News

- Today marks the 40th anniversary of game one of the epic 1972 summit series between Canada and the U.S.S.R. Canada went into the series expecting to walk all over the Soviets only to get trounced 7-3 in the opening game.

- While on the subject, here's an interview Phil Esposito did with Russian international news agency RIA Novosti.

- Over at The Hockey Writers, Justin Johnson does a piece on why it's so important that the player's refrain from caving to the owners this time around.

- And finally, just over a year after riots broke out in Vancouver following the team's game 7 loss to the Boston Bruins in the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, three riot suspects have been tracked in the U.S.

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

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Marc Bergevin Speaks, Western Predictions, Begin, NHLPA and More

Hello Hab fans!

After signing Max Pacioretty to a six-year, $27 million extension, Marc Bergevin took the time to address the Montreal media.

Namely, Bergevin was quite evasive when it came to P.K Subban.

RDS reported last month that a two-year, $5.5 million was offered and quickly rejected by Subban's camp. "I don't read," Bergevin answered, "I just go about my business."

Also, Bergevin confirmed that the team had interest in UFA Shane Doan but that the forward never came to visit the organization.

Habs and Hockey News 

- Our Fred Poulin delivers the second half of his predictions, this time looking at the NHL's Western Conference.

- There is much reaction to Pacioretty's deal on the web. Our Kamal Panesar chimed in yesterday while Eric Engels comments over at Hockeybuzz. Hockey Inside/Out looks at how Pac wants to model himself after Erik Cole.

- Steve Begin has landed a new gig, getting a tryout with the Calgary Flames, the organization who drafted him way back in 1996.

- HabsWorld's Fantasy Focus series continues with Brian Gionta.

- The NHLPA presented its counter-proposal to the NHL's earlier CBA offer. Stu Hackel comments on the situation at SI.

(Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)

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Messier wins grievance, Will the Isles move to Brooklyn, Doan update and more

Morning puck addicts!

I know I keep saying this, but man is it ever a slow news day!

It seems like each day there is less and less to talk about. I guess that's why there are foolish rumours flying all over the place. In times of slow news the rumours mongers seem to come out in droves, monging their rumours as they do.

I don't know about you, but I'm enjoying the spectacular weather we've been having (in Montreal) and the summer in general.

What about you? What have you been doing to fight off the dog days?

Hockey News

-Mark Messier won a grievance against the Vancouver Canucks and got a nice pay day out of it!

-Habsworld.net's fantasy focus turns to David Desharnais.

-Are the Islanders moving to Brooklyn?

-No one knows where Shane Doan will land but it now seems that the Sharks are off his list.

(Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images North America)

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Montreal Canadiens Set with Top Six

Habs Top 6 All Accounted For

The Habs offensive situation seems to have their fanbase in a panic. We are well into summer and aside from some free agent pickups — forwards Colby Armstrong, Brandon Prust and defenseman Francis Bouillon — that have made the Habs tougher, nothing has been done to address the team's need to fill the back of the net.

With each passing day, the Habs faithful sit waiting, hoping that Marc Bergevin will come up with that big sniper we've been waiting for, the missing piece of the Stanley Cup puzzle.

The fact of the matter is, it's not going to happen. The Canadiens will head into the 2012-13 season with a top line of David Desharnais centering Erik Cole and Max Pacioretty and a second unit of Rene Bourque and Brian Gionta flanking Tomas Plekanec.

Making Lemonade

When life gives you lemons....

In this case, the Habs lemon appears to be Rene Bourque. After accumulating just six points in 38 games, the city of Montreal is ready to cast Bourque aside.

When following the team from the comfort of your own home, it's easy to just toss Bourque away and replace him with anybody linked to the Habs in the rumor mill.

The reality of the situation, however, isn't so simple.

Bourque has four years left at a $3.33 million cap hit and is coming off of a bad season. GM's aren't exactly lining up to welcome him to their rosters.

Besides, doesn't it make sense that the return of Brian Gionta alone could help Bourque's stats?

A line of Plekanec — a smart, skilled playmaker —  Gionta — a speedy goal scorer —  and Bourque — a big bodied, two time 27 goal scorer —  has potential.

Gionta is coming off a season in which he was limited to just 31 games and is surely itching to prove he can still play. Plekanec is the least of the lines worries and will no doubt produce. Just look at his 52 points last season playing alongside a struggling Andrei Kostitsyn and bottom sixers Ryan White, Travis Moen and Michael Blunden among others.

Maybe new coach Michel Therrien, who has a tough reputation, can even encourage Bourque to incorporate his size into his game. Pacioretty seemed to take a cue from Cole, if Bourque can do the same it shouldn't come as a shock if he returns to his nearly 30 goal scoring form.

Doan Even Think About It

There will no doubt be those who remain skeptical after reading this and so here's a question: Who else is there?

And before you answer Shane Doan, just think about his asking price. Here's a 35 year old grinding style player who is looking for a $7.5 million dollar payday for four years.

I have nothing but respect for Doan. He is a leader, he plays hard and has proven to be loyal by giving the city of Glendale plenty of time to figure their whole mess out with hopes of staying with the Phoenix Coyotes.

But anybody who would be willing to pay so much to a 35 year old player who may not last another four years immediately loses their right to complain about Gomez's contract.

Does the state of the Habs top six require a desperation signing? Is Bourque really that bad that a measley 38 games should be enough to give up on him?

What do you think?


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Sean is a freelance writer currently contributing to HabsAddict.com. He is also a regular blogger and frequent panelist on the Habs post game show at MontrealHockeyTalk.com You can follow Sean on Twitter.


(Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images North America)

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Shane Doan's Demands, Past Habs Glories, Sunday Shinny and More

Happy Monday Hab fans!

As I am sure many of you have already seen, it has been reported that Shane Doan is seeking a four year, $30 million contract in order to leave the Phoenix Coyotes.

In the end, it is not great surprise that Doan wants a sweet deal if he is to leave Phoenix, but those are some pretty rich numbers!

Would you make that offer to the 34-year old Doan?

Habs and Hockey News

- Our newest writer, Derek Lachine, contributes his first piece. He takes an itneresting look at the parallels between the legendary Sam Pollock and new GM Marc Bergevin.

- Speaking of new writers, don't forget to check out Amos Legault's first piece concerning David Desharnais' line.

- Kamal Panesar joins the gang on TSN 990 for Sunday Shinny.

- The HabsWorld crew discuss what it takes to build a winning franchise in the modern NHL.

-  On the topic of Shane Doan, Hockey Inside/Out offers the latest on the situation.

- Stu Hackel wonders if Alex Semin was worth 7$ million. He probably won't be worth every penny, but he has the potential to be. At worst, it is a one-year deal that can easily be moved at the deadline.

- Kevin Allen of USA Today overviews the many pressing issues still facing the NHL amidst the dog days of summer.


(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America)

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Doan wants big payday, Jets sign Enstrom, Alumni coaches, Rumours and more

Morning puck addicts!

With all the pomp and pageantry of the Olympic opening ceremonies last night (and they were quite spectacular) there is not a ton of NHL news this morning.

But little news does not mean no news!

Top on the list of interest for Habs addicts is the fact that Shane Doan apparently wants four years and $30 million if he leaves Phoenix.

Umm, how much?

If you're doing the math, that works out to $7.5 million per season. And this for a 35-year-old who is clearly on the downside of his career. Now Doan is still a useful player. Big and burly and still capable of potting you 20 goals.

But $7.5 million per over four years?

So my question to you this morning is simple. Would you still like to see Doan in a Habs uniform if it meant signing him for those kind of numbers?

Hockey News

-The Jets have extended Tobias Enstrom.

-The Sens bought out Bobby Butler.

-The NHL and NHLPA continue to negotiate a new CBA. But this time, with the league having given the final details of their proposal, the PA came back with a few issues. Namely ice conditions and training camp issues.

Nothing ground shaking but the good news is that the tone, at least publicly, from both sides seems to be rather positive. That is a marked change from the last time this happened.

Still, the PA has not yet tabled a counter-proposal of their own. When they do, the real games begin!

-If there is no lockout the Red Wings and Leafs are scheduled to play in the Winter Classic this year. As such, the two teams announced the coaches for their alumni games.

-The good folks at Habsworld.net have gotten together to discuss how to build a modern winning team.

-THN's Ken Campbell takes a look at whether or not the league would contract the Phoenix Coyotes.

-Lastly, Spector's gives him usualy rumour roundup.

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

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Nashville Retains Shea Weber, Doan to Montreal?, Nash, Wilson and More

Good AM!

After many days of waiting, the Nashville Predators matched the Philadelphia Flyers 14-year, $110 million offer for Shea Weber.

While the offer forces the Predators to ante up $26 million in signing bonuses in the next 11 months, it would have been quite surprising for the Tennessee club not to match.

After all, do you really think Weber is worth only four late first round picks?

Habs and Hockey News

- According to TVA Sports, Shane Doan is currently considering an offer from the Montreal Canadiens.

- Scott Burnside considers the pressure put on Shea Weber now that the Predators have decided to retain him. Allan Muir of SI also offers his insights on the topic.

- The Nashville Predators have been busy. Not only have they matched the Shea Weber offer, but they have also re-signed Colin Wilson to a three-year deal.

- Rory Boylen of The Hockey News dissects the Rick Nash deal.

- It seems the NHLPA is close to tabling a counter-proposal to the league's initial CBA offer.



(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America)

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Raphael Diaz Profile, Hasek to Habs, Doan Situation and More

Good Morning Hab fans!

Writing the morning news roundup is fun.

It allows me to rant about a topic of my choice and, hopefully, engage HA's readership in good discussion.

But, boy oh boy, even topics for a brief blurb run short come the tail end of July.

It's not like I'm going to talk about the fact that Ottawa has barely had any rain in three weeks. Or that I have seen the Dark Knight Rises twice already. Or that Anne Hathaway looks fantastic in that movie. That would all be terribly off topic.

Anywho, on to the news!

Habs and Hockey News 

- Our Sean Lloyd continues his look at the Montreal Canadiens roster, this time shifting his attention to the recently re-signed Raphael Diaz.

- HabWorld's Naqeeb Shaikh makes the argument that the Habs should sign Dominik Hasek.

- Hockey Inside/Out offers the latest on the Shane Doan situation. Montreal, like many, have made offers for Doan but it remains clear that his preference is to remain in the Desert.

- Eric Engels looks at rumors surrounding Shane Doan, Patrick Kane and P.K Subban.

- The often beleaguered Pittsburgh Penguins have replaced their team physician of 24 years.


(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

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Doan to Habs, Bouillon, Halpern, Wild and More

Good AM Hab fans!

It appears that the bidding for Shane Doan as officially opened as rumors have begun popping up on various sites.

According to RDS, the Montreal Canadiens have a definitie interest in the Coyotes captain.

A highly regarded winger, Doan has spent the entirety of his career with the Winnipeg/Phoenix franchise.

Currently 35 years old, it is believed he is unsettled by the continued ownership turmoil in the desert and may be looking for a chance to win his first Stanley Cup.

And, if winning is indeed a criteria, that would make Montreal an unlikely destination.

So, where do you think Doan will end up?


Habs and Hockey News

HabsWorld - How to build a winning hockey team in the modern NHL: Chicago Blackhawks

Hockey Inside/Out - News of Robinson, Dudley, Doan, Chelios and Brodeur

La Presse - Francis Bouillon veut faire partie de la solution à Montréal

National Post - Seven spots where Shane Doan could end up

RDS - Intérêt du Canadien pour Shane Doan

The Hockey News - Ken Campbell: The future of UFAs, Nash, Bouwmeester, Doan, the Coyotes, Lidstrom and the whole NHL

TSN - Rangers sign F Halpern to one-year contract

TSN - Lightning sign F Purcell to three-year contract extension

TSN - Wild hope Suter, Parise signings lead to bigger things

Yahoo - Minnesota Wild owner on crying poverty then spending $196 million on Zach Parise, Ryan Suter

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

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