NHL Trade Deadline Bait: Montreal Canadiens' Travis Moen

There is a definite scent of wheeling and dealing in the air. The Trade Deadline looms as pundits and fans contemplate the different options that present themselves to the Montreal Canadiens.

At HabsAddict, we will also take the time to muse over the various possible maneuvers the Habs may make. In a multi-part series, we will look at both potential trade bait as well as possible targets for the Tricolore. 

Today, we start with Travis Moen, who appears to be one of the team's most likely trade candidates. 

Why he could be traded - Travis Moen is an impending unrestricted free agent on a team that is clearly going into sell mode. On top of that, his spot can be easily replaced internally - and more cheaply - by the returning Ryan White.

Nonetheless, as far as rentals go, he is probably one the Habs' best assets. He was a defensive force in Anaheim's run to a Stanley Cup in 2007, completing a formidable checking line with Rob Niedermayer and Samuel Pahlson. 

This season, he is posting his best offensive campaign and is on pace to break his previous career high of 21 points. Plus, at 6-2, 215 pounds, the winger is also a physical presence who is unafraid to engage in fisticuffs if necessary. 

His experience, size and secondary scoring make him an excellent depth acquisition for a team wanting to make a post-season run. 

What he could be worth - Between a second round draft pick (or equivalent prospect) and a third round draft pick (or equivalent prospect)

The Canadiens have the advantage in a market that appears to benefit sellers. While a second round pick may seem high, it is not unrealistic. 

In recent trade deadlines, similar depth players such as Eric Belanger and Dominic Moore were acquired for second round draft picks.

Others, such as Jeff Halpern, Chris Higgins and Daniel Carcillo were even obtained in exchange for multiple picks and players.

Based on previous history, it is even plausible to see the Canadiens obtain a lower draft pick and a roster player in return, but that may be hoping for a bit too much. 

Who could be interested - Chicago, Vancouver, Detroit, Pittsburgh

Most contending teams look to add players of Travis Moen's type. However, the above four have been rumored to be interested in his services for some time.

Chicago has lost Daniel Carcillo for the season, so it is logical that they would be looking to replace his physical presence.

The same logic applies in Pittsburgh, who currently have Aaron Asham and Tyler Kennedy on their injured list.

As for Detroit and Vancouver, they have their minor bumps as well, but they are mostly believed to be looking to add a physical presence to their bottom-six.


What do you think? Where will Moen go? And for what price?


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Louis is an Associate Editor at HabsAddict.com and an Editor at HabsWorld.net. Born in Chicago, Louis grew up in Quebec City where he earned Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Université Laval.

He currently resides in Ottawa and works for the Coaching Association of Canada. Find him on twitter @LouisMoustakas

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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Habs win in SO, Stewart, White, Deadline and More

Morning Hab fans.

Well, if nothing else, that was an exciting contest last night, wasn't it?

And, to boot, the Habs won a rare shootout contest on the strength of Carey Price's goaltending. Refereshing stuff.

However, for some, there was still some disappointment yesterday.

Many, including yours truly, were hoping the Canadiens would put in a claim for Anthony Stewart, who was put on waivers by the Carolina Hurricanes.

An inexpensive, still young player, Stewart is a bulking winger able to provide decent, secondary scoring.

While there are questions about his conditioning, he could have been an interesting option to replace Travis Moen and Mathieu Darche, two impending UFAs who are likely on their way out. And he certainly would be an upgrade over Michael Blunden or Petteri Nokelainen.

As a bonus, he could have been had for free via waivers and is a native of LaSalle, Quebec.

Just saying.

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - With Playoff Hopes Fading, Habs Need to Sell Assets

HabsAddict.com - Canadiens-Penguins: Habs Win Battle of Battered Teams

Hockey Inside / Out - Two in a row

La Presse - Plekanec joue les héros

RDS - Holland veut donner raison à Gauthier

RDS - Ryan White compte 2 fois à son retour

Hockey News

IIHF - Entries for Sochi are in

The Hockey News - Boylen: Four GMs given an unnecessarily hard time

Sports Illustrated - Red Wings need answers in net

TSN - McKenzie: Yakupov still clear no. 1 choice

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With Playoff Hopes Fading, Habs Need to Sell Assets

With the NHL's February 27th trade deadline just under three weeks away and the Canadiens sitting in 13th place in the Eastern Division - and 25th overall - the only things the Habs should be buying are golf clubs.

Let's face it, with many games to be played between against direct rivals and the extra points being awarded in overtime, it is hard for even the more optimistic Habs fans to expect post-season play.

With that being said, how is it that the Canadiens are still being categorized as a team that is "on the bubble" as the trade deadline looms closer?

Any fan with the least bit of hockey knowledge has already cast this season among things to be forgotten, much like the macarena and parachute pants.

When dealing with an underachieving Habs roster at the deadline, it's incredibly important for Pierre Gauthier to indentify the "untouchables" who currently wear the CH.

Can't Touch This

Carey Price - The Habs netminder is a staple in this city and has single-handedly won games in which his team had no business winning.

At 24 years old, Price has endured failure in Montreal, losing the #1 spot to Jaroslav Halak, only to bounce back with phenomonal play that has lead the Habs faithful to forget the magical playoff run that Halak was responsible for in 2009

Max Pacioretty - On a team that has been deemed too small to succeed for years, Pacioretty has brought a level of size and skill that has not been present since John LeClair. 

Many were worried that the dreadful hit delivered by the Bruins hulking defenseman Zdeno Chara would impede Pacioretty's development. Pacioretty, however, returned at the beginning of the 2011-12 season to deliver what, so far, has been a career year in every major statistical category.

Erik Cole - The acquisition of the Stanley Cup winning power forward is one of very few positive moves made by Pierre Gauthier. Cole has shown no sign of quit through the first 53 games as he leads the team with 39 points. 

Cole's perseverence on every shift is something that this team will need as it moves forward. Cole's blue-collar work ethic has also seemed to rub off on linemate Max Pacioretty.

This type of leadership is something that will have a positive effect for years to come.

David Desharnais - Many followers of Nos Glorieux, myself included, wrote Desharnais off early in his career due to his size. Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware that there are plenty of smaller type guys that have found success in the NHL, it just seemed that the Habs had too many roster players playing with hearts that out weighed their physique. 

Desharnais, however, has had no problem silencing critics with his play. The 5'7", 177lb center has shown a willingness to battle alomg the boards and his 26 assists in 53 games year demonstrate his above-average playmaking ability.

His dedication and hockey sense are things that a rebuilding team cannot afford to trade away.

P.K. Subban - All of this "trade Subban" nonsense that has been circulating the web proves that too many Montrealers have too much time on their hands. 

P.K. has certainly struggled this year, that is no secret. Maybe it's due to Andrei Markov's absence, maybe it's due to the pressure put on Subban by a fanbase that has not seen a Stanley Cup in 19 years. 

Most probably it's the pressure that a highly skilled, over-confident young man puts on himself to succeed in a hockey market that expects nothing but the best from players, even at an early age. Subban makes plenty of mistakes and is not bolstering his reputation with some of his antics, but he is a 22-year old that has plenty of time to mature. 

And, when he does, you will have a tough time finding anybody spewing this trade Subban garbage. 

Josh Gorges - Heart and soul. That should be enough to explain why the future captain of this team should be labeled as untouchable. 

If not, consider this: through 53 games Gorges leads the league with 147 blocked shots.

Gorges has consistently thrown his body in front of rubber for a team that is far behind in the playoff race. In addition, the rearguard has never failed to face Montreal's blood sucking media after an embarassing loss. And you will never find a clip in which Gorges throws a member of the Canadiens under the bus. 

When you come across a player of his caliber who displays the leadership qualities worthy of any professional sports club, you keep him. Period.

Once you get past the mentioned players, it's go time for Pierre Gauthier. When considering that the above mentioned players are off the market it's time to take a look at who's left.

On the Bubble

Lars Eller and Rafael Diaz - While these young NHL players have not yet reached the status of "untouchable", they are the closest thing to off that market after the original list.

Eller, the main piece in the infamous Halak trade, has been improving consistently since his acquisition and would have to bring back a significant piece to that Habs roster in order to be shipped off.

Diaz has had ups and downs during his rookie season but his 15 points and minus-3 rating on a struggling team makes him difficult to move. The Swiss blueliner has shown some offensive prowess as well as defensive acumen. On a team facing the uncertainty over Markov's future as well as the impending movement of veterans Hal Gill and Chris Campoli, Diaz's presence is most welcome.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Andrei Kostitsyn - The rugged Belarussian forward is possibly the toughest player to gauge on the Habs availability meter. 

Many feel it's time to ship the inconsistent winger off to the highest bidder while others argue the recent chemistry found with Eller and Travis Moen is reason enough to give him yet another chance. The bulky winger has surpassed the 20 goal mark three times and, when he shows up, can be an invaluable asset. 

The problem is he doesn't always bring his "A" game and many have become fed up with his frequent, prolonged absences.

Thank You and Goodnight

Hal Gill, Travis Moen, Chris Campoli, Yannick Weber - It's no secret that these four players top the list of potential ex-Habs. Gill in an incredible penalty killer who will bring leadership and a Stanley Cup ring to a contending team.

Moen is a hard working, third-line player whose grit, alongside Samuel Pahlsson and Rob Niedermayer, played a huge role in Anaheim's 2006-07 Stanley Cup run.

Campoli and Weber don't exaclty stand out as elite NHL defenseman, but a league of 30 teams will never run short on clubs in need of rearguards.

Campoli at least has over 400 games of experience on his resume while Weber brings youth as well a a decent shot from the point. Look for these two to potentially move oin exchange for later round draft picks.

Damaged Goods

Brian Gionta - It's tough to see the Habs current captain sit out for so long. However, you can't help but think the vertically challenged winger would be shopped were he not be sidelined with an upper body injury.

Gionta has heart, there's no doubt about that. But Montreal has recently been addressing their problem with size up front - as illustrated by Cammalleri for Bourque - and you can't help but think that a healthy Gionta would be dangled as trade bait.

Stuck with You

Scott Gomez and Tomas Kaberle - Gomez is an established playmaker who appears to be a likable individual. You can't help but feel for anyone who's gone through a calendar year without a goal. Kaberle has a keen vision on the ice and a Stanley cup ring to boot.

Despite this, Gomez' cap hit of $7,357,143 million through 2013-14 and Kaberle's hit of 4,250,000 per year through the same time frame make it almost impossible to fathom any GM acquiring either of Montreal's burdens.

How do you feel as the trade dealine approaches? Should the Habs sell whatever assets they have- and if so at what price- or should they be buyers and push for a playoff spot? In which case, which players should they have in their sights?


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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 Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

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Canadiens-Penguins: Habs Win Battle of Battered Teams

Recently, Stu Hackel pointed out that Pittsburgh and Montreal sit respectively first and third in man games lost to injury this year.

With the skill and compete level on display Tuesday night, one would have never guessed each team was missing so many key pieces.

An exciting, back-and-forth affair, the Canadiens would eventually win the game thanks to a Tomas Plekanec goal in the eighth round of a shootout.

Rene Bourque and Lars Eller also scored in the tie-breaker.

It was only the Habs' second win this season in the skills competition and undoubtedly a much needed boost to the team's collective confidence.

Final Score: Canadiens 3 - Penguins 2 (SO)

Game Notes

Louis Louis - Between his NCAA and QMJHL career, Louis Leblanc accumulated 81 points in 82 games. Good numbers, but not earth shattering, especially considering the offensive nature of the Quebec League.

Yet, watching him compete at the NHL level, you would expect him to have produced twice that over his junior career. 

His effort is relentless, he is physical and knows how to get into prime scoring areas, as illustrated by his goal tonight.

So far, he is definitely living up to his billing as a first round pick.

Hot Play - It was nice to see Tomas Plekanec and Carey Price's hot play carry over from Sunday's game.

Too often this season, players have disappeared after putting up excellent showings the previous game.

This time, though, the Czech centre was clearly the team's best forward. Plekanec obtained innumerable chances shorthanded and sealed the game with a clever shootout goal.

Meanwhile, Carey Price was again sensational, stopping 32 of 34 Penguins shots and finally getting a much needed win in the shootout.

Mind you, he had help from his posts and from P.K Subban, who dove to block a shot after Price was caught out of his net.

But, as the saying goes, you have to be good to be lucky. And Price is good.

Oops! - Lars Eller scored one of the oddest goals of the season.

Coming along the near boards, he faked a dump in and instead shot the puck on net. His shot then hit the post, went off Marc-Andre Fleury's back and into the goal.

Fleury has proven he can win big games, but boy does he have a rich history of goofy goals, dating all the way back to his infamous World Juniors poke check.

Pittsburgh Needs Wingers - The Penguins are clearly an excellent team. The fact they have survived, even thrived, in spite of injuries to key players such as Sidney Crosby, Jordan Staal and Kris Letang is testament to that.

But this team is starved for wingers.

James Neal is a stud, but after that there is a rather precipitous drop in quality.

Chris Kunitz, Steve Sullivan and Pascal Dupuis are all on track for over 50 points, but a quick look at their playoff numbers demonstrates that neither of them are post-season stars.

Matt Cooke, Tyler Kennedy and Richard Park are certainly not going to provide the bulk of the scoring come spring time.

As good as Pittsburgh is up the middle, their wingers are a weakness that could lead to their demise. Two years ago, Montreal proved that even a group of the world's most talented centres could be contained and defeated. 

Without a significant upgrade on the wings, another team may prove it again this year.

Darche in OT? - Clearly, Randy Cunnneyworth can do no wrong in the eyes of many in the blogosphere.

Many appreciate his more aggressive style and his more extensive use of youngsters. A lot of people are willing to forgive his less than stellar record since taking over, especially since he was clearly put in a no-win situation.

Regardless, I still don't much care for his dismal win-loss record.

Nor do I particularly love three-goal scorer Mathieu Darche playing 2:21 in overtime.

I understand he brings a consistent level of energy and effort, but when the game hangs on the result of a single shot, perhaps he is not the wisest choice.

This is the kind of thing that bloggers and the Twitter-verse would certainly hammer Jacques Martin about.

Randy Cunneyworth should be called out too. 

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Louis is an Associate Editor at HabsAddict.com and an Editor at HabsWorld.net. Born in Chicago, Louis grew up in Quebec City where he earned Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Université Laval.

He currently resides in Ottawa and works for the Coaching Association of Canada. Find him on twitter @LouisMoustakas

(Photo by Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images)

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Habs/Pens, Gomez, Thoughts, Rumors and More

Morning puck fans.

There is a lot of good reading in our morning links, including two new pieces by our HabsAddict writers, some trade rumors, talk of relocaiton and a bunch of other interesting tidibits.

In short, I won't babble too much this A.M and let you make that extra cup of coffee to get through some excellent reading.

Before that, just a quick note in the "reverse scoreboard watching" category. With Anaheim's win last night, Montreal are just two measly points ahead of 29th overall.

This is good. Finishing 29th overall gives the team 18.2% odds of winning the first overall pick.

I mean, if you are going to stink, best stink so it's worth it.

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - Roz's Rant: Ten Thoughts

HabsAddict.com - Goal-less Gomez

HabsWorld.net - HW Recap: The Sinking Feeling Continues

HockeyBuzz - The Dark Cloud over Montreal, +10 Notes

Hockey Inside / Out - Gomez speaks

Hockey Inside / Out - Crosby skates at Bell Centre

Hockey's Future - Montreal Canadiens mined some golden prospects in the 2007 Draft

RDS - CH : White et Palushaj cédés à Hamilton

Hockey News

Sports Illustrated - Coyotes to Seattle…or Quebec?

The Hockey News - Campbell: Gagner only had seven points

TSN - McKenzie: Real chance that Leafs make no significant moves

TSN - TradeCentre: Monday's rumours from around the NHL

TSN - Fraser: Here's the deal on premature substitution


(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)

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Roz's Rant: Ten Thoughts

At some point, you've just got to lie in the bed you've made. Such is the case for the 2011-2012 Montreal Canadiens.

I have no desire to watch this team fail, but I'm never that far gone as to cling to false hope. If that were the case I'd buy a lot more lottery tickets than I do.

Remember waaaaaay back in October when Elliotte Friedman dropped some stats about how teams not in contention early on in the season were likely not to make the post-season? I like Friedman and I trust him. I saw which way the wind was blowing back then.

The reasons for the Habs failure this season are numerous and have been analyzed to death. But the fact is the fat lady has been warbling for awhile now, and as a fan I have little choice but to embrace what little bright side I can find.

That means failure.

In honour of Friedman I've decided to do 10 thoughts, because I'm not sure I have 30 in me with this team anymore.

1. If I had to pick only one "untradeable" for Montreal I'd pick Erik Cole. A big power forward that consistently goes to the net and uses his size and speed effectively, Cole is the epitome of what the Habs have lacked for far too long. Teammates should strive to emulate him. Speaking of Cole, how ironic is it that he chose to sign with the Habs because the Canadiens consistently make the playoffs? And yet this year, despite his efforts, they will miss it anyway. Wonder if he's regretting his choice now.

2. I was not a fan of Jacques Martin's defense first hope-the-other-team-makes-a-mistake style of hockey. I prefer to watch Randy Cunneyworth's offensive minded tilts, but in hindisght - always 20/20 - I still don't miss Martin despite his having the better record. Under either coach the Habs would have likely missed the post-season, and I won't pander to the language debate by dissing Cunneyworth who was put in a position to fail from the outset. And as far as intangibles in coaching go, would this team have fared any better had Kirk Muller remained behind the bench in some capacity? I have to think yes. He had the ears, pulse and trust of the players. Losing him only made a difficult situation worse.

3. The Habs will be sellers at the deadline and, as hard as that is to bear, the alternative is worse. Another attempt at dealing of valuable draft picks for a fantasy kick at the can would be the ultimate in stupidity for Canadiens' brass. With this season all but done, picks are pure gold.

4. Do I think a high draft pick will magically solve anything? No I don't. Just as I never believed that a return of Andrei Markov (don't get me started) would solve the power play woes. This team needs a legitimate, big talented first line pivot. If they can get that via the draft then this season won't be a total write off, just a necessary evil. I can live with that.

5. Watching some of the veterans that have led this team in the past, I have to wonder if they don't see the big picture also. Players like Tomas Plekanec, who has carried the Habs on their back year after year, are nowhere to be seen at times. If players like Plekanec are indeed looking to the future then it's hard to blame them. I've certainly been looking ahead for months myself. No need to risk long term injury (hiya Markov) by fighting for a lost cause, especially when tanking would better serve the team's immediate future. Of course, this is just probably wishful thinking on my part, as another mid-round draft pick would be the worst possible outcome.

6. After the signings of Andrei Markov as well as acquisitions of Tomas Kaberle and Scott Gomez, I have little to no faith left in Pierre Gauthier's abilities as a general manager. Yes, I realize that Gomez was technically a Gainey deal, but Gauthier was an assistant at that time and more than likely had input. Even if I were to overlook Markov as one of those unforseeable circumstances, the trade for Kaberle to fix the power play has clearly failed and his defensive lapses have hardly earned him rave reviews. Say what you want about Jaroslav Spacek (and I have) but at least he wouldn't have eaten up valuable roster and cap space for the next two years.

7. Either the Bell Center fans are legitimately cheering for Scott Gomez or score or they're just being sarcastic and nasty. If it's the first that's great because I like supporting the players rather than booing them myself. However, I suspect it's the latter as Gomez has passed a full calendar year without a goal now. At that point it becomes tasteless. Why drop big money - because the Habs seats do not go cheaply - to spew hatred? I'll be happy to sit there and cheer the team for trying or at least enjoy being at the Bell watching live instead of on TV. As for Gomez, I expect he'll stop being a problem once the new CBA, which looks to include a no penalty buyout, comes into play.

8. It was said repeatedly on Twitter but bears repeating - PK Subban can do no right. P.J Stock talked about sending mixed messages when Subban showed some class after hurting Adam Larsson. I thought it was pretty clear myself. Subban meant to make the hit and take Larsson out of play, which he did, but like me and so many others has no desire to see a player hurt and the hand tap was a supportive "hope you are okay" type of gesture. That's not a mixed message. That's good sportsmanship and common sense Mr. Stock. Also Blake Wheeler needs to learn how to shake off his gloves a bit faster or else get TKO'd every time he gets asked to dance. Can't remember the last time I saw a Habs player win a fight. Shame on the pundits for not only lighting Subban up for it but failing to admit he won the bout.

9. Speaking of common sense, my liking of Randy Cunneyworth's more offensive style aside, what's wrong with a Lars Eller - Andrei Kostitsyn - Louis Leblanc line? That's a line with some some size, speed and offensive upside that has proven effective in the past.

10. While I am on the subject of youth like Louis Leblanc, it is clear that this kid will someday find himself a permanent slot on the team. Less likely candidates are Andreas Engqvist and Aaron Palushaj. Despite a couple of opportunities Engqvist has not taken advantage ala Max Pacioretty last seaosn, and Palushaj is hit or miss. Hopefully now that the season is pretty much done the kids will get more ice time and develop some confidence while offering up some fragile hope for the future.

One more for the road: On the subject of Patrick Roy, who caught airtime on the NHL network as a possible head coach replacement, I can only say a vehement and heartfelt "no".

I was never a Roy fan, and like Cunneyworth he has zero NHL head coaching experience. However, Cunneyworth at least had some AHL experience and tenure as an NHL assistant coach beforehand.

Also, Roy has long had personality and temper problems. He has trouble controling his mouth, as evidenced by yet another sanction from the QMJHL. A coach that is passionate is nice, but Roy has always had a huge ego to go along with his fiery temper. I don't care to see another dog and pony show behind the Habs bench even if he does make for good press quotes.

If the Habs want him in their organization - to which I again must object - then let him earn his stripes in the AHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs first and see what if anything he can offer there before moving him to an assistant coaching position at the NHL level.

Meanwhile, I can only hope that the current candidates that Geoff Molson is eyeballing to replace Pierre Gauthier and Randy Cunneyworth are currently unavailable for hire, but will become available during the summer hiatus.

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Rosalyn used to frequent the old Forum during her early childhood when her father was a corporate season ticket holder, where she fell in love with Larry Robinson, so her lifelong obsession with the Habs is entirely his fault.



(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

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Goal-less Gomez

Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of Scott Gomez's goal-less drought in the NHL as the last time Gomez scored a goal was on February 5th... 2011. The overpaid veteran has now played 59 games without finding the back of the net, a feat that is hard to achieve for any forward playing on average more than 15 minutes per game, including almost 3 minutes per contest on the power play.

Since he last scored against his former team, the New York Rangers, Gomez has seen his last 122 shots stopped (easily) by the opposing goalies. The native of Anchorage, Alaska, has played 23 games this season with Montreal, missing 30 games with a groin injury, notching seven assists and posting a -3 plus/minus differential.


Goal-less Gomez


If Gomer was earning only $750,000/year like most fourth-line plumbers, nobody would care about his goal-less drought, but the former Calder Trophy winner is earning a hefty $7,5 millions this season (a $7,357,143 cap hit), so it is expected that the fans and the media would follow the situation closely and criticize Gomez's performance in the past two campaigns. After a fairly respectable 59-point season in his first full-campaign donning the Bleu Blanc Rouge, Gomez's production has plummeted faster than Ben Affleck's acting career after his performance in the turkey movie Gigli.

The Habs are stuck with Gomez because no sane GM would take on the unproductive Gomez and his bloated contract. If he was a 1 PPG player, maybe a GM desperately looking for offensive help would acquire him in order to boost an anaemic offense like Scott Howson did when he traded for sniper Jeff Carter last summer.

Gomez was acquired on June 30, 2009 with plugger Tom Pyatt in exchange for defensive stud Ryan McDonagh, Chris Higgins and prospect Pavel Valentenko. The contract he signed with the Rangers is front-loaded, so he is owed $5 million and $4 million over the final two seasons of his bloated agreement (2012-13 and 2013-14). If the Canadiens decide to buy him out, they would be charged $1.5 million/season cap hit for four seasons ($6 millions) rather than $7.3 millions over the next two seasons. The team could also Wade-Redden him to their AHL affiliate in Hamilton and clear his lucrative contract from their salary cap, but they would still need to pay him to ride the bus.

As a result, the Canadiens will most likely wait until this summer before making a decision on Gomer as they might find a taker after the season as he will only collect a total of $9.5 millions in real salary over the next two seasons, but teams would be able to claim a cap hit of more than $14.7 millions. There might also be an amnesty provision in the next CBA (similar to the NBA) that will allow each team to cut one player from their roster with no salary cap ramifications. Teams would be able to clear out the expensive contracts of players like Gomez, Rick Dipietro and Wade Redden.

In the meantime, funny websites and events have emerged over the Internet and at the Bell Centre to commemorate the one-year scoring slump such as No Single Goal In One Year. Le Skratch pool hall, which has two Montreal-area locations, is offering free shots when Gomez scores, but so far it hasn't cost them a dime!

To turn the knife in the wound, here are some enforcers who have scored at least one goal this season: Kevin Westgarth, Paul Bissonnette, Warren Peters, Mike Brown, Krys Barch, Colton Orr, Jared Boll, Tim Jackman, Zac Rinaldo, Brandon Prust and Mike Blunden.


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Follow me on Twitter for more updates on the Scott Gomez goal watch and hockey in general.

(Photo by SMI)

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