Montreal Canadiens Trade Target: Andrej Sekera

With the latest injuries to Alexei Emelin (broken collarbone or separated shoulder) and Sergei Gonchar (concussion), the Habs' blue line is in turmoil. As result, the team called up prospect defenseman Jarred Tinordi after last night's defeat to the Ottawa Senators. Tinordi will join Bulldog teammate Greg Pateryn, who was called up earlier this week, to man Montreal's blue line.

If Gonchar and Emelin are out long term, it becomes critical for General Manager Marc Bergevin to bolster his blue line in prevision of the playoffs. With about 10 days before the March 2nd, 2015, trade deadline, it becomes important for Bergevin to assess all his options before making a bold move. Also, with Jeff Petry leaving last night's game with an apparent upper-body injury, and Tyler Myers and Zach Bogosian traded for each other, the options on the back end are getting somewhat limited. Oh and let's not forget that Cody Franson was also shipped to Nashville while Marc Methot was extended by Ottawa.

Another coveted option on the blue line, is offensive defenseman Andrej Sekera of the Carolina Hurricanes. Making only $2.75 million this season, the 28-year-old rearguard is having a tough offensive season with the lowly Hurricanes, scoring 2 goals and 17 assists for 19 points and a -7 differential in 54 games. However, Sekera enjoyed the best season of his career in 2013-14 with Carolina, potting 11 goals and 33 helpers for 44 points and +4 rating in 74 contests.

The puck-moving Sekera, who is slated to become a UFA on July 1st, will not come cheap as the asking price is reportedly a first-round pick and a solid prospect. Will Marc Bergevin be willing to pay that hefty price for a rental player? I highly doubt it.

Playing on average 22:50 per game this season, the left-handed blue liner is great on the power play and makes a very solid first pass, helping with the transition. Also, despite playing for a cellar-dwelling team, Sekera's possession numbers are pretty good with a 52.3 CF% and a 52.2 FF%. The problem with Sekera is that he is not physical at all with a mere 43 hits in 54 games.

In sum, if Bergevin wants to acquire an offensive-minded defenseman for the playoffs, Sekera is his man, but if he is looking for a physical and defensive-oriented rearguard, Andrej is really not his man. The team could also call up veterans Bryan Allen and Davis Drewiske if they don't want to mortgage the future by trading away prospects and draft picks.

Who would you want to acquire if you were Marc Bergevin?


Other options on defense include Mike Green, Jeff Petry, Zbynek Michalek and Marek Zidlicky.


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Follow me on Twitter at @FredPoulin98

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Montreal Canadiens: Depth Chart And Player Movements

One week before the 2014-15 season, the Montreal Canadiens' roster is most likely settled for the beginning of the upcoming campaign, unless GM Marc Bergevin manages to shed some salary or fix the goalie situation. There won't be many surprises in training camp like last season when Michael Bournival made the team thanks to a solid training camp.

At forward, if we take into account that Jiri Sekac has all but officially made the team, the Habs currently have 14 forwards slated to begin with the season in the NHL following the departure of veterans Brian Gionta, George Parros and Tomas Vanek, among others.

On defense, the team's top five is settled, with Nathan Beaulieu and Jarred Tinordi battling for the sixth and last regular spot. Unless the Canadiens decide to sign veteran Francis Bouillon as an insurance policy, there won't be any surprise on the back end either. Currently in the lead, Beaulieu is expected to begin the season in the top-6, relegating journeyman Davis Drewiske to a reserve role as it should be. As you know veterans Josh Gorges (Buffalo) and Douglas Murray (UFA) will not be back this season with the team.

The biggest question mark right now is in net as we still don't know who will be Carey Price's back-up. So far, Peter Budaj and Dustin Tokarski have both played well in pre-season so it might comes down to whoever is the less likely to be claimed off waivers that will head to the AHL, while the winner has the chance to back-up Price.

Habs Depth chart:
Left Wing Centre Right Wing
Max Pacioretty David Desharnais Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau
Rene Bourque Tomas Plekanec Jiri Sekac
Alex Galchenyuk Lars Eller Brendan Gallagher
Brandon Prust Manny Malhotra Dale Weise

Extras: Travis Moen, Michael Bournival

Defensemen:
Andrei Markov Tom Gilbert
Alexei Emelin P.K. Subban
Nathan Beaulieu Mike Weaver

Extras: Davis Drewiske

Goaltenders:
Carey Price
Dustin Tokarski/Peter Budaj

The Canadiens really improved their AHL depth during the off-season, signing career AHLers Joey MacDonald, Jake Dowell and TJ Hensick, and adding a few more players who are making the transition from junior hockey to the AHL, namely Charles Hudon, Tim Bozon, Mac Bennett and Jacob de la Rose, to name a few.

With the arrival of new prospects, transitioning from Europe and the CHL, Hamilton will be much more competitive than last season. The team should be able to leave the basement of the AHL unless head coach Sylvain Lefebvre continue to be stubborn and hinder the players' development.

Bulldogs Depth chart:

Left Wing Centre Right Wing
Jacob de la Rose T.J. Hensick Christian Thomas
Tim Bozon Gabriel Dumont Sven Andrighetto
Nick Sorkin Charles Hudon Patrick Holland
Connor Crisp Jake Dowell Jack Nevins

Extras: Stefan Fournier, Daniel Carr, Maxim Macenauer

Defensemen:
Jarred Tinordi Greg Pateryn
Mac Bennett Darren Dietz
Joe Finley Dalton Thrower

Extras: Bobby Shea, Morgan Ellis, Magnus Nygren (Back to Sweden?)

Goaltenders:
Peter Budaj/Dustin Tokarsi
Joey MacDonald
Mike Condon (if Budaj or Tokarski is claimed off waivers or traded)

I don't expect the Canadiens to sign defenseman Francis Bouillon and forward Drayson Bowman, who are both attending the camp on professional try-out.

I hope the above gives you a bigger picture of the organization's depth chart and shows you that the team is making every effort to rebuild its pool of quality prospects through the draft and the free agency.

Follow me on Twitter @FredPoulin98 if you want to talk puck and Habs.

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Montreal Canadiens: Looking ahead to 2014-15

Most Montreal Canadiens’ fans are probably feeling pretty content with how last season went. It was a success, and not everybody predicted it would go as well as it did.

Last off-season general manager Marc Bergevin made some interesting and questionable moves that were critiqued throughout the 2013-14 campaign. The signings of a barely NHL calibre defenceman in Douglas Murray, ageing, declining and small forward in Daniel Briere, and the acquisition of fourth-line plug and over-the-hill enforcer George Parros puzzled many.

None of the above players panned out for the Canadiens, and none of them will be back for the 2014-15 season. PHENOMENAL.

Marc Bergevin appears to have learned from his mistakes, and is making smart, analytical moves that have really made the team better, faster, and younger. I want to take a look at Montreal's possible line combinations, should the season start today (assuming Lars Eller and PK Subban resign).

This is what I currently have for Montreal’s depth chart for forwards.

Montreal Canadiens forward line combinations

Now, before people start freaking out saying I am  “disrespecting Plekanec” or I am “overrating Lars Eller”, hear me out!

I want to give P-A Parenteau a shot on the first line with David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty as I think it will help spark his offensive abilities and rebuild his confidence after a shaky season last year. This line will be used during sheltered minutes, and mostly offensive zone starts. I can see this line being a very quick and lethal line that will threaten the opposition shift after shift.

I decided to reunite the “EGG” line as I believe last season all three players really grew into their own and developed substantially. Eller has proven he is talented at both ends of the ice, while both Galchenyuk and Gallagher have proven to be offensive weapons. I think this line would be used in different scenarios and they have the ability to be momentum changers.  

For the third line I decided to place Tomas Plekanec with Jiri Sekac and Rene Bourque. Both Plekanec and Bourque have the abilities to play in both ends of the ice. Plekanec is one of the best two-way centres in the NHL and it is shocking how little credit he receives. This line will be a solid shut down line with a surprising offensive upside. I do not know what Sekac will bring on the defensive side of the game, but my understanding is that he is able to use his body well, and put the puck in the net. I believe that it would also help Sekac transition by playing with a player from his home country (Czech). Both Plekanec and Bourque are able to put up offensive number as well, and I believe this line could surprise people. Mostly defensive zone starts for this line.

Newly acquired Manny Malholtra is a fiend in the face-off dot. He was second in the league last season in face-off percentage at 59.0%. Brandon Prust and Dale Weise are extremely good at fore checking and maintaining pressure. They can all use their bodies to their advantage and are able to play all over the ice. This line will see most of their zone starts in the defensive or neutral zone.

Michel Therrien likes to roll four lines and this team is built to play that way. All four lines can play both sides of the puck and can be relied upon to put the puck in the net. I view the second and third line specifically as two second lines. They will play very similar minutes in different scenarios. I would be very content to see this type of set-up for Montreal this upcoming season.

On defense there is really only one decision to be made for this roster. Which kid gets the chance to play full time?

Now that Josh Gorges is gone, Alexei Emelin can slot back into his natural left side position. The way I have this set up is so that each pairing has an offensive defenceman and a stay at home type defenceman.

First pairing is one that has obvious chemistry after being relied upon so heavily during power plays. I like this combo because Markov has enough experience and hockey sense to be able to cover Subban when he is dominating offensively.

The second pairing is one I like for even strength usage. I would love to see Emelin have a turnaround season after showing some struggles last season. Gilbert is the new face here, and he has the ability to chip in offensively. If Emelin ends up struggling with his game, I would not hesitate to slot Beaulieu into this top four spot in his place.

The third pairing I like simply because Weaver is a stud defensively and it would allow Beaulieu some leeway to take some risks offensively. It would be nice to have a rock on D beside the rookie to give him some confidence.

Finally, the goalie situation.

I still have Peter Budaj ahead of Dustin Tokarski. I would much prefer to have Budaj shipped out, and have Tokarski as the full time back up. He proved to Habs Nation that he deserves to be in the NHL after his stellar performance during the playoffs in the absence of Carey Price. I would feel more confident with Tokarski getting 15-20 starts next year over Budaj. This would allow Price some much needed rest sometimes, and Tokarski some killer experience moving forward.

Overall, I am happy with the players Montreal has on their roster.  It is now up to Michel Therrien to create some stellar line combinations to enhance each players strengths.

Let me know what you think of my line combinations, or what adjustments you would make!

Follow me @darrinharmy on twitter, or leave a comment below.

Thanks for reading!

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Top UFA Defensemen To Target For The Montreal Canadiens

With the NHL playoffs coming to an end soon and free agency looming, it is time to have a closer look at some potential free agent targets for the Montreal Canadiens. One area where the Habs could use help is on the blue line, and especially a right handed defenseman who can move the puck and play on the second pairing. The team has a glut of left-handed defensemen (Gorges, Emelin, Beaulieu, Tinordi, Drewiske and most likely Markov), but lacks depth on the right side.

With veterans Douglas Murray and Francis Bouillon not returning next season and the possibility that GM Marc Bergevin is unable to re-sign rearguard Andrei Markov to a multi-year contract, the team will need to find help in the blue line if it wants to repeat this year's feat of reaching the Eastern Conference final.

Potential free agents targets:

Matt Niskanen, 27, Pittsburgh Penguins. After his best offensive season during which he recorded 10 goals and 36 assists for 46 points in 81 games to go along with 51 PIM and a solid +33 rating, Niskanen will be the most coveted defenseman on the market if he can't reach an agreement with the Penguins before July 1st (which is unlikely). Niskanen is expected to command a five-year contract of at least $5.5 to $6M annually on the open market and there will be plenty of suitors for his services. The puck-moving blue liner rebounded nicely this season after a difficult campaign during the lock-out shortened season where he only notched 4 goals and 10 assists for 14 points in 40 games. Should Marc Bergevin be unable to re-sign Markov, Niskanen becomes the number one option on the back end to replace him, but there will be plenty of teams interested in his services, most notably the Detroit Red Wings, the Philadelphia Flyers and the Washington Capitals.

(Salary in 2013-14: $2,500,000)

Dan Boyle, 37, New York Islanders. Recently acquired from the San Jose Sharks for a draft pick by New York Islanders' GM Garth Snow, Boyle is highly unlikely to sign with his new team as he has expressed his wish to finish his career with a contender. This season, the Ottawa native scored 12 goals and 24 assists for 36 points in 75 games to go along with 32 PIM and a disappointing -8 rating. Boyle, who is looking for a two-year deal, will also be sought-after by many teams who are looking for a veteran presence on the blue line. The Toronto Maple Leafs are rumored to be very interested in his services. Boyle could also go back to Florida where he both played for the Panthers and the Lightning. His wife Amber is also a native of Florida so it could play into his decision.

(Salary in 2013-14: $6,666,666)

Tom Gilbert, 31, Florida Panthers. Signed to one-year deal worth peanuts by the Panthers prior to last season, Gilbert quietly enjoyed a solid campaign under the sun. The right-handed defenseman recorded 3 goals and 25 assists for 28 points in 73 games to go with 18 PIM and a +5 plus/minus differential. While the 6'3'', 205-lb defenseman is not overly physical, his size would be welcomed on the Habs blue line, especially if the organization doesn't re-sign veteran UFA Mike Weaver, who is also a righty.

(Salary in 2013-14: $900,000)

Anton Stralman, 27, New York Rangers. Currently playing for the Stanley Cup finals against the Los Angeles Kings, Stralman has been a revelation this spring. In 81 games with the Blueshirts this season, the Swede notched 1 goal and 12 assists for 13 points with a +9 rating. The smooth skating Stralman is currently playing in the Rangers' top-4 alongside Marc Staal to the tune of almost 20 minutes per game and he would be a great fit beside Andrei Markov on the Canadien' second pairing. A great skater and a solid defensive player, Stralman would make a great depth signing for the Canadiens should the Rags let him go due to salary cap issues.

(Salary in 2013-14: $1,800,000)

Stephane Robidas, 37, Anaheim Ducks. Acquired from the Dallas Stars for a draft pick at the trade deadline, the veteran defenseman was plagued by injuries all season. Robidas, who suffered a broken right leg on November 29th, only dressed for 38 games, scoring 5 goals and adding 5 assists for 10 points and a +10 differential. A steady rearguard throughout his career, the former Habs defenseman broke the same leg again in the first round of the playoffs, but he was able to avoid surgery and should be ready for the beginning of the 2014-15 season. Robidas might be willing to accept a salary cut to finish his career with the team that drafted him way back in 1995. Robidas could be paired with a youngster like Nathan Beaulieu on the team's third pairing while playing on the second power play unit and kill some penalties.

(Salary in 2013-14: $2,850,000)

Derek Morris, 35, Phoenix Coyotes. After spending the last five seasons in the desert where people don't care about hockey, it would be a complete change of scenery for the bruising defenseman. The veteran notched 5 goals and 12 assists for 17 points with a -2 differential and 41 PIM in 2013-14. The Albertan will certainly not be back with the cash-strapped Coyotes even though he resides in the area all-year long. The rugged blue liner would bring sandpaper to the Habs defensive corps as he plays with an edge and brings a lot of character to the table.

(Salary in 2013-14: $2,750,000)

Who would be your choice to fill the glaring hole on the Habs blue line in the offseason?

No Foolin' Fred Poulin

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