What Is P.K. Subban Really Worth?

By Coach K and Francois Dumais

Since the announcement of an agreement in principle between the NHL and the Players’ Association, Habs’ fans have had one thing on their minds:

How long before the Canadiens sign RFA defenseman P.K. Subban?

With the recent signing by the New York Rangers of Michael Del Zotto, who is represented by the same agent as Subban, Don Meehan, the comparables game has once again come front and centre. Del Zotto signed a two-year, $5.1 Million contract on January 13^th, 2013.

There are many in the media who claim that Subban is using L.A. Kings’ defensive stalwart Drew Doughty, and his eight-year, $56 Million contract as a viable comparable. 

That leaves a huge gap between those comparables alone ($4,450,000 per season). However, numbers can’t define the importance of P.K. Subban alone.

With the announcement by Habs’ GM Marc Bergavin that he has no intention of trading P.K. Subban, it concretizes his importance in the future plans of the Canadiens. After all, Subban was on the ice an average of 39.7% of the time last season.

The Stats Don’t Lie

If you want to talk about comparables, you need only look at four of the NHL’s youngest defensemen. For the purposes of this article, we added John Carlson of the Washington Capitals to the mix, along with Del Zotto, Doughty and Subban.

Strictly from an offensive perspective, Subban finished behind our other examples in goals with seven, although he had 29 assists, giving him second behind Del Zotto. If he and his agent want to use Drew Doughty as a primary comparable, it doesn’t bode well for P.K. Over the past three seasons, he’s averaged 20 points less than the Kings’ D-man. That said, his points-per-game is mere 0.03 behind Doughty, due to Subban’s limited use in his first NHL season.

In overall ice-time, Subban (24:17 per game) is a mere 36 seconds on average behind Doughty (24:53 per game). Subban is second among our four defensemen in terms of TOI on the power play and penalty killing. Michael Del Zotto (PP) and John Carlson (PK) lead those respective categories.

Last 20 Games May Be Subban’s Best Case

Using a smaller sample size from last season, that being the last 20 games of their respective seasons, Subban takes the lead over our four other defensemen in goals, assists and points (4-9-13). Doughty and Del Zotto were behind him with three goals, six assists and nine points respectively.

While Del Zotto led our group on the power play with an average of 4:35 TOI (Time On Ice) per game, P.K. was right behind him in second with 3:39 TOI per game. On the penalty kill, while Doughty had a TOI per game of 2:00, Subban had a whopping 3:39 TOI per game. Overall, Subban led everyone in overall TOI per game with an average of almost 26 minutes.

Top 10 Among His Peers

If you look at Subban’s overall ranking among his NHL peers, he is ranked sixth from the top 50 defensemen in the league from an offensive perspective, with an overall score of 723. Only Zdeno Chara (BOS), Shea Weber (NSH), Kevin Shattenkirk (STL), Dan Boyle (SJS) and Alex Pietrangelo (STL) are ranked ahead of him. Doughty ranked 26^th, while Del Zotto ranked 14^th.

So What Does He Deserve To Be Paid?

If you look at our comparibles, there are solid arguments from both sides of the coin. The Rangers have a much stronger supporting cast on defense for Del Zotto than the Canadiens have for Subban. P.K.’s importance is just as high to the Habs as that of Doughty to the Kings.

If Subban and Don Meehan want to be fair to everyone, including themselves, then an average salary of $4.5 Million is a reasonable number, in our opinion, to ask for. As far as length of term is concerned, with the wealth of defensive prospects in the Canadiens’ organization, signing Subban for more than three years would be a colossal mistake.

Ultimately, it’s a question of organizational importance…for Subban. Does he want to be part of the refit of the league’s most storied franchise, or does he want to think of himself first? Compare what you will, only time will really tell.

Read More

How Much Money Is PK Subban Worth?

As soon as the new CBA is ratified by both the NHL owners and the players, teams will finally be allowed to start making roster moves such as signing free agents and calling up players from their farm teams. In the case of a few teams, that also means signing their restricted free agents as soon as possible and bringing them into the team’s training camp.

The most notable RFAs still unsigned being forwards Jamie Benn (Dallas Stars) and Ryan O’Reilly (Colorado Avalanche), as well as rearguards Michael Del Zotto (New York Rangers), Dmitry Kulikov (Florida Panthers) and PK Subban (Montreal Canadiens).

PK Subban is still a restricted free agent (Icon SMI)

But now, let’s concentrate on the talented, but controversial Canadiens defenseman who is a now cornerstone of the team’s defensive corps. The 23 year-old defenseman did not go oversee during the lockout, preferring to make several TV appearances for CTV Montreal as a weatherman and Sportsnet as a hockey analyst between periods.

While the popular Subban may have a future on television, his current career is as an NHL defenseman and he must now concentrate on accepting the right contract from Habs’ general manager Marc Bergevin. The native of Toronto, Ontario, is coming off his entry-level contract and prior to the NHL lockout, it was rumored that Bergevin had offered him a three-year deal worth $11 million ($3.66 million/year), which Subban and his agent Don Meehan politely declined.

But how much money per year is Subban really worth?

Right now, the Canadiens payroll for 2013-14 is a tad over $60.16 million linked to 16 players and Subban’s new contract could push Montreal over the $64.3 million cap for next season. The team’s precarious financial position for next year likely means that Bergevin cannot afford to give Subban a contract similar to the eight-year deal worth $56 million ($7 million/year) that Los Angeles defenseman Drew Doughty signed prior to last season, which is reportedly the kind of contract that the charismatic rearguard was looking for this summer.

On one hand, while Subban is a very talented puck-carrying defenseman, he has only played two full seasons in the NHL and has yet to establish himself as a true #1 defenseman on and off the ice. On the other hand, Doughty had seasons of 59 and 40 points prior to signing his lucrative long-term pact. While under the new CBA teams can re-sign their own players to a maximum of eight years, do you really think that Bergevin wants to be tied up long term to a player who had a few scuffles with his own teammates Hal Gill and David Desharnais during practice last season? Subban doesn’t have unanimous backing in the Habs’ dressing room as he has a tendency to show off and be overly talkative, both on an off the ice.

Yesterday, team captain Brian Gionta even said that he had not speak with Subban for the past six months and that the best way to find PK recently is by turning on your television. As you can see, Subban’s strong presence in the media seems to bother some veterans, and until he can prove them wrong and show the organization and the fans that he has become more mature, disciplined and hard-working, the Bleu Blanc Rouge should err on the cautious side and offer him a short term contract.

PK likes to be in the spotlight (photo: Rob Elbaz – The Hockey Writers)

Since we know that any player whose contract has expired can declare himself an unrestricted free agent if he is at least 27 years of age or has at least seven years of service as an NHL player, the Canadiens would be best to offer Subban a three-year contract or less so that Subban is not older than 26 years old when the contract ends.

This way, the Canadiens would be able to assess Subban’s true value and contribution to the team and ensure that he doesn’t become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the pact. Now suppose Subban and Meehan agree to a three-year pact with Montreal: How much per year is Subban really worth?

Let’s have a look at some young defensemen with comparable offensive numbers who recently signed long-term deals with their respective teams:

Cam Fowler, 21, Anaheim Ducks: 2011-12 stats: 5 goals and 24 assists for 29 points in 82 games -> five-year contract with an average value of $4 million

Tyler Myers, 22, Buffalo Sabres: 2011-12 stats: 8 goals and 15 assists for 23 points in 55 games -> seven-year contract with an average value of $5.5 million

Erik Johnson, 24, Colorado Avalanche: 2011-12 stats: 4 goals and 22 assists for 26 points in 73 games -> four-year contract with an average value of $3.75 million

Erik Karlsson, 22, Ottawa Senators: 2011-12 stats: 19 goals and 59 assists for 78 points in 81 games -> seven-year contract with an average value of $6.5 million

Victor Hedman, 22, Tampa Bay Lightning: 2011-12 stats: 5 goals and 18 assists for 23 points in 61 games -> five-year contract with an average value of $4 million

John Carlson, 22, Washington Capitals: 2011-12 stats: 9 goals and 23 assists for 32 points in 82 games -> six-year contract with an average value of $3.96 million

SOURCE: CAP GEEK

As we can see, most of these players received long-term deals at an average value of approximately $4 million per year except for Erik Karlsson who earned a contract similar to Doughty’s contract, but he won the Norris Trophy following his career season in 2011-12, so we can undoubtedly say he deserved this contract.

Following the extensive analysis above, I am willing to predict that Marc Bergevin will offer a three-year deal worth $13.5 million (or $4.5 million/year) to PK Subban, or an increase of  $2.5 million over his previous offer. With that in mind, Subban would be foolish to refuse this offer and hold out during the team’s training camp as a refusal would tarnish his reputation towards fans and harm the Canadiens’ chances at making the playoffs this season.

How much do you think Subban will earn per year? What will be the term of the deal? 

**************

A long-time Joe Sakic fan, Fred, 34, is a freelance sports writer and translator. Fred earned a Bachelor of Translation in 2002 at Laval University in Quebec City. He also writes on the Montreal Canadiens for thehockeywriters.com and he is an associate editor and a baseball columnist on Dobberbaseball.com. He is also fluent in English, French and Spanish.

Read More

Panesar and Moustakas: Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Winner Picks

Louis Moustakas: Hello my friend!

Quite a Cup Final we have on our hands, isn't it? I mean, how do you even go about predicting this one? It is difficult enough to handicap two teams from opposing conferences at the best of times. 

Here, we have the unusual fact of an eighth seed facing off against a sixth seed. Needless to say, regardless of who wins, it will be the first time such a low seed hoists the cup. Ironically, the previous lowest seed to accomplish the feat was the New Jersey Devils, who finished fifth in the Eastern Conference after the lock-out shortened 1994-95 campaign.

In any case, If you saw this coming at the outset of the post-season, props to you. I thought both of these teams would be out after one round.

So, I suppose the question is, who wins it all?

Kamal Panesar: Very true, Louis. Who indeed?

To me, the Kings look like they are doing their best impersonation of an unstoppable force…and succeeding. They really look like a team that is built to play and win in the playoffs.

Big, strong, aggressive, great goaltending, no problem generating offense.

What’s not to like?

The thing with the Kings is that yes, they are a surprise given that they had a dismal season and barely made it into the playoffs. But while adding pieces like Mike Richards and Jeff Carter over the summer seemed, at least on paper, like it would produce instant success, sometimes (usually?) it takes some time for things to jel. Especially when you are adding such high profile and impactful pieces to your squad. I mean it’s not like they added a couple of fourth liners. These two are instantly part of the Kings core.

Fast forward to the playoffs, and it looks like that elusive chemistry arrived just in time for the Kings.

That being said, and while I feel the Kings will take this series in six games, you can never count out a Martin Brodeur backed Devils squad in the finals. Especially one that no longer plays the trap and seems capable of scoring almost at will!

Louis Moustakas: The Kings are indeed doing an amazing impression of an unstoppable force.

But one has to wonder what kind of resistance this force has faced. Going 12-2 is impressive, but it should equally raise questions about the quality of the opposition. How will the Kings react if they are faced with adversity in the Final round? What if they lose the first game? Have they developed the backbone to contend with that?

Maybe they do possess the required internal fortitude, but it certainly has not been demonstrated so far —mind you, through no fault of their own —and remains a question mark.

Also, a lot has been made of the matchup between LA's big forwards against New Jersey's smaller defense, but I feel this point is a touch overemphasized. Big, strong forwards are most effective when they can establish a forecheck. Somehow, I doubt Martin Brodeur's puckhandling skill will allow that to happen to the same extent it did in the previous Western series.

As for the New Jersey Devils, they may not own the physical, aggressive nature of their Californian counterpart, but their depth is not to be minimized. Top players like Ilya Kovalchuk, Zach Parise and Travis Zajac have been effective while even their fourth line has produced nine goals. Petr Sykora, Patrik Elias and Alexei Ponikarovsky have more underwhelming numbers, but they remain offensive threats.

How will LA's top heavy blueline fare against New Jersey's four-line balance? The Kings' bottom defenders, namely youngsters Slava Voynov and Alec Martinez, certainly run the risk of being exposed in this series.

I suppose you see where I am going with this. I'll go New Jersey in 6.

On another topic, regardless of who wins, it will be intriguing to see who is handed the Conn Smythe Trophy. Seldom have I seen a year where, on both teams, the award could legitimately be handed to so many players.

Kamal Panesar: Very true and, to be sure, I’m certainly not writing off the Devils. Hey, they didn’t get to the finals by chance. Also, your point about the Kings so far not having to face any real adversity, is salient. If there’s anything I’ve learned from watching over three decades of playoff hockey is that whoever wins the Cup usually has to go through some struggles in order to win. Not always, but usually.

I think the key to this series is really the first two games in Jersey. If the Kings can continue to be road warriors, winning or one or even both games, this thing won’t be much of a contest. However, if the Devils hold serve it puts all the pressure on a Kings squad that hasn’t yet faced much.

On the Conn Smythe discussion, for the Devils, I’ve got to say that the player who has been the most impressive, in my opinion, is Ilya Kovalchuk.

Once a one trick pony, Kovalchuk has become a well rounded, all-world player in these playoffs. It’s amazing what a couple of years playing in a well defined system under a well constructed organization can do for a player.

Not only is he scoring goals but he’s back checking, blocking shots and really leading by example, up front. I think his Russian countryman, Alex Ovechkin, could use a little of whatever he’s got.

Yet despite Kovalchuk’s strong play, to me, the hands down Conn Smythe front runner has got to be Jonathan Quick. 14 games played, 12 wins, two losses, two shutouts, a ridiculous 1.54 goals against average (GAA), and an equally mind-boggling .946 save percentage.

Out of the 14 games the Kings have played, Quick has let in three or more goals (exactly three) only once. He has let in two goals five times, one goal five times and had two shutouts. He has simply been a brick wall and, despite how well the Kings have played, their power play has been firing blanks while their PK has been lights out. I think Quick played a large role in the PK stats and in the Kings overall success.

To me, there has been no player who has been more valuable so far in these playoffs and that’s why, win or lose, he’s my Conn Smythe pick.

Louis Moustakas: I'm not sure I would give the Conn Smythe to Jonathan Quick win or lose. Certainly, he is the top candidate on the Kings, but he has not had to steal the series against St. Louis or Phoenix either.

Dustin Brown also deserves consideration for his tremendous physical and offensive contributions, but Drew Doughty is a choice that could have some merit should the Kings capture the Cup. He has maintained an impressive +10 rating while playing over 25 minutes per night, contributing ten points in the process as well. 

Much has been made about the shutdown duo of Willie Mitchell and Rob Scuderi, but Doughty's ability to be used proficiently in every situation — and to excel — makes him an excellent choice.

On the New Jersey side, I would agree with you. Ilya Kovalchuk has blown me away and, most importantly, he has improved as the playoffs have worn on. In the deciding game against the New York Rangers, he had two points, including an assist on the eventual winner. He has been physical, has chipped in some garbage goals and has been a game breaker for the Devils. Heck, he is even being used 45 seconds per game on the penalty kill.

Then again, all of this is speculation. We all know the most important round is upon us and a stellar — or abysmal — performance can make or break one's Conn Smythe chances. When it comes to voting for this award, recent performance weighs very heavily.



What are your predictions for the Stanley Cup Final? Who will win it all? Who will be named playoff MVP?



---
Kamal is a freelance writer, Senior Writer/Editor-in-Chief of HabsAddict.com, Montreal Canadiens Blogger on Hockeybuzz.com and featured columnist on PowerScoutHockey.com. Kamal is also a regular on-air contributor on TSN 990, CJAD, and LiveSport New Zealand.

Follow Kamal on Facebook and Twitter

Louis is an Associate Editor and Senior Writer at HabsAddict.com. Born in Chicago, Louis grew up in Quebec City where he earned Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Université Laval. He is also an occasional guest on CKCU's Red Zone program.

Find him on twitter @LouisMoustakas


(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Read More

The next Habs coach, Doughty, Kings, Devils, Conn Smythe and more

Oh, the calm before the storm. That's certainly where things are in the Stanley Cup playoffs. With three more days off before the finals begin on Wednesday, the Kings and Devils have a little time to lick their wounds.

Although, for the Kings, I doubt there are that many. They are a well rested bunch, having played only 14 games so far en route to the finals.

Still, the build up to the finals is always exciting and, with the nice weather, you actually get to spend a little time outside.

Imagine that?

Hockey News

Habsworld.net - The Fans Choice: The next coach of the Habs should be...

TSN - FORMER OILERS STOLL, GREENE GRATEFUL FOR SECOND CHANCE AT CUP

TSN - RANGERS HAVE REASONS FOR OPTIMISM DESPITE LOSS TO DEVILS

TSN - YOUR CALL: WHO IS YOUR PICK FOR THE CONN SMYTHE TROPHY?

TSN - KINGS' DOUGHTY SHINING WITH STELLAR PLAYOFF PERFORMANCES

ESPN - Stanley Cup finals: Points to watch

ESPN - Kings: Top two lines fueling playoff run

Spector's Hockey - Latest on Coyotes, Capitals and Avalanche – May 26, 2012

(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Habs/Devils post game, Kaberle debut, Eller fined, Jets, Panthers, Rumours and more

Habs News

Hockey Inside/Out - Sunday argument-starter
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/sunday-argument-starter

About this afternoon … with audio
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/about-this-afternoon-2

RDS - Kaberle fait déjà sentir sa présence
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/331536.html

Brian Gionta ratera plusieurs matchs
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/331577.html

TSN - CANADIENS F ELLER FINED $2,500 FOR BOARDING DOUGHTY
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=382425


NHL News
TSN - BEYAK: NOEL SAYS EMOTION MISSING IN JETS' LOSS TO RED WINGS
http://www.tsn.ca/winnipeg/blogs/jets_report/?id=382479

THN.com - Boylen: Jason Garrison breaks out with Panthers
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/43470-Boylen-Jason-Garrison-breaks-out-with-Panthers.html

Getting To Know: Drew Doughty
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/43499-Getting-To-Know-Drew-Doughty.html

Spector's Hockey - Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 11, 2011
http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2011/12/11/sunday-nhl-rumor-roundup-december-11-2011/

(Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Head shots, Cole, Kostitsyn, Crosby, Kessel, Leafs, Jets, Ducks, Cherry, Doughty, Asham and more...

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - Montreal Canadiens Plus and Minus and a New Sunday Shinny Podcast
http://www.habsaddict.com/2011/10/montreal-canadiens-plus-and-minus-and.html

The Sunday Shinny Podcast - Oct. 17, 2011 - Don Cherry, Fighting, Head Shots, Habs, Asham and more
http://pc.habsaddict.com/2011/10/sunday-shinny-oct-17-2011-don-cherry.html

Head Shot, Depression, Substance Abuse and Suicide; a dangerous game
http://www.habsaddict.com/2011/10/heat-shot-depression-substance-abuse.html

Erik Cole, Andrei Kostitsyn Underwhelm Early
http://www.habsaddict.com/2011/10/erik-cole-andrei-kostitsyn-underwhelm.html

HabsWorld.net - HW Recap: Home not-so-sweet home
http://www.habsworld.net/article.php?id=2611

Habs Future
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/habs-future-7

Max Pacioretty finds silver lining to his injury
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/max-pacioretty-finds-silver-lining-to-his-injury


NHL News
TSN - SIEGEL: KESSEL EVOLVING INTO UNLIKELY LEADER
http://www.tsn.ca/toronto/blogs/jonas_siegel/?id=378267

BEYAK: NOEL NOT SUBSCRIBING TO 'FREE YEAR' NOTION FOR JETS
http://www.tsn.ca/winnipeg/blogs/jets_report/?id=378268

GRIMSON, NILAN, THOMSON ACCEPT CHERRY'S APOLOGY
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=378263

INJURY-DEPLETED RANGERS RECALL DEFENCEMAN BELL FROM AHL
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=378264

DUCKS RECALL F MAROON FROM AHL AFFILIATE TO REPLACE BLAKE
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=378237

YAKUPOV LEADS INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING SERVICE RANKINGS
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=378277

KINGS PLACE DOUGHTY ON INJURED LIST, RECALL VOYNOV
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=378252

THN.com - Trade Talk: Turris to the Devils?
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/42366-Trade-Talk-Turris-to-the-Devils.html

Campbell: Arron Asham deserves suspension for post-fight gesture
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/42327-Campbell-Arron-Asham-deserves-suspension-for-postfight-gesture.html

Read More

Habs lose, Bruins post game, Canucks make cuts, Pens, Caps, Rumours and more...

Habs News

Hockey Inside/Out - Latest loss wasn’t pretty
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/latest-loss-wasnt-pretty

Another L for Habs .. and a stinkeroo against THEM!
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/boone/at-last-the-bruins-2

RDS - Soirée d'apprentissage
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/327008.html

TSN - SPECIAL TEAMS POWER BRUINS TO VICTORY OVER CANADIENS
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=376766


NHL News
TSN - DEMOLITION BEGINS ON PENGUINS OLD ARENA
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=376780

30 TEAMS IN 30 DAYS: WASHINGTON CAPITALS
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=376707

NOLAN RELEASED AS CANUCKS TRIM DOWN ROSTER
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=376775

ESPN.com - Camp Tour: Jagr wants to prove Flyers' faith in him wasn't a mistake
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/11533/camp-tour-jagr-wants-to-prove-flyers-faith-in-him-wasnt-a-mistake

VIDEO: Puck Panel – Vancouver Canucks 2011-12 preview
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41927-VIDEO-Puck-Panel-Vancouver-Canucks-201112-preview.html

Spector's Hockey - NHL Rumor and Waiver News – September 26, 2011
http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2011/09/26/nhl-rumor-and-waiver-news-september-26-2011/

(Photo by Getty Images North America)

Read More

Habs lose, Sens, Lightning, Doughty, Leafs, Wild preview, Rumours and more...

Habs News

Hockey Inside/Out - At last, the Bruins
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/boone/at-last-the-bruins-2

Palushaj makes a point, plus video
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/palushaj-makes-a-point

RDS - Chris Neil fait mal au CH
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/326977.html

TSN - NEIL SCORES TWO IN THIRD AS SENATORS BEAT CANADIENS
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=376647


NHL News
TSN - DOUGHTY'S TEAMMATES HOPING SITUATION CAN BE RESOLVED QUICKLY
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=376670

SIEGEL: ROSTER OPTIONS EMERGING FOR LEAFS
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=376691

30 TEAMS IN 30 DAYS: TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=376600

STAUBITZ, WISNIEWSKI SUSPENDED FOR PRE-SEASON INCIDENTS
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=376599

THN.com - VIDEO: Puck Panel – Minnesota Wild 2011-12 preview
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41913-VIDEO-Puck-Panel--Minnesota-Wild-201112-preview.html

Backchecking: Laurie Boschmann
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41876-Backchecking-Laurie-Boschmann.html

Spector's Hockey - NHL Free Agent and Trade Rumor News – September 25, 2011
http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2011/09/25/nhl-free-agent-and-trade-rumor-news-september-25-2011/

(Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Habs Camp, Markov, Canucks, Oilers, Bruins, Leafs, Crosby, Doughty and more...

Habs News

Hockey Inside/Out - At last! Real Habs skating!!
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/at-last-real-habs-skating

Video: Markov, Gill, Gionta as camp begins
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/video-markov-gill-gionta-as-camp-begins

Postcard I from Habs training camp
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/postcard-i-from-habs-training-camp

Habs camp teams formed
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/habs-camp-teams-formed

RDS - Toujours dans le néant
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/326481.html

CH : Diaz est venu ici pour apprendre
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/326488.html

Les joueurs ont hâte que ça commence
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/326501.html

TSN - MARKOV AT CAMP BUT STILL NOT READY TO HIT ICE WITH HABS
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375926

Habsworld.net - 2011 HW Prospect Rankings: 6-10
http://www.habsworld.net/article.php?id=2582


NHL News
TSN - REPORT: KINGS' OFFERS TO DOUGHTY TO DECREASE AS HE MISSES TIME
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375938

CANUCKS NEED TO TURN THE PAGE AND CONCENTRATE ON NEW SEASON
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375956

SENSE OF URGENCY EVIDENT AS MAPLE LEAFS OPEN TRAINING CAMP
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375950

OILERS READY TO SEE RESULTS AFTER REBUILDING, ADDING VETERANS
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375945

REPORT: PENGUINS' CROSBY CLEARED TO PRACTICE WITHOUT CONTACT
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375920

BYFUGLIEN SAYS HE'S FIT AND READY TO PLAY FOR THE JETS
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375943

ESPN.com - Camp Tour: Jeff Carter has extra motivation in Columbus
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/11294/camp-tour-jeff-carter-has-extra-motivation-in-columbus

Camp Tour: Sidney Crosby's appearance brings normalcy after tragic summer
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/11279/training-camp-tour-sidney-crosbys-appearance-brings-normalcy-after-tragic-summer

THN.com - Kennedy: Brian Burke-Ron Wilson's prank war
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41763-Kennedy-Brian-BurkeRon-Wilsons-prank-war.html

VIDEO: Puck Panel – Boston Bruins 2011-12 preview
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41755-VIDEO-Puck-Panel-Boston-Bruins-201112-preview.html

Sportsnet - Building from the backend
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2011/09/16/brophy_building_from_the_backend/

Fighting a hangover
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2011/09/16/spector_on_canucks/

Spector's Hockey - NHL Trade & Free Agents News – September 17, 2011
http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2011/09/17/nhl-trade-free-agents-news-september-17-2011/

NHL Trade & Free Agent News – September 16, 2011
http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2011/09/16/nhl-trade-free-agent-news-september-16-2011/

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Habs, Markov, Doughty, Schenn, Wild, Marchand, Leafs, Rumours and more...

Habs News

Hockey Inside/Out - Markov suffers setback in rehab: Report
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/markov-suffers-setback-in-rehab-report

Video: Habs tee off to start 2011-12 season
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/video-much-to-say-at-habs-golf-tournament

RDS - Markov : rien de rassurant http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/326339.html

«Une des meilleures équipes de l’Est»
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/326318.html

TSN - HABS' KOSTITSYN AND COACH MARTIN DOWNPLAY REPORTS OF RIFT
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375807

MARKOV LONE QUESTION AS INJURED CANADIENS RETURN FOR NEW YEAR
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375811

Habsworld.net - 2011 HW Prospect Rankings: 16-20
http://www.habsworld.net/article.php?id=2580


NHL News
TSN - ISLANDERS, TAVARES AGREE TO TERMS ON SIX-YEAR, $33M EXTENSION
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375802

LILES AND CONNOLLY EAGER TO BEGIN SEASON WITH MAPLE LEAFS
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375837

DREGER: KINGS WON'T PAY DOUGHTY MORE THAN KOPITAR
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375830

JETS, BOGOSIAN AGREE TO NEW TWO-YEAR, $5 MILLION CONTRACT
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375803

BRUINS RE-SIGN MARCHAND TO TWO-YEAR, $5 MILLION CONTRACT
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375789

30 TEAMS IN 30 DAYS: MINNESOTA WILD
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375777

VIDEO: Puck Panel – Nashville Predators 2011-12 preview
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41730-VIDEO-Puck-Panel-Nashville-Predators-201112-preview.html

Sportsnet - Well worth it
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2011/09/15/spector_mcvie/

Spector's Hockey - Updates on Doughty, Turris and Schenn
http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2011/09/15/updates-on-doughty-turris-and-schenn/

NHL Free Agent News – September 15, 2011
http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2011/09/15/nhl-free-agent-news-september-15-2011/

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Habs rookie camp, Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Hawks, Doughty and more...

NHL News

HabsAddict.com - Northeast Preview: Buffalo Sabres by Louis Moustakas
http://www.habsaddict.com/2011/09/northeast-preview-buffalo-sabres.html

Hockey Inside/Out - Busy week begins
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/busy-week-begins

RDS - CH : Bournival et Brodeur sont prêts
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/326164.html

Habsworld.net - 2011 HW Prospect Rankings: 26-30
http://www.habsworld.net/article.php?id=2577

TSN - ONLY HOCKEY PLAYER TO SURVIVE RUSSIAN PLANE CRASH DIES
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375634

REPORT: HUSELIUS GETS GOOD NEWS AS RECOVERY CONTINUES
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375577

30 TEAMS IN 30 DAYS: DETROIT RED WINGS
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375579

THN.com - VIDEO: THN Puck Panel – Chicago Blackhawks 2011-12 preview
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41713-VIDEO-THN-Puck-Panel-Chicago-Blackhawks-201112-preview.html

Spector's Hockey - Latest on Drew Doughty – September 12, 2011
http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2011/09/12/latest-on-drew-doughty-september-12-2011/

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Habs rookie camp, Beaulieu, Avs, Rangers, Doughty, Rumours and more

Habs News

Hockey Inside/Out - Revised Canadiens prospects list
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/revised-canadiens-prospects-list

TSN regional adds 30 Habs games
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/tsn-regional-adds-30-habs-games

Canadiens set camp sked
http://www.hockeyinsideout.com/news/canadiens-set-camp-sked

RDS - Les recrues du CH au boulot dès lundi
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/325979.html

Hockey's Future - Beaulieu debuts as top prospect for Montreal Canadiens
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/13234/beaulieu_debuts_as_top_prospect_for_montreal_canadiens/


NHL News
TSN - 30 TEAMS IN 30 DAYS: COLORADO AVALANCHE
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375370

REPORT: WELLWOOD SIGNS ONE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH JETS
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375418

ESPN.com - Service a way of life for Higgins family
http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/6937532/service-way-life-higgins-family

THN.com - Proteau: Current NHL issues vindicate Eric Lindros
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41692-Proteau-Current-NHL-issues-vindicate-Eric-Lindros.html

VIDEO: THN Puck Panel – New York Rangers 2011-12 preview
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41688-VIDEO-THN-Puck-Panel-New-York-Rangers-201112-preview.html

Campbell: Remembering Igor Korolev and Alexander Karpovtsev
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41690-Campbell-Remembering-Igor-Korolev-and-Alexander-Karpovtsev.html

Sportsnet - Family first
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2011/09/08/spector_family_first/

Spector's Hockey - NHL Free Agent News – Friday, September 9, 2011
http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2011/09/09/nhl-free-agent-news-friday-september-9-2011/

NHL Rumors from the Blogosphere – Friday, September 9, 2011
http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2011/09/09/nhl-rumors-from-the-blogosphere-friday-september-9-2011/

Report: Doughty Rejects Multiple Offers From Kings
http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2011/09/08/report-doughty-rejects-multiple-offers/

(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Canadiens Game Day: Discontent in Habsland with Kings in Town

by Kamal Panesar

If you were to read reports and headlines from across the city of Montreal over the last few days, you would be convinced that the Canadiens were the worst team in the NHL.

They have an overpaid second line center who is taking a lot of heat for his lack of production. They have a head coach who was uncharacteristically snippy and sarcastic with the media. They have yet to find a suitable winger, through 21 games, on their second line. They have a starting goaltender who looks like he will get voted into the all-star game, but who fans feel will be better served by staying at home. And all of these problems and complaints are surfacing while the Canadiens sit atop the Northeast Division with 27 points in 21 games.

Moreover, the Canadiens have the best penalty kill in the league (90.8 percent), they are second overall for fewest 5-on-5 goals against (30 goals for a 2.00 GAA), and have a starting goaltender who has a 2.05 GAA (fifth overall), a .932 save percentage (fifth overall), four shutouts (tied for first overall) and 12 wins in 20 games (tied for first overall).

So maybe things are not all bad after all.

The Habs, still in the wake of their 3-2 collapse against the Flyers, were worked hard by Coach Martin at practice yesterday. Despite calls by many—myself included—for Scott Gomez to be dropped to the third line, he was still at center on the second line with Travis Moen.

Carey Price will get his 21st start of the season and with back-to-back games on Friday against the Thrashers and Saturday against the Sabres, you'd have to think that we will soon be seeing Alex Auld in the net.

The Kings look like they will be countering with Quebec native, Jonathan Bernier.

Los Angeles, who are one of the top teams in the West, have a young, speedy team that is sure to act as an excellent yardstick for the Habs. If the Canadiens want to be contenders, they must be able to at least challenge, if not beat, teams like the Kings.

The Kings, who are 13-6-0 with 26 points, have an almost identical record to the Canadiens. Also like the Habs, the Kings have struggled to get their power play going and at 14.8 percent efficiency are 24th in the league—the Habs are 22nd in the league at 15.2 percent. The Kings penalty-kill is a respectable sixth overall at 86.9 percent efficiency so it looks like the special teams are a wash.

If there is one thing we have seen from the veteran core of the Canadiens, it is that they tend to respond well to adversity. As such, I would expect a full 60-minute effort from the home boys tonight.

A few players to keep your eyes on tonight, since we don't get to see them very often, are Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. These are two incredibly skilled young players who are a treat to watch.

The puck drops at 7:30 pm-ish.


UPDATE - 1:27 pm EST: According to Habs Inside/Out, Yannick Weber will be a healthy scratch and Mathieu Darche will be back in the lineup playing alongside Jeff Halpern and Benoit Pouliot.


Live Habs Panel Pre-Game Chat

As part of The Checking Line.com's Habs Panel, I will be taking part in a pre-game live chat starting at 6:30 pm. Sign up below and join us for the conversation!



(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

Read More