Jaromir Jagr And The Kladno Connection

After the blockbuster deal that sent Evander Kane and Zack Bogosian from the Winnipeg Jets to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Tyler Myers, Drew Stafford, two prospects and a first round draft pick, action is bound to pick up in the NHL with only a few weeks before the NHL trade deadline in early March.

After showing interest in the controversial Kane, Montreal Canadiens general manager, Marc Bergevin, will now have to turn his attention to other targets. One name that keeps coming up in trade chatter is that of ageless veteran Jaromir Jagr of the New Jersey Devils. 

The soon-to-be 43 years old veteran is enjoying a solid campaign yet again this season, notching 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points with a -10 differential in 50 games for a struggling Devils squad. Jagr, who is New Jersey's leading scorer, told GM Lou Lamoriello that he doesn't necessarily want to be traded before the deadline, but he is open to the idea. 

Should he be traded by the Devils, the 6'3'', 230-lb, right-winger would like to remain in the Eastern Conference and play for a contender with a change to win the Stanley Cup. With the Devils 12 points out of a playoff spot, it's a question of days before they are "officially" out of the race and, as a result, Jagr would like to continue playing come spring. 

The Native of Klado, Czech Republic (same hometown as Jiri Sekac and Tomas Plekanec), is willing to accept a diminished role and less ice-time to pursue his dream of another Cup. 

"I don't pay attention to the deadline. I'm a professional. I just work even harder than I did before," Jagr told Rich Chere of NJ Advance Media. "If I stay here, I stay here. If I don't, I still have to be ready. If somebody trades for me they'll expect me to be good. And if I stay here I have to be good. So I have to work harder than ever to make sure I'm good."

One of the hardest working off the ice, Jagr's dedication to training is legendary around the league and is one of the key elements of his never-ending career. A long-time friend and international teammate of Tomas Plekanec, Jagr also trained with Plekanec and Sekac this summer in Kladno, so the three Czechs are already familiar with each other.

Jagr, who has a cap hit of $5.5 million because of the bonus he received this season, has already played for several Eastern Conference teams, namely the Bruins, the Rangers, the Flyers, the Capitals and the Penguins, which basically leaves the Lightning, the Red Wings and the Habs as a likely destination.

While the "Mullet Man" is not a bona-fide superstar any more, he can certainly produce offensively and help the Habs' struggling power play come playoff time. Jagr is also great with the puck, so his arrival would certainly improve the team's possession statistics, which are ranked in the bottom third of the league right now.

A middle-round pick and a low-level prospect such as Christian Thomas is probably what the Devils will ask for Jagr before the deadline. Are you willing to pay that kind of price?

Potential forward lines with Jagr:

Pacioretty-Desharnais-Weise/Parenteau

Sekac-Plekanec-Jagr

Galchenyuk-Eller-Gallagher

Bournival-De La Rose/Malhotra-Prust

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

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

Follow me on Twitter at @FredPoulin98

Read More

Pregame Preview: Canadiens vs Devils (Game #47)

 
 Match Up:

The Canadiens (26-15-5) are home to host the Devils (19-18-10) Tuesday night. The game is set to start at 7:30 and airs on RDS and TSN-Habs.

This is the third and final meeting between the Habs and Devils this season. The Canadiens will have their sights set on a season sweep after a pair of back-to-back wins at the start of December. This might also be Martin Brodeur's last game in his hometown as the legend's career winds down after two decades in the league.

What to Watch:

Carey Price has helped the Habs earn points in his last 7 starts and has a 7-1-2 record in his last 10. Price is set to take part in his first Olympics next month and his .928 save percentage and 2.19 GAA puts him ahead of his Team Canada counterparts, Roberto Luongo and Mike Smith.

Former Hab Michael Ryder comes in to Montreal with 5 goals and 7 points in his last 8 games. He now leads the Devils with 16 goals on the year. Jaromir Jagr, who will turn 42 during the Sochi Olympics, continues to lead the Devils in scoring. With 36 points on the year, Jagr is 11 points ahead of his fellow Czech Olympian, 37-year old Patrik Elias.

What's at Stake:

The Habs are looking to take 3 of 3 against the Devils this season, a team that has worked their way back into the playoff conversation in the East. Montreal is locked into a 3-way race for top spot in the Atlantic, although they're a step behind the Lightning and Bruins.

Who's Out:

The Canadiens are without Alex Galchenyuk (hand) until after the Olympic break. Also missing are Ryan White (upper body) and Davis Drewiske (shoulder).

The Devils are missing Patrik Elias (upper body), Damien Brunner (knee), Peter Harrold (foot) and Jacob Josefson (illness).

What Else:

While this may be Martin Brodeur's final visit to his hometown as an NHL goalie, his legacy will certainly live on. The veteran netminder has won 3 Stanley Cups, 2 Olympic Gold Medals, 5 Jennings Trophies, 4 Vezinas and holds countless individual records such as most shutouts in a playoff campaign (7), most regular season wins (681), most regular season shutouts (124) and many more.

Jaromir Jagr has also been spending his time in New Jersey setting NHL records and Milestones. Jagr recently passed his former teammate, Mario Lemieux, in career points to take over seventh spot on the list. He also recently became the NHLer with the most career game winning goals, scoring his 122nd GWG on December 18 against the Senators.

The Question Mark:

While the Canadiens have a bit of breathing room between themselves and the Wild Card teams, the Devils are one of 9 Eastern conference teams within 4 points of sixth place in the conference. So we want to hear your thoughts, which bubble team, the Capitals, Rangers, Wings, Leafs, Flyers, Devils, Jackets, Sens or Hurricanes, would give the Habs the most trouble in a playoff series?

Let us know what you think, leave a comment or send us a tweet by using the #MTLHockey hashtag on Twitter.
Be sure to tune into the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show an hour before the puck drop and the Post Game Show 5 minutes after the final siren. Join the live conversation by using the #MTLHockey hashtag on Twitter.

Read More

Schneider returns to Vancouver

Last night the New Jersey Devils visited the Vancouver Canucks.

While most fans in Vancouver are accustomed to seeing one of Roberto Luongo or Cory Schneider in nets. Tuesday night, they were able to see both at the same time.

During the NHL entry draft last season, each team made a splash. The Devils dealt the 9th overall selection to Vancouver in exchange for Cory Schneider. Many speculated that Luongo would be the one shipped out. He was admittedly surprised when his name was not the one called to leave town.

Never the less, the NHL is still a business and managers must act accordingly in what they believe is in the best interest of their clubs.

For the Devils, they acquired the heir to the Hall of Fame bound Brodeur. And the Canucks...they acquired a top ten selection and drafted center Bo Horvat.

For many years fans of each franchise will wonder what could have been.

On the Vancouver side, will Luongo remain on top of his game and help the Canucks make the most of their seemingly closing window of opportunity to win a Stanley cup? Will Horvat become a top-6 forward for them worthy of trading away their "goaltender of the future"?

As for the Devils, they have their heir apparent now, but wil Schneider fill in the void that will be left when Brodeur decides to hang up the skates? Or should they have drafted a blue chip prospect to help bolster an aging roster, currently the oldest in the league?

Right now, it is impossible to gauge who won the deal.

For Montreal Canadiens fans, this scenario can be compared to the Eller/Halak trade with St-Louis. A forward prospect in exchange for a goalie who had just gotten his team to a conference final. Right now, Montreal is quite content with how Eller is playing, and St-Louis is also happy with Halak, despite his inability to remain healthy. It would appear as though it was a win-win using hindsight.

Although many deals in the NHL typically favor one side. It would be nice to see another deal work out in each clubs best interest. This particular deal does have the pieces to make that a possibility.

(Photo Courtesy of Vancouver Sun) 

Read More

NHL 2013-2014 Conference Previews - Metropolitan

Paolo Migarelli comes east, and takes a look at the not-so-well named Metropolitan Conference.

The old Atlantic has been renamed and re-tooled. Add the Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes and one of the 2 newcomers in the East, the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

Renowned as one of the premier divisions boasting its representation by as much as 4 playoff teams before the merger, they will again be one of the tougher divisions to play in and will make for great fireworks down the stretch.

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

NEW YORK RANGERS

WASHINGTON CAPITALS

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

CAROLINA HURRICANES

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Read More

Habs Win Fifth Straight, Emergence of Eller, 'Dogs Lose And More...

Good Morning Addicts!



Colby Armstrong (center) celebrates his first goal of the season
with teammates Ryan White and Jarred Tinordi

 The Montreal Canadiens made it five wins in a row for the second time this season last night defeating the New Jersey Devils 2-1 in Newark. Despite outshooting the Canadiens 33-22, the Devils play made it quite apparent that they were tired from their game against the Flyers the night before.

Colby Armstrong scored his first goal as a Hab in the first period and Peter Harrold responded for the Devils in the second frame. Jarred Tinordi earned an assist in his NHL regular season debut after Tomas Plekanec tipped his point shot past Johan Hedberg for the game winner in the final period.

Tinordi also finished the game with a +2 rating. Lars Eller had another strong showing directing four shots on goal and throwing a team leading four body checks.

Carey Price was solid when he needed to be, making multiple big saves to keep his team in a position to win in the low scoring contest. With the win, Price shares the lead for most wins with 15 along with Pittsburgh's Marc-Andre Fleury.

The Canadiens also moved back on top of the Easten Conference after briefly falling to fourth with the Penguins and Bruins both winning their games earlier in the day.

Habs And Hockey News

- As mentioned above, Eller has been playing fantastic as of late, here is Andrew Berkshire's (@AndrewBerkshire) take on the emergence of the "Great Dane".

- Alexei Emelin is another player who has been coming into his own recently. The Russian defender has seven points in his last ten games and has been much more sound defensively.

- The Hamilton Bulldogs lost their third straight last night as Josh Lunden of the St. John's IceCaps scored with 26 seconds left in the game to down the 'Dogs 4-3.


(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Read More

Habs/Devils,Desharnais Extension,Habs North American Prospects And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

Jarred Tinordi (right) wll make his NHL regular season debut
tonight against the Devils.

It's been quite a slow week in Habsland with only one game, a 4-3 victory over the Senators, this week. The Canadiens are back at it tonight as they face the Devils in New Jersey. It's the teams second tilt of three this season with the Habs coming out on top 4-3 in their first meeting back in January.

While Montreal is heading into tonight's game after two days off, the Devils are playing their second game in as many nights dropping a 2-1 decision to the Philadelphia Flyers in a shoot out last night.

Lars Eller is coming off his most dominant game of the season. Eller scored the teams first goal of the night in Ottawa and provided the shoot out winner with a nifty move. Aside from his production on the scoresheet Eller finished the night with seven shots and played an aggressive game at both ends of the ice.

Raphael Diaz (concussion), Rene Bourque (concussion), Brandon Prust (shoulder) and Michael Ryder (lower body) will all miss tonight's contest for the Habs. Michael Blunden has been called up from Hamilton to replace Ryder and Jarred Tinordi who was also called up from the Bulldogs will make his NHL debut.

Hab killer Martin Brodeur is out for the Devils  with a back inury.

Habs And Hockey News

- David Desharnais will play his first game since signing a four year contract extension with the club.

- Our own Fred Poulin (@FredPoulin98) takes a look at the Montreal Canadiens North American Prospects Worth Watching.

- With the realignment given the green light, Habs Eyes On The Prize has explained the rules to the Habs new conference.


(Photo by Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

Read More

Pacioretty Out 3-4 Weeks, Subban Stalemate And More...

Good Morning Addicts!
Well I hope all you Habs fans out there have enjoyed to spoils of two straight victories because the good news never stays good for too long in Montreal.

On Friday I wrote that people should just relax over the whole Subban situation. I confidently stated that a deal would get done in the near future and that the Habs would not trade him. I'm not about to retract per say, but I must admit I am no longer as confident.

If online reports are accurate that the Canadiens are standing firm on their two year offer worth $5-$5.1M then it's not hard to understand why there hasn't been any resolve to the dispute as of yet.

Personally I think the Habs should offer somewhere around  $3.5-$4M over the two years. I can't imagine Subban would turn that down. It's also reported that Subban is looking for a contract closer to $5M per year over five years. I'm not sure I would hesitate to give him that If I were GM.

There are quite a few takes on the Subban situation in today's links and so I'll move on to more bad news.

Last night, Habs forwards Max Pacioretty underwent an emergency appendectomy and will be sidelined for three to four weeks.

Pacioretty's absence all but guarantee's that Alex Galchenyuk will remain with the team for the season. It's popular opinion online that Gally be slated on the top line along with David Desharnais and Erik Cole.

TSN reported yesterday however that Lars Eller would be filling the void on the team's top unit. I agree with that move and look forward to seeing Eller get the chance to play consistantly with capable linemates.

Eller will get his first shot on the first line tonight at 6:00pm as the Canadiens host the New Jersey Devils.

Gally will still recieve over ten minutes of ice time per game, including oppurtunites on the powerplay, and will not yet face the pressure of performing on the top line.

Habs And Hockey News

- Bruce Peter of Habs Eyes On The Prize takes a detailed look on whether or not P.K. Subban is worth $6M?

- TFP offers a few scenarios that may present themselves as this Subban stalemate continues.

- Fred Poulin (@FredPoulin98) takes a look at the emergence of Raphael Diaz.

Read More

HabsAddict Mailbag: Scott Gomez's Production with the Montreal Canadiens

Hello Hab addicts.

Bored with the lockout?

Yeah, so are we. So, in an effort the generate content and discussion, we have decided to tackle some of the questions we hear from friends, Facebook and Twitter.

Today, myself and Louis Moustakas tackle a classic query: Scott Gomez's decline.

Mika Oehling @armchairhockey asks "Any explanations to Gomez and his 1 goal a season since he joined the Habs?"

Sean Lloyd: Thanks for the question Mika, and quite a doozy to kick off the HabsAddict mailbag.

Gomez is a playmaker, always has been. While it's impossible to ignore his lack of scoring, it's his vision and passing abilities that make him an NHL player.

My best guess as to why he doesn't bury more goals would be his reluctance to shoot. In 2011-12 he was tied for 15th — with Josh Gorges — on the team for shooting. Even Alexei Emelin managed more shots with 62.

Then there is the good old fashioned "pressure of Montreal" theory. With the New Jersey Devils he scored 116 goals in 548 games, or one tally every five contests. In two seasons with the New York Rangers he scored 32 times in 153 games, once again producing one goal every five games.

Since donning the Montreal Canadiens' jersey, his average has dipped to one goal every nine games, producing only 21 goals in 196 games.

Gomez will either need to direct more pucks towards the net or learn to handle the pressure, if not we can expect roughly nine goals out of him whenever hockey resumes.

Louis Moustakas: Mika, that a doozy indeed.

Sean is right, Scott Gomez is not a natural shooter or natural scorer. In fact, his 33 goal season with the New Jersey Devils has to be considered a huge anomaly.

Other than his extremely successful 2005-06 campaign, he never reached the 20 goal plateau at the professional level, not even while playing in the ECHL during the lockout.

Having said that, it is perplexing to see a player who has regularly produced 10-15 goals per year plummet so drastically.

Beyond the point of Scott Gomez not shooting frequently, his shot locations are not optimal. Especially in 2011-12, his attempts on net came from either the wings or afar. Hardly prime choices.

Just look at his first goal in over a year. Fabulous pass, but really, he is quite distant off the wing.

That, and it's not like his head and heart have looked in the game in recent years.

What do you think? What caused Scott Gomez's precipitous decline?

---
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.

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 Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Predicting the Montreal Canadiens, Top Prospects, New Jersey Devils and More

Good morning Hab fans!

As of this writing, I must say, it is a quiet morning on the news front.

So, let me ask a question to start off our week.

We have been following The Hockey News' daily standing predictions and last week they slotted our beloved Montreal Canadiens in 13th place.

Do you think the Habs will do better than that? Where do you think Marc Bergevin's team will finish in 2012-13?

Habs and Hockey News

- Eyes on the Prize takes its annual look at the top Canadiens players under 25, today looking at recent draft pick Dalton Thrower.

- In case you missed it, Hockey's Future release its top 20 Montreal Canadiens prospects about ten days ago.

- Stu Hackel discusses the recent financial predicament of the New Jersey Devils. Faceoff.com also covered the story a few days ago.

- Jack Todd comments on Gary Bettman's apparent love of lockouts. Between that and Donald Fehr's penchant for strikes, it will be a minor miracle if the season starts on time — if at all.

(Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Jeff Skinner Extension, Rene Bourque Profile, Erik Cole and More

Good AM Habs fans!

Well, it sure seems that the Carolina Hurricanes are not messing around this summer.

After trading for Jordan Staal, signing Marc-André Gragnani, Joe Corvo and Alex Semin, Jim Rutherford is now apparently close to inking Jeff Skinner to a long-term extension.

Bob McKenzie reports that the deal is for six years at around $5.75 million per season.

Given their similar ages and importance to their teams, one has to wonder if this deal will somehow impact the contract P.K Subban eventually receives. And, yes, I know one is a forward and another a defenseman.

Habs and Hockey News

- Sean Lloyd continues his excellent profile series, this time looking at the much maligned Rene Bourque.

- Over at HabsWorld, their Fantasy Focus series keeps trucking on with Erik Cole getting the spotlight today.

- Hockey Inside/Out looks back at last summer's deaths of three NHL enforcers.

- The Hockey News has begun rolling out its annual predictions, starting with No. 15 in each conference. Take a wild guess.

- Stu Hackel looks at the New Jersey Devils' dire financial situation and wonders if any Phoenix-like scenario is possible.


(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Kings win, Habs Draft Report, Bruins sign two, Rumours and more

It's over!

Finally, June 11, 2012, and the Stanley Cup has finally been awarded. And what a deserving winner too.

The L.A. Kings completed their ascension to championship status, utterly dismantling the Devils 6-1 last night, to claim their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

This is a squad who, truth be told, didn't have much trouble downing any of their opponents, until Jersey came along. To that point, it's funny to think that their sole bit of adversity in these playoffs was being UP 3-2 in their series against Jersey.

Totally dominate.

I'm sure Philly GM, Paul Holmgren, who got rid of both Mike Richards and Jeff Carter last off-season, is feeling more than a twinge of pain this morning!

Hockey News

Hockey Inside/Out - Canadiens development camp begins Wednesday

TSN - KINGS WIN GAME 6 TO CAPTURE FRANCHISE'S FIRST STANLEY CUP

TSN - MCKENZIE: KINGS WERE LED BY THREE BIG PERFORMERS

TSN - SIEGEL: SWELL OF EMOTION AS KINGS CAPTURE FIRST CUP

TSN - CULLEN: KINGS STORM TO STANLEY CUP VICTORY

TSN - KINGS GIVE LOS ANGELES FANS, CITY ITS FIRST NHL TITLE

TSN - BRUINS AGREE TO TERMS ON NEW DEALS FOR KELLY AND CAMPBELL

TSN - OILERS BRING BACK MACTAVISH AS SENIOR VP OF HOCKEY OPERATIONS

TSN - Habs Draft Report

TSN - OFF-SEASON GAME PLAN: WASHINGTON CAPITALS

THN - VIDEO: THN Mock Draft – Picks 4-6

Spector's Hockey - NHL Trade and Free Agent Rumors – June 11, 2012

(Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Fred Poulin Talks hockey on Fan vs Fan Radio Network

On the Ice by Fan vs Fan Radio Network

This weeks guest is Andrew Hirsh from The Hockey Writers.com. Andrew is a Credentialed NHL columnist covering the Carolina Hurricanes.

Also joining the broadcast was HabsAddict.com's own, Fred Poulin. Fred also writes for Hockey Writers.com.

Click play below to listen in. Fred starts at around the 67 minute mark.

Listen to internet radio with Fan vs Fan Radio Network on Blog Talk Radio

Read More

Pearn let go, Habs left wingers, Kings, Devils, rumours and more

Morning puck fans!

No hockey last night, but plenty of stories swirling around.

On the Habs front, many, if not all, will be pleased to hear that the Habs have gotten rid of Perry Pearn. But I thought Pearn was thrown out a long time ago, you say?

When he was fired, by Pierre Gauthier, near the start of last season he was given a token role within the organization.

As sure, and part of new GM Marc Bergevin's process of taking over, Pearn was bounced. And good thing too.

Say it with me now folks, no more vesitges!

Hockey News

Hockey Inside/Out - Cup comebacks? Habs had ‘em

RDS - Le Canadien n'a plus de place pour Pearn

Habsworld.net - Assessing the Depth: Left Wingers

TSN - SHARKS ACQUIRE STUART FROM RED WINGS FOR PROSPECT, PICK

TSN - KINGS LOOKING TO ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS THAT DERAILED THEM

TSN - COYOTES CLEAR OWNERSHIP HURDLE, LEASE AGREEMENT APPROVED

ESPN - Lamoriello keeping Devils grounded

ESPN - Kings, Devils ready to write history

THN - THN at the Stanley Cup: Two-pad stack bringing the Devils back from the dead

THN - THN at the Stanley Cup: Devils, Kings hit stats misleading

Spector's Hockey - NHL Trade and Free Agent Rumors – June 11, 2012

(Photo: Getty Images via RDS)

Read More

Devils/Kings post game, Canucks off season, Audette meets Bergevin, Rumours and more

Morning puck fans!

What a game last night, eh? In what was a bit of a wild one, the Devils manage to stave off elimination, downing the Kings 2-1.

In another close game, Devils' grizzled veteran netminder, Martin Brodeur, was a show stopper. He turned aside 25 stops to keep the Kings at bay.

The result was the first road loss of the playoffs for the Kings (previously 10-0).

I don't know about you, but this looks like the first bit of adversity the Kings have had to face. I know, I know, they still lead the series 3-2, but we will now get to see how mentally resilient they are.

With the series now shifting back to L.A. for Game 6, does doubt start to creep into the Kings' minds? They already lost once at home, so it's possible to lose there again. And if they do lose and the series goes back to Jersey for Game 7, how do they pull out the win with the Devils carrying all the momentum.

Questions, questions. Whatever happens, Game 6 is going to be one hell of a game!

Hockey News

RDS - Au tour d'Audette de rencontrer le CH

Habsworld.net - Evaluating the Options: Nail Yakupov

TSN - DREGER'S MAILBAG: TALKING RADULOV, ISLES AND PATRICK KANE

TSN - CULLEN: DEVILS FORCING THEIR WAY BACK INTO CUP FINAL

TSN - DEVILS HANG ON AGAINST KINGS TO FORCE GAME 6

TSN - DEVILS' BRODEUR HOPES TO MAKE LIFE MISERABLE FOR KINGS

TSN - OFF-SEASON GAME PLAN: VANCOUVER CANUCKS

ESPN - Brodeur gets last laugh in Game 5

ESPN - Adversity has found the Kings

THN - THN at the Stanley Cup: Bryce Salvador, New Jersey's unlikely hero

Spector's Hockey - NHL Trade and Free Agent Rumors – June 9, 2012

(Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Kings/Devils GM 5, Gallant interview, Fisher retires, Rumours and more

Morning puck addicts!

Game 5 is upon us! Well, almost. In a few short hours the Los Angeles Kings will get another shot at glory. And by glory I mean the Stanley Cup.

With the series shifting back to New Jersey tonight and the Kings holding a 3-1 lead in the series, you get the feeling that perhaps the Devils aren't done yet.

Then again, the Kings have gone up 3-0 in all four series' they've played so far...and two of those series went five games. So clearly, they have been in this position before.

My mind tells me the Kings will wrap it up tonight but, for some reason, I feel that the Devils could take the game tonight.

Bah, so much for prognostication!

Hockey News

Hockey Inside/Out - Red Fisher hangs ‘em up

RDS - Gerard Gallant a rencontré M. Therrien

RDS - Le vétéran Red Fisher prend sa retraite

TSN - PAVELEC WINS 2011-12 TSN.CA POY SHOWDOWN FINAL

TSN - DEVILS' BRODEUR HOPES TO MAKE LIFE MISERABLE FOR KINGS

TSN - COYOTES CLEAR OWNERSHIP HURDLE, LEASE AGREEMENT APPROVED

TSN - SIEGEL: 70 YEARS OF HISTORY WON'T DETER DEBOER, DEVILS

ESPN - Rumblings: Staal brothers put together? Market for Tim Thomas?

THN - THN at the Stanley Cup: Devils, Kings try for something special in Game 5

THN - VIDEO: THN Mock Draft – Picks 1-3

Spector's Hockey - NHL Trade and Free Agent Rumors – June 8, 2012

(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Habs News, Assistant Coaches, Finals, Phoenix and More

Good morning Hab fans!

It seems the search for Michel Therrien has begun in earnest, only a few short days after Therrien was named the team's coach and that two Randy's were relieved of their assistant duties.

According to a report on RDS, Eric Desjardins and Guy Lapointe are not interested in the position.

Guy Carbonneau — who worked under Therrien previously — could have some interest while Donald Audette has also been mentioned. It has also been reported that Patrice Brisebois in on the verge of joining the organization, but his exact role is yet unknown.

Somehow, I feel like we will know the identity of the rest of the coaching staff sooner rather than later.

Who would you like to see join Michel Therrien?

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - Roz's Rant: Montreal Canadiens Likes and Dislikes

HabsAddict.com - Habs Roundup: Therrien in, Randys Out, Lapointe on his way, Subban, Price

HabsWorld.net - Writers Weigh In: Therrien Time

La Presse - Patrick Roy rêve encore de la LNH

RDS - CH : oubliez Desjardins et Lapointe

RDS - Patrice Brisebois se joindrait au CH

Sports Illustrated - The Canadiens' choice of new coach is a curious move

TSN - Canadiens' players look forward to working with Therrien

Hockey News

ESPN - Save it for June: How to reduce the grind

ESPN - With Henrique, Devils future is secure

TSN - Goldwater Institute looks to halt Glendale vote on Coyotes

USA Today - Stanley Cup Final Game 5 preview

USA Today - Button: Kings lacked breaks in Game 4 not focus

(Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Cunneyworth and Ladouceur Out, Lapointe in?, Devils Win and More

The changes just keep coming.

Mere days after Michel Therrien was introduced as the Montreal Canadiens' new head coach, it was announced that both Randy Cunneyworth and Randy Ladouceur were being relieved of their assistant coaching duties.

Meanwhile, Darren Dreger from TSN reports that Martin Lapointe will take over the Director of Player Personnel position with the franchise.

These moves leave a couple of evident questions.

Who will be brought on as Assistant Coaches? What does Lapointe's hiring mean for Trevor Timmins?

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - Panesar and Moustakas: Michel Therrien Named Habs Coach

TSN - Roy: No hard feelings I didn't get the Canadiens job

TSN - Habs fire Cunneyworth and Ladouceur; Lapointe to be hired

TSN - Insider Trading: Discussing Therrien, Burke and Luongo

Hockey News


The Hockey News - THN at the Stanley Cup: Brodeur plants doubt, Devils bring series back to New Jersey

The Hockey News - Ryan Kennedy: Kings GM Dean Lombardi's blueprint for success

The Hockey News - THN.com Top 10: Summer storylines

TSN - Krutov, the K in Soviet hockey team's KLM Line, dies at 52

TSN - Report: Preds to trade Radulov or release him back to KHL

TSN - McKenzie: Giving the Devils their due

USA Today - Brodeur, Henrique help Devils stay alive

USA Today - Kevin Allen's three stars of Game 4

(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Therrien Fallout, Habs News, Cup Final and More

Good morning Hab fans!

As always, the Montreal Canadiens are an entertaining organization, even when they are not playing.

After a summer of management shakeup, the team's attention finally turned to the coaching staff, where Michel Therrien was afforded a second opportunity to coach Les Glorieux.

Now, we would like to know what you think about the move. Kamal and I share our thoughts this morning, so go take a peak and then give us your two cents.

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - Panesar and Moustakas: Michel Therrien Named Habs Coach

HabsAddict.com - Press Release - Habs Hire Michel Therrien as Head Coach

ESPN - Second time could be charm for Therrien

ESPN - Watch: Habs hire Therrien again

HabsWorld.net - Michel Therrien named head coach

HabsWorld.net - UFA Assessments: Staubitz & Campoli

La Presse - Mike Yeo: «J'ai tellement appris de lui!»

La Presse - Tanguay n'a jamais eu peur de perdre son entraîneur

The Hockey News - Adam Proteau: Michel Therrien a stopgap solution for Canadiens

RDS - La traversée de l'enfer

RDS - Le party est fini au Centre Bell

Sports Illustrated - Will Therrien’s second time be a charm?

Hockey News

ESPN - Watch: How lopsided is the Cup finals?

ESPN - Melrose: Cup finals are over

Sports Illustrated - Making sense of the L.A. Kings

The Hockey News - THN at the Stanley Cup: Historic Kings hot, but no dynasty

TSN - McKenzie: Trade for Richards set table for Kings success

TSN - Siegel: Pressure builds as Kings, Devils await Game 4

USA Today - 15 facts about the Los Angeles Kings

USA Today - Devils stay optimistic despite being dominated by Kings

(Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Michel Therrien Named Coach, Kings on the Cusp, Vokoun and More

Good morning Hab fans!

The coaching search is finally over for your Montreal Canadiens and Michel Therrien is slated to become the team's next head coach.

As you will recall, Therrien previously coached les Glorieux in 2001-02 and held the position for two-and-a-half seasons before being replaced by Claude Julien in 2002-03.

After a stint in the AHL, he returned to the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He toiled for four seasons in Pittsburgh, leading the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 2007-08.

Clearly a better and more experienced coach than during his first tour of duty in La Belle Province, Therrien also brings an evident outward passion that his predecessors lacked. 

Overall, a satisfying hire. 

Wouldn't you agree? 

Habs News

La Presse - Michel Therrien nommé entraîneur du Canadien

La Presse - François Gagnon: Therrien était le meilleur candidat

TSN - Canadiens name Therrien as new head coach

Hockey News

ESPN - Watch: Will the Kings sweep?

ESPN - Notebook: Gagne returns Martinez stoked

Sports Illustrated - Early penalty kill, led by third-line center, puts Kings on brink of Cup

The Hockey News - THN at the Stanley Cup: Unstoppable Kings on track to end 45-year drought

The Hockey News - Ryan Kennedy: Tim Thomas can't be faulted for decision

The Hockey News - Ken Campbell: Without Tim Thomas, will Boston go after Rick Nash?

USA Today - Kevin Allen's three stars of Stanley Cup Game 3

USA Today - Kings blank Devils to close in on Cup

TSN - McKenzie: Devils unable to capitalize on early opportunities

TSN - Prospective Coyotes owner to get $15M/year to manage arena

TSN - Penguins acquire Vokoun from Caps, sign him to two-year deal

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Kings/Devils Game 3, Thomas sabatical, Radulov, Rangers, Rumours and more

Morning puck addicts!

It was a quiet day on the NHL front yesterday. Well, at least from a game perspective it was. The Kings and Devils renew their best-of-seven series tonight with the scene shifting to Los Angeles.

The Kings have a golden opportunity to take a 3-0 stranglehold on the series in front of their home crowd tonight. But I'm certain the Devils, who played a much better Game 2, will have something to say about that.

The biggest news out of the NHL was the announcement that Bruins goaltender, Tim Thomas, will take next year off. Thomas is citing family and other reasons, but you have to wonder how much he and the Bruins still want to be married to each other. Especially after Thomas' White House snub this past season.

While, on the surface, Thomas would return to the Bruins the following season, I think it's fair to say he's already played his last game with Boston.

At 38 years of age, the more correct line of thinking is that Thomas has played his last NHL game. Period. Is someone going to take a Flyer on a 40 year old goalie who hasn't played in over a year (when he decideds to come back)?

It could happen, but I doubt it.

Hockey News

TSN - BRUINS' THOMAS CONFIRMS HE WILL TAKE NEXT YEAR OFF

TSN - MCKENZIE: KINGS' BROWN ENTITLED TO A COUPLE OF BAD GAMES

TSN - KOVALCHUK CONFIDENT DEVILS' STARS WILL PICK UP SCORING

TSN - TOP PROSPECTS PUT THROUGH PACES AT NHL SCOUTING COMBINE

TSN - SIEGEL: KINGS 'KEEP THE EYE ON THE PRIZE'

TSN - REPORT: RANGERS CONTACT PREDS ABOUT ACQUIRING RADULOV

ESPN - Dustin Brown turns it around

THN - THN at the Stanley Cup: Kings power play continues to struggle in final

Spector's Hockey - Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 3, 2012

(Photo: Elsa/Getty Images North America)

Read More