Re: What's Next For Les Canadiens?

by davetherave on Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:24 pm

asq2 wrote:I dunno. I'm a fan of his. He's the type of player I'd want on my team.

I didn't hear about questions concerning his work ethic though.

All coming out of the probing universe of Montreal hockey media.

by Guest on Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:29 pm

I would love Komisarek, but Ottawa has no need of a player of his type unless we were moving Phillips or Volchenkov and Smith.

by Guest on Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:43 pm

Ugh, Komiserek is extremely over rated IMO. Markov made him a lot better then I think he is. A lot better!

by Guest on Thu Apr 23, 2009 11:13 pm

He had a bad year (along with 19 other guys) but he is a nice player. Everyone has their own opinion though. He could play on my team any day, but he would have to get along with Lucic, because he would be on my team too...

by **marakh** on Thu Apr 23, 2009 11:45 pm

davetherave wrote:
asq2 wrote:
davetherave wrote:
504Heater wrote:I would like Higgins please. Release him from your evil clutches. :drooling:

Why?

He's had 'promise' ever since he came into the league...hasn't fulfilled it.

27 goals in '07-'08 and he's a two-way player.

That was in 07'-08 where he showed signs of fulfilling the promise. This year, significant dropoff in the offensive play expected of him. Injuries as well.

Higgins is young though, so he gets a pass in that respect.

Questions also arose about his work ethic this year. He was inconsistent in his overall play.

So one can't say he's delivered on his promise...yet.

Would he do well outside of Montreal? Quite possibly.

He has a good work ethic, I don't know who is saying otherwise. I just base my opinions on what I see to be honest. HIggins was on fire at the beginning of the year, when he played with Tanguay and Koivu. THen Carbonneau changed the lines and he played in 369 line combinations after that...

I like this guy, I like his skills, his laser and his attitude. I would gladly trade Kelly + one of our D for him.

by davetherave on Fri Apr 24, 2009 1:33 am

Marakh--here's one for you...well, two for you.

Compare Chris Higgins and Mike Fisher.

Wink

And why would Gainey take Kelly and an unnamed Sens d-man for Higgy?

by **SeawaySensFan** on Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:37 am

davetherave wrote:Marakh--here's one for you...well, two for you.

Compare Chris Higgins and Mike Fisher.

And why would Gainey take Kelly and an unnamed Sens d-man for Higgy?

Is Chris Higgins "good in the community"? That's what makes "stars" in Ottawa.

by davetherave on Thu May 28, 2009 7:47 pm

The latest on the battle of ownership of Le Club de Hockey Canadien--and its related assets, notably Le Centre Bell--features a familiar player...this from The Montreal Gazette:

New horse enters race for Habs

PAT HICKEY, The Montreal Gazette, May 27, 2009

A late entry with an impressive pedigree might turn the quest for control of the Canadiens into a three-horse race.

Geoffrey E. Molson, whose family is a major part of the team's storied history, announced yesterday he "is considering the possibility of submitting a proposal to acquire the Montreal Canadiens hockey club." While there had been reports this year that the Molson family might be interested in submitting a bid, yesterday's announcement was the first formal acknowledgement that a Molson was interested in re-acquiring the family heirloom. Geoffrey Molson said the bid would be on behalf of members of his immediate family, including his brothers, Andrew and Justin.

Until yesterday, the battle for control of the team appeared to have come down to a fight between two Quebec-based corporate giants - Quebecor and BCE.

Geoffrey Molson's possible entry into the race would seem to be too late in the process, but it might be an indication that the sale isn't going as smoothly as owner George Gillett would like. The timetable for the sale calls for a deal to be completed before next month's National Hockey League entry draft.

Gillett, who will only admit he is reviewing his portfolio as part of an estate-planning exercise, faces a July deadline to repay a loan he took out to finance the purchase of his other iconic sporting asset, the Liverpool FC soccer team.

While the news release announcing the 38-year-old Molson's interest was vague, you have to believe he wouldn't be floating the idea if he weren't serious.
Molson has the advantage of being an insider.

He is a director the Molson Coors Brewing Company, which owns 19.9 per cent of the hockey team and is the brewery's representative on the Canadiens' board of directors. He said yesterday he would not participate in the work of either board when the sale is under discussion. His brother, Andrew, is vice-chairman of Molson Coors and will also remove himself from any discussion of the sale.

Geoffrey Molson played hockey at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., and has an MBA from Babson College in Boston. He learned the brewery business from the ground up after working for Coca-Cola and a New York-based consulting firm.

The Molson family's involvement with the Canadiens began in 1957, when brothers Thomas and Hartland Molson bought the team from Senator Donat Raymond.

They sold the team to their cousins, David, Peter and Bill Molson, in 1964.

The Molson brothers held the team until 1971, when they sold the club to a group headed by Peter and Edward Bronfman.

Molson Breweries bought the team in 1978 and owned 100 per cent until Gillett arrived on the scene in 2001. During the period the family controlled the team, the Canadiens won 11 of their 24 Stanley Cups.

phickey@thegazette.canwest.com

by Mariposa Belle on Thu May 28, 2009 8:18 pm

Interesting development, as it would be private holding and not corporate. Although it would help the American based Molson-Coors conglomerate.

Does the venue move from Lily Tomlinson's Switchboard to the Beer Barrel?

Prost

by davetherave on Sun May 31, 2009 2:23 pm

From one ringy dingy to have a beer, eh? The sale of Le Canadien, with BCE or the Molsons seemingly leading suitors, apparently has Bob Gainey in a holding pattern.

This from Dave Stubbs of Habs Inside Out, posted May 29:

General manager Bob Gainey's work is cut out this offseason.

Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey tells La Presse reporter Marc Antoine Godin that his work is "not directly" affected by ownership issues, what with George Gillett seemingly on the verge of selling the club.

In Toronto for the combine camp featuring draft-eligible players, Gainey said he'll have nothing major to announce in the short term, either regarding player signings or any announcement of a new head coach.

Gainey added that he's been in contact with his stable of unrestricted free agents, but hasn't had concrete talks with anyone, aware that new ownership might want to move "in a different direction."

He also maintained that Montreal is a good place for other UFAs to consider. He's comfortable with his goaltending and says he knows his team's needs both at forward and defence.

http://habsinsideout.com/main/20174

by davetherave on Sun May 31, 2009 2:31 pm

And from longtime Canadiens chronicler Red Fisher:

Hockey came first for Molsons

"Teams don't wear the mantle of greatness unless they're also blessed with great owners."

Red Fisher, The Montreal Gazette, Friday, May 29, 2009

Hockey's most important story of the week for Canadiens fans had nothing to do with the start of tomorrow night's Red Wings-Penguins Stanley Cup final in Detroit.

It had nothing to do with the same two teams pursuing the game's biggest prize for a second consecutive season.

It had everything to do with the announcement this week that members of the Molson family are "considering" purchasing the team from George N. Gillett Jr.

Uh-huh. That Gillett, the one who the last time we met I asked about reports that his Canadiens were on the block. He insisted in the briefest interview of my 50-plus-year career that his decision to hire a firm to study his financial situation was linked only with "estate planning."

End of interview.

No problem there. Those two words were better than none, even though they wouldn't come within a rink-length of passing a polygraph test.

As you know, Tuesday's late-afternoon announcement from Geoffrey Molson, son of Eric, said that he and his brothers, Andrew and Justin, are "considering the possibility of submitting a proposal to purchase Gillett's 81.1 per cent ownership" of the Canadiens and the Bell Centre.

In the 54 years I have covered this one-of-a-kind franchise, 17 head coaches, starting with Toe Blake, have come and gone. Others are Claude Ruel, Al MacNeil, Scotty Bowman, Bernie Geoffrion, Bob Berry, Jacques Lemaire, Jean Perron, Pat Burns, Jacques Demers, Jacques Laperrière (only one game, as I recall), Mario Tremblay, Alain Vig-neault, Michel Therrien, Claude Julien, Bob Gainey and Guy Carbonneau.

Fifteen captains: Butch Bouchard, Maurice Richard, Doug Harvey, Jean Béliveau, Henri Richard, Yvan Cournoyer, Serge Savard, Bob Gainey, Guy Carbonneau, Chris Chelios, Kirk Muller, Mike Keane, Pierre Turgeon, Vincent Damphousse and Saku Koivu.

There have been seven general managers: Frank J. Selke, Sam Pollock, Irving Grundman, Serge Savard, Réjean Houle, André Savard and Gainey.

The owners have been Senator Donat Raymond, Senator Hartland Molson, the brothers David, William and Peter Molson, Peter and Edward Bronfman, Molson Brewery and Gillett.

The one I have admired the most was Senator Molson, because during all the years he sat in the owner's box, he felt the team belonged to the fans. It was all about hockey rather than the almighty dollar. As much as Senator Molson loved the Canadiens, he felt deeply about the game wherever it was played. He never hesitated to leap into the fray whenever and wherever there was a hint of scandal.

If the Molson brothers do submit a proposal, they would be joining what appeared to have been a two-horse race in what was expected to be a bitter battle between communications giants BCE Inc. and Quebecor Inc. I don't know any of the Molson brothers, but what I do know is that Canadiens fans and the credibility of the game always came first with Senator Molson. The Canadiens were family.

How do you put a price on that?

Sixteen years have passed since the Canadiens have won a Stanley Cup, but the franchise still is regarded as the NHL's flagship for success. Twenty-four Stanley Cups. Forty-four players in the Hall of Fame. Ten builders. Selke and Pollock: the greatest general managers in NHL history. Blake and Bowman: the best coaches, in that order.

It goes beyond that, though: teams don't wear the mantle of greatness unless they're also blessed with great owners.

Most of them made their fortunes in the business world, but there was one constant among them: a love of the game. They were more than owners: they were hockey fans - none as devoted as Senator Molson, who along with his brother Thomas purchased Le Club de Hockey Canadien and the Canadian Arena Company in September 1957 from Senator Raymond - after the team had won the first two Cups of what was to be a record run of five in a row.

Senator Raymond, like Senator Molson, was a fan. Loved the game. Loved to win.

He didn't come around as often as Senator Molson, who rarely missed a game in Montreal, but he bled bleu, blanc, rouge. And when you do, if you're an owner, you step aside and let hockey people run the shop. No questions asked.

I don't know which group is likely to acquire the Canadiens. At the moment, nobody does.

What I do know ... what Canadiens fans must hope for ... is that the biggest winner is hockey.

rfisher@thegazette.canwest.com

by Guest on Sun May 31, 2009 2:35 pm

year 101

by davetherave on Mon Jun 01, 2009 11:50 am

So how does the Jacques Martin hiring affect the Canadiens chances next year?

by davetherave on Mon Jun 01, 2009 2:42 pm

From the Montreal Gazette this afternoon:

Canadiens name Jacques Martin as coach

MONTREAL - Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey introduced Jacques Martin as the team's new head coach during a news conference at the Bell Centre Monday afternoon.

At the same time, Gainey announced that Roland Melanson will not return as the club's goaltending coach.

Martin had spent five years in the Florida Panthers organization, after joining the club in May 2004 as the team’s head coach. He served as the team’s head coach for three seasons (2005-08), while assuming the duties as the club’s general manager on Sept. 3, 2006. On May 16, 2008, Martin agreed to a contract extension to remain solely as the club’s general manager through the 2011-2012 season. That contract will now be voided.

In three seasons as the Panthers' bench boss he posted a 110-100-36 mark and stands as the club’s all time leaders in wins and games coached (246).

On Nov. 2, 2006, Martin became only the 13th head coach in NHL history to record his 450th win and on March 3, 2007, Martin became only the 12th coach in NHL history to coach in his 1,000th NHL game. Martin ranks in the National Hockey League’s top 10 all-time coaching leaders with 1098 games coached (8th) and 517 wins (9th).

Prior to joining the Panthers organization, Martin guided the Ottawa Senators to a 43-23-10-6 mark during the 2003-04 campaign earning 102 points. For his career with Ottawa, he posted a 341-255-96 regular-season record in nine seasons. He stands as the franchise's all-time leader in games coached (692), regular-season wins (341), playoff wins (31) and playoff games coached (69). (Martin also led Ottawa to the playoffs in eight consecutive years--Ed.)

Under Martin's guidance, the Senators earned their first President's Trophy, posting a 52-21-8-1 mark upon completion of the 2002-03 campaign. He led Ottawa to its first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, losing to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils.

Martin has been nominated for the Jack Adams Trophy as NHL Coach of the Year four times. He won the award in 1998-99 and was nominated in 1996-97, 2000-01 and 2002-03.

He also was selected as head coach of the Eastern Conference at the 2003 NHL All-Star Game in Florida and head coach of the World Team at the 2001 All-Star Game in Denver. Martin was born on October 1, 1952 in St-Pascal, Ontario. He has two daughters, Angela and Nathalee.

---

So in hiring Jacques Martin, the Habs get 'their man': a bilingual bench boss, satisfying those think speaking French and English is important; a coach with considerable experience and a successful track record.

Martin is also an intense competitor and a demanding coach.

His knowledge of the front office may also be an asset to Bob Gainey, assuming they work together as the Canadiens look to re-shape the team.

by **SpezDispenser** on Mon Jun 01, 2009 2:48 pm

I think Kovalev just signed his ticket to the Pens with this move. That's where I'd go if I was him. 4 million, 3 years to be Crosby or Malkin's wingman. I'm certainly not staying in a Martin coached team.

If I was Koivu, this move would make it more likely that I'd stay, but I'd like to go and be with my brother in Minny, so...bye.

If I was Komisarek, I'd stay, but...then I'd realize that I no longer want to be in this ridiculous media city, so, I'm moving on as well.

If I'm Price, I'm very, very happy with this. Then I find out that Mario Trembley is coming in as assistant coach and I poop my pantaloons.

If I'm Markov and Hamrlik, I'm very, very happy - period.

by **SensFan71** on Mon Jun 01, 2009 3:40 pm

504Heater wrote:I think Kovalev just signed his ticket to the Pens with this move. That's where I'd go if I was him. 4 million, 3 years to be Crosby or Malkin's wingman. I'm certainly not staying in a Martin coached team.

If I was Koivu, this move would make it more likely that I'd stay, but I'd like to go and be with my brother in Minny, so...bye.

If I was Komisarek, I'd stay, but...then I'd realize that I no longer want to be in this ridiculous media city, so, I'm moving on as well.

If I'm Price, I'm very, very happy with this. Then I find out that Mario Trembley is coming in as assistant coach and I poop my pantaloons.

If I'm Markov and Hamrlik, I'm very, very happy - period.

smart move on his part no matter who is coaching in Montreal, its a drama of a team right now.

by davetherave on Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:17 pm

Former Habs (and Nordiques) star Guy Lafleur seems to think the Jacques Martin hiring is a net positive for Le Canadien.

In an interview with La Tribune de Sherbrooke today, in an article entitled: "Jacques Martin: le «party est fini», selon Guy Lafleur", Lafleur recalls his days in Quebec with Martin as assistant coach. "He's tough, but fair," Lafleur is quoted as saying. The players "will have good reason to show up in shape to play".

Discipline having been a major issue under Carbonneau, the Martin approach may be part of Gainey's prescription for 2009-10.

More here: http://www.cyberpresse.ca/la-tribune/sports/200906/01/01-861939-jacques-martin-le-party-est-fini-selon-guy-lafleur.php

by shabbs on Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:23 pm

Le party est fini. Heh heh.

I believe Hartsburg said something similar...

Wink

by shabbs on Tue Jun 02, 2009 8:48 am

The consensus in the media seems to be that Martin will be a good fit in Montreal and will help protect Price and beef up their defense. What remains to be seen is how it affects the scoring and what players remain from the huge crop of UFA's.

by **wprager** on Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:12 am

The media? What's the last hiring they got right?

There are far too many problems the Habs are facing that can be fixed by hiring a coach. When they go out and hire someone like Martin -- who is two years removed from coaching, and nearly 10 years from coaching well -- they are taking a step back. Gainey has made some really, really stunning moves that have backfired in the last couple of years. They have 13 (?) free agents of their own, and talk at the end of the season was that nobody wanted to come to Montreal. The team's ownership is up in the air. And Gainey cannot seem to be able to acknowledge his bad decisions by undoing them. They are not going to make the playoffs next season, which should rightfully mean that Gainey will be fired. But that will probably mean that the new guy will not want to keep Martin. I see them missing the playoffs in 2010-11 as well.

by **SpezDispenser** on Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:35 am

I don't understand after digesting it for another day. If Martin can bring it super-high end assistants, like a Bob Hartley and Dave Lowrey, then I can see it perhaps working, but Martin as HC without those kind of guys? Show me a playoffs where he's been successful? Maybe when we made the ECF and should have lost in 5 games to NJ? That's the closest we came to playoff success.

It's on the players, but the coach eventually has to take responsibility for being a playoff failure.

Again, don't really understand, but good luck Jacques.

by Guest on Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:48 am

I think this is a rebuild for the Canadiens and Jacques can keep a team winning through a rebuild. The secret to success however is taking the team away from him when the are ready to compete for a cup. He is not the right resource to evoke cup winning emotion and determination, he just isn't....

by **SpezDispenser** on Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:12 am

MurderOnIce wrote:I think this is a rebuild for the Canadiens and Jacques can keep a team winning through a rebuild. The secret to success however is taking the team away from him when the are ready to compete for a cup. He is not the right resource to evoke cup winning emotion and determination, he just isn't....

That's the biggest Catch-22 in the history of hockey though. You're right, 100% right. You get Martin to mold the team into a playoff team through the younger players etc. etc. etc., but in the meantime Montreal media isn't going to like a rebuilding Habs team, so they'll be screaming for his head the entire time. If by chance he gets them to the playoffs this upcoming year, the media will have even more fodder for his firing than if he misses, because the true colours of Martin will show. He is an awesome regular season coach, who can be outcoached and outmotivated by 90% of the current crop of coaches (in the playoffs).

That's why I would insist on the Habs bringing in Hartley as the assistant to Martin - and the option is there for Hartley to step in when needed as well. No matter what the cost, Hartley should be part of that coaching team. No matter what the cost...

by davetherave on Tue Jun 02, 2009 1:14 pm

Gord Wilson, the Sens radio and TV columnist since 1992, went on record this morning on Team 1200:

"Jacques Martin is a perfect fit in Montreal, and as a friend and someone who has worked with him, I'm very happy for Jacques. It's not a step downward by any means. Jacques has always been comfortable behind the bench, and he wanted to return to coaching.

"I think he's right for Montreal because he's a teacher, who works well with young players, and because he'll bring structure to the Canadiens. And that's certainly something many felt was lacking under Carbonneau. In addition, Jacques' experience as a GM is going to be very useful for Bob Gainey, as Jacques knows the players around the league."

A clear thumbs up from Wilson.

by shabbs on Tue Jun 02, 2009 1:18 pm

Check back here in a year to see how JM's doing in Montreal...

Wink

by **wprager** on Tue Jun 02, 2009 1:29 pm

davetherave wrote:Gord Wilson, the Sens radio and TV columnist since 1992, went on record this morning on Team 1200:

"Jacques Martin is a perfect fit in Montreal, and as a friend and someone who has worked with him, I'm very happy for Jacques. It's not a step downward by any means. Jacques has always been comfortable behind the bench, and he wanted to return to coaching.

"I think he's right for Montreal because he's a teacher, who works well with young players, and because he'll bring structure to the Canadiens. And that's certainly something many felt was lacking under Carbonneau. In addition, Jacques' experience as a GM is going to be very useful for Bob Gainey, as Jacques knows the players around the league."

A clear thumbs up from Wilson.

Gordie is a homer's homer, though. Anything that's good for the Sens is good in his eyes. And anything that's bad for a divisional rival is good for the Sens.

by davetherave on Thu Jun 04, 2009 2:16 pm

Yahoo Sports surveys the landscape for the Habs in the wake of Jacques Martin's hiring:

Inside Shots: Montreal Canadiens Team Report
Yahoo Sports, June 3, 2009

The glamour of the Canadiens may have faded a bit in recent years, but it’s not as if they’re just another team now. They’re still the Canadiens.

That’s why Jacques Martin came running when they came calling about their head-coaching position. Martin left his post as general manager of the Florida Panthers to take over behind the Canadiens’ bench.

In hiring Martin, the Canadiens strayed from their recent trend. Oddly, they had hired men with no previous NHL coaching experience every time since Jacques Demers was fired in October 1995.

• The Canadiens are looking to Russia to shore up their defense for next season. Russian sources indicate that the team has resumed negotiations with Alexei Yemelin, who was drafted by the Canadiens in the third round in 2004.

The Canadiens thought they had Yemelin under contract last summer but, as they prepared to announce the deal, the player’s agent said he has accepted an offer from AK Bars Kazan in the Russian-based Kontinental Hockey League.

Yemelin still has a year to run on his contract, but that’s not considered an obstacle because the Russian league has been plagued by financial problems and Russia allows players to get out of contracts on short notice.

The Canadiens have some holes to plug on the blue line, and the problem could get worse if Mike Komisarek leaves via free agency. There are reports that Komisarek will get offers in the $5 million range, and that’s more than the Canadiens are willing to pay.

Montreal has only four NHL defensemen under contract for next season. They are Andrei Markov, Roman Hamrlik, Josh Gorges and Ryan O’Byrne, who bounced between the NHL and the American Hockey League last season. The Canadiens have two prospects in Yannick Weber and P.K. Subban, but neither is as close to playing in the NHL as Yemelin.

Yemelin is a member of Russia’s national team and is a stay-at-home defenseman. He’s on the small side at 6-foot and 188 pounds, but he is known for his physical play.

The Canadiens also have four other potential unrestricted free agents—Mathieu Schneider, Patrice Brisebois, Francis Bouillon and Mathieu Dandenault. Schneider is the only top-four defenseman in that group, but he might be out of the team’s price range.

General manager Bob Gainey has to deal with a total of 10 unrestricted free agents, and that has been the subject of speculation. Sovietsky Sport reported that Alex Kovalev has been offered a one-year deal worth $6-7 million and has been offered the captaincy of the team. That’s unlikely because the Canadiens players have traditionally voted on who will wear the C.

The same report said current captain Saku Koivu would not be offered a contract. The Canadiens wouldn’t comment publicly on the report, but an insider said Gainey and Koivu’s agent have been talking.

Season Highlight: The Canadiens essentially wrapped up a playoff spot by taking 11 of a possible 12 points from March 24 to April 4. They had wins over Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Chicago and a shootout loss to Buffalo at home before going on the road to beat the Islanders and Toronto by a combined score of 11-3. Jaroslav Halak was in goal for the two road games. They would be the last games he started—and the last games the Canadiens would win.

Turning Point: The Canadiens’ season turned on two critical injuries. Robert Lang’s season ended when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon on Feb. 1. The Canadiens were 28-16-6 when Lang was injured and 13-14-5 after the injury. Also, defenseman Andrei Markov went down with a strained knee on April 4. With Markov on the sidelines, the Canadiens lost their final four regular-season games and were swept by Boston in the playoffs.

Notes, Quotes

• Patrick Roy, the former Canadiens goaltender, formally rejected an offer to coach the Colorado Avalanche, but he also quashed any hint that he would be interested in the Montreal job when he said he planned to stay in Quebec City. The Canadiens hired Jacques Martin instead.

• Geoffrey Molson, whose family owned the Canadiens when they won 11 of their 24 Stanley Cups, might be the latest bidder for the team. He said he was thinking of putting together a family group to buy the team. Two Quebec-based conglomerates, Quebecor and BCE, are considered the front-runners for the team currently owned by American George Gillett.

Quote To Note: “I think the time of Saku Koivu (in Montreal) is over. It’s time for him to go play with his brother in Minnesota.”—Hall of Famer Guy Lafleur, expressing his opinion on the future of captain Saku Koivu in Montreal.

Roster Report

Most Valuable Player: D Andrei Markov was the team’s leading scorer until he suffered a knee injury with four games remaining in the regular season. The Canadiens didn’t win a single game after he as hurt. Since the lockout, the Canadiens are 7-20-3 when Markov is out of the lineup.

Most Disappointing Player: G Carey Price’s numbers fell off in his second NHL season. He lost more games than he won (23-16-10) and had a 2.83 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage. He lost 17 of his last 24 starts and then was swept by Boston in the playoffs.

Free Agent Focus: General manager Bob Gainey faces a busy offseason with 10 unrestricted free agents.

Alex Kovalev, the team’s leading scorer in each of the last two seasons, says he wants to stay in Montreal, but his individual style poses problems in finding linemates. He had success late in the season with Saku Koivu and Alex Tanguay, who also are UFAs.

Koivu started his career with the Canadiens in 1995 and has survived a life-threatening cancer, a career-threatening eye injury and criticism from nationalist elements in Quebec who believe the Canadiens’ captain should speak French. He would like to stay but wants the Canadiens to make him an offer before July 1.

Mike Komisarek is one of the best defensemen available on the free agent market, but he’s coming off a disappointing season and that could help the Canadiens because it will discourage teams from overpaying for him.

Alex Tanguay should get an offer, but Robert Lang wants a two-year deal and might not get it because he’s 38 and he’s coming off Achilles’ heel surgery. Age might also be a factor in any decision on Mathieu Schneider, who will be 40 in June, but he’s the key to the power play.

Mathieu Dandenault, Francis Bouillon and Patrice Brisebois will have to accept less if they want to stay. Tom Kostopoulos will get a new deal if he wants one.

Tomas Plekanec and Christopher Higgins are among several restricted free agents, and the Canadiens might use them as trade bait. They’re both eligible for arbitration, but they’re coming off disappointing years and, if they stay, they’ll be looking for one-year deals.

Player News:

• D Mathieu Schneider underwent arthroscopic surgery in mid-May to repair damage to the rotator cuff in his shoulder. The Canadiens said Schneider would be ready for the start of training camp, but he’s an unrestricted free agent and there’s no guarantee that (a) the Canadiens to being him back or (b) he’s interested in playing in Montreal.

• C Maxim Lapierre underwent minor surgery to repair ligament damage in his ankle. Lapierre played most of the season with pain in the ankle but established career highs with 15 goals and 13 assists.

• C Mikael Johansson, a 24-year-old forward with Farjestads in the Swedish Elite League. has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Canadiens. Johansson, who was a late round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wins in 2003, is described as a skilled forward who was recommended by former Canadiens Thomas Rundqvist and Mats Naslund. But he doesn’t address the team’s need for size. He’s another small centre at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds.

Medical Watch:

• C Maxim Lapierre underwent ankle surgery.

• D Mathieu Schneider underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff.

• LW Alex Tanguay will have surgery to correct a chronic problem in his right shoulder. He was sidelined twice this season with a left shoulder injury, but that will require only rest and physiotherapy.

• D Andrei Markov continues to recover from a strained knee.

• C Robert Lang is rehabbing after surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon. He would have been able to resume playing in mid-May if the Canadiens were still in the playoffs.

• LW Sergei Kostitsyn underwent surgery to repair a tear in his shoulder.

by **wprager** on Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:11 pm

They need a new GM.

Schneider should retire. Kovalev doesn't speak French any better than Koivu (why didn't I think of that when those rumors first flew). Price had a pretty bad sophomore slump, but he should rebound. The team will still suck.

by **SpezDispenser** on Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:21 pm

I think they'll be alright, but the potential is there to suck for sure. They have to rebuild and Montreal doesn't like to rebuild. They have the coach for structure, but not for playoff success.

Not to mention that most players don't want to play in the pressure cooker of Montreal, so signing UFAs might be hard.

I'm curious, this should be interesting to see.

by davetherave on Fri Jun 05, 2009 3:41 pm

Lyle Richardson gives his view of the Jacques Martin hiring in his Fox Sports column dated June 3:

Martin’s hiring is meeting with mixed reviews from the media. Some commended the Habs for hiring an experienced bench boss who should bring stability to the roster, while others are predicting the Canadiens will become a more boring team under his tutorship, with some saying his coaching style no longer fits in the NHL.

In response Martin pointed out the Senators were among the highest scoring teams in the NHL during his tenure but that’s not good enough to sell his critics.

Martin’s hiring could have an impact upon the Canadiens efforts to re-sign their key free agents, including Saku Koivu, Alex Tanguay, Mike Komisarek and Alex Kovalev, as well as potentially attracting other unrestricted free agents to a market which most players tend to avoid for a variety of reasons, most notably the fishbowl existence of a Hab.

We’ll find out next season if Martin’s style no longer belongs in the NHL, how boring the Habs might be or just how adaptable he can be. It cannot be denied however the Canadiens needed work in the defensive department and several of their young players regressed last season, two areas even Martin’s critics admit he has the ability and experience to improve.

by shabbs on Fri Jun 05, 2009 3:48 pm

davetherave wrote:Lyle Richardson gives his view of the Jacques Martin hiring in his Fox Sports column dated June 3:

Meh... not a lot of meat there... in fact, I don't think he even stated his own personal view. "Could have an impact"... "potentially attracting other"... and he closes it out with "we'll find out next season".

Only time will tell...

by davetherave on Fri Jun 05, 2009 4:10 pm

IMHO this element of Richardson's opinion piece, as neutral as it seems, is pretty clear:

It cannot be denied however the Canadiens needed work in the defensive department and several of their young players regressed last season, two areas even Martin’s critics admit he has the ability and experience to improve.

Those are two fundamental areas that need addressing.

As Shabbs says, we shall see.

But until Montreal's FA situation is cleared up--and one supposes the change of ownership may have an impact on what budget is available--it may be premature to judge Jacques Martin.

by shabbs on Fri Jun 05, 2009 4:21 pm

davetherave wrote:IMHO this element of Richardson's opinion piece, as neutral as it seems, is pretty clear:

It cannot be denied however the Canadiens needed work in the defensive department and several of their young players regressed last season, two areas even Martin’s critics admit he has the ability and experience to improve.

Those are two fundamental areas that need addressing.

As Shabbs says, we shall see.

But until Montreal's FA situation is cleared up--and one supposes the change of ownership may have an impact on what budget is available--it may be premature to judge Jacques Martin.

Yeah, I think we've all been in agreement that he'll be good for their defense and their young players as he was for the Sens. What remains to be seen is how far can he take them and what else can he get out of them.

The FA situation will be very interesting to see who's offered, who signs and who walks...

by davetherave on Tue Jun 09, 2009 3:39 am

Montreal Canadiens blogger and Team 990 radio host Eric Engels gives his view on the Jacques Martin hiring and the situation with the Habs:

FIRST PIECE OF THE PUZZLE SOLVED: MARTIN NAMED COACH OF THE CANADIENS

Eric Engels, Team990.com, June 1, 2009

It was 21 years ago today that the Canadiens presented Pat Burns as their new head coach. At the time, Jacques Martin was honing his expertise as an assistant in Chicago, and then eventually as an associate coach with the Quebec Nordiques. He returns to Quebec, more specifically to Montreal, as a coach who has been nominated as one of the league's best four times, eventually awarded the Jack Adams in 1999 with the Ottawa Senators.

"Happy and Proud," to be a part of the Canadiens organization, Martin wasted no time this afternoon in addressing his reputation as a defensive-minded coach: "When I first started in Ottawa I was categorized as a defensive coach, and when I left, over the last 5 years there, we had one of the best offensive teams in the league."

Martin delved deeper into the strategies he aims to employ with the Canadiens by citing his recent experience in Florida. Coaching the Panthers from 2004-2008, Martin is certainly aware of the styles played by teams that have been the most successful in this new era of hockey.

"I think it's only been one year since I haven't been behind the bench, and I think it was a great opportunity to see game from the top; to recharge my batteries," the Canadiens new bench-boss said of his decision to relinquish his head-coaching duties in 2008, and focus on those pertaining to his role as general manager of the Florida Panthers.

He continued; "My beliefs on how I think the game should be played haven't changed, and that's what I want to bring here to this hockey team. I think we have the skill level to play that kind of game, and I think you'll see an exciting brand of hockey; hockey that puts pressure; a hockey game that makes people accountable."

As for the rest of the coaching staff, Bob Gainey stated that Jacques Martin will meet with those currently under contract (Doug Jarvis, Kirk Muller, Don Lever, Ron Wilson) in order to get to know them better, and that the picture will be complete by June 15th. Rumors which have already begun circulating, suggesting that Jacques Lemaire could be brought in, in an advisory capacity, while Mario Tremblay might be considered as an associate coach were not addressed. Bob Gainey reiterated that those who still have contracts with the Canadiens remain in place until further notification.

One coach who is still under contract, was notified that he will not be returning to the Canadiens next season. Bob Gainey has notified the rest of the league that Roland Melanson's services are available for anyone who would like to hire him. When asked about possibly contacting goaltending guru Francois Allaire, to fill the position, Gainey implied that several candidates from across the league are interested.

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

Remember those rumors about Alex Kovalev, and 6 million dollars, and the captaincy...

Bob Gainey suggested that the Montreal (or Russian) media didn't have much meat to discuss over the last few weeks, and that while he has had preliminary discussions with some of his free agents, that priority #1 was to address the coaching staff; adding that discussing with players about how they would be used, and what their roles may be with the Canadiens next season was impossible to do without a head coach in place.

On ownership and his own job security, Gainey smartly suggested he had a job to do, and that he was busy doing it. Gainey informed George Gillette upon hiring Jacques Martin, and said that Mr. Gillette was very happy about it.

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

While he wouldn't get into specifics about the prioritization of his free agents, Gainey was quick to point out that he had less money committed to salary than anyone else in his position, and more money to spend, suggesting his activity on the open market won't be hindered by the shortcomings of the Montreal Canadiens 2008-2009 edition.
**************
My Take:
Jacques Martin has coached over 1000 games in the NHL. His experience, as well as his perspective as both a general manager and coach in today's NHL will be highly beneficial to a Canadiens team that has lacked structure over the last couple of seasons.

While some worry about Martin's "defensive-minded" strategy, he has always been an advocate of playing a puck-possession style of game, as evidenced through many successful seasons with a dominant Ottawa Senators team.

He brings instant credibility and respectability, and Canadiens fans should recognize this move as a step in the right direction.

Any way you look at it, it's a major change in direction. I suspect in the coming weeks, as we approach June 15th, that other changes to the coaching staff will be made.

Get ready for a busy month! As I left the Bell Centre I turned to PR Director, Dominic Saillant and said "see you next week,". He laughed and replied "see you tomorrow..."

by **SensFan71** on Tue Jun 09, 2009 7:35 am

"When I first started in Ottawa I was categorized as a defensive coach, and when I left, over the last 5 years there, we had one of the best offensive teams in the league."

That was true, but that was due to the talent he had on the team, you can harness talent all the time, they still find a way to get the job done, he was still a trap coach when the Sens got a 1 or 2 goal lead. If he does that in Montreal, they will get buried, especially with a few d-men likely on their way out, mainly Komisarek.

by davetherave on Tue Jun 09, 2009 9:54 am

Habs Inside Out reports on the decision by one of Montreal's top defensive prospects to stay in Russia, plus some hints as to impending negotiations:

Another nyet to Habs from Yemelin
Dave Stubbs HABSINSIDEOUT.COM, June 8 2009

Defenceman Alexei Yemelin has again thumbed his nose at the Canadiens, signing a new contract with the Russian Kontinental League's AK Bars Kazan.

Colleague Marc de Foy of ruefrontenac.com says that Don Meehan, Yemelin's agent, explains that the Russian squad offered "better financial guarantees," adding that his client had signed a contract of one year, but possibly two. Meehan is awaiting the documents from an employee based in Russia.

De Foy further reports that Meehan client Francis Bouillon hasn't come up yet in talks with GM Bob Gainey, but that the agent expects discussions will take place during draft week. And Meehan says he'll soon meet with client Patrice Brisebois to determine the veteran defenceman's future.

Meanwhile, Matt Keator, who represents UFA-to-be Mike Komisarek and impending RFA Christopher Higgins, wouldn't comment on his clients' status beyond saying it's not yet July 1.

by davetherave on Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:36 pm

Molsons confirm bid for Habs
The Montreal Gazette, June 10, 2009

Geoff Molson and his brothers, Andrew and Justin, confirmed yesterday that they have made an offer to purchase the Canadiens, the Gillett Entertainment Group and the Bell Centre.

The offer was delivered to team owner George Gillett Jr.

“We have assembled a very solid and credible group of investors and financial institutions as part of our offer,” Geoff Molson, who is the group leader, said in a statement. “They are all dedicated to the long-term success of the Canadiens and have a strong presence in Quebec.

“We think our offer has all the ingredients to be well received by the potential seller and the National Hockey League. We look forward to meeting with them at their earliest convenience.”

Molson said he would not comment any further on the offer, in order to respect the confidentiality agreement binding the parties involved in the process.

by shabbs on Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:16 am

So, they've got two competing bids - one from the Molson brother's and the other from Quebecor Media. I'd love to know how close they are to each other. I have a feeling they'll go with Quebecor Media...

by Jordo on Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:45 am

To answer the thread question- utter failure? Hopefully?

by **SensFan71** on Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:46 am

Jordo wrote:To answer the thread question- utter failure? Hopefully?

if they make Kovalev their captain and lost Komisarek (which seems to be inevitable), you bet your sweet bippy utter failure.

by **beedub** on Thu Jun 11, 2009 9:06 am

With Martin, you can look forward to some utterly boring hockey, followed by some muttered utterly boring comments from the coach in the media scrum afterwards

by **SensFan71** on Thu Jun 11, 2009 9:24 am

beedub wrote:With Martin, you can look forward to some utterly boring hockey, followed by some muttered utterly boring comments from the coach in the media scrum afterwards

Martin tried his best to dispel that fact, saying that Florida was in the top 10 offensive teams in the league.

by davetherave on Tue Jun 16, 2009 1:08 am

The view from Montreal:

NEW HABS COACH IN GAINEY'S OWN IMAGE
Jack Todd, The Gazette, June 8 2009

Quick now, let's play word association. What's the first thing that came to mind when you heard that Jacques Martin was the new coach of the Canadiens?

Boring, right? B-O-R-I-N-G with a capital BORE. Boring hockey. The charisma of boiled cauliflower. Gives good quote every other leap year, except when he has laryngitis. Makes Bob Gainey look loquacious.

Fairly or unfairly, that's the impression of Martin that was fostered when he presided over a pretty good hockey team in our nation's capital and again when his Florida Panthers missed the playoffs four years in a row: dull teams, a dull coach.

Of course, it's not entirely accurate. There was nothing dull about those Ottawa teams, while everything about Martin's Florida teams was dull.

To a great extent, coaches are like Formula One drivers, who are only as good as their cars. Who knew that Jenson Button was the next Michael Schumacher? Not Jacques Villeneuve, we know that much.

Mike Babc0ck? Great coach. Should head up Canada's Olympic team next February.

But how would Babc0ck fare if he was stuck with the New York Islanders?

Jacques Martin didn't get stupid the day he was hired by the Florida Panthers. He just went from a Mercedes to a Pontiac. Not a terrible team, just not good enough to make the playoffs - even with Roberto Luongo.

Gainey's highly conservative choice of Martin reflects Gainey's own personality.

It's more the absence of negatives (or what Gainey would consider negatives) than positives that won Martin the job. Martin won't blab. He won't say anything stupid in public. He won't embarrass the organization.

And he won't win a Stanley Cup. Given the current state of the Canadiens, it's almost as though a driver has signed on with an F1 team without knowing whether he'll end up behind the wheel of a Brawn or piloting Force India.

Martin said all sorts of good things about this team when he was hired. No surprise: a new coach isn't going to knock what he has before the first practice.

But even Gainey doesn't know what the 2009-10 edition of the Canadiens will look like.

On the management level, hiring Martin solidified two positions: Gainey hired a coach and he also confirmed, by implication, that he will return as GM and executive vice-president. At least one grizzled veteran journalist agreed with me when I suggested that Gainey would probably resign after the debacle of the 2008-09 season, but it appears that we don't understand the man as well as we thought we did.

Gainey will be back, in other words. His coach will have a wealth of experience and the fact Gainey was permitted to proceed with the hiring suggests that, while it may take months to iron out the details, it is possible that the new owner signed off on the hiring.

But who will he be coaching?

Martin has a reputation as a coach who is good with young players. We might suggest that a billygoat could have developed the young players he had in Ottawa, but the wrong coach in that situation could have led to a case of arrested development.

Here, the young players will be Martin's salvation or his albatross. At least three need to do some serious growing up: the Kostitsyn brothers and thoroughbred goaltender Carey Price. A couple of others, like Tomas Plekanec and Mike Komisarek, need to find themselves again after off seasons - although it is at least possible that Komisarek will find himself in Long Island or Toronto.

Then there is Alex Kovalev, the only possible source of the Sovietsky Sport story that had the Canadiens offering him a deal worth between $6 million and $7.5 million a year while dumping Saku Koivu and making Kovalev the captain. That's assuming, of course, that the story had a source, which didn't prevent TSN and other media outlets from running with it.

If it's true, then Martin will have a captain who has ripped his own team in print, who sulked because he wasn't wearing the C and who shows up when it suits him. With that kind of leadership, Martin may wish he had stayed with the Panthers.

His biggest problem, however, is between the pipes. After allowing Price to, in effect, fire his own goalie coach in Roland Melanson, the Canadiens have reached the limit in terms of coddling this young man. He was handed a job he did not deserve before he was ready, turned loose on the town without a steadying older influence (see Sidney Crosby living in Mario Lemieux's house and Evgeni Malkin with Sergei Gonchar) and then kept in the lineup night after night long after the job should have belonged to Jaroslav Halak.

Then, to add insult to injury, Gainey effectively blamed the fans and the media when, during that sweep at the hands of the Bruins, they had seen enough.

In Ottawa, Martin won without a goalie. In Florida, he couldn't win with a great one. In Montreal - well, it remains to be seen. But when the goalie falters, the coach tends to walk the plank. Think José Theodore and Claude Julien, Price and Guy Carbonneau.

It's true, as Stu Cowan wrote yesterday, that Martin's defence-oriented system should benefit Price. But he also has to get through to the young man, convince him that success at this level requires almost unimaginable effort in addition to talent, turn him into the thoroughbred Gainey believes he drafted.

If Martin can do all that, he may have more success here than we anticipate.

Sadly, given all the uncertainty surrounding this team, we can't foresee much that will set Martin apart from the others caught in this revolving door.

If past experience is any indication, Martin will have one good season when this team will get as far as the second round, no farther. Then he'll have a disappointing season. Then the wheels will fall off, Gainey will fire him midway through the season and take over behind the bench once more and we'll begin this whole dispiriting process again.

I sincerely hope that is not how things work out. But I also can't think of one good reason why Martin's fate should be any different than that of Mario Tremblay, Alain Vigneault, Michel Therrien, Claude Julien or Guy Carbonneau.

They all had some success. None made it past the second round of the playoffs.

All were fired.

So it goes.

jacktodd46@yahoo.com