Wilson deceives Sharks fans once more...

It'll take more than the annual "Shark for a day" fantasy camp to calm down angered Sharks fans this this time around.

Reader and Sharks fan Brian Smith has these comments on the Sharks' current disappointing offseason and Doug Wilson's promised "changes"

It's a funny thing here the Sharks are already in PR mode after failing to sign Sheldon Souray. Tonight on their website, the radio broadcaster talks about how things are going well this off season, with our draft choices and players working out. And excuse after excuse about why the Sharks haven't signed anyone in free agency. Funny they didn't mention anything about the Doug Wilson comment after we got beat in the playoffs again. At that time Doug Wilson said "Changes would be made." and that "he just won't sit around doing nothing till september."
Hmmm funny thing it looks like the Sharks have done NOTHING, which is typical year in and year out with them now.

It's kinda funny every year we get the same speech at the start of the Season the Sharks are committed to winning the cup this (put in any year) season. Yet every year they fail come free agency time they do nothing except talk their way around it, then they raise ticket prices to stay more competitive, lose 4 players sign no one, and then try and convince everyone they are better than they were last season.
It's kind of comical that people actually buy into that, because its the same song and dance every year.

Right now there are NO free agents worth any value left on the market and Sharks management will most likely spin it by saying "Oh we tried, and had offers on the table."
But in the end losers try, winners succeed. 5 years at 27 Million for Souray is cheap, but the Sharks won't do contracts of over 3 years length, so I guess its no wonder they struck out once again come free agency time. But hey they raised our ticket prices, now they are putting out a new logo so we have to buy more merchandise, thank god management is so concerned about winning the cup. Their Actions speak a lot louder then there hollow words.

You're absolutely right, the Sharks were HEAVY free-agent favourites heading into the summer, but failed to pursue guys like Chris Drury, Daniel Briere and perhaps most "shockingly", Sheldon Souray to join the Sharks' ranks.
I think Wilson's comment was far too rash and blunt, he had no idea if changes were to be made and if Drury or Souray wanted to come to California, come on, he was basing his words on the rumours that were circulating around at the time, how could he have known first-hand that either one of them was interested in signing with the Sharks?
He couldn't, pure speculation on his part, and he made a terrible mistake with his fan base by promising them something (or rather someone) they haven't gotten so far (but hey, a trade could always be in the works)

That speech is basic "protocol", name me one team that's committed to losing and not winning the Cup.
No team heads into a new season with that approach, but this is exactly what separates the pretenders from the contenders, for example, the Capitals can walk into a new season and say "we are committed to winning the Cup" while Wilson can say the same to his media.
In this case, Wilson has a better team to back his claims up with while Caps GM George McPhee doesn't.

The Sharks have come up empty handed via free-agency, but look at their roster now, they've developped most of their core talent like Patrick Marleau, Jonathan Cheechoo, Matt Carle, Evgeni Nabokov to name a few and they made a HUGE splash acquiring Joe Thornton last season.
So maybe fans should look more to clever draft choices rather than big name free-agents to improve the team, based on what the Sharks have done with their young talent so far.

Anyone remember Brad Stuart? He's turned out to be fine defenceman...thanks to yours truly
.
They have Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Patrick Rissmiller and Joe Pavelski shaping up to become a quality pack of players in a few years, it's all from within, and that's the way Wilson should go, and stop mesmerizing his fans by foolish and vague claims that he'll make changes by making splashes in free-agency, since it obviously never happens.

You tell me if this is how the Sharks should go on improving their team, since I don't see it happening realistically any other way.

--BBR

Souray Sweepstakes: We All Missed the Obvious

For the past two weeks the Sheldon Souray Sweepstakes has intrigued everyone. Speculation has centered mostly around the Kings, Sharks, Ducks, Devils, Rangers, etc. But this stallion (offensively at least) went to a "dark horse" candidate - the Oilers.

One could argue that Souray being an Alberta native, combined with Kevin's Lowe's ability and need to spend big bucks to land a thoroughbred UFA, would have made the Oilers one of the favourites all along. Those issues were probably a factor, but the most important element and main reason why Souray will be doing his skating (and shooting) in Edmonton this year is because he is not living with his wife. Since Angelica Bridges is a Los Angeles based actress, there is currently no Mrs. Souray accompanying him - telling him to choose between her and the City of Edmonton. Where Kevin Lowe failed with Mrs. Pronger and Mrs. Nylander, he never had to worry about with Souray. Although we all should have known this, we never saw it coming.

In fact as an offshoot of the Souray situation, Kevin Lowe may have brilliantly hatched an effective new strategy: target the most talented, maritally non-attached free agents in the NHL. He could further enhance this strategy by turning Edmonton into a singles haven. Don't be surprised if the next contracts he signs are with Hooters or Playboy Enterprises, before resuming his pursuit of elite hockey talent. Let's not underestimate Kevin Lowe again. He's a great competitor, who may have just learned how to turn a liability into an asset.

Souray Signs with Oilers!

BBeR 5:07 PM update: [Sorry for butting in by the way, just wanted to add one thing]
Souray's deal will pay him a total of $27 million over the course of 5 seasons, according to nos amis over at RDS.

According to TSN.ca:

Sheldon Souray is on his way to Edmonton as the Oilers and the free agent blueliner agreed on a contract.

The Elk Point, Alberta native appeared in 81 games with the Montreal Canadiens in 2006-07 and had a career year with 26 goals and 64 points. Nineteen of his 26 goals came on the power play, which set an NHL record for defencemen.

The six-foot-four, 220-pound blueliner was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the 1994 entry draft. He has played in 506 regular-season games with New Jersey and Montreal, recording 66 goals and 120 assists while posting 812 penalty minutes.

The two-time All-Star played three seasons with the Devils before being traded to the Canadiens in 2000 in a deal for Vladimir Malakhov.

(Details to follow)

Looks like Kevin Lowe finally succeeded in landing a big-name free agent. It will be interesting to see how much Souray got.

Report: Cullen Could be Headed Back to Carolina

According to a report by John Dellapina in the New York Daily News, Rangers' Center Matt Cullen could be heading back to the city to which he helped bring Lord Stanley's Cup in 2006. Dellapina writes:

Sather is shopping center Matt Cullen, with a trade back to the Carolina Hurricanes very much on the front burner. Should the Rangers shed Cullen's contract (three years left at $2.8million per), they'd trim nearly $3million from this season's cap hit.

That could simply provide flexibility for potential in-season moves. But it just as easily could be the first step in a plan to clear enough cap space to sign free-agent defenseman Sheldon Souray, whom the Devils and Islanders have pursued. Unloading defenseman Paul Mara's $3million salary undoubtedly would be another requirement.

As we have discussed here all week, the Rangers moving Cullen is not a surprise. Cullen is a terrific third-line center, with great speed. He does all the little things well, and he is certainly the kind of guy you often find on successful teams. However, he is the most logical forward on the roster to be moved to clear cap room. The Rangers really created this problem when they signed Cullen last summer. As I wrote above, he is a good third-line center, but the Rangers signed him to center the 2nd line and set up Brendan Shanahan, hence his $2.85 million cap number. After watching Cullen struggle on the second line on Broadway, the Rangers felt so strongly that Cullen was not the answer at that spot, that they broke up their top line late in the season and moved Martin Straka to center the second line. They then proceded to tie up $14 million in cap space on Scott Gomez and Chris Drury to center their top two lines. When you have that much invested in your top two centers, you simply can't also pay $3 million to your third center. Well, at least not in the salary cap era (we all remember the Rangers paying Bobby Holik $9 million a year to be their third center). So, while I like Cullen, and I wish the Rangers didn't have to move him, the reality is that when you add as much salary as the Rangers have this summer, sacrifices must be made elsewhere on the roster. And, this is a necessary sacrifice.

As for Souray, I continue to believe that, even if the Rangers deal Cullen and move Mara and his $3 million salary, it still won't be enough to get a Souray deal done, unless you can get him to take a one year deal for $4 million. If Souray was willing to take that kind of deal, he would have already been signed. I know his agent is very close to Glen Sather, but Souray is also close to Martin Brodeur, so if he wouldn't take that kind of deal from the Devils to play with Marty, why would he take it from the Rangers?

Carbonneau comments on Brière and on losing Souray

According to RDS, Guy Carbonneau claimed not understanding Brière's motivation to sign with Philadelphia rather than with the Canadiens. He rejected Brière's argument stating that the Flyers have a better team by saying that, "From what I [Carbonneau] know, they finished last in the standings last year." Coach Guy also claims there is more stability in Montreal.

I have to say I agree with Carbonneau! Although Brière will never admit this, I believe he simply did not want to face the pressure of becoming the star player for the Canadiens organisation. Can one blame him? That is a question that can be analysed in various ways. We all know that his life and Gainey's would have been on the line had he signed with Montreal, and played a terrible first season!

On a second note, Carbonneau is reported to be satisfied by the signings Gainey has made. On losing Souray, he said that other players will have to step up and fill in the void. Carbonneau plans on revamping the power play system in place during the training camp.

Markov: c'est fait! The $23 million man...

Markov: C'est fait! That was RDS.ca's title of the article they have on Andrei Markov.
The $23 million man, Markov now top-paid player in team's history: The Gazette's intruiging yet FANTASTIC TITLE.

Wait, I have to be unprofessional for a second:
YEEEESSSSS!!!!!!!
YEEEESSSSS!!!!!!!
YEEEESSSSS!!!!!!!
YEEEESSSSS!!!!!!!

Phew, glad I got that out!

Just a single day after my first part to my "Which Hab...only one Hab...$$$$$ Hab" series, featuring ANDREI MARKOV and the MONTREAL CANADIENS, the Canadiens did well and signed the 28-year old Russian to a 5-year $23 million contract.

Markov is now the team's top-paid player in team history, surpassing Saku Koivu's $4,75 million annual mark, and Alex Kovalev's $4,5 million mark.

Markov, get this, will make more than 3 times more money than he made last season with the Canadiens.

He will receive an average of $5.75 million per season, Brian McCabe type numbers, a hefty raise from his 2007 $1.5 million salary.

The priority now remains Sheldon Souray according to GM Bob Gainey, with the cap going up and salary being cleared, thinks that the Habs have enough room to retain Souray as well:
"The question is whether he thinks we have enough", said Gainey.

Gainey also indicated to the press yesterday that the Habs will begin talks with Souray shortly and hope to get a deal done before July 1st.

Look for today's SOURAY vs GAINEY battle, and Souray will be a Hab for 5 more seasons tomorrow as well.

Habs Inside/Out
Current Habs History and Opinion

--BBR

Which Hab...only one Hab...money Hab...

And the soap opera begins, here's your cast for ''Money Habs vs. Which Hab?''

MONEY HABS----------------------------------------- WHICH HAB?
starring:----------------------------------------------- directed by:

Andrei Markov---------------------------------------Montreal Canadiens
Sheldon Souray------------------versus------------ Bob Gainey
Don Meehan------------------------------------------Well-being of team
113 points-------------------------------------------- Salary Cap
$$$$$$$$$$--------------------------------------------$$$$$$$$$$

It's no secret the Montreal Canadiens can do only so much, as a team on the ice, as buiseness men off the ice and as regular but slightly more rich people in general.

And they can only sign one of their current impending UFA defencemen, unless they want to devote a quarter of their cap total to 2 players and not bring in a guy that can help this TEAM SCORE GOALS.

I have devisted a little battle/movie premiere for you, I hope you enjoy it, especially those who aren't aware of this situation (oh brother...)



1) Andrei Markov vs Montreal Canadiens
The Star: Andrei Markov
The 28-year old Russian-born defenceman is by far one of the most underrated and best defencemen of the NHL.
He is an excellent skater, plays a sound and solid defensive game while providing a more than average offensive touch.

The Stat: Markov had 6 goals and 43 assists last season in a total of 77 games played, averaged 25 minutes of ice-time and was a +2 on a team whose defence featured a -28 by the other star, Sheldon Souray.
He set career highs in assists (43), points (49), and powerplay assists (27).


The Director: Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens' up-and-down season was full of surprises and some unwanted twists and turns.
But it became clear after the season ended in dismay, after we realized that Andrei Markov would become a UFA that we needed him more than everyone originally thought. He is such a good player and guy to have around your team, he excels defensively and is improving year-by-year offensively.
He is a Paul Coffey of the new NHL, and only God knows how much this guy's been underrated in 29 GM's minds.
The Canadiens world was in shock once Zdeno Chara was named to the new NHL's first ever NHL all-star game while Andrei Markov can all but sit and watch from his television screen.
The point above also illustrates how Markov is underrated and underlooked in this case in many, many people's minds.
Chara had a decent season but was nothing compared to the powerhouse monster he used to be in Ottawa.
Only Montreal Canadiens fans understand Markov's value, more than any other team or fanbase in the entire country, and it is imperative that Bob Gainey make him his no. 1 priority, and not Sheldon Souray.

The $$$$$$: Andrei Markov put a little more than $2 million in his bank account last year and he'll be looking to double and almost triple that come this summer.
Rumours are flying around media sources like RDS and La Presse that suggest Markov has been offered a 4 year/$20 million contract by Bob Gainey, and that Don Meehan (his agent) and co. will evaluate this offer carefully.

The deal-breaker: Markov recently blew his knee out on a knee-on-knee hit at the World Championships in Moscow, his knee was examined by Montreal and Russian doctors and both have come to the same conclusion: no surgery needed, and thank God!
It is not expected to have an impact on his potential deal, but nevertheless, doctors can be wrong too.

The Skinny: Markov will be retained by the Canadiens, for a duration of 4-5 years and he will net between $5 and $5.5 million.
I am almost certain he will be in the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge and a topic on this blog for the years to come.
(more to come)

Craig Rivet sends an SOS to Souray...

Wow, what a great title for this TSN article: Rivet reborn in San Jose

The article is actually interesting and may be an indirect way Rivet is trying to lure Souray there.

Sheldon Souray has long been rumoured to be on the move, notably to a California-based team (namely the Sharks or Kings).

There was a wacky rumour going around a few days before the deadline, one that would send Matt Carle, Joe Pavelski and a 1st round draft choice to the Canadiens for Souray, after he "agreed to a two-year deal".

The deal was obviously a fabrication, no way Doug Wilson would offer up that much for a -28 defencemen whose only asset is his shot on the powerplay.
You think two prospering young players sounds like a bit much?

Well, Craig Rivet has just sent out an SOS to his friend.

"I went from minus-25-degree weather where I was shovelling three inches of snow off my car every day, to waking up to sunshine and blue skies," Rivet said. "You can really see (how) the atmosphere affects the guys.

Oh please.

You're telling me it was "difficult" to play here because of...the weather?

We all know how cocky the Montreal perfectionist media can be (see the Kovalev innuendo) and how it can affect a player's decision to want to play for the Canadiens (forget about Daniel Briere, the Quebecois media will likely feast on him being a "potential target" for GM Bob Gainey.) but come on Craig, you spent 11 seasons here and you think "weather" is a strong factor in the developpement of your play?

Oh please.

This is just him sugarcoating the Sharks for Souray, telling him "Hey, dump that Montreal team with crummy weather and crappy media and "pressure-filled" fans and come live with me here in San Jose, where the skies are blue and where we can walk in the sunshine."

Wow Craig, I know you didn't say that, but that's probably what you meant.

I wonder if Souray read this article, I wonder if he read it to see how "cozy" it is down in San Jose.

"I've enjoyed every minute," said Rivet, who will be a free agent after the Sharks' playoff run ends. "I don't know what the plans are with the Sharks, but I think the guys are great, the city is great.
"I think it's a diamond in the rough. It's a place a lot of players don't know about."

I don't think he ever said that when he was here.

Maybe I'm just sulking that the Habs are out and Rivet is saying things he never said when he was here in Montreal with San Jose.

San Jose is a great place to live, but really, you're telling me that hockey there is better than here?

Rivet, a pending UFA, was acquired by the Sharks on the eve of Trade Deadline day for fellow defenceman Josh Gorges and a 1st round draft pick.

And as we (well, the media) say up here in good ol' MONTREAL: "The City is Hockey".

My sob-filled "it's over" post...

Only read this is you want to cry, Habs fans.

*hysterical sob*And as Mark Streit picked the puck up at his own blue line, realizing there were only 07 seconds remaining in play, I sobbed dearly.

I sobbed for the Canadiens, a team that had just blown a two-goal lead, a team that had given fans an ugly ending for the season, a team that lacked the passion the Leafs had tonight, and finally I sobbed because it was all over.

*continuous sobb*There would be no Cinderella runs for the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge this year, no more glory to uphold our pride, no more passion to support our addiction; it's just all gone. *passionate sob*

*sob*Saku Koivu did not lead this team, like I asked in my prayer. *sob*
Sure he had 3 assists and was not a minus, but the guy who we're paying more than Alex Kovalev did not even get a shot on goal, let alone battle in the corners. *sob*

I am really dissapointed in his showing tonight, his opponent, Mats Sundin, recorded 8 shots on goal, had the same number of assists, but nevertheless, he led his team; he was the Captain.

And now we get to...Alex Kovalev,*sob*after all the support I have shown for him even in times of media houndling him, people getting tired with his inconsistency and telling them all he could easily be the best player in the NHL, it's time for him to go. *sob*, *sob*

I don't have anything against Kovalev, despite a poor performance, I don't hold anything against him. I will however, criticize him.

Where were you tonight Alex?
This is the night you were supposed to show up?
This is the night you HAD to show up?
This is the night, you'd shut them all up and come out of hiding!

Except, you were benched for all but two shifts in the last period of play, and worst of all: Guy Carbonneau found it necessary to put you where you don't belong with the season on the line in the last minute of play: on the bench.
And with that said, I just cannot bare to go through the 2008 season with the guy on our team.
I think Gainey needs to trade him...please, do it, I don't want to suffer with all the Kovalev talk again, and besides, you could possibly get a nice package return back for him.
And once again, I don't hate the guy, I think it's just business and that he doesn't get along well with Guy Carbonneau and the media in question.

Sheldon Souray...*sobs again* is gone.
He will file for unrestricted free-agency and leave us...*sob*He's going to leave us!
There's no way we're going to sign him, unless Gainey sacrifics Kovalev and Samsonov for the price of Souray, we can't afford to sign him.

Oh Shelly...*sob*you've played for the last time in Bleu, Blanc et Rouge...
I'd like to thank you from the heart as I sit here sobbing at my computer desk for everything you have given us during this damned season...leadership, record-breaking scoring, maybe even legendary scoring. I salute you, and I will never forget what kind of a leader you were in the dressing room, and what an offensive fireballer, you were on the ice.*sob*
Aurevoir!*sob*

*Sigh* and now we get to Cristobal Huet. My favourite goaltender and by far the classiest guy of the team. I don't blame you, Cristobal, sure you let in 6 big ones, but, you couldn't even stop 4 of them. Remember how the puck hit off a skate, a stick, a body, a helmet, the zamboni, whatever. It always hit off something and went in. I do however, blame you for one thing: not stepping up when it was needed late in the game.

You kept us in the game after facing around 20 shots in the first period, but you did let in a few softies. I also understand you haven't played in about 2 months, but on this play, it's irrelevant.

Take the first goal for example: (I'm a goalie too) What...just what, were you doing on your knees, in your crease, not even facing the player who scored right, 1 second before the shot was even taken in the slot.
You did go down to block the post, but you did not show me the Huet I admire by pushing off to face the second shot in the slot like you ALWAYS do in the season.

*sob*

I'm sorry we couldn't help you more tonight. I still have confidence in you, and I can't wait to see you play next season.

''Some people might question Carbonneau for putting Huet in, but I think we made the right move,'' said centre Chris Higgins, who scored two goals and added an assist against Toronto.

"The summer will be long," said Huet to the French press.

And yes, you're right, the summer will be VERY long.

I've had enough of ranting and sobbing now, but another thing bothers me.

The 2008 campaign? It could be the worst season in the new NHL era for the Canadiens.

Saku Koivu is not leading the team to wins, like a typical fan like you or if you're a psychotic fanatic like me, would want.

David Aebischer? Bye-bye! There's zero chance you're coming back next year thanks to your crappy play, and the emergence of Jaroslav Halak, makes it all but clear. I don't want to start on you again, I've already said it many times in many posts.

Radek Bonk? Ah, Radek. I hope you get signed, you had a fine year on defence and I appreciate the little things you did that helped this club A LOT.
I realize that you probably won't be retained, if Bob Gainey wants to attempt to keep Andrei Markov and Sheldon Souray, then you're toast mon ami.

*sob*Barring any big discount from the $2.3 million you're making now, I don't see you coming back, nor do I see the most-expensive d-man on our team returning...no, it's not a Markov or a Souray, it's Janne Niinimaa.

I still think management should offer him a contract and remain as the 7th defenceman, rather than bring up a dud like Jean-Phillipe Cote from Hamilton.
His strong play over the month of March is enough of an indication to me, that he wants to remain here. But maybe Bob Gainey will see it differently, and he likely will.

*sob*Mike Johnson? Wow, just a great pickup by Gainey! He had a very good season, and if Mark Streit didn't have a good year, I think he would have been nominated for the Masterton, and possibly (this is WAYYY stretched out) the Selke.

He had a very sound year on defence, and was a good surprise on offence (30 points and over 15o shots is good production at this point in his career).

I don't know if the Canadiens will retain him, he's making $1,9 million and I doubt he'd make that much next season.
I hope he and Bonk will come back, I really do...

I'm worried about this team for the upcoming season, because there is a major need of talent here. I would absolutely love to get Daniel Briere, but, it seems like nobody wants to come here and that Bob Gainey is reluctant to make big trades.
Both those items will cost us dearly next year.*sob*

Here's to hoping Gainey will make the right decisions and turn our team around.

And in the meantime, Go Sabres, but in my heart, I will always bleed Bleu, Blanc et Rouge.

Canadiens fans everywhere...pray.

May Habs fans everywhere please rise and pray for the Canadiens.

Pray for Cristobal Huet to be healthy tonight, to be back into the game, to have regained his first half magic and last but not least to make those key crucial saves. Pray for him to steal us the win and let us sneak into the playoffs and finally, pray for Cristobal...

Pray for Alex Kovalev to come out of hiding. For his heart to wake up and bring the player that has been hidden inside an imposter's body wearing the same jersey number during the entire season. Pray for him to do what he does best, and his best would be enough to carry us to victory tonight...

Pray for Sheldon Souray. Pray for him to remain a Canadien after the season is over. Realizing this could be his last game, God, please let him score once more and let victory roll over when the siren rings as we see him walk off the ice in Bleu, Blanc et Rouge for possibly the last time ever...

Pray for Michael Ryder to do his thing tonight. Pray for the real Ryder, not the -26 Ryder that doesn't backcheck and gets stupid hooking penalties, but the one who shoots the puck with passion and is driven to get the goal judge to ring up the red light on the opposition's net...

Pray for Chris Higgins to wake up. The Chris Higgins we have seen this year is a mere reflection of last year's breakout. Pray for him to drive to the net, to make the play he made before getting injured, and to become a feared player once again. Pray to God to also let him wake up from a condemned sleep, which has showed us minimal offence...

Pray for Tomas Plekanec. Pray for the guy that was considered too weak to play with Kovalev and Samsonov to carry the team should the Kaptain and Kommander fail to do so...

Pray for the Kaptain. Pray for Saku Koivu to lead us in these times of uncertaincy and keep the pride when we need it most. Pray for him to lead us into Lord Stanley's ring...

And finally...Pray for Guy Carbonneau. Pray for the rookie coach to make the right decision for us when times are dark, pray for him to do what is best for us to win and pray that he continues to blast referees.

Last but not least...Pray for Josh Gorges (who's a healthy scratch). Pray for him not to make that bonehead play and cost us a goal. That's all I'm asking. (Even though he's a healthy scratch! :D)

Ah what the heck, it's the Leafs, I think I'm overreacting, after all, it is the Leafs we're playing...

Among other tidbits...Francis Bouillon next one out?

Can Francis Bouillon's time in Montreal be over?

Got this off of Spector, it's very interesting to say the least (corrected the spelling and grammar)

"Daniel" recently sent in the following on the Canadiens

This is probably not possible to check if it's true or not but former referee Ron Fournier said yesterday on popular radio show "Les amateurs de sports" that Gainey's plan is to have Huet as a starter next season and have Halak or young Carey Price as a backup. On defence, the 7 starters planned are Dandenault, Markov, Streit, Komisarek, Gorges with young Jean-Philippe Côté and Ryan O'Byrne leading to the speculation that Sheldon Souray and Janne Niinimaa won't be signed and Francis Bouillon will be traded somewhere this summer. He also said that Gainey wants to pursue a big UFA name such as Bill Guerin, Daniel Brière and Chris Phillips. Fournier said that there's some big surprise for the forwards and doesn't want to reveal it until the Habs season ends. He also said that he has a source from
the Habs management but don't want to say who it is.

This was broadcast on CKAC 730AM around 5PM Tuesday.

Well, Ron Fournier is definitely a good journalist and radio host and I'm sure this isn't far off.

Sheldon Souray will probably command around $6-$6.5 million per season, and I doubt the Canadiens can give him that(I had a post earlier in February on how the Habs could re-sign Souray, but the price has risen now.)
And besides, Souray's only asset is his booming slap shot, besides that, he's not a very good defenceman (he's hovering around -20 these days), and his 5-on-5 play is just plain ordinary.

I know he'll get that kind of money elsewhere, but seriously, it's not the end of the world if the Canadiens let Sheldon Souray walk and invest that money in bringing in a prime-UFA scorer this offseason.
Ok, ok, the powerplay will likely suffer without him, but, look at the bright side, a Daniel Briere, Bill Guerin or Chris Drury would be an even better addition.

Francis Bouillon is having a mediocre season by his standards.
After having an oustanding 2005-2006 campaign, Bouillon's play has declined sharply this season.
The problems start in his own end, despite being able to put up that bone-crushing check often, where he coughs up the puck way too much and shoots the puck up the middle instead of around the boards.
He looks like Sheldon Souray on defence and is nothing close to him on offence.
His offensive input has been miminal this season (3 G, 11 A in 61 games), but an injury he suffered late last season, could be the reason for his inconsistency.
He had 22 points last year, not much off from this year, but it looks like he felt more into it last year. He had 3 powerplay goals and 20 more shots on goal than so far this season.
I wouldn't be sad to see him go, he was a scratch once or twice this season and he has only himself to blame for that.
He's making close to $2 million this season, and if this keeps up, I'd rather have a guy like Ryan O'Byrne or Josh Gorges out there.

Janne Niinimaa...I've already said it, he's having a horrible year all-around, but his play has picked up recently.
He's making a push to get a contract offer from Bob Gainey this summer, to remain as the possible 7th defenceman, but no way for the price he's getting now ($2.5 million).
With that said, I'd rather have him that (blech) Jean-Phillipe Cote up here.

And again, everyone wants these Brieres, Drurys, Guerins, Shanahans to come and put on the Montreal Canadiens jersey, but, every year we get dissapointed.

And if the defence looks like that next season, we're in for a long one.

With respect to O'Byrne, Dandenault and Gorges, that's a pretty crappy defensive back.

Maybe that "surprise" is that a guy like Alex Kovalev, Michael Ryder or even (shudder) Saku Koivu are on the move?

God, I hope not.

Fournier speculates on Souray and Markov

Per Ron Fournier on CKAC radio in Montreal.
Ron's a decent reporter, very respected in Montreal; however he's not always very accurate.

The Canadiens will re-sign Andrei Markov and not Sheldon Souray.

Boy, who didn't think of that; although a recent article from Pat Hickey in the Montreal Gazette suggests Bob Gainey will re-sign Souray as well.
All this is just pure speculation and Ron's got no hard-core facts here.

All we can do now, is wait...

My thoughts on the mockery that hockey has turned into in Montreal.

This picture demonstrates the Canadiens' season overall.

Tonight, as the Canadiens will face-off against the Atlanta Thrashers, I hope they'll know how to spell HUGE, because that's how huge tonight's game is.

With the Leafs putting the Caps away 3-0 a few days ago, the Canadiens find themselves in the 10th spot, 2 points behind the Leafs for the 8th and final playoff spot and 1 point behind 9th place Carolina.

With the way the Habs have been playing recently, it makes me wonder if Guy Carbonneau has thrown them all in the dressing room, pulled out his board, took the cap off the Sharpie pen and scrawled down the misery the Canadiens have dug themselves into.

Yesterday, while at the Eaton Centre, in Montreal, I was proudly wearing my Canadiens jersey and had my jacket open on purpose, just to let everyone see the team that was the second best in the East 2 months ago and that have stumbled so badly.

How badly the common ignoramus asks? Let's just say the Canadiens have now dropped to a double-digit position in the East and the worst part about it is that the majority of their next 14 games are against Northeast division teams, namely the Bruins and Leafs, who are both making a push to put the Canadiens in the cellar and pull ahead in the standings.

I sometimes wonder how I can put up with this? Year in and year out, it's the same story, start off absolutely great, greater than people predicted and then slowly fade away into the New Year, like"the experts" always saw coming.

"Too good to be true" was the most common one.

What? You didn't see it coming? Well, I have to admit, neither did I. I seriously thought this team was for real, that we were Cup Contenders, that this is our year, and look how stupid that sounds now.
I was lost in that unique Canadiens euphoria, one which seldom affects other teams' fans as much as Habs fans, that brings me to 7th heaven and when we started losing, I came back to the place where the sad reality existed: Earth.

When I talk to people about the Canadiens, I usually get a snicker in the face before they register what I told them. Worst of all, I get the same damn excuse over and over...the Canadiens suck, you see, I told you this would happen.

I'm also sick and tired of these so called "fans"who give up on their team after it endures a slump, in this case, a lengthy one.

After a win, it's like: Oh yeah, the Habs are good...and after a loss, you probably guessed it: Oh, the Habs suck, they won't make the playoffs, blah, blah...

God, now I hope this town also realizes how important Cristobal Huet is to this team, as they now have no-bona fide number one and in danger of falling out of playoff contention, that could possibly kill them.

I still have faith, and I hope you Habs fans do too...

GO HABS!

Bleu, Blanc et Rouge.

Why it's not a dream to think of Sheldon Souray and Andrei Markov both in Montreal next season...

Sheldon Souray (centre) and Andrei Markov (left) will both be unrestricted free agents on July 1st.

In today's Montreal Gazette, Pat Hickey is reporting that there is a possibility Sheldon Souray will re-sign with the Canadiens and that he has already discussed this scenario with his distant wife, Angelica Bridges.

It was believed Sheldon Souray would seek a contract from a California based team so he can be closer to his daughter.

"I really don't spend enough time with her," said Souray during an RDS interview last week.

This situation become more complex with Sheldon Souray's wife expecting their second child sometime in May and Hickey notes his relationship will become complicated if he decides to stay in Montreal.

I've thought about Souray's situation intently, and you know what, contrary to public belief that Bob Gainey will not afford to re-sign Andrei Markov and Sheldon Souray, the Canadiens may very well indeed hang onto both, and here's why:

a) Janne Niinimaa, acquired in a pre-season trade from Dallas for Mike Ribeiro, has not panned out and has proved to be a bust in Montreal. He is currently wasting $2.5 million in capspace as the 7th defenceman, and believe it or not, he is the Canadiens' highest paid defenceman.
He is also eligible for UFA status on July 1st and it is near absolute certaincy that he will not be back in Bleu, Blanc et Rouge next season.
Bottom line: Expected to file for free-agency and not be re-signed; -$2,5 million

b) David Aebsicher, a tale of two goalies. Aebsicher started off the season in a hot mood, winning over Habs' fans hearts with his spectacular play, highlighted by a 47-save 5-4 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs in October.
Things started going downhill from there, Cristobal Huet regained the no.1 goalie status after overcoming early season doubts and put Aebischer behind the bench for good for much of December and January.

He got the occasional call in goal and most of the time was nothing more than ordinary, giving up soft and usually long rebounds and being caught out of position a lot ensued more criticism on him from disgruntled Canadiens fans.

His best chance for redemption came when Cristobal Huet suffered a season-ending hamstring/groin injury in the second period of a game against the Devils in February.
As I saw Huet squirm in pain, I knew David Aebischer was our only hope and quite frankly, I wasn't convinced. With Montreal slipping in the standings, they now find themselves on the verge of missing the playoffs. This all 2 months after the Canadiens held the second best record in the Eastern Conference and challenged the Buffalo Sabres for the Northeast division lead.

Since then, David Aebischer has struggled and it seems he has lost all confidence.
Rookie Jaroslav Halak has won over Guy Carbonneau's heart with his strong play despite the occasional soft goal.

It remains to be seen if the Canadiens will make the playoffs, if not, David Aebsicher will be the first to blame.
I don't see him returning next season, especially with the emergence of Jaroslav Halak.
He is eligible for RFA status on July 1st and has hinted he'd prefer being a starting goaltender elswhere.
Bottom Line: Aebischer's inconsistent play for most of the season might have cost him his job in Montreal, he can no longer be depended on. Unlikely to return. - $1,9 million

c) Radek Bonk: deal or no deal? After a disgusting 2005-2006 in his first season with Montreal, Bonk is tearing it up this season. All-around reliable defensively, a good spark offensively and on top of it, he's by far Guy Carbonneau's favorite player.
Bonk, acquired on Draft Day in June 2004 along with Cristobal Huet for goaltender Mathieu Garon and a 3rd round pick was expected to be an offensive force with a good frame, since the Canadiens lack size, he was expected to produce.
He did not, he struggled with injury problems all season and never got on a roll, he finished the season on the 4th line and provided a limited offensive edge.
However, Bonk is playing the best hockey of his life this season. He has a new friend on the 3rd line, Mike Johnson, and they have become a great defensive duo for the Canadiens, working the penalty kill and occasionally the power play.
Bonk seems always to be in the right spot on defence, being a thorn in the opponent's behind and appears to have regained the offensive touch the Canadiens have longed for.
Bottom line: Definite re-signing...but for a bit cheaper than 2.3 million? Bonk likes Montreal and the organisation likes him, a contract around $1.3-1.4 million is likely here. -$1 million.

d) Mike Johnson: acquired in an off-season trade from the Phoenix Coyotes for a 4th round pick, Johnson has blossomed into a Frank Selke like player. He has a good offensive side and is reliable defensively, he's not afraid to hit either and he's gotten into a few tiffs this season and he shoots the puck a lot.
A great pickup by GM Bob Gainey but the burning question in Johnson's case is, would he be willing to stay here for less? He's currently earning $1.9 million and it's unlikely the Canadiens will offer him that much. A slight pay cut may be in order. - $0.4 million

Aaron Downey will clear up around 425K; which gives us a grand total of - $5,8 million.
Not bad, and considering the cap may go up a million or two, that gives the Canadiens the opportunity to re-sign Souray and Markov.

Souray will probably get $5 or $5.5 million next season. Andrei Markov will probably get $4 or $4.5 million. TOTAL: $9 to $10 million for both of them

And with the Canadiens having $1.56 million left in cap space...we take out $5,8 million which give us: $7,36 million free and with the cap possibly going up $2 million, $9,36 left in cap space.
We're still missing $0.64 million in cap space to make this possible. Well, if Garth Murray is moved, that'll clear up around 500 K and if somehow, Bob Gainey can move Sergei Samsonov that'll make it possible, however it's unlikely. And Cristobal Huet makes $0.25 million less next season, freeing up the necessary space to sign them both.

Just my two cents, I maybe be wrong, but, hopefully, it'll turn out like this.
And what makes this so superficial, is that Chris Higgins, Mike Komisarek, Tomas Plekanec, Michael Ryder and Josh Gorges will likely get an increase in salary next season as RFA's.

If only dreams can come true, and Bob Gainey can impress me once more...

Bleu, Blanc et Rouge.