Pre-Game Talk: Habs Training Camp

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Switched it to Pre-Game Talk.. figured it was before our first game. :laugh:

Anyway, Commodore may get invited, but he won't make the team. Not a chance.

1. Gorges
2. Subban
3. Markov
4. Emelin
5. Diaz
6. Kaberle
7. Weber
8. Bouillon
9. St-Denis

All better options than Commodore.

As I wrote in one of the other threads, Commodore could barely keep up in the AHL. He will be in the first wave of cuts. Yes, in theory, we need that type of rugged D, but he's done.

This team could really use a big, experienced and right handed D; Markov, Kaberle, Diaz, Saint-Denis and Weber are redundant.

What is his main problem in the AHL... is it his skating?
 
This team could really use a big, experienced and right handed D; Markov, Kaberle, Diaz, Saint-Denis and Weber are redundant.

What is his main problem in the AHL... is it his skating?
Why is St-Denis lumped in there? He's not an offensive defenseman. He's a 2-way guy who managed to finish +3 over 17 games last season on a bad team.
 
Camps begin on Sunday, per Daly.

That likely leaves 5 days of on-ice sessions before the 19th. since there's usually a day for physicals when camp opens.

Kjell, yes, his skating is woeful.
 
Why is St-Denis lumped in there? He's not an offensive defenseman. He's a 2-way guy who managed to finish +3 over 17 games last season on a bad team.

St. Denis either had an uncanny tendancy to be in the lineup when the rest of the team was having a good game or helped the team play much better because he solidified the 3rd pairing by his presence.

I'd like him to get a legit shot to play as an NHL defenseman to see if it was the later rather than the former. I'm fond of players that aren't at all spectacular in how they play but are just effective at professional hockey.
 
Why is St-Denis lumped in there? He's not an offensive defenseman. He's a 2-way guy who managed to finish +3 over 17 games last season on a bad team.

Please keep in mind that I am evaluating him strictly based on his short nhl stint so obviously my evaluation is deficient/incomplete. I am a fan of Saint-Denis... heck I see a Gorges in him! Average size, two ways abilities, perfect work ethic, the guy rarely makes a mistake...

I threw his name in there because he is not a big rugged stay at home D; one who can defend Price, Subban or Emelin when someone decides to jump on them. One who can cover for his more offensively oriented pairing partner. Subban and Emelin can play a nasty physical game and Gorges can definitely stand his ground. The rest have, from my point of view and to various degrees, a "soft" tag attached to them. And that includes Saint-Denis.

Montreal has been lacking a stabilizing force in its D squad for years now and until we find a Jackman or, even better, a Lyle "Mr Smile" Odelin, I will not consider this D squad worthy of a playoff spot. Maybe Tinordi will answer this need in 2-3 years, until then the need of a big and tough Dman will continue to cloud my judgement regarding our D squad... GAWD I hate our D squad!
 
Yannick Weber to the Isles for David Ullstrom or Casey Cizikas seems fair?

or if the Habs are looking for better goalie prospects maybe Kevin Poulin can be an option?

Weber for Ullstrom straight up is a deal I'd seriously consider from the Habs POV. I don't know if Isles would feel the same though.
 
I'm out of the loop, who from the Bulldogs right now has a legitimate chance to make the Habs?
 
Does Gallagher make it to the team this year?

I don't know why anybody didn't mention this earlier. The question is simple does he make the team this year or does he stay in Hamilton all year? I've watcher 15-20 bulldogs game and he is looking a lot like gionta lacks a bit of skills but is hard working in the corners, taking the shot when needed( maybe too much like Gionta) and has got some good wheels.

I think he could crack the top 9 this year i would like to see him play with Eller and Bourque that would be a good checking scoring line. He also could make Gionta expendable and play on the second line by the end of the year. I see a 50 point 20 goals ceiling for him i think it's realistic.
 
Lots of interesting "stories" to follow this short season...

-the Gomez situation with all the subplots...will he make the team? will they move Eller to wing to make him room? how much of a chance does he get with no exhibitions?
-Therrien and his relationship with the team and media...he was a hard ass the first time around but may have mellowed
-Markov and his comeback, by all accounts the knee is strong, hope it stays that way and he makes a triumphant return
-Bourque, will he be able to bounce back from a horrible half year
-Kaberle, see Bourque
-Will the return to health of White and Moen and the additions of Bouillon Prust and Armstrong bring the needed grit/toughness?
-Price had a mediocre year by his standards, will we see a more focused version crank it up and become a top 5 goalie
-the Subban contract sitiation
 
as much as a like his work ethic i think a full season with the dogs is best for him.
 
i believe in gallagher and love the way he just keeps surprising everyone .. but i would think they will keep him down till next year at the very least just to let him physically mature a tad more.. but could he.. hells ya i think he could.. hes always surprising most
 
as much as a like his work ethic i think a full season with the dogs is best for him.

Exactly. He's doing well there (not great though). There's no rush. He takes such a pounding in the AHL driving to the net, putting him at a higher level of hockey would be very dangerous for his health too. Let him mature physically.

The Habs have Cole-Gionta-Armstrong-White on RW, there's really no room at this point.
 
I'm going to say no. However he plays his heart out every night, so you never know.

I think finishing the year in Hamilton will be best for him. He still could improve his shot (release, consistency) and continue to get stronger. His skating as well, but he looks a lot faster now than he did in junior.

Love the way he plays, I really want to see him succeed.
 
I don't think there's anybody in Hamilton I would promote. Maybe Blunden as 13th forward.
 
...how about giving the guy a defense coach job in Hamilton, instead? I mean, he has been real ordinary in the AHL and can barely keep up with the game there. He's clearly a leftover from the clutch & grab era and he's not getting any younger either. He has no shot at making it.
 
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