Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Habs Notebook: Draft Week Edition

A few thoughts on this week's happenings:

-Lots of people want Andrei Kostitsyn traded because he's not got the smarts to go with his skills. I honestly wonder if there's something developmentally wrong with him. No joke. He was born fourteen months before the Chernobyl reactor blew, and sixty percent of the fallout from the explosion fell on Belarus. Considering that the Kostitsyns grew up in a city built around a bunch of chemical factories, recognized as THE most polluted city in one of the most polluted countries in Europe, Chernobyl was just the topper. Could there be a chance that Andrei Kostitsyn is a Chernobyl child, with all the fallout issues they face?

-Speaking of Kostitsyn, those who want him traded want to get a big, scoring winger in return. Unfortunately, Kostitsyn's not going to bring that much in a trade. If you consider he's able to pot 20-plus goals when he's asleep for half the season, Kostitsyn definitely has talent. It's the sleeping part that annoys Habs fans and will turn other GMs off in trade talks. Nobody's going to give up their big, 30-goal winger for a big, 25-goal winger with consistency issues, and there's no sense in trading down. The other possibility is to dump his contract for a pick and use the money to sign a guy like Colby Armstrong. Armstrong is probably worth twenty points less than Kostitsyn, but he'll go to the net and hit people. There's no question about his will to win, but again, it would be a downgrade from Kostitsyn in pure talent.

-I really hope Carey Price has a sports psychologist on retainer for this season. No matter what his physical gifts may be, he's proven himself to be a bit of a headcase. He needs to learn not to flip out when he gets booed (fairly or not) and to get past bad goals and bad games without glaring at his defencemen, breaking his stick or taking unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. He's very sensitive, and unless he can control that, he won't be long for Montreal. The problem is, the Canadiens now NEED him to get it together or they'll have traded Halak for nothing.

-There's lots of concern out there about the Habs being too small down the middle for too long a time now that Plekanec's locked up. The biggest evidence is the three shutouts against the Flyers in the playoffs. I think that theory is misleading because Gionta and Cammalleri were able to score, despite their size. The big guys, Pouliot and Kostitsyn, were the ones who didn't produce. Gomez and Plekanec contributed in other ways, and helped set up their small linemates. The other two did nothing. As far as I can see, the wings are a much bigger problem than the centres on the first two lines. Sigh. Remember when Pouliot used to score?

-The cap is very, very tight right now. There's only $8.8 million left for eight players, including a backup goalie. I think it's safe to say Gauthier isn't done moving pieces around just yet. With PK Subban ready to make the team, getting rid of the last year of Hamrlik's deal would make the most sense. It's also going to be the toughest thing to move. If he had better offensive numbers, it'd be easier, but that's not the case. It's probably safe to say Sergei Kostitsyn will be gone for a late pick and a few dollars saved by bringing up a kid from Hamilton (maybe Trotter...hopefully not Maxwell) to fill his job. Still, that's not going to save much money so it'll be interesting to see how Gauthier works the trade market for the rest of this week.

-With Darche signed to a one-way deal, it looks like he'll be the 13th forward. Assuming Pouliot gets qualified and Kostitsyn won't be traded, that means the top-six will be the same as last year. It also means there will be only the six bottom-six forward spots open for newcomers. Moen's already got one of those spots, so that leaves Moore, Pyatt, White, Lapierre, Eller, Maxwell, Trotter, Pacioretty, Sergei Kostitsyn and Desharnais as possible candidates for the other five positions. With so much internal competition and so little money, I think Gauthier won't be signing any new free agents of note unless he can dump considerable salary.

-The draft is also really up in the air for the Canadiens. They have many needs, but are in line for another "project" pick. There are a couple of interesting possibilities, though. Dylan McIlrath is the guy a lot of Habs fans would like to get. He's a huge, tough defenceman who's pretty good in a stay-at-home role and has untapped offensive potential. He can also pound the snot out of guys. If he's available at #27, he'd be a good pick. If he's not and the Habs go for a forward, Tyler Pitlick (great name!) and John McFarland are a couple of centres with size and potential. The knock on McFarland is his low goal total in junior, and there's a question about his dedication in some circles, which is shouted down in others. Pitlick is from Minnesota, so he's a Timmins natural, as is Brock Nelson, a third possible choice if the Habs go with a big centre. Then there's the Kabanov question. Kirill Kabanov has top-five talent, but because of the "Russian factor" and some concerns about his headspace generally, has fallen sharply down the draft ranks. I'd think the Canadiens will at least consider him if he's available when they pick, although they may have finally been burned enough by Russians to bypass him despite his talent. Habs will need a goalie too, but will probably take one in the later rounds. Calvin Pickard could be available when the Habs choose, but I can't see them spending their first on a goaltender who could challenge Price within a couple of years.

-Speaking of Price, his contract is still up in the air. It doesn't make a lot of sense for Gauthier to have traded Halak with Price still unsigned. The goalie didn't have a lot of negotiating power with competition around, but now he's in the drivers' seat. Gauthier needs to sign him to keep him away from offer sheets, but based on last year's stats, the contract didn't need to be high before Halak got dealt. Price could have been qualified on his base salary of $895-thousand. Now that number will most likely shoot up.

-In terms of team structure, I'd like to see a change from the traditional "top-two lines/third line/barely used mishmash of a fourth line" set-up Martin used last year. Since the first and second lines will be likely the same as last year's, I'd like to see a very good defensive third line which will take some of the PK duties off Plekanec, Gomez and Gionta. I really liked the Moore/Pyatt/Lapierre line in the playoffs and wouldn't mind seeing it used full-time as the third line. If Moore can't be re-signed, perhaps Moen or White could take the empty spot with Lapierre moving to centre. What I'd like to see for the fourth line is three promising youngsters who complement each other. Maybe Eller, Trotter and Desharnais. I remember when White, Trotter and Desharnais got a start together last year when half the regulars were hurt, and they were on fire. I think giving them some ice time with other players at the same level could help them all develop in the NHL, and if it works, it gives the team a very nice option of having three scoring lines. It's a nice thought, although it would mean dumping Moen if Moore's back, so it probably wouldn't happen. Too bad.

-People are worried about Plekanec's no-trade clause. I think there's no need to be concerned. He's the type of guy who, if the GM came to him and said "You're not what we need anymore," would waive the no-trade because he wouldn't want to stay if they don't want him. I think he's got the clause because it gives him peace of mind. Now, when he hears his name in trade rumours, he knows it's BS. And, if there should be a deal to a crappy team requiring him to waive his NTC, he can decline and wait to go to a better team. Overall though, if it came down to getting stuck with an unproductive Plekanec or asking him to waive his NTC, I think he'd just agree to go.

23 comments:

Gilbert Goyens said...

I disagree a little with your 4th line. Habs lack bangers who can provide energy and hit opposition D. Young players, generally speaking now, aren't responsible enough defensively and would cost hard-to-come-by goals. Wouldn't it be nice if a youngster actually made things difficult for the Habs brass?

Anonymous said...

BAD TASTE MAN! Don't call peoble Chernobyl kids!

Anonymous said...

Interesting take. The Chernobyl comments I think are over the line in my opinion. AK is yoru typical Russian and he plays when he wants to. I say ship him our for draft picks or even to move up to get Mcllrath. I also would agree on the Colby Armstrong addition. My only question is why does everyone dump him at the trade deadline? Maybe he is a bit of a jerk? Kind of like Moore actually.

ganderhab said...

I was at that game against Pittsburgh last February when the White-Trotter-Desharnais line was simply dominant. They Penguin defence was always a step behind them and they drew two penalties that changed the game. The next day against Boston when nobody was any good they were just okay and Trotter was returned to Hamilton with Desharnais not far behind. Hopefully this year they will get a longer look, because with so much money going to 6 guys the only way we can improve is by getting production from guys making the minimum. Even Metro and Moore will make too much to leave enough cap room for a late pickup or injuries.

J.T. said...

@the anons: I'm not calling names or belittling Chernobyl kids. I'm saying Andrei Kostitsyn may legitimately be one of them. He was a baby when the disaster happened, and it's completely within the realm of possibility that he's affected by it. That's not being un-PC. It's wondering about a very possible health effect on a player who went through a seriously damaging event.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe you actually believe and wrote what you did. Bizarre!!!

punkster said...

I usually enjoy your articles and this one does have its good points. Unfortunately I find the way you phrased the Chernobyl comment is uncalled for and it's not a matter of me being overly sensitive or PC. It's in poor taste to make the suggestion in the way you did.

Anonymous said...

It's funny that "anonymous" had issues with your discussion of Chernobyl but then said Kostitsyn was "your typical Russian". First off, Kostitsyn is from Belarus not Russia and there is no such thing as a typical Russian anyhow.

hamiltonboy said...

People need to get over the Price issue. This kid has proven in the past that he has the ability and the mental toughness to play at a high level and under pressure. If by chance some GM out there wants to give him an offer sheet that the Habs can't afford, let him go and take the draft picks. As we heard when Halak was dealt, there's lots of UFA goalies out there to sign. And don't underestimate Desjardins who played in Hamilton last year. This kid is gonna be good!

Anonymous said...

The only hope for improving the Canadiens is a trade and the only player who could bring a strong return is Markov. He's in the last year of his deal will be a UFA and will want more money than he's worth, won't play until November so nows the time to do something with him. He's still young enough I'm sure some team would take him. The Habs should deal him before it's too late. Gainey blew it with Plekanec when he didn't extend him when he was a RFA, could have got him for Krejci money. Montreal doesn't think ahead very well so I guess we fans are stuck with the same old team we always get.

As far as AK46 goes, I remember at the draft when the talking heads were saying what a terrific and brave pick the Habs made. The only reason he didn't go higher was concern over his epilepsy and the Habs doctors checked him out and could control it. It didn't work out but hindsight is easy. You're grasping at straws with the Chernobyl bit it but at least you're thinking.

Paul O. said...

However, there is a stereotype of the 'typical russian' (like Kovalev, here one game gone the next) rightly or wrongly and some would argue that Kostitsyn fits the bill. It is a stupid thing to say considering he is from Belrus, but it is a pretty common saying in hockey.

Kostitsyn is a great player, I think he can turn things around though. No one was talking about him being developmentally delayed three seasons ago.

rogieshan said...

The Kostitsyns have simply not adapted to the North American environment, on and off the ice. I think Kovalev was a big-brother figure for them while he was here, but, with him gone, they're unable to cope. Markov is too reserved to take on that role.

Benee said...

I like your fourth line idea and have nothing against the terminology " Chernobyl Kid ".
Way back when in the 50's or 60's, there were what they called "Thalidamide Babies" which were babies born with defects because of a certain birth control pill ingredient, I think.
Its not like he's being called a " retard " but rather a child that has been affected negatively by the environment in which he grew up, hence "Cernobyl Kid".
No foul.
Ray

Anonymous said...

Just a thought!!! what do you think about drafting Jarred Tinordi with our 27th pick ...

I wouldnt mind trading for the 23-24th pick to make sure he's available.

We are talking about a 6'4 210 pounds 17 years old. He will grow even bigger. He,s a decent skater with great passing ability. He wont be a power play guy, but a mean nasty defence to play against. He would be a great project. Even more with his father being who he is, he knows what to do to get to the NHL.

I would definitely see the Tinordi kid with a Habs jersey. He's Timmins boy as well having played in the USHL and being an american...

what do you think?

Anonymous said...

Settle down folks. He didn't call him a Chernobyl kid to be derogatory. Quit getting offended just to say you're offended. This world is too full of sensitive babies.
Fact = Kostitsyn is stupid. So is his brother. Not just a little stupid either. Like superpower stupid. Like the kind of stupid you could write a comic about. Fact = Kostitsyn grew up in the most polluted city in the most polluted country. Fact = Chernobyl blew 14 months after he was born and then sent sick amounts of radiation to sit damn near over Kostitsyn's house.
Stop me when I get to the part where J.T was out of line...

Benee said...

"Decent skater" doesn't cut it and passing ability has to be a given in the NHL.
Stick with McIllraith, big, tough,mean with a bullet from the point.

Anonymous said...

I would trade Hammer to Ottawa for Kovy. They get a d-man after losing Volchenkov and we get a big winger. The money is the same.

Anonymous said...

Big Buff would have looked good in Montreal and a lot happier too I bet, but he's off to Atlanta. Maybe some day the Habs will have a GM with some imagination but until then it's bubble time in Montreal.

Anonymous said...

Byfuglien, Plekanec and Cammalleri. Nah, I'll stick with AK46, we'll be fine. NOT!

Paul O. said...

Who would we have traded for Byfuglien though? Would anyone in their right mind trade for Kostitsyn or even both? Could we have taken on the salary of all of the players Chicago was looking to get rid of?

Anonymous said...

I think epilepsy is pretty tough to work with, and the medications used to control it do not enhance physical performance, dexterity, or quickness of thought. Drugs and alcohol do not help, plenty of rest is needed, and excitement needs to be taken in moderation. Just saying, and of course I defer to those with a medical background in neurology.

I wonder if the Habs won't select Jerome Gauthier-Leduc? They might come out and explain how he was really highly rated on their lists, has yet to reach his potential, and how they envision him as complementing their fine young group of D-men.

DKerr said...

I would try to keep the brothers. AK46 has talent and sometimes shows a willingness to lay out a good body check. I look for a bounce back year from him. If he gains consistency, he will be good. When we beat the B's in the first round of the playoffs, a certain frequent attendee to Habs home games pointed out #74 as a new kind of exciting Hab. That was Mr. Beliveau, talking to the Versus interviewer. If Big Jean saw something there, I'd give him a chance at redemmption. The cost isn't great.

@anon who mentioned that Gainey blew it by not signing Pleks long term last year; when he was signed, most of the comments were negative as in "why is Gainey paying $$$ to a guy who had 39 points?" He made the signing on faith and the expectation that he could bounce back. Did you actually predict a 70 point season out of Plecks after scoring only 39? If you are like most and did not know, then you are using hindsight logic to question why he wasn't locked up then. That will come in handy when Lats scores 40 goals in Minnesota!

MC said...

Assuming he is healthy, I think AK46 will have a big breakout year because he will have two good linemates that he is familiar with, he is coming into his prime at 25 years old, and his shot is just lethal when he uses it. It is also the last year in his contract and he is eligible for arbitration next year, so he will be motivated to put up big numbers and cash in.

AK46 only had 15 goals last year, but 10 of those were in December alone! He was about to have his big breakout last year until that low hit from Ballard took out his knee. He was never quite right after the surgery in my opinion, so I don't think last year is a fair assessment of his development.

I also worry that Price may be a head-case, but I have another theory that gives me hope about Price. Most of his bad behaviour and inconsistency over the last few years could simply be immaturity. Think about how you were at 20-22 years old, and be really honest, would you like your character to be judged on how you were then? I think based on his age we should reserve judgement. Marty Brodeur was 23 before he was a starter. Hasek was almost 30. Remember Cam Ward stealing the Cup as a rookie? Ward was 22 in 2006. I have hope, not quite faith, but hope that Price will find his way this year.