2011-2012 If I Were GM

[grecohab]

I think you may looking at this suggestion with blinders for whatever reason. Try and look at the plan as a financial remedy from Washington’s needs. As of today they are $1.8 million over the cap with 23 players signed. From your 28 teams remove 7 as they don’t have the cap space to take on $5-6 million and still sign their remaining players for a 23 man roster.

Montreal is one of 20 teams that has the means to swing a realistic deal and still stay in a responsible financial position. The member clearly states only a 60% to 70% chance of it happening. Also one has to take into consideration how many other teams in the 20 are in need of what Washington has to offer.

Try taking a second look at the whole picture

I couln't have post it better! What a waste of time replying above

[MIASUN]

The Habs lineup is slightly improved but as stated a couple pages back, I also agree to be a legit cup threat the Habs need one more d-man and one more tough bottom 6 player.

The UFA pool has pretty much dried up, it is time to scour the cap casualties list. Right now, Washington and Buffalo are prime targets.

Scott Hannan on defence is a solid option, he's still a UFA and at 32 has a ton of experience without being washed up. I also think he can still handle 20 minutes a night.

Matt Hendricks is a solid 4th line option.

John Erskine on defence fulfills a dual role, he's tough and a d-man.

Eric Fehr, Mike Knuble or Jason Chimera are all very good role players that I doubt the Caps will part with but if I were GM, I would at least ask about.

Alex Semin won't happen.

From Buffalo; I think they still need a backup goalie and are right up against the cap as well.

Paul Gaustad is the type of gritty forward that could help us, he's huge but he can play and is a center.

Patrick Kaleta is another shift disturber that we could use.

Cody Mccormick would also be great on our 4th line.

Landing even one of these above players, particularly a tough guy who can take a regular shift alongside Ryan White could really help the team. Hannan would also really solidify the D corps and render Spacek expendable for a bag of peanuts to a cap craving team.

[NewfoundlandHab]

The only players WSH is going to dump is in order Poti, Erskine, Fehr. They may consider Schultz too because by signing Alzner they are set in the top 4 plus 1(Green, Wideman, Carlson, Hamrlik). One of Poti, Erskine and Schultz will fill the final spot and one may stay for insurance policy. So a defensemen is going to walk. Is it enough? No. So a forward walks too. Fehr. There is your package Fehr and Poti/Erskine/Schulz. What would you offer for that? Remember no salary comes back. So now how many teams willing to trade prospects/picks for this package? Analyzing my proposal you can see it is based on a theory of "i'll take all of your defense dumping salary (Poti/Schultz and Erskine), if you take same back (Spacek)" and "i'll even take some extra salary (Fehr),for a 2nd". I still consider this fair value and the only thing i would maybe add is a d prospect (Carle). By the way i have already seen worse trades this year. TOR - NAS. I still can't believe the return TOR got.

I understand why it could work but I just see them getting better return from other teams even if it is 2 or 3 separate trades. However, you're right, if TOR could pull off that trade, this one could definitely happen That trade still baffles me

[THEBIGGESTHABSFAN123]

People told me Hannan is a LD, so would he be good with Subban on the second pairing? Subban is right handed. The first pairing would be Markov-Emelin. I know Emelin is a big question mark and if he can't handle the minutes than you could give the second line a bit more ice time than the first until Emelin is ready. Is Hannan a physical shutdown D man?

[MIASUN]

People told me Hannan is a LD, so would he be good with Subban on the second pairing? Subban is right handed. The first pairing would be Markov-Emelin. I know Emelin is a big question mark and if he can't handle the minutes than you could give the second line a bit more ice time than the first until Emelin is ready. Is Hannan a physical shutdown D man?

I don't think Emelin will play with Markov right away. Markov - Gorges. Hannan - Subban. Would be a solid top 4 IMO.

[BigTed3]

I don't think Emelin will play with Markov right away. Markov - Gorges. Hannan - Subban. Would be a solid top 4 IMO.

Where in the line-up Emelin starts (with Markov on the first pairing, on the third pairing, or in the press-box) will be decided in the pre-season. I believe he'll get every chance to show he's NHL-ready. But make no mistake about it, Gill was signed to play with either Subban or Gorges. I do not think he will be starting the year playing with Spacek, Weber, or Emelin.

[MIASUN]

I agree that's why Gill was signed but IMHO he'd be better served as a bottom pairing d-man at even strength and as a lockdown d-man on the PK totalling about 18 minutes a night to stay fresh. That's why I'm so hopeful for Emelin or for the addition of a Hannan. I just don't feel that Gill or Spacek has enough in the tank to play 22/night + playoffs.

[grecohab]

I agree that's why Gill was signed but IMHO he'd be better served as a bottom pairing d-man at even strength and as a lockdown d-man on the PK totalling about 18 minutes a night to stay fresh. That's why I'm so hopeful for Emelin or for the addition of a Hannan. I just don't feel that Gill or Spacek has enough in the tank to play 22/night + playoffs.

You are right. In our ECF run Gill and Gorges were the perfect shutdown pairing, against opponents as Crosby and Ovechkin. I think we should reunite this duo in the 5-6 defense spots with huge PK minutes. That means Markov and Subban will anchor the 1st and 2nd pairing respectivly, with partners two of Emelin, Weber and Spacek. I can see Markov mentoring effectivly Emelin, although its a gamble, but i can't see either Weber or Spacek able to pair with Subban. This is why we absolutely need a top 4 stay at home big defensemen, to pair with Subban. We missed on many UFA who would fill the spot, and now the only option is a trade for that kind of player with one of Spacek or Weber involved. I can't imagine going into the season with our current defense stracture.

[NewfoundlandHab]

Fehr to WPG for their 4th round pick. Solid trade for the Jets

[powerplay2009]

Fehr to WPG for their 4th round pick. Solid trade for the Jets

Is that a rumor or is it confirmed?

Nevermind.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=568923&navid=mod-rr-headlines

[NewfoundlandHab]

Fehr trade was actually for a 4th and a prospect

[IceHemi]

Max Pacioretty - Tomas Plekanec - Eric Cole

Michael Cammalleri - David Desharnais - Brian Gionta

Andrei Kostitsyn - Vinnie Prospal - Nikolay Zherdev

Tyler Sloan - Ryan White - Peter Harrold

Andrei Markov - Alexei Yemelin

Hal Gill - P K Subban

Josh Gorges - Shane O'Brien

Yannick Weber backup dman and 4th line sub for Harrold

Jaroslav Spacek backup dman

Gomez is gone to AHL or trade if we get that lucky.

Eller 22 6'2" 198 goes to the AHL for a season so he can develop and improve his game.

Vinnie Prospal 36 6’2” 198 $1 m really gives us strength down the middle and improves 3rd line offense.

Nikolay Zherdev 26 6'2" 203 for under $2 m improves our top 6 talent and he could move up from the 3 rd line.

Tyler Sloan 30 6'4" 204 $ 0.5 m d man who also plays wing, big body checking defensive line

Peter Harrold 28 6'0" 185 $ 0.5 m another D man who plays wing fast skater too!

Yannick Weber can play Harrolds spot on 4th line and also play some d too!

Shane O'Brien 27 6'3" 230 big body in your face stay at home dman with ability to still improve game

This really improves the talent and size of this team.

Teams can exceed the salary cap's upper limit by 10 percent during the off-season so the Capitals can have about $70.7 m in signing space and can ship some bodies to the AHL or make a trade to cover the overage before the pre-season starts.

[concreteveins]

There are a few interesting young RFA d-men around the league that might be available this year and next year simply because of cap issues for certain teams. Andrej SEKERA Zach BOGOSIAN and Karl ALZNER are interesting at the moment.

Jason DEMERS, Dimitri KULIKOV and Keaton ELLERBY are interesting next year.

[Nine1One]

There are a few interesting young RFA d-men around the league that might be available this year and next year simply because of cap issues for certain teams. Andrej SEKERA Zach BOGOSIAN and Karl ALZNER are interesting at the moment.

Jason DEMERS, Dimitri KULIKOV and Keaton ELLERBY are interesting next year.

How so ? no way Tallon lets them get away.

[NewfoundlandHab]

From HockeyBuzz:

Markov, Gorges, Gill and Subban. Pretty exceptional foursome in the East. They may not be the toughest, or the strongest, but they are so well-balanced it's hard to find a top-four that rival them.

...Sorry, Eric Engles, its not that hard to be honest.

[BigTed3]

From HockeyBuzz:

Markov, Gorges, Gill and Subban. Pretty exceptional foursome in the East. They may not be the toughest, or the strongest, but they are so well-balanced it's hard to find a top-four that rival them.

...Sorry, Eric Engles, its not that hard to be honest.

Subban will be a number one in the future. I think he'll be even better this year than he was last year and while he's not quite ready to be a bona fide number one yet, he's a top 3 guy. A healthy Markov is also a top 3 guy IF he returns to his past form. After that, Gill and Gorges are both guys who can partner better players and play decent minutes but they are by themselves 3rd pairing defencemen being asked to play a more important role. For my money, Emelin is actually the guy who has the chance of being a top 4 guy, but he's also a huge wild-card because o his lack of experience here and I'm not willing to bank on his being ready to play that role this year. If PG had been able to acquire one more right-handed top 4 guy, we would have been fairly set on the back end, but as it stands right now, we're going to be asking several players to play above their talent level.

[Habs_Hockey_Nutz]

Subban will be a number one in the future. I think he'll be even better this year than he was last year and while he's not quite ready to be a bona fide number one yet, he's a top 3 guy. A healthy Markov is also a top 3 guy IF he returns to his past form. After that, Gill and Gorges are both guys who can partner better players and play decent minutes but they are by themselves 3rd pairing defencemen being asked to play a more important role. For my money, Emelin is actually the guy who has the chance of being a top 4 guy, but he's also a huge wild-card because o his lack of experience here and I'm not willing to bank on his being ready to play that role this year. If PG had been able to acquire one more right-handed top 4 guy, we would have been fairly set on the back end, but as it stands right now, we're going to be asking several players to play above their talent level.

... and some of those on their off-wing

I agree a right-hand top-four is a bonafide need... its hard to understand how Habs management seem to be okay with a band of predominant lefties (again).

[concreteveins]

Subban will be a number one in the future. I think he'll be even better this year than he was last year and while he's not quite ready to be a bona fide number one yet, he's a top 3 guy. A healthy Markov is also a top 3 guy IF he returns to his past form. After that, Gill and Gorges are both guys who can partner better players and play decent minutes but they are by themselves 3rd pairing defencemen being asked to play a more important role. For my money, Emelin is actually the guy who has the chance of being a top 4 guy, but he's also a huge wild-card because o his lack of experience here and I'm not willing to bank on his being ready to play that role this year. If PG had been able to acquire one more right-handed top 4 guy, we would have been fairly set on the back end, but as it stands right now, we're going to be asking several players to play above their talent level.

Steve Eminger. Nick Boynton. Not top 4 but cheap depth with size who shoot right.

[FirstStar]

Subban will be a number one in the future. I think he'll be even better this year than he was last year and while he's not quite ready to be a bona fide number one yet, he's a top 3 guy. A healthy Markov is also a top 3 guy IF he returns to his past form. After that, Gill and Gorges are both guys who can partner better players and play decent minutes but they are by themselves 3rd pairing defencemen being asked to play a more important role. For my money, Emelin is actually the guy who has the chance of being a top 4 guy, but he's also a huge wild-card because o his lack of experience here and I'm not willing to bank on his being ready to play that role this year. If PG had been able to acquire one more right-handed top 4 guy, we would have been fairly set on the back end, but as it stands right now, we're going to be asking several players to play above their talent level.

I agree Ted. I feel that together, they make a pretty decent d-core, if they stay healthy(on their own, only PK and Markov stand out). Yelemlin, I've been hinting on that as well. Some members have been posting as if he's alreay earned the spot on our blueline, but truth be told, he has yet to play a game at this level. Could be a lot of growing pains for him this season.

Once again, totally agree about a right handed top 4 dman. Sad to think we had 2 right handed dmen in our lineup last season-O'Byrne and Wiz.

Ok, O'B had issues here, that was well documented. But I don't believe it was all his fault, I feel the organization put him in a position where he had would fail. Taking a green dman, sticking him in Komi's place and expecting him to take over for Komi. Lets not forget komi has his fair share of growing pains in his first few seasons. I'd even go as far as to say that Komi was brutal during his rookie and sophomore year. We may have traded him away had we used him in the same way.

I feel the organization will take their time with certain prospects and then in other cases, rush them depending on our needs. Thank gawd Carey had a bounce back season, cos he wasn't that far from being booed out of town, specially after the Halak run to the ECF.

I always liked O'B, even after scoring in his own net-something Komi has done quite a few times since joining the leafs, may I add.

Ok Wiz, he was coming off a good season and with us signing Markov, there was no way we could've kept him.

I'm still disappointed that they gave up on O'B so soon. Not only did they give up on him, when they did use him (as a rookie), they threw him on the first line, defending against some of the greatest forwards in the league night in night out.

He hasn't done anything exceptional in Denver, but he's earned himself a new contract and a permanent spot on their blueline. Used on our lower lines, I think he could've filled a few holes. He has size, wasn't afraid to get physical and was a right hander. Imo had we not rushed him into komi's spot, he may still be with us. Really, was he really worse than Mara or Sopel? Granted he didn't have their experience, but that comes with time. I did notice that he was maturing, when he first played, he would take all sorts of dumb hooking, grabbing penalties cos forwards were flying by him. At a certain point, I noticed he wasn't taking as many penalties. He learned to forced forwards to the perimeter and had faith that his tender could stop those odd angle shots. I prefer that over taking a penalty or letting forwards take quality shots from the slot. It's almost as if he was under the impression that he wasn't doing his job if a forward was able to release a shot (no matter where the shot came).

Still a lil bitter over losing him.

[V-hab]

I agree Ted. I feel that together, they make a pretty decent d-core, if they stay healthy(on their own, only PK and Markov stand out). Yelemlin, I've been hinting on that as well. Some members have been posting as if he's alreay earned the spot on our blueline, but truth be told, he has yet to play a game at this level. Could be a lot of growing pains for him this season.

Once again, totally agree about a right handed top 4 dman. Sad to think we had 2 right handed dmen in our lineup last season-O'Byrne and Wiz.

Ok, O'B had issues here, that was well documented. But I don't believe it was all his fault, I feel the organization put him in a position where he had would fail. Taking a green dman, sticking him in Komi's place and expecting him to take over for Komi. Lets not forget komi has his fair share of growing pains in his first few seasons. I'd even go as far as to say that Komi was brutal during his rookie and sophomore year. We may have traded him away had we used him in the same way.

I feel the organization will take their time with certain prospects and then in other cases, rush them depending on our needs. Thank gawd Carey had a bounce back season, cos he wasn't that far from being booed out of town, specially after the Halak run to the ECF.

I always liked O'B, even after scoring in his own net-something Komi has done quite a few times since joining the leafs, may I add.

Ok Wiz, he was coming off a good season and with us signing Markov, there was no way we could've kept him.

I'm still disappointed that they gave up on O'B so soon. Not only did they give up on him, when they did use him (as a rookie), they threw him on the first line, defending against some of the greatest forwards in the league night in night out.

He hasn't done anything exceptional in Denver, but he's earned himself a new contract and a permanent spot on their blueline. Used on our lower lines, I think he could've filled a few holes. He has size, wasn't afraid to get physical and was a right hander. Imo had we not rushed him into komi's spot, he may still be with us. Really, was he really worse than Mara or Sopel? Granted he didn't have their experience, but that comes with time. I did notice that he was maturing, when he first played, he would take all sorts of dumb hooking, grabbing penalties cos forwards were flying by him. At a certain point, I noticed he wasn't taking as many penalties. He learned to forced forwards to the perimeter and had faith that his tender could stop those odd angle shots. I prefer that over taking a penalty or letting forwards take quality shots from the slot. It's almost as if he was under the impression that he wasn't doing his job if a forward was able to release a shot (no matter where the shot came).

Still a lil bitter over losing him.

Both continue to see the new season for our defense as it most likely will be at least for now. There are other Hab sites that are suggesting Yemelin be the spare Dee, and will not like the placement and jump back to KHL with his $300k as a bonus.

We have some members that believe he is the ‘second coming of Larry Robinson’ ( I would like to think it could happen ) just not in his first year of NHL play he has to learn how to play a longer schedule, a smaller rink, and a faster game. and last. he is a defensive defenseman with grit that plays the LEFT SIDE only . ( see worlds) other than his KHL playoff record last season with 13 points he is not a big time point man.

I see the possibility of the Dee looking like this;

Markov – PK Subban

Spacek / Yemelin – Weber / Spacek

Gill – Gorges

I also liked O'Byrne and feel Martin gave him the short end of the stick early.totally agree about a right handed top 4 dman.

[GermanHabsNation]

I wonder what it would take to trade for Erik Gudbranson. His stock seem to have fallen a bit and I don't think he'll be available. But he would be great fit for the Habs. He adds size and shoots right-handed. Maybe something like Kristo, one of Weber/Carle/Nash and a first round pick in 2012 plus a second round pick in 2013 would get it done.

Or maybe PG trades Scott Gomez and Brock Trotter for Gudbranson and David Booth. It worked for the Rangers 2 years ago.

[jedimaas]

Subban will be a number one in the future. I think he'll be even better this year than he was last year and while he's not quite ready to be a bona fide number one yet, he's a top 3 guy. A healthy Markov is also a top 3 guy IF he returns to his past form. After that, Gill and Gorges are both guys who can partner better players and play decent minutes but they are by themselves 3rd pairing defencemen being asked to play a more important role. For my money, Emelin is actually the guy who has the chance of being a top 4 guy, but he's also a huge wild-card because o his lack of experience here and I'm not willing to bank on his being ready to play that role this year. If PG had been able to acquire one more right-handed top 4 guy, we would have been fairly set on the back end, but as it stands right now, we're going to be asking several players to play above their talent level.

Bang on the money.

If Yemelin somehow immediately becomes a #2 dman then we do actually have a very strong top 4:

#1: Markov - not just the best Dman on this team, arguably a top 5 dman in the world right now (assuming he has no lingering affects of his injuries).

#2: Yemelin - again, this is ALL based on him getting to where some believe he is. Im not sure he will now - or ever - but lets just dream that he WILL be a #2 for a minute.

#3: Subban - putting him back to #3 would make him probably one of the best all-round 2nd pairing dmen in the nhl. Sure one day he may be a true #1 or #2 but for now he' would be a remarkable #3.

#4: Gorges - While I dont love the idea of putting gorges in the top 4, he becomes a much better option with 3 strong defensmen in front of him. IMHO he can still be a top 4 dman - IF - the guys in front of him are spectacular.

Using Engels' top 4 as an example though (markov-subban, gill-gorges) I do not think we're that strong.

Of course it still remains to be seen if Yemelin is ready (or will ever be ready) to take on top pairing duties.

[IceHemi]

Bang on the money.

If Yemelin somehow immediately becomes a #2 dman then we do actually have a very strong top 4:

#1: Markov - not just the best Dman on this team, arguably a top 5 dman in the world right now (assuming he has no lingering affects of his injuries).

#2: Yemelin - again, this is ALL based on him getting to where some believe he is. Im not sure he will now - or ever - but lets just dream that he WILL be a #2 for a minute.

#3: Subban - putting him back to #3 would make him probably one of the best all-round 2nd pairing dmen in the nhl. Sure one day he may be a true #1 or #2 but for now he' would be a remarkable #3.

#4: Gorges - While I dont love the idea of putting gorges in the top 4, he becomes a much better option with 3 strong defensmen in front of him. IMHO he can still be a top 4 dman - IF - the guys in front of him are spectacular.

Using Engels' top 4 as an example though (markov-subban, gill-gorges) I do not think we're that strong.

Of course it still remains to be seen if Yemelin is ready (or will ever be ready) to take on top pairing duties.

First Yemelin is a left shot left side Dman like Markov. I do not believe this is the way to initiate Yemelin to the NHL. Also remember that Markov has only played 52 games the last 2 seasons and has for all intents and purposes had the last year and a half off, only 7 games last year. Markov needs a good solid 1st line right side dman and Subban is our only option right now. That is asking a lot of these guys as Markov will surely be rusty and Subban may not be quite ready to step up to the 1st line. THen as Weber is our only other right side dman do we play him with Gill or Yemelin? That would leave Gorges to play right side instead of left and that is tough for a dman. What is PG's plan here? We really need another right side dman, a right side right wing and a center too. But PG seems unable or unwilling to make any more moves. Zherdev is still available and for cheap and he would improve our right wing position. Centers maybe, Prospal or Morrision, but for a top end right side dman, there aren't any in the available UFA's anymore. Makes me wonder why we let Wiz go as he surely fits the bill. Now PG needs to address this and if does not then he has failed. We are not a better team and surely that is the goal. There are pieces available to make us better, but no action yet. Now we will need to trade for a right side dman and who knows who that may be. But I for one do not believe we have the best 2 defense man lines and I am not satisfied with where we are. Get busy PG for there is more work to be done and we want to be a real contender for the "Cup".

[IceHemi]

First Yemelin is a left shot left side Dman like Markov. I do not believe this is the way to initiate Yemelin to the NHL. Also remember that Markov has only played 52 games the last 2 seasons and has for all intents and purposes had the last year and a half off, only 7 games last year. Markov needs a good solid 1st line right side dman and Subban is our only option right now. That is asking a lot of these guys as Markov will surely be rusty and Subban may not be quite ready to step up to the 1st line. THen as Weber is our only other right side dman do we play him with Gill or Yemelin? That would leave Gorges to play right side instead of left and that is tough for a dman. What is PG's plan here? We really need another right side dman, a right side right wing and a center too. But PG seems unable or unwilling to make any more moves. Zherdev is still available and for cheap and he would improve our right wing position. Centers maybe, Prospal or Morrision, but for a top end right side dman, there aren't any in the available UFA's anymore. Makes me wonder why we let Wiz go as he surely fits the bill. Now PG needs to address this and if does not then he has failed. We are not a better team and surely that is the goal. There are pieces available to make us better, but no action yet. Now we will need to trade for a right side dman and who knows who that may be. But I for one do not believe we have the best 2 defense man lines and I am not satisfied with where we are. Get busy PG for there is more work to be done and we want to be a real contender for the "Cup".

Saw this and thought that it would be interesting to read: “I still don't know that I feel comfortable,” Gorges said recently. “I'm still learning. I mean, I played on the left for 21 years. It's really amazing how 35 feet to the other side can change your whole outlook on the game. Everything kind of seems to happen on fast-forward.”

There are advantages: A left-handed shot on the right has his stick-blade in the centre of the ice when facing shooters, and it's easier to intercept passes.

But there are also problems, like trying to hold a puck in the offensive zone with a hard-charging opponent in your face. “That's hard enough to do on the forehand,” Gorges said.

The biggest drawback, he added, is emerging from behind the net or making dump-ins at the opposing blueline. “You're exposing your back to the middle of the ice, guys can crunch you and you might not see them coming.”

Fellow Hab Jaroslav Spacek made no secret of his wish to play on the left side when he joined the team as a free agent last summer, but he was overruled by Montreal coach Jacques Martin and has been playing on the right alongside Czech countryman Roman Hamrlik, a fellow left-handed shot.

Is he used to it yet? “No,” Spacek grimaced in a recent interview.

Spacek leads the NHL in giveaways, and some of that clearly has to do with going back to an unaccustomed position. Though he played the right side in Europe, the NHL is a different animal, especially for a player who has patrolled the left for more than a decade.

“It's not easy to have the puck on your backhand all night,” Spacek said. “It's harder to make a good pass on the breakouts. You have to try not to go around yourself too much, and make the simple plays, but it's harder for sure, you have to look over your shoulder all the time, you can't see the whole ice when you pick the puck up.”

Right-handed shots are at a premium on bluelines across the NHL.

This is why I would like to have kept Wiz and now that he is gone I feel we should try to find another right shot dman. Yes Gorges and Spacek can play right side again, but are we getting the best from them in that position? Isn't this hurting the team? When you play a defensive style like JM it is hard on the dmen and putting them on their off side just makes it that much harder. Sure players do it, but Spacek or Gorges on the left side would be more effective than they are on the right.

[hatethosebruins]

To Edmonton:

Scott Gomez

Mathieu Carle

2nd Round Pick

To Montreal:

Gilbert Brule

I know hes injured, but I think he could be valuable to us. Maybe even more if he converts to wing.