#51 David Desharnais 2014-2015

[ColRouleBleu]

David Desharnais #51

Archive 2013-2014

[maddienmike]

DD made one list this year,did very well in the playoffs,hope we see more of that this season,I don't care what anybody says this guy really tries.

GO DD GO :lol:

[MkGee]

Miserable game last night... He took a shot when he shouldn't have and then tried to make a pass when he should of shot... MT wants to give him credit I laugh at that notion.. He isn't worth his contract... It's not as bad as Gomez but nearly because we can't buy him out... He's only here because patches likes him. Well time to pair Patches with a better center!

Edited for language, player bashing - Manatee

[Semantics]

Miserable game last night... He took a shot when he shouldn't have and then tried to make a pass when he should of shot... MT wants to give him credit I laugh at that notion.. He ... isn't worth his contract... It's not as bad as Gomez but nearly because we can't buy him out... He's only here because patches likes him. Well time to pair Patches with a better center!

Wow. Just wow.

(Shakes head.)

[fnveenie]

He did pretty much single-handedly set up Subban's goal from a nothing play. He was pretty good last night IMO. Sure, he doesn't like to shoot but again, his shot isn't that great so who can blame him?

[BigTed3]

Actually, Desharnais doesn't have a terrible shot. When he does shoot, he can put it on net hard and low, which is what you need to do. The problem is that he doesn't shoot enough, as was clear last night when he passed up two wide open looks from the slot. In addition, his vision to set up Subban was great, but the pass itself was pretty poor - a puck rolling on its side that Subban did well to settle. That being said, I still think his game last night was pretty good, but he'll have to take the shot more if he wants to remain relevant in a first-line role.

[MikeMacRae]

Wow. Just wow.

(Shakes head.)

I don't like him.. You can shake your head all you want, but at the end of the day I'm more frustrated with DD then I am impressed. I'm a die hard habs fan but I don't need to like every player on this team nor support every move blindly.. that's how you become a biased hockey fan some I pride myself in not being.

[BigTed3]

I don't like him.. You can shake your head all you want, but at the end of the day I'm more frustrated with DD then I am impressed. I'm a die hard habs fan but I don't need to like every player on this team nor support every move blindly.. that's how you become a biased hockey fan some I pride myself in not being.

DD was a guy I really liked (and was pulling for) when he first came up. Great story. I still like him, but I find it frustrating that the coaches continue to play him in the #1 center role when he hasn't really earned it, while guys like Eller and Plekanec play just as well in his role when they get the chance and yet have to work harder to get respect. Even when DD had something like a 25-game slump to start last year, he was just allowed to play through it, whereas guys like Subban, Eller, Briere, etc. made one mistake and got benched. Not DD's fault, but yeah, definitely frustrating to see him play as a product of favoritism.

[Semantics]

DD was a guy I really liked (and was pulling for) when he first came up. Great story. I still like him, but I find it frustrating that the coaches continue to play him in the #1 center role when he hasn't really earned it, while guys like Eller and Plekanec play just as well in his role when they get the chance and yet have to work harder to get respect. Even when DD had something like a 25-game slump to start last year, he was just allowed to play through it, whereas guys like Subban, Eller, Briere, etc. made one mistake and got benched. Not DD's fault, but yeah, definitely frustrating to see him play as a product of favoritism.

Conjecture.

I recall #hatethatsubban was trending pretty large at one point.

Certainly, people are entitled to hate or be frustrated by whatever Hab player they want (or by none at all), and for whatever reason, including such reason as the player's perceived interference with the ascendency of the next coming of whatever hoped for superstar.

It's a right of passage for the armchair quarterbacks to want different than the coach is doing, and it provides all sorts of discussion for forums such as this one. On balance, I venture the the Habs braintrust knows more about what they are doing they we think they do.

I can say myself that I was ready to throw my shoe at Eller (on TV, in frustration) in the first period with that penalty 160 feet from his own goal, reaching through the legs of a skating Cap player that he was chasing to try and check his stick that way. 2 minutes tripping. What could he be thinking? Eller rebounded -- he had a heck of a third period.

DD is a very smart hockey player, that is constantly making the right decisions, within the scope of his abilities. That reliability likely garners a significant level of respect and confidence from his coaches. Some might characterize it as favoritism. I'm not sure that is fair. The Habs have won two games now this season, and each of them by a single goal (well, one was actually a tie with a shootout win). Reliability and good decision making is like gold in this game of ice hockey. Now, it may not be as exciting as Ovechkin-hockey, but, on balance, it wins its fair share of hockey games, and oftentimes keeps you in games until you can pull out the win. (We'll note Ovechkin was 4 minutes of penalties and -1 (didn't follow Pleks down the pipe on his goal) for the game. Ovie mustered 4 shots in the game, but didn't score; and neither in the shoot-out. Desarnais scored in the shootout, and (I thought) had a better game than Ovie. Pleks was part of the reason Ovie didn't have a great game. Pleks was third star tonight, not Orpik (NHL.com's pick)

Anyways, it is interesting what gets presented as "fact" on these forums to garner favour for a view, or defend it. On Desharnais, there has been (on this and other topics / threads):

• "he costs $4.5MM / year" (he doesn't; DD's cap hit is $3.5MM)
• "he should be shifted to wing; he's played it before" (I can find no reference to him ever playing wing; he's listed as a centre throughout his career back to junior. I certainly don't recall him playing any shifts on the Habs as a winger.)
• his ice time / line is a "product of favoritism" (ostensibly because Therrien would rather make friends and get invited over for dinner than win hockey games, generate team success and keep his own coaching job, I presume)

I like all the Habs, every last player. Some of them frustrate me at times, but generally only for a brief period. Example: Prust chasing "who cares" icings a couple of season ago only to break his shoulder piling into the boards. I still like Prust, and all teh more when he is in the line-up helping the team and not in hospital where he can't. Briere and Gionta would frustrate me at times last season, reluctant to expose themselves to hits from behind and along the boards. "Married with kids," I'd say to myself. They'd also each lost a step. MB made his choices and I can see why.

I like exciting players as much as the next guy; the ones that can win games for you almost by themself. If they can do it often, I like them more. What's not to like? I also like smart players that give it their all, go into the corners when they have to, stay in the line-up to help their team, and that just don't make many mistakes. They often don't have much flash. They also happen to rarely frustrate me much. And they help their teams win games, even if sometimes it is by not losing them.

I like Desharnais, and he rarely frustrates me.

[Habberwacky]

I think DD has been a star both nights and is showing some good leadership. Subban still struggling tonight with some old antics, but has the talent to recover. Brutal giveaway on the goal but no benching. My point being I don't think we can judge how the players are treated year over year. These guys have new roles as leaders and new expectations. For me it is the growth and I think we are seeing significant growth in these players as evident by our finish last year and our consistent play and resilience when down early this year.

Not really trying to defend DD but he and Patches work well together and I don't believe we'll be seeing a prolonged slump from him any time soon. I think Eller has the opportunity to prove himself with Bourque and Sekac and think Therrien will be going with the line that is the hottest on some nights. Tonight he shook up the wingers and I am sure he will move the centers some nights as well.

[MergenTatara]

It's very clear that DD is a playmaker, not a goal scorer. Don't expect him to ratch up the goals. But watch him hustle along and make the PASSES to create scoring chances. Pacioretty would be the chief beneficiary if only he improves his conversion rate.

[CaptWelly]

I agree with this completely. DD gives it his all every night. Chucky will get his chance, but at least after the first two games I wouldn't replace DD i'd replace Eller. I think with Bourqe and Sekac he should have success but he needs to keep his head in the game and hustle. As 'big' as Eller is he got flatten tonight. With DD you have consistency and with Patches and whoever it works. I would like to see Gallager stay up with those two, I think they "work" play off each other.

Conjecture.

I recall #hatethatsubban was trending pretty large at one point.

Certainly, people are entitled to hate or be frustrated by whatever Hab player they want (or by none at all), and for whatever reason, including such reason as the player's perceived interference with the ascendency of the next coming of whatever hoped for superstar.

It's a right of passage for the armchair quarterbacks to want different than the coach is doing, and it provides all sorts of discussion for forums such as this one. On balance, I venture the the Habs braintrust knows more about what they are doing they we think they do.

I can say myself that I was ready to throw my shoe at Eller (on TV, in frustration) in the first period with that penalty 160 feet from his own goal, reaching through the legs of a skating Cap player that he was chasing to try and check his stick that way. 2 minutes tripping. What could he be thinking? Eller rebounded -- he had a heck of a third period.

DD is a very smart hockey player, that is constantly making the right decisions, within the scope of his abilities. That reliability likely garners a significant level of respect and confidence from his coaches. Some might characterize it as favoritism. I'm not sure that is fair. The Habs have won two games now this season, and each of them by a single goal (well, one was actually a tie with a shootout win). Reliability and good decision making is like gold in this game of ice hockey. Now, it may not be as exciting as Ovechkin-hockey, but, on balance, it wins its fair share of hockey games, and oftentimes keeps you in games until you can pull out the win. (We'll note Ovechkin was 4 minutes of penalties and -1 (didn't follow Pleks down the pipe on his goal) for the game. Ovie mustered 4 shots in the game, but didn't score; and neither in the shoot-out. Desarnais scored in the shootout, and (I thought) had a better game than Ovie. Pleks was part of the reason Ovie didn't have a great game. Pleks was third star tonight, not Orpik (NHL.com's pick)

Anyways, it is interesting what gets presented as "fact" on these forums to garner favour for a view, or defend it. On Desharnais, there has been (on this and other topics / threads):

• "he costs $4.5MM / year" (he doesn't; DD's cap hit is $3.5MM)
• "he should be shifted to wing; he's played it before" (I can find no reference to him ever playing wing; he's listed as a centre throughout his career back to junior. I certainly don't recall him playing any shifts on the Habs as a winger.)
• his ice time / line is a "product of favoritism" (ostensibly because Therrien would rather make friends and get invited over for dinner than win hockey games, generate team success and keep his own coaching job, I presume)

I like all the Habs, every last player. Some of them frustrate me at times, but generally only for a brief period. Example: Prust chasing "who cares" icings a couple of season ago only to break his shoulder piling into the boards. I still like Prust, and all teh more when he is in the line-up helping the team and not in hospital where he can't. Briere and Gionta would frustrate me at times last season, reluctant to expose themselves to hits from behind and along the boards. "Married with kids," I'd say to myself. They'd also each lost a step. MB made his choices and I can see why.

I like exciting players as much as the next guy; the ones that can win games for you almost by themself. If they can do it often, I like them more. What's not to like? I also like smart players that give it their all, go into the corners when they have to, stay in the line-up to help their team, and that just don't make many mistakes. They often don't have much flash. They also happen to rarely frustrate me much. And they help their teams win games, even if sometimes it is by not losing them.

I like Desharnais, and he rarely frustrates me.

[Corazu]

It's very clear that DD is a playmaker, not a goal scorer. Don't expect him to ratch up the goals. But watch him hustle along and make the PASSES to create scoring chances. Pacioretty would be the chief beneficiary if only he improves his conversion rate.

Just because he's more of a playmaker doesn't mean he shouldn't shoot the puck ever. It's extremely frustrating to watch him with a perfect shot opportunity and continually not take it. Especially when you do this, the opposition will always be covering your pass because they know you won't shoot it. Actually shooting it might get you a goal because they're not expecting it.

[NewfoundlandHab]

In the TO game, DD has 2 great chancs alone in the slot, and instead of winding up and shooting it, he looked for Pacioretty. The play turned into nothing because DD wouldn't shoot.

I dont hate DD. I dont think we HAVE to trade him now. I DO think we should trade him soon. Our top line would be much better with a bigger, stronger, more skilled, versatile player at center. Unfortunately for DD, his style of play is not well suited for a role on any of our other three lines. He needs top offensive minutes to be effective. I see him as being a very good fit in CHI behind Toews.

There is a way DD could play second line C here and thats if Eller can take over Pleks' defensive duties and Galchenyuk becomes a solid 2 way player. No guarantee that that happens tho.

As for Desharnais "rarely frustrates" you.. Really? I find he frustrates me quite a bit. Over passing, getting pushed off the puck, forcing passes to Patches

[jedimaas]

I dont hate DD. I dont think we HAVE to trade him now. I DO think we should trade him soon. Our top line would be much better with a bigger, stronger, more skilled, versatile player at center. Unfortunately for DD, his style of play is not well suited for a role on any of our other three lines. He needs top offensive minutes to be effective. I see him as being a very good fit in CHI behind Toews.

My feelings exactly. I think DD is still a useful player but i think the way this squad has been built he's no longer the right fit.

[Semantics]

In the TO game, DD has 2 great chancs alone in the slot, and instead of winding up and shooting it, he looked for Pacioretty. The play turned into nothing because DD wouldn't shoot.

I dont hate DD. I dont think we HAVE to trade him now. I DO think we should trade him soon. Our top line would be much better with a bigger, stronger, more skilled, versatile player at center. Unfortunately for DD, his style of play is not well suited for a role on any of our other three lines. He needs top offensive minutes to be effective. I see him as being a very good fit in CHI behind Toews.

There is a way DD could play second line C here and thats if Eller can take over Pleks' defensive duties and Galchenyuk becomes a solid 2 way player. No guarantee that that happens tho.

As for Desharnais "rarely frustrates" you.. Really? I find he frustrates me quite a bit. Over passing, getting pushed off the puck, forcing passes to Patches

I'm not seeing where "if DD shoots, then he scores". The logical extension is not there for me. I suppose one might be just as (or more) frustrated with his shooting if we saw more of that from him. I do know he shot and scored against Ottawa last season with 0.4 seconds remaining on the 3rd period clock, and thereby saved the Habs' season (per the media).

DD is a passer (and a deker ... did you see that sweet through-the-legs slip on Holtby of the Caps last night, in the shootout!?! Beauty!), and not a shooter. We also shouldn't get frustrated he never lays anyone out with a body check. It's not his game either.

Now, if we had someone like Steve Stamkos not shooting enough, well, then yeah, there might be something there if he wouldn't shoot -- 'cause he's a shooter.

Oh, also, we can note that DD is careful about shooting into a high-percentage shot block, and having the puck bounce such that an odd-man rush starts the other way. It seems the whole League is now on to puck possession (including all the stats). It's certainly Carlyle's (really Shanahan's?) and minimizing turnovers -- its the new mantra in Toronto. DD knows all about puck possession and high percentage plays, etc. As I've said, he's really smart.

[powerplay2009]

My feelings exactly. I think DD is still a useful player but i think the way this squad has been built he's no longer the right fit.

The only problem is the assessment of value. A lot of insiders (like Bob Mackenzie) are saying the Habs are holding onto Moen because he offers more value as depth than anything we could get back via trade. Perhaps DD is in a similar predicament? Trading DD is all well and good, but unless we get a good, top-9 center or top-6 winger back (which may be unlikely, I honestly don't know), is it worth trading him?

[Semantics]

In the TO game, DD has 2 great chancs alone in the slot, and instead of winding up and shooting it, he looked for Pacioretty. The play turned into nothing because DD wouldn't shoot.

I dont hate DD. I dont think we HAVE to trade him now. I DO think we should trade him soon. Our top line would be much better with a bigger, stronger, more skilled, versatile player at center. Unfortunately for DD, his style of play is not well suited for a role on any of our other three lines. He needs top offensive minutes to be effective. I see him as being a very good fit in CHI behind Toews.

There is a way DD could play second line C here and thats if Eller can take over Pleks' defensive duties and Galchenyuk becomes a solid 2 way player. No guarantee that that happens tho.

As for Desharnais "rarely frustrates" you.. Really? I find he frustrates me quite a bit. Over passing, getting pushed off the puck, forcing passes to Patches

Who? The Habs don't have. Trade for it? With what? It'd be great to get Crosby/Carter/Malkin/Kopitar/..... I'd also love to win 6/49 tomorrow night (reminds me; I gotta buy my ticket still).

I can certainly see MB has exactly what you describe on the top of his "TO DO" sheet; I'd venture it's in the same spot as the "TO DO" sheet of every other GM in the NHL (well, except maybe Pittsburgh and LA). MB will seek at trade deadline, I could imagine. I expect he'll not find, but you never know. After that it is UFA opportunities next summer or the summer after. DD is certainly not expendable, or not move-downable "if and when".

That may (and likely willl) come when Galchenyuk matures into the lead centre position. For now, MB/Therrien have Galchenyuk learning from a two-way master by having him play alongside him. Not a bad strategy. And no one is heaping too much pressure on a 20 year-old.

[shanahan1024]

He is a very smart player and a good playmaker which is something you have to be at his size and with his foot speed, and has put up pretty remarkable numbers for being an undrafted player with his stature. However I hate to say it his production is a direct cause of strong linemates like patches who is ready to make the jump to being a super star. End of the day I feel this team would be stronger without him regardless of the return just due to the fact it would allow Galchenyuk to move to center where he would no doubt be 100x more effective then he is on the wing and pair him up with Max and Parenteau or Gallagher. He also holds back the development of Eller who is stuck in a shut down role when I know he has a lot more to offer...like the playoffs last season.

[Shutoutfan]

I would think that if you trade him you also have to take into account his shootout abilities. I am not sure how many points he got us this way but it should have some value for other teams too if you have a guy who can turn 1pt nights into two point nights.

[Habberwacky]

If we trade Desharnais it allows us to move Chucky to centre and Eller to move up so we need to do something with Plekanec, or give Chucky a 3rd line (to replace Eller who needs to replace second or first line minutes) and find a first or second line winger to replace Chucky's spot if I read this right. I am not sure that this is an improvement nor that we need to rush a 20 year old into a number 2 centre spot in the toughest market in hockey. I also think Eller's line can easily be number two by making in game adjustments like the Washington game and giving them more minutes when we need them. Desharnais is a good two way player who wins faceoffs Chucky's skills in the dot are unproven as of now. I think Bergevin will move a few others before we get to Desharnais.

[NewfoundlandHab]

I'm not seeing where "if DD shoots, then he scores". The logical extension is not there for me. I suppose one might be just as (or more) frustrated with his shooting if we saw more of that from him. I do know he shot and scored against Ottawa last season with 0.4 seconds remaining on the 3rd period clock, and thereby saved the Habs' season (per the media).

DD is a passer (and a deker ... did you see that sweet through-the-legs slip on Holtby of the Caps last night, in the shootout!?! Beauty!), and not a shooter. We also shouldn't get frustrated he never lays anyone out with a body check. It's not his game either.

Now, if we had someone like Steve Stamkos not shooting enough, well, then yeah, there might be something there if he wouldn't shoot -- 'cause he's a shooter.

Oh, also, we can note that DD is careful about shooting into a high-percentage shot block, and having the puck bounce such that an odd-man rush starts the other way. It seems the whole League is now on to puck possession (including all the stats). It's certainly Carlyle's (really Shanahan's?) and minimizing turnovers -- its the new mantra in Toronto. DD knows all about puck possession and high percentage plays, etc. As I've said, he's really smart.

Just because a player is not a shooter doesn't mean they shouldn't shoot. DD is a great passer, yes. But its frustrating seeing him pass on great scoring opportunities to look for Pacioretty. The fact that he's "not a shooter" also works in favor of the Galchenyuk argument as he has a better shot than DD making him more of a threat.

Who? The Habs don't have. Trade for it? With what? It'd be great to get Crosby/Carter/Malkin/Kopitar/..... I'd also love to win 6/49 tomorrow night (reminds me; I gotta buy my ticket still).

I can certainly see MB has exactly what you describe on the top of his "TO DO" sheet; I'd venture it's in the same spot as the "TO DO" sheet of every other GM in the NHL (well, except maybe Pittsburgh and LA). MB will seek at trade deadline, I could imagine. I expect he'll not find, but you never know. After that it is UFA opportunities next summer or the summer after. DD is certainly not expendable, or not move-downable "if and when".

That may (and likely willl) come when Galchenyuk matures into the lead centre position. For now, MB/Therrien have Galchenyuk learning from a two-way master by having him play alongside him. Not a bad strategy. And no one is heaping too much pressure on a 20 year-old.

You asked who, and then answered your own question, I never said trade DD right now. Galchenyuk is that bigger, more skilled, versatile center. He needs some time to develop but he will likely be a better option than DD soon.

[Habberwacky]

Just because a player is not a shooter doesn't mean they shouldn't shoot. DD is a great passer, yes. But its frustrating seeing him pass on great scoring opportunities to look for Pacioretty. The fact that he's "not a shooter" also works in favor of the Galchenyuk argument as he has a better shot than DD making him more of a threat.

You asked who, and then answered your own question, I never said trade DD right now. Galchenyuk is that bigger, more skilled, versatile center. He needs some time to develop but he will likely be a better option than DD soon.

I agree with Galchenyuk being ready soon and think it will be at around the same time Plekanec's game drops off in about two or three years. As a 22-24 year old I can see Alex begin to dominate and by then we may have DD and Chucky leading the way. I think the guy who is stuck the most is Eller but I also think he is the best candidate to play 3rd line centre for the foreseeable future

[Semantics]

Just because a player is not a shooter doesn't mean they shouldn't shoot. DD is a great passer, yes. But its frustrating seeing him pass on great scoring opportunities to look for Pacioretty. The fact that he's "not a shooter" also works in favor of the Galchenyuk argument as he has a better shot than DD making him more of a threat.

You asked who, and then answered your own question, I never said trade DD right now. Galchenyuk is that bigger, more skilled, versatile center. He needs some time to develop but he will likely be a better option than DD soon.

Trade blank is generally going to come across as trade blank now, or soon. I really don't think at age 20, in the Montreal hockey market, that anyone (in the Montreal braintrust) has (or should have) plans to make Galchenyuk the # 1 centre this season. If Galchenyuk "forces one's hand" by playing all world for a long stretch, then maybe you end up going there. It's true projectionism to suggest Galchenyuk is there, or getting there soon. Comes with getting excited about the prospects for his future development, I suppose.

DD could get traded next season, depending on how things go. Or maybe Eller. All too far away for me.

So, yes, Galchenyuk could be the # 1 centre in 1 to 3 seasons, and at that point one of DD, Pleks and Eller is surplus, 1 to 3 seasons from now. Right now, there's no one to supplant Pleks and DD as the top two centres.

[NewfoundlandHab]

Trade blank is generally going to come across as trade blank now, or soon. I really don't think at age 20, in the Montreal hockey market, that anyone (in the Montreal braintrust) has (or should have) plans to make Galchenyuk the # 1 centre this season. If Galchenyuk "forces one's hand" by playing all world for a long stretch, then maybe you end up going there. It's true projectionism to suggest Galchenyuk is there, or getting there soon. Comes with getting excited about the prospects for his future development, I suppose.

DD could get traded next season, depending on how things go. Or maybe Eller. All too far away for me.

So, yes, Galchenyuk could be the # 1 centre in 1 to 3 seasons, and at that point one of DD, Pleks and Eller is surplus, 1 to 3 seasons from now. Right now, there's no one to supplant Pleks and DD as the top two centres.

In my original post that you responded to, I said "I don't hate DD. I don't think we have to trade him now. I DO think we should trade him soon." Clearly not now. I suppose there could be some confusion as to what I meant by "soon", though.

I think ideally we keep DD this season and let Chuck play center when one gets injured. If he plays really well at center, we then look at trading DD. I think we both have the same opinion, but you must have missed when i said we dont have to trade him now, but should trade him soon.

I also really think it should be DD who goes, and not Eller. If we lose Plekanec within the next few years and trade Eller, a Galchenyuk-DD tandem would be brutal defensively. Especially in Chuckys first couple of seasons.

I dont hate DD. I dont think we HAVE to trade him now. I DO think we should trade him soon. Our top line would be much better with a bigger, stronger, more skilled, versatile player at center. Unfortunately for DD, his style of play is not well suited for a role on any of our other three lines. He needs top offensive minutes to be effective. I see him as being a very good fit in CHI behind Toews.