Pierre Boivin lays down the law

Good old Pierre Boivin. He gave the media (La Presse/RDS in particular) the what for today when he asked them to relent in their ridiculous endless fantasies and conspiracy theories around the Briere signing.



If you understand French, I recommend you watch the video on www.rds.ca


He also let slip that we were after Rafalski on July 1, which I think is really good news. Obviously we didn't get him, but at least the talent evaluators have their heads screwed on straight. That only leaves one mystery defenseman of the supposed three we were after at large (as Hamrlik was also one).

And, did anyone else notice we haven't had a single story in La Presse about why Ryan Smyth didn't make his way up the I87?

I heard he asked to play with Samsonov and Shayne Corson who he felt familiar with from the Cup run and his rookie season in Edmonton, but Gainey turned him down, then retroactively traded Sergei and let Ryan down slowly with the news of Corson's signing with Toronto and susequent retirement. So close.

52 million reasons

Who needs 52 million dollars??

It would be nice, but realistically?

Briere better never pull the "I've always wanted to play for Montreal". Not now, not in 4 years, never. Turning down nthe alleged huge offer strips him of that right.

He unwittingly did the Habs 2 huge favours, so I have no bitterness towards him. First, he didn't sign here and go back to his usual 60-70 point seasons for 7 million a year. Secondly, he placed another millstone around the necks of the Flyers – who might have otherwise presented a long-term threat had their youngsters ever become stars. They've already lost Pitkanen, who should look better than Jason Smith and Lupul this year I think.

More gratitude goes to Captain Canada (World Championship edition) – aka Captain Mostly Never Make the Second (or Any) Playoff Round – who signed elsewhere and didn't bind himself to us for many painful years to come.

Overrated is one thing. can't possibly live up to the cap space they take is another. These two can go on their merry way as far as I'm concerned.

Who will we get? If it's the dregs, let's hope the contract is small or tradeable...