This is a temporary post to serve as a kind of menu bar for you all. I'll post links to trade deadline related articles here.
UFA Dump (March 4, 2009)
Deadline Day Fun (March 4, 2009)
Montreal Canadiens Deadline Profile (March 3, 2009)
Top 6 Deefenceman? Target Sydor (March 2, 2009)
Trader Bob (March 2, 2009)
Every Local Boy's Dream (February 27, 2009)
Gainey's Hands Tied? (February 17, 2009)
Lecavalier Talks Sense (January 15, 2009)
Oh, and let's not forget there's a game to win tonight. Hockey, that's what we do, right?
Showing posts with label Sydor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sydor. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Habs and Canadian Team Deadline Analysis
As part of the Score Sports Federation, I was asked to put together a short (I tried) analysis on the Canadiens coming in to March 4th.
You can find my full article here: Montreal Canadiens Deadline Profile
It includes things like players I see as expendable, untouchable and players I would target if I were Bob Gainey – help us. Please excuse the erroneous ages and nationalities (as pointed out in the comments) and Steve Begin's status (I submitted for publication before the megablockbuster that brought us Janik) – I'm afraid I rushed it for no good reason in the end.
My fellow Federationers have done their bit for their own teams as well:
Ottawa Senators Deadline Profile
Toronto Maple Leafs Deadline Profile
Calgary Flames Deadline Profile
Edmonton Oilers Deadline Profile
Vancouver Canucks Deadline Profile
Finally, I would qualify that the Metropolit pick-up does not fill the shadowing centre in my opinion, so I'd look for any of the guys I'd mentioned.
If you want to slag off my ideas like you've all been doing so well these past couple of days, please feel free to do it here if you want. I can take the hits from all angles...
On that note: Lecavalier or bust?
You can find my full article here: Montreal Canadiens Deadline Profile
It includes things like players I see as expendable, untouchable and players I would target if I were Bob Gainey – help us. Please excuse the erroneous ages and nationalities (as pointed out in the comments) and Steve Begin's status (I submitted for publication before the megablockbuster that brought us Janik) – I'm afraid I rushed it for no good reason in the end.
My fellow Federationers have done their bit for their own teams as well:
Ottawa Senators Deadline Profile
Toronto Maple Leafs Deadline Profile
Calgary Flames Deadline Profile
Edmonton Oilers Deadline Profile
Vancouver Canucks Deadline Profile
Finally, I would qualify that the Metropolit pick-up does not fill the shadowing centre in my opinion, so I'd look for any of the guys I'd mentioned.
If you want to slag off my ideas like you've all been doing so well these past couple of days, please feel free to do it here if you want. I can take the hits from all angles...
On that note: Lecavalier or bust?
Monday, March 02, 2009
Top 6 Defenceman?
Target Sydor
It's a funny thing when it comes to Habs bloggers and trades – everyone seems to adopt a pet project.
In the summer, Arpon Basu of The Daily Hab-It was hot on Lang for about a month before the trade eventually happened. In retrospect, his instincts were right. Though, in actual fact, he had Lang here for faceoff wins and occasional scoring – rather than faceoff losses and team scoring lead...
Enter the trade deadline, and everyone is staking their territory again. The dreamers talk of Lecavalier and Bouwmeester – I wonder if they remember the salary cap? Erik Cole was just what we needed for a few minutes last week. Robert L of Eyes On The Prize is asking for another D in the form of Niclas Havelid.
I happen to think that Robert is right about the need still being at defence (or at least in a defensive-minded player). I think he's even on the right track in looking for a not-too-flashy fit-into-4th/5th/6th spot guy at this point.
Given the recent addition of Schneider, is it necessary though?
Schneider is instantly a top 2 offensive D for us and a top 4 defensive one. Mike Komisarek seems to be doing less damage as number 5 again. But, look down the lineup and tell me you're comfortable with Brisebois/Dandenault/Janik/O'Byrne/Henry in a tight playoff game.
So I have decided to put a trade stake in the mud for all to criticise and mock after we don't make the deal. I don't choose Havelid – who it should be pointed out has mostly been a regular defenceman on some pretty awful teams over his career.
Buying a house
You know that old adage about buying real estate? Never buy the best house in the bad neighbourhood. Buy a lesser house on the top street. I feel the very same way about defencemen, you know. Location, location, location.
That's why I suggest Darryl Sydor to be parachuted in to bolster our defence corps for the final portion of the season (however long that may be). Here's why:
– He has won two Stanley Cups
– He has played in no less than 5 Stanley Cup finals, including last year's
– Won a Memorial Cup and a WJC
– His teams have only missed the playoffs once since 1996 (and you can't blame him for LA)
– He has been a key deadline addition before (for Tampa)
– He says things like this:
– People say this kind of stuff about him:
– He is a respected leader
– He's not signed beyond this season
– He fits into our budget
– Gainey has used Sydor to build a champion before
Even if it weren't for anything I just listed above, the one thing that makes Sydor the target of choice is the fact he is a born winner. He frequently finds himself on teams that win (well after LA, anyway). From Junior, to 1993 to Dallas to Tampa to Pittsburgh to Team Canada. Winning follows him around in unexplained ways.
One simply cannot say the same about Niclas Havelid who has made the playoffs twice in 8 years, is rarely on a team that scored more goals than it allowed. Robert tells us he made the Stanley Cup finals. he doesn't note that Giguere's save percentage behind Havelid had to be .945 just to get there and lose.
Havelid is associated with losing. It's probably not his fault, but it's true. He has nothing to teach Josh Gorges. From the sounds of it, Darryl Sydor does:
Just an idea...
In the summer, Arpon Basu of The Daily Hab-It was hot on Lang for about a month before the trade eventually happened. In retrospect, his instincts were right. Though, in actual fact, he had Lang here for faceoff wins and occasional scoring – rather than faceoff losses and team scoring lead...
Enter the trade deadline, and everyone is staking their territory again. The dreamers talk of Lecavalier and Bouwmeester – I wonder if they remember the salary cap? Erik Cole was just what we needed for a few minutes last week. Robert L of Eyes On The Prize is asking for another D in the form of Niclas Havelid.
I happen to think that Robert is right about the need still being at defence (or at least in a defensive-minded player). I think he's even on the right track in looking for a not-too-flashy fit-into-4th/5th/6th spot guy at this point.
Given the recent addition of Schneider, is it necessary though?
Schneider is instantly a top 2 offensive D for us and a top 4 defensive one. Mike Komisarek seems to be doing less damage as number 5 again. But, look down the lineup and tell me you're comfortable with Brisebois/Dandenault/Janik/O'Byrne/Henry in a tight playoff game.
So I have decided to put a trade stake in the mud for all to criticise and mock after we don't make the deal. I don't choose Havelid – who it should be pointed out has mostly been a regular defenceman on some pretty awful teams over his career.
Buying a house
You know that old adage about buying real estate? Never buy the best house in the bad neighbourhood. Buy a lesser house on the top street. I feel the very same way about defencemen, you know. Location, location, location.
That's why I suggest Darryl Sydor to be parachuted in to bolster our defence corps for the final portion of the season (however long that may be). Here's why:
– He has won two Stanley Cups
– He has played in no less than 5 Stanley Cup finals, including last year's
– Won a Memorial Cup and a WJC
– His teams have only missed the playoffs once since 1996 (and you can't blame him for LA)
– He has been a key deadline addition before (for Tampa)
– He says things like this:
I just think that if you’re going to spend an hour a day in practice, you should do it right. Why go out there and waste time?
– People say this kind of stuff about him:
Unlike Mark Recchi, who openly chafed at his reserve role, Sydor refused to become a distraction, quietly doing some extra skating in order to keep ready.
– He is a respected leader
– He's not signed beyond this season
– He fits into our budget
– Gainey has used Sydor to build a champion before
Even if it weren't for anything I just listed above, the one thing that makes Sydor the target of choice is the fact he is a born winner. He frequently finds himself on teams that win (well after LA, anyway). From Junior, to 1993 to Dallas to Tampa to Pittsburgh to Team Canada. Winning follows him around in unexplained ways.
One simply cannot say the same about Niclas Havelid who has made the playoffs twice in 8 years, is rarely on a team that scored more goals than it allowed. Robert tells us he made the Stanley Cup finals. he doesn't note that Giguere's save percentage behind Havelid had to be .945 just to get there and lose.
Havelid is associated with losing. It's probably not his fault, but it's true. He has nothing to teach Josh Gorges. From the sounds of it, Darryl Sydor does:
Following Game 2, as several Penguins answered questions with dazed looks on their faces, unable to comprehend what was happening, Sydor sat down in a corner of the dressing room. Soon, the most respected player in the Penguins’ room, was joined by Brooks Orpik, Hal Gill, Ryan Whitney and Rob Scuderi. They wanted to hear what he had to say.
“We just talked about what was happening, why we were losing,” he said. “They wanted to know what it looked like out there.”
And they were listening. Intently. That’s why Therrien is turning to Sydor’s experience tonight. The hope is that the 15-year veteran will calm down the rattled Penguins.
Just an idea...
Trader Bob
Not Unless This is Dallas '96...
The trade deadline always brings a load of expectations, triumphs and disappointments.
For the supporters of down and out teams, it brings something to cheer about (at least until the fans realise they were fleeced 5 years on...). And for the supporters of contenders, it brings hope of filling all those gaps that we've been discussing ad nauseum for months.
Fans of the Montreal Canadiens are used to rolling out the lines "In Bob We Trust" for just about any move that comes from the GM's office. Usually that trust refers to the faith we have in his do little or nothing approach. Two years ago with the Canadiens looking down and out and ready to claim some draft picks (thanks, Swiss Dave); Gainey responded by making a single trade – well ahead of deadline day (Rivet and pick for Gorges and pick). He did not cash in on demand for league sweetheart and Montreal defensive millstone Sheldon Souray. Last year, with Habs fans gagging for some reinforcements for the Cup run, he instead traded our number one goalie (and UFA) for a second round pick.
In fact, if recent history is to be a lesson to Habs fans – it would be to enjoy March 4th outdoors and catch Toronto's trades the next day. Gainey makes few moves a season, and this one, he's exceeded his usual quota already.
Nevertheless, Gainey is a top GM. He rarely gets blown out in a trade, but has been known to blow his witless peers away. On the eve of the deadline, here's a retrospective on his trading record as a GM – with evidence to throw behind "In Bob We Trust" (and for the cynics, to cast doubt over all that hoopla).
Full career
Trades as a GM: 79
Trades 1992-1996: 42 (8.4 moves per year over 5 seasons)
Trades 1997-2009: 37 (3.7 moves per year over 10 seasons excl. lockout)
Trades 2003-2009: 21 (4.2 moves per year over 5 seasons excl. lockout)
Trades for cash: 2
Trades for future considerations: 5
Trades for draft picks: 5
Trades for minor leaguers: 20
Trades for NHL players: 47
Trades for NHL stars: 12
Montreal Canadiens
Trades as a GM: 21
Trades for cash: 0
Trades for future considerations: 1
Trades for draft picks: 2
Trades for minor leaguers: 6
Trades for NHL players: 12
Trades for NHL stars: 5
Top 10 trades
1. Kevin Hatcher for Sergei Zubov (1996)
2. Josef Balej and 2nd for Alexei Kovalev (2004)
3. Shane Churla and Doug Zmolek for Darryl Sydor (1996)
4. Jon Casey for Andy Moog (1993)
5. Mathieu Garon and 4th for Radek Bonk and Cristobal Huet (2004)
6. Jarome Iginla and Corey Millen for Joe Nieuwendyk (1995)
7. Bob Errey, Todd Harvey and 4th for Mike Keane, Brian Skrudland and 6th (1998)
8. Craig Rivet and 5th for Josh Gorges and 1st (2007)
9. 1st and 2nd for Alex Tanguay and 5th (2008)
10. 2nd for Robert Lang (2008)
Worst 10 trades (No real horror stories here)
1. Mike Ribeiro and 6th for Janne Niinimaa and 5th (2006)
2. Cristobal Huet for 2nd
3. Brian Bellows for Russ Courtnall (1992)
4. Ulf Dahlen for Mike Lalor and Doug Zmolek (1994)
5. Mikhail Grabovski for Greg Pateryn (2008)
6. Richard Jackman for Cameron Mann (2001)
7. Jarome Iginla and Corey Millen for Joe Nieuwendyk (1995)
8. Trent Klatt for Brent Fedyk (1995)
9. James Black for Gord Donnelly (1994)
10. Neal Broten for Corey Millen (1995)
Finally, proof he believes in Montreal Canadiens development of defensive forwards:
1. 5th for Mike McPhee (1992)
2. Todd Elik for Brent Gilchrist (1993)
3. Paul Broten for Guy Carbonneau (1995)
4. Bob Errey, Todd Harvey and 4th for Mike Keane, Brian Skrudland and 6th (1998)
5. Juha Lind for Scott Thornton (2000)
6. Donald Audette and Shaun Van Allen for Martin Rucinsky and Benoit Brunet (2001)
If Gainey doesn't make many trades, he makes even less bad trades. While he stole Sydor and Zubov from under the noses of opposing GMs, he has never been stung the same way himself.
If there is a word of caution, it is that he makes his worst trades from positions of weakness (i.e., those trades where he feels addition by subtraction is the way to go). Given that KOvalev has been rejuiced, the danger of him doing this again in the next couple of days is low. However, as he showed last season – he's capable of surprising with a reeking poor trade near the deadline for no reason.
Realistically, Gainey signalled his completion when he picked up Metropolit (asking prices for centres rising too high for his liking). Add to that he made a trade that almost pushed his top 10 all time (and could with more observation). It seems unlikely that anything bigger than big would happen from Bob – even if the frenetic Hockeybuzz does want us to believe it for hits.
For the supporters of down and out teams, it brings something to cheer about (at least until the fans realise they were fleeced 5 years on...). And for the supporters of contenders, it brings hope of filling all those gaps that we've been discussing ad nauseum for months.
Fans of the Montreal Canadiens are used to rolling out the lines "In Bob We Trust" for just about any move that comes from the GM's office. Usually that trust refers to the faith we have in his do little or nothing approach. Two years ago with the Canadiens looking down and out and ready to claim some draft picks (thanks, Swiss Dave); Gainey responded by making a single trade – well ahead of deadline day (Rivet and pick for Gorges and pick). He did not cash in on demand for league sweetheart and Montreal defensive millstone Sheldon Souray. Last year, with Habs fans gagging for some reinforcements for the Cup run, he instead traded our number one goalie (and UFA) for a second round pick.
In fact, if recent history is to be a lesson to Habs fans – it would be to enjoy March 4th outdoors and catch Toronto's trades the next day. Gainey makes few moves a season, and this one, he's exceeded his usual quota already.
Nevertheless, Gainey is a top GM. He rarely gets blown out in a trade, but has been known to blow his witless peers away. On the eve of the deadline, here's a retrospective on his trading record as a GM – with evidence to throw behind "In Bob We Trust" (and for the cynics, to cast doubt over all that hoopla).
Full career
Trades as a GM: 79
Trades 1992-1996: 42 (8.4 moves per year over 5 seasons)
Trades 1997-2009: 37 (3.7 moves per year over 10 seasons excl. lockout)
Trades 2003-2009: 21 (4.2 moves per year over 5 seasons excl. lockout)
Trades for cash: 2
Trades for future considerations: 5
Trades for draft picks: 5
Trades for minor leaguers: 20
Trades for NHL players: 47
Trades for NHL stars: 12
Montreal Canadiens
Trades as a GM: 21
Trades for cash: 0
Trades for future considerations: 1
Trades for draft picks: 2
Trades for minor leaguers: 6
Trades for NHL players: 12
Trades for NHL stars: 5
Top 10 trades
1. Kevin Hatcher for Sergei Zubov (1996)
2. Josef Balej and 2nd for Alexei Kovalev (2004)
3. Shane Churla and Doug Zmolek for Darryl Sydor (1996)
4. Jon Casey for Andy Moog (1993)
5. Mathieu Garon and 4th for Radek Bonk and Cristobal Huet (2004)
6. Jarome Iginla and Corey Millen for Joe Nieuwendyk (1995)
7. Bob Errey, Todd Harvey and 4th for Mike Keane, Brian Skrudland and 6th (1998)
8. Craig Rivet and 5th for Josh Gorges and 1st (2007)
9. 1st and 2nd for Alex Tanguay and 5th (2008)
10. 2nd for Robert Lang (2008)
Worst 10 trades (No real horror stories here)
1. Mike Ribeiro and 6th for Janne Niinimaa and 5th (2006)
2. Cristobal Huet for 2nd
3. Brian Bellows for Russ Courtnall (1992)
4. Ulf Dahlen for Mike Lalor and Doug Zmolek (1994)
5. Mikhail Grabovski for Greg Pateryn (2008)
6. Richard Jackman for Cameron Mann (2001)
7. Jarome Iginla and Corey Millen for Joe Nieuwendyk (1995)
8. Trent Klatt for Brent Fedyk (1995)
9. James Black for Gord Donnelly (1994)
10. Neal Broten for Corey Millen (1995)
Finally, proof he believes in Montreal Canadiens development of defensive forwards:
1. 5th for Mike McPhee (1992)
2. Todd Elik for Brent Gilchrist (1993)
3. Paul Broten for Guy Carbonneau (1995)
4. Bob Errey, Todd Harvey and 4th for Mike Keane, Brian Skrudland and 6th (1998)
5. Juha Lind for Scott Thornton (2000)
6. Donald Audette and Shaun Van Allen for Martin Rucinsky and Benoit Brunet (2001)
If Gainey doesn't make many trades, he makes even less bad trades. While he stole Sydor and Zubov from under the noses of opposing GMs, he has never been stung the same way himself.
If there is a word of caution, it is that he makes his worst trades from positions of weakness (i.e., those trades where he feels addition by subtraction is the way to go). Given that KOvalev has been rejuiced, the danger of him doing this again in the next couple of days is low. However, as he showed last season – he's capable of surprising with a reeking poor trade near the deadline for no reason.
Realistically, Gainey signalled his completion when he picked up Metropolit (asking prices for centres rising too high for his liking). Add to that he made a trade that almost pushed his top 10 all time (and could with more observation). It seems unlikely that anything bigger than big would happen from Bob – even if the frenetic Hockeybuzz does want us to believe it for hits.
Monday, June 18, 2007
What do the 2007/8 Canadiens need?
In looking at what we need, I think it is useful to look at what we have, what we have coming and what we don't and where we want to get to.
In my opinion, we have goaltenders to take us to the playoffs. Huet is very good, so is Halak and I think Danis is capable. Price, while obviously on the cusp of something, should be given time to mature a bit.
Our defense has been sub-par in my opinion for a very long time. We depend on the goalie too much. Markov is great. Komisarek can hit, but shouldn't be depended on to carry too much of the load yet – so keeping him with Markov is a good idea. That's 1 pairing. Beyond that there's plenty of room for improvement. We could cobble together a 3rd pairing from the guys we have now and those in Hamilton easily, but I would like some 2nd/3rd type defensemen added. Bouillon with the right player could be very effective, so could Streit. So really one big number 2 type guy (or number 1 if we're allowed to dream).
Personally, I would let Souray go. He has that shot, but he doesn't answer the need on defense. Paying him big money would mean lots of ice time. I would prefere not to witness that experiment again. If he were replaced by someone who could skate, pass and defend better than he does, I think his shot could be replaced by a forward, or possibly by a new strategy on the PP.
Our forwards look better than the defense. I like Koivu and Higgins together. I even like Ryder with them. But if it's a question of Ryder or Kovalev running on "all" cylinders, I would choose Kovalev – on the top line. Plekanec is not quite a second center (not with wingers just below the grade as well), but he could be if he found chemistry with some younger guys.
Again, personally, I think Latendresse needs some time. There will be a place for him on the PP, but I think it's second line or fourth at the moment. Kostitsyn, to me, is a more intriguing prospect. He showed determination and skill at points. If he could reproduce that form, I'd see Ryder's place in jeopardy.
3rd and 4th lines look great to me. We have lots of pieces that just fit right in there. Plekanec slides back into this position nicely. Chipchura would fit for me as a 4th line center until he learns the NHL (which I don't think would take long), at which point he's the 3rd line center for years to come. Begin and Lapierre could play together or one on each line. Lapierre showed maturity in the Hamilton run. I went from very sceptical on him to thoroughly impressed. Milroy has shown good progression, though am not sold. Could be another Ryder though. Garth Murray will never be more than he is now, but he is serviceable on the 4th line. Some Bulldogs could fit in easily here too.
The way I see it, that adds up to needing a defenseman to replace (and improve upon) Souray, and a forward for the top two lines. If we obtain a top winger, I'd like to see him or Kovalev with Koivu. If it's a center (and I hope it is), then we can keep Higgins on Koivu's wing, and play the new addition with either Kovalev or Ryder and Kostitsyn or Latendresse.
So who? Among the free agents I would pick Timonen and Forsberg. But since money is an object. I might take a downgrade on either. Possibly Hamrlik on defense. Possibly Handzus or Nylander on C.
If it's a trade, I really like Marleau for one of our wingers, then signing Nagy. On D, maybe someone like Sydor from Dallas.
Looking forward to seeing how it develops. Draft should be fun...
In my opinion, we have goaltenders to take us to the playoffs. Huet is very good, so is Halak and I think Danis is capable. Price, while obviously on the cusp of something, should be given time to mature a bit.
Our defense has been sub-par in my opinion for a very long time. We depend on the goalie too much. Markov is great. Komisarek can hit, but shouldn't be depended on to carry too much of the load yet – so keeping him with Markov is a good idea. That's 1 pairing. Beyond that there's plenty of room for improvement. We could cobble together a 3rd pairing from the guys we have now and those in Hamilton easily, but I would like some 2nd/3rd type defensemen added. Bouillon with the right player could be very effective, so could Streit. So really one big number 2 type guy (or number 1 if we're allowed to dream).
Personally, I would let Souray go. He has that shot, but he doesn't answer the need on defense. Paying him big money would mean lots of ice time. I would prefere not to witness that experiment again. If he were replaced by someone who could skate, pass and defend better than he does, I think his shot could be replaced by a forward, or possibly by a new strategy on the PP.
Our forwards look better than the defense. I like Koivu and Higgins together. I even like Ryder with them. But if it's a question of Ryder or Kovalev running on "all" cylinders, I would choose Kovalev – on the top line. Plekanec is not quite a second center (not with wingers just below the grade as well), but he could be if he found chemistry with some younger guys.
Again, personally, I think Latendresse needs some time. There will be a place for him on the PP, but I think it's second line or fourth at the moment. Kostitsyn, to me, is a more intriguing prospect. He showed determination and skill at points. If he could reproduce that form, I'd see Ryder's place in jeopardy.
3rd and 4th lines look great to me. We have lots of pieces that just fit right in there. Plekanec slides back into this position nicely. Chipchura would fit for me as a 4th line center until he learns the NHL (which I don't think would take long), at which point he's the 3rd line center for years to come. Begin and Lapierre could play together or one on each line. Lapierre showed maturity in the Hamilton run. I went from very sceptical on him to thoroughly impressed. Milroy has shown good progression, though am not sold. Could be another Ryder though. Garth Murray will never be more than he is now, but he is serviceable on the 4th line. Some Bulldogs could fit in easily here too.
The way I see it, that adds up to needing a defenseman to replace (and improve upon) Souray, and a forward for the top two lines. If we obtain a top winger, I'd like to see him or Kovalev with Koivu. If it's a center (and I hope it is), then we can keep Higgins on Koivu's wing, and play the new addition with either Kovalev or Ryder and Kostitsyn or Latendresse.
So who? Among the free agents I would pick Timonen and Forsberg. But since money is an object. I might take a downgrade on either. Possibly Hamrlik on defense. Possibly Handzus or Nylander on C.
If it's a trade, I really like Marleau for one of our wingers, then signing Nagy. On D, maybe someone like Sydor from Dallas.
Looking forward to seeing how it develops. Draft should be fun...
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