And- O I cannot agree with you more. And since you have finally admitted that Bonk is a bust offensively I am going to admit that my buddy CJ needs to change some things about his coaching philosophy and get the job done. I think he is a great coach but there are thinsg he does that he needs to change and soon.

As for the number 2 Center I agree completely. We are woefully weak at that position (as well as Dmen and a goalie right now). But if I had to address ONE glaring need it is to put together a legitimate second line starting with a real center. As we say here on the Miramichi...GET 'ER DONE BOB!

Plekanec is a more defensive version of Saku and should have Bonk's spot and as far as I have heard, Higgins is a better winger than center.  The problem is is that the guys we want/need to move, nobody wants.  It would be nice to also be able to move a bit of our yong winger/goalie depth, but then you have to absorb salary, which we can't with the cap.  There a lot of GM's out there who would love to make a deal and I am sure that Keenan isn't the only GM who has sent around a fax of players who are available, but as we all know, the cap is the problem.  So I have a feeling we are going to have to make this work, at least until January, unless we can find a team willing to trade their underperforming cast-off for ours AND make the salaries work.  I still think our number 1 addition has to be a right-side, 2-way D, but a second line center is close behind.  I trust BG is trying to make something happen, but I hope and believe that he is looking to the future, as well as the now.

As for CJ, I am really happy he is playing the rookies and I hope, mistakes or not, he continues to give them the puck to skate with.  Ribiero on the 4th line suits me fine and Dagenais should be sharpening skates and maybe he will learn how to use them.  I like Sunny, but as an insurance player.  I would love to upgrade that winger position.  CJ has limited choices right now and must tread carefully and not lose the players during this difficult time.  I trust he will continue to do a fine job.

Habtastic

I have heard Edmonton wants a 2nd line center and Staois would be part of their bid for one.  Florida might be willing to part with Hill.  Weight has been rumoured to be available, as has Allison.  More will become available the closer we get to the Trade deadline.  I think we should wait until the New Year before we make any moves other than maybe a minor addition until the wounded get back.

Habtastic