Well we have 18 players (not counting Cote, but counting Kostitsyn) signed @ 33million. That leaves us with about 10 mil for 5 players; Perezhoghin, Ryder, a back-up goalie (either Danis or Aeb), and then we need two more bodies at forward (probably a 3rd and 4th-liner on the right-wing). I hope Bob does something soon (trade, speech to fans) to give us an indication of direction.
The bottom line in this league is winning, not excuses. When Julien got canned he could have used all kinds of excuses..injuries, poor play of Theodore etc etc. The bottom line was that he was not winning hockey games! The bottom line will be the same for Gainey. No talk about language, taxes, media..etc. You either get the job done or you are gone. For whatever reason, he has failed to get Arnott, a guy he knew well and had a history with, to sign. He failed to get Shanahan. He courted and failed to get Tom Poti for God's sake. Plain and simple. Gainey knows that as well and I am sure he is working hard to get things done. Hockey is cruel, especially in Montreal. But I can tell you that there is no "next year" for Bob. If he was unable to get a UFA THIS year, what makes you think he can do it next year? He now is forced to go the trade route and I can tell you that was not his first choice. But I am confident that he can wheel and deal some bodies that way.
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I'm as confused as a starving baby in a topless bar!
No problem Barry, always loving your passion! Good breakdown John, but you gotta hope that Aeb will be moved and that will leave us with 7 mil or so to play with and of course with any trade we make, we will be sending money their way, so I think we are just fine. I would like to see Something like Zed and Ribs for Lang. Also, Aeb as the basis for Florida's Anthony Stewart and maybe try to get Gelinas in there. Then leave the rest as a cushion in case of injuries or for a player that needs to be moved.
I would probably leave our D alone, as they are fairly well-balanced and 3 of them are UFAs next year, so if we need to change them up we can do it then.