Goaltenders

David Aebischer-B+ Was not happy originally with him coming to montreal in the Theo trade. I must admit though now that i look back it was more that i was fustrated is getting ANOTHER goaltender when we DIDNT NEED ONE. Theo was a waste of money and space on our team at the time, why bring in another goalie and sit him on the bench with the way Huet was playing when we had OTHER spots that needed filling. As of right now, i like him, was impressed and happy with his play in the first 2 games this season, and think that he can really help if he stays strong.

Cristobal Huet-B+ In a position where no matter what he will be looked at as a underachiever for the first part of the season. To expect Huet to continue to put up #1 goalie numbers OVER ALL in the league is unfair. He is capable of playing well but no goalie is capable of staying that solid ALL THE TIME ( 7 shutouts in 36 games ) Unhuman. Though i believe he is good, he is not THAT good and i only expect him to play well enough to get us in good position in the playoffs and occasionally win us some games by himself. Asking for top 3 goalie stats would be unfair

Overall-  Our goalie controversy is going to stay around as long as there are 2 #1's on the bench. Abby has the advantage at experience but Huet has fan favorite advantage.  Both are very capable of being really good, but i do not expect more than solid goaltending, enough to keep us in tight games. To make key saves and play consistantly. Grade B+

Defense

Francis Boullion-B Though small, we ALL know what he is capable of. A VERY solid and energetic player. Deserves a spot on our team AS SOON as he is healthy.

Sheldon Souray-B- Though he is probably one of the slowest on the team, he makes up for it offensively and through leadership. Wears the habs crest proud and takes alot of heart into his game. Needs to learn how to play the body and not the puck on open ice in 1 on 1 situations. Less players will try to go through him if and when he does learn that open ice hitting IS legal.

Craig Rivet-B+ Very solid and quiet stay at home defenseman. Does his job and doesnt complain. Expects nothing but the best from him and the players around him. Very capable and still a good asset in todays NHL. If the habs dont sign him, ALOT of teams will be intersted in this guy!

Mike Komisarek-B Its breakout seaosn for this guy. He finally has the motivation, mental compasity, and confidence to become an elite player. Is no longer satisfied with playing the regular 5 on 5 shift and wants to be out there during key moments in the game a VERY good sign that shows he is maturing and wants to be a force on the ice

Janne Niinimaa-B  Although new, he has fit in VERY well and hasnt disappointed. Plays a very solid 2 way game, and lookes great next to dandenault. Hopefully his play can carry on throughout the season.

Andrei Markov- A- Argueably our best defenseman when on his game. Hasnt been very visible in his first 2 games, but personally i believe its because most of the attention has been on Kovalevs and sammy, the goaltending, koivus eye and niinimaa. Markov will be a solid asset throughout the season and will continue to become an elite defenseman in the league.

Mark Streit - D  Depth man and is only here IF there is an injury. Same boat as Traverse. Personally if not for depth i see no reason for Streit to be on the team. Just being the swiss captain doesnt earn you a spot on the roster.

Mathieu Dandenault-B+ One of your fastest skaters, very hard to get by because of it. Very solid at both ends and a good replacement for Brisebois, and after a year i believe he is better than brisebois. Maybe not offensively but we have souray and markov here to take care of that. 

Grade - B

Forwards

Saku Koivu- A Overall ALL OPINIONS ASIDE our best player. No one brings more to the table that Saku. His heart, leadership, intensity, skill, speed, determination, confidence and never say die attitude is second to none. There is NO OTHER player on the habs who can match Saku's role or even come close. He belongs on the team as a VERY important player and will retire a hab. If the habs are to win the cup in the next couple years, it will be saku who raises it above his head and brings it home to where it belongs.

Alexie Kovalev- A- No doubt, the most talented on the team but is FAR from consistant. Needs to be more motivated to play and become more involved at both ends of the ice. We all know what player he can be, and why he consistantly isnt that player is only known to him. Worht having on the team but only because of his skill.

Sergie Samsonov-B Incredibly fast, skilled and creative. Likes to hold on to the puck like Kovalev and can almost match his 1 on 1 ability but needs to learn to shoot more or find the open man faster. Potential 25-30 goal scorer on a offensively challenged habs team if he can figure things out.

Michael Ryder-B+ Our most natural goal scorer. Not the best skater but can put the puck in from anywhere in the offensive zone. Has a release like Dany Heatley and is leathal in the slot. With the right teammates and a little more experience, Ryder could 1 day be a 50 goal scorer.

Christopher Higgins-B+ Suprising rookie of 2005-2006 A Very solid player capable of scoring 30 goal on the top line and possibly even more if he stays healthy. A great player, and solid defensively. Another well brought up prospect.

Tomas Plekanec-B-  Hasnt found his comfort zine yet but with all the shifting of roles hes had, it would be hard to find a groove. Solid at both ends and is definately welcome on the top 2 lines and PK.

Steve Begin- A- 1 of the most valuable players on the team. Works his ass off for the team and rarely ever disappoints. He contributes offensively 5-5 and shorthanded, kill penalties, blicks shots, hits, occasionally fights, and will do ANYTHING for his teammates. 1 of my favorites and im sure many of you would agree.

Radek Bonk- B Finally looks as though he has found his comfort zone and is ready to become a force on the habs. Any top line of any team will know when playing the habs it will not be an easy task to score. Still overpaid in my opinion

Alexander Perezhogin- B- Very fast, has smooth hands and skating ability, dangerous whenever he is on the ice. Is not afraid to hit and CAN ( Keith Primeau anyone? ) 1 day could have a smot on the top 2 lines but looks good on the 3rd right now.

Mike Johnson- B Un upgrade from Dowd, Dackell, Juneau and Sundstrom. Finally a guy who will put points on the board and be solid at both ends without us having to stay on their cases. Looks grade next to bonk and im sure he is motivated to play every game against the leafs, which is nice :D ;)

Garth Murray- C- Journeyman 4th liner, but valuable. Plays pretty well with begin, as both have the same style, but Garth isnt as spirited. Will not be around next year

Aaron Downey- D+ Currently living on his 1 hit wonder in a way, but still provides the occasional boost on the 4th line if not for depth, rest for other players or just to add a guy who will drop them if we need someone to drop them. A decent player, but again, will not be around next year.

Guillaume Latendresse- C  Hasnt been a major factor but eventually will  be in the future. Has great potential to be a power forward and after a bit of maturing, he will be a great asset on our team

Grade B