The Montreal Canadiens Magazine

Of all the hockey magazine’s available, I have to say that I am quite impressed with “Canadiens”, the official magazine of the Montreal Canadiens. It’s not just because I am a huge Montreal Canadiens fan, but the magazine has a great mix of entertainment, hockey, and personal stories of the Canadiens players, staff and legends.

My Favorite issue of the magazine from 2008 is a great example.

Not only did I find out the three favorite Montreal restaurants that Patrice Brisebois frequents, but also checked out 15 songs on the iPod of Tom Kostopolous (A classic mix of Metallica, Pearl Jam, and Nickleback).

The magazine always has a nice feature article that is several pages in length on the career and life outside of hockey of one current Canadiens player.

In a previous issue, Alexei Kovalev was featured and readers were treated to an inside look at Kovalev outside of hockey. I had previously heard that Kovalev was a licensed pilot, but this article went into greater detail about his flying career, his frequent flights to New York, and the plane that he owns.

Forget the Playoff Beard – Check Out The Mustache!

One of the more humorous articles in the issue, and a favorite topic of mine, is a look back at the best mustaches that have graced the faces of previous Canadiens players.

Larry Robinson received my vote as the former Habs rearguard sported an excellent handlebar style mustache throughout the 1970’s.

Younger Canadiens fans might remember a more recent Captain of the Canadiens, Mike Keane, who sported a beautiful blonde ‘stache as late as 1996!

A great quote comes from the mustache article in the Canadiens magazine:
“Current Canadiens GM, Bob Gainey, wisely left his perm and cookie-duster where they belong – in the ‘70s”

The First Kiss

In honor of Valentine’s Day, several players also remarked on who, where, and how they got their first kiss. I’m not sure what team that Tom Kostopolous played on, but apparently his entire team got kissed at the World Pee-Wee Tournament in Quebec – not too bad if I do say so myself!

Even if you’re not a fan of the Habs, I highly suggest that you take a few minutes to read an issue of Canadiens magazine if you get the chance.

NHL Hockey Twitter Links July 7 2009

The following is a collection of today’s most important hockey links as found on the NHL Digest Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/nhldigest. I’ve added some of my thoughts and commentary to the links in order to expand on the subjects a little bit. Let me know what you think!

Joe Sakic To Retire

Joe Sakic is set to announce he’s retiring on Thursday according to Sportsnet.ca http://ff.im/-4VyQZ
Sakic turned 40 years old today and despite having the Winter Olympics in his home town of Vancouver next year, he has decided to hang up the blades.  Sakic will retire as one of the game’s most classy players, leaders and competitors. 

Joe Sakic is the current leader in career points per game (1.19) among active NHLers with more than 500 points (Guess who will be the leader after Sakic retires?)
You know I had to get Dany Heatley into the conversation somehow! Heatley will be the league’s leader in points per game (minimum 500 career points) once Sakic retires on Thursday.

Kovalev Speaks Out On Ottawa

 @kylerousselreports a nice farewell to Montreal from Alex Kovalev’s official site: http://www.ak27.com/

Kovalev says Stanley Cup within reach in Ottawa. http://ff.im/-4Vg7g
Kovalev believes that he can bring more offense to Ottawa in the form of a second line scoring presence that they didn’t have previously.  He believes that is what is holding the Senators back from success in the playoffs.  I agree with him to a point, but the Senators also need defense and a goaltender. I didn’t expect Alex to bash his new team off the bat, but something more realistic wouldn’t have hurt. 

 @fatheaddesign Also thinks Kovalev is as close to the Stanley Cup in Ottawa as he will ever get saying- “Ottawa is a short train ride away from the HHOF, they can visit it there easily”.

Bonus NHL Goodness

  If you are a Penguins fan in Ohio or Pennsylvania, visit your local Giant Eagle store. @Kicksavetwenty and @Brian_Metzer say the Penguins newly released Stanley Cup Championship DVD is only $12 there with your Giant Eagle advantage card.

 @HabsIO says Scott Gomez will wear #91 and Mike Cammalleri will wear #13 in Montreal next season http://snipurl.com/maycc . According to Habs fan Michael Kuyaz, they will form part of the Montreal Canadiens new “Smurf Line” next season as seen here.

Chris Pronger signs 7-year extension in Philadelphia -… http://ff.im/-4Vn6Y
Pronger stated a few days ago that he would like to finish his career in Philadelphia.  This 7-year extension will do just that for the 35 year old rearguard.  In fact, I’d be willing to bet that Pronger retires in 5 years.

 @hosea24hoursWhat’s so exciting about Jonas Gustavsson? It’s Burke’s way of giving Leafs fans false hope. Remember Fabian Brunnstrom?
He’s right, and as Kyle Roussel said: “If Gustavsson is so great, then why did it take him so long to get to the NHL, and If he’s so great, why did he only get a 1-year deal?”  This highly touted “Monster” has a lot to prove and he will be asked to prove it under the bright lights and pressure of the cynical and fickle Toronto spotlight.

NHL Trivia:Which active NHL player has the best plus/minus rating at +409

Answer: N. Lidstrom

The good folks over at the Pensburgh blog have taken some lessons from this down economy and posted an article today about defending a championship on a budget. http://bit.ly/11gTvj

NHL Free Agency Drama

As the 2009 NHL Entry Draft passed us by, we started setting out minds on the “Frenzy” that is the Free Agency season for the National Hockey League.

There was much anticipation and many rumors that accompanied the days and hours leading up to the opening of the market. A couple of teams pulled no punches going after each and every available body that would fill a need on their team.

Leading up to free agency many teams seemed very inactive, but if your team was silent (Devils) there was always enough Dany Heatley news to go around!

Habs Go Hog-Wild

Bob Gainey and the brass of the Montreal Canadiens looked downright foolish to some, including myself, prior to free agency by acquiring Scott Gomez and his anchor of a  contract ($7.35Million/year).

However, as Canadiens fans do, there was an abrupt’ about face’ when the landing of Gomez led to the attraction of other free agents that will, no doubt, help the Canadiens cause.

The Canadiens acquired the tiny, but speedy and talented Brian Gionta, along with Mike Cammalleri – who publicly stated that it was the acquisition of Gomez that lured him to Montreal.

Gainey, with what appears to be a blank check from the Molson Brothers, burned through the Habs’ cap space like Paris Hilton on Rodeo Drive!

Hal Gill and Jaroslav Spacek were both signed as free agents.  Spacek is talented, fairly durable, but not overly big and plays soft.  He looks to be a solid addition to the Canadiens blueline, but leaves the powerplay with two set-up defensemen (Markov) and no “shooter”.

The loss of Mike Komisarek to the Leafs was tough to swallow for many Canadiens fans, wondering who will be the physical presence on the Habs’ blueline this coming season?

It is possible that Hal Gill was acquired to replace the size and physicality of Komisarek.  Gill can be physical and is certainly a huge presence, but he skates like a drunken walrus and can’t hit what he can’t catch.

Blackhawks Blunder?

The Chicago Blackhawks also went on a spending spree acquiring Marian Hossa from the Detroit Red Wings and locking him up with a huge 12-year contract.  That looked to be a decent move for the Blackhawks and they also acquired Kopecky from the Red Wings as well.

Lost in the Blackhawks plans seems to be the acquisition of a starting goaltender as Khabibulin was snagged by the Edmonton Oilers.

To top it all off, there is an investigation by the league into the way that the Blackhawks made their qualifying offers to a host of restricted free agents, including the highly touted youngsters, Kris Versteeg and Cam Barker.  It is thought that this might pass without consequence, but if the qualifying offers were found to be invalid these players could become unrestricted free agents!

The result of the botched qualifying offers could mean one step forward and two steps back for this resurrected franchise.

One More Year

A couple of the NHL’s grisled and talented veterans decide to have one more kick and the Cup before the y call it quits.  Teemu Sleanne announced that he will suit up for one more season with the Ducks, while Mark Recchi took a 1-year $1million contract for another campaign with the Boston Bruins.

NHL Draft and Trade Thoughts

This Friday (and Saturday’s) draft promises to be interesting. I wonder if there will be any huge announcements? There’s nothing to support this, but the common belief is that the Canadiens are planning to make a big announcement. Topping the list of what that announcement would be, of course, if Lecavalier will be traded to Montreal. I’m hoping not, but Gainey is probably going to want to make a splash and impression on his new owners/bosses.

N.Y Islanders Draft Choice

I like how the Islanders are keeping their cards close to the vest. I personally think they need an exciting face to their franchise, to help boost ticket sales and chatter in the community and if I were them, I’d take Tavares.

In my mind, the way he dominated the World Junior Championships (and especially Victor Hedman) sealed the deal for me. I don’t think Tavares is a Sidney Crosby, but I do see him as a guy who turns the crank on the power play and becomes a solid point per game player throughout his career.

That being said, I don’t think the Islanders can much of a mistake when it comes to the top 3. Hockey-wise, I think they’ll be fine with any one of Hedman, Duchene or Tavares.

Dany Heatley Debacle

As for Dany Heatley, that sleazeball should be thanking god every day that the Snyder’s petitioned for his freedom and that his life was spared. For him to come out and make this sort of trade demand is appalling. He signs a huge, long term deal and demands to be let go after year 1?

And, near as anyone can tell, it’s because Clouston is asking that he be a more responsible hockey player. Excuse me? Because Clouston asks for more than glorified shinny he wants out of Ottawa? That takes nerve.

Oh, and if that wasn’t worse, Heatley has a no trade clause. So not only has he forced Ottawa’s hand, he’s also handcuffed them. I think it’s time for the NHL and NHLPA to add an amendment to the CBA stating that if a player publicly demands a trade while under contract, his “No Trade Caluse” becomes void, or he gets 1 veto and that’s it.

Comments, as always, are appreiated!

Who Are Your Favorite Hockey Idols?

This article was submitted by NHL Digest columnist Kyle Roussel.  Feel free to catch up with Kyle at http://twitter.com/kyleroussel.

The Importance of Idols

We all had idols. We probably still do, no matter how old we are.

When we were kids, we wanted to replicate their feats on the ice. They type of person they were rarely factored in to the equation. In fact, we barely knew what these people were like off the ice. If we were fortunate enough to meet them in person, you could barely contain yourself.

However, in the days of the internet and 24/7 sports coverage, we now sometimes know more than we’d like to. Or ought to. It makes it that much harder for some guys to stand out when there are so many in the media salivating and waiting to dig up dirt and to get a headline.

Now that were older, and clearly not skilled enough to ever play a minute of pro hockey, we instead look to other qualities our idols have. Instead of hoping to some day surpass their stat totals, we now try to live our lives by the qualities we see in them.

My Hockey Idols

I’m going to list my 5 hockey idols and associate them with 1 word that I think they have, and that I try to add to my life.

1. Jean Beliveau – class
2. Bob Gainey – integrity
3. Saku Koivu – determination
4. Steve Yzerman – commitment
5. Wayne Gretzky – vision (not just for his on-ice vision, but as a coach, GM, executive and “entrepreneur”

Other Sports Idols

Honorable mentions from other sports: Robert Smith, Marv Levy, and Tony Dungy. 1 player and 2 coaches that I have lots of time for. In the case of Marv Levy, I would recommend that you pick up his book “Where Else Would You Rather Be?” by Levy. A terrific read.

Who are your 5 idols? Or even 3?  Maybe you have a 10 person list. Whatever that list is, let’s see it!

Can Montreal Afford Vincent Lecavalier?

The following is the an article submitted to NHL Digest by columnist Kyle Roussel.  You are encouraged to catch up with Kyle at www.twitter.com/kyleroussel. Enjoy!

Here we go again. Again.

If you believe what’s going on in Montreal, Lecavalier is going to be a Canadien sooner than later. Stop me if you’ve heard this before.

Apparently it’s not just fluff this time though. Bob McKenzie thinks there’s at least the potential that this can happen. In past years these rumors were almost immediately shot down by everyone and their dog. Tampa didn’t want to move their cornerstone, their cornerstone didn’t want to move and the Canadiens didn’t seem to want any cornerstones from the outside. Apparently times have changed. If you believe what’s being said, the Canadiens are about set to trade half their roster and future to make this happen now.

Betting The Farm

Bob Gainey is said to be offering Chris Higgins, Tomas Plekanec, Josh Gorges, at least one of P.K. Subban or Ryan McDonagh, and some combination of elite draft picks.

Ouch.

That’s a lot, even for a guy as prolific as Lecavalier.

The Canadiens have been successful in the past couple seasons because of their organizational depth. With this trade, that’s almost all but washed out. Of course, Bob Gainey has forgotten more about hockey than I’ll ever know, so who’s to say if I’m right or wrong. I agree that in order to get something, you have to give something, but in this case I think there’s an element of mirage in what is coming back.

“What???” You’re asking yourself? “Lecavalier is the REAL DEAL. A cup winner. Conn Smythe winner. Where’s the mirage?”

There are a lot of intangibles that go in to this deal. There’s a BIG difference in putting up numbers in Tampa and replicating those same stats under the glare of the Montreal spotlight. A huge difference! Especially for a Francophone. Pierre Turgeon wasn’t exactly the same Pierre Turgeon that was among the league leaders year after year when he was a Sabre and Islander. He melted under the pressure here. Theodore fell as quickly as he rose once the fishbowl around him either got too small or he got too big. And then there’s Patrice Brisebois.

Brisbois was a nice fit for several years, then inexplicably was given a huge long term deal as the Canadiens #1 defenseman. He eventually became the nightly whipping boy and was literally booed out of town. When he was signed by the Avalanche, people were dancing all over the place as if the Emperor had been thrown down the Death Star shaft.

My point here is if the trade goes down, there will be a sweetheart of a honeymoon with Lecavalier, during which time he will put up middling numbers, which will be excused by the fact that he just had shoulder surgery. That may or may not be fair. But the Canadiens wouldn’t acquire him to put up middling numbers, nor would the fans accept middling numbers…for long.

Lofty Expectations

And therein lies the problem. This guy will be expected to score 40-50 goals EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. for the next ELEVEN years. Sure, at some point fans will temper their expectations of him. But who in their right mind takes on an 11 year deal for ANYONE? To me that’s just irresponsible. Eventually Lecavalier will have a bad year. It may be sooner than later. Just wait to see how quickly that honeymoon ends! Ever see “The Heartbreak Kid” with Ben Stiller? It would end about that quickly if Vinny DARED have an off year. It’s just not accepted around here, especially not from a home grown star who is supposed to lead les Glorieux to the promised land.

I don’t blame the fans. The Canadiens are religion in Montreal. Seriously – they are. A local university actually has a course entitled “The Religion of the Canadiens”. So says Michael Farber’s latest article. They’re passionate about their team, about the roots of their team. Richard, Beliveau, Plante, Lafleur, Latendr…nevermind.

I’m passionate about them too. But it seems in their passion, they lose sight of the fact that this is a different age. It’s now an age where the game and the business of the game has changed so much that there are very few of those legends left. A player has relatively few issues with picking up and moving to another market where he will make similar, if not more money. There’s been a void since the Flower left. Sure, we had Roy. But I’m talking about a home-grown, lift-you-out-of-your-seat goal scorer. We thought the void was at least partially filled with Turgeon. That didn’t work out. In fact it was a bust. Kovalev gets people out of their seats sure enough…but, you know…he’s Russian.

I suppose their *could* be an upside to this. I’d even go as high as 50-50. With so many pending unrestricted free agents at season’s end, having a stud like Lecavalier takes some of the leverage away from Koivu and Kovalev to demand another fat contract. Is that on Gainey’s mind? He’s a strategic guy, but I don’t know if that counts as strategy or circumstance.

Either way, it wouldn’t take long for the media to start the “ditch Koivu” (after 15 years of service mind you) campaign at season’s end and appoint Lecavalier as captain. Do me a favor and stay tuned. If this trade happens, you can set your watch to that prediction.

Could The Habs make It Work?

In the end, I think the Canadiens can absorb the loss of the guys they’d give up. They now draft well enough and have guys like D’Agostini, Chipchura and Pacioretty ready to step in to the NHL. They’ve also got a plethora of young defensemen that look like they will be the future of Montreal’s blue line. But I think an 11 year deal is just too much contract to take on. Add to that the fishbowl environment, and the pressure Vinny will face, and it’s certain to explode in Gainey’s face before the contract is half over. Then he’ll have to trade him away for nothing, as Houle had to do with Roy. Ok, maybe not that bad!

Either way, it’s going to be interesting to see how this shapes up.

I sound fairly dug in on the “nay” side of this equation. The truth is I want to see Vinny here in a Habs jersey as much as anyone. It would be so great to see a local kid bring the cup back to Montreal. So I’m asking you to give me reasons as to why this makes sense. Why should Gainey do this trade?

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