Despite the chatter about what free agents the Habs have in their crosshairs, I'd like to interject and remind the fan base that historically (i.e. the last 5 years at least) the Canadiens have not been key players in free agency and until they do something to make me think otherwise, I'm not holding out hope that this is the year they acquire a big name to be the face of the franchise. Dont get me wrong, either way I will will live and die with the bleu, blanc et rouge until the very end of the 07-08 season, but I'm just not going to follow the rumours too closely until I see somebody like Marleau or Briere or Gomez, etc. in a Habs sweater.
Not signing big money free agents has allowed the Habs to develop a wealth of talent, some currently playing, some making a name for themselves next year, but somebody that exudes championship caliber leadership (no offense to Saku) and talent would be welcomed for support.
I agree....I certainly is painful to be a habs fan. Extremely depressing, actually. I wish I could just walk away from them. I don't care what anyone says, they aren't going to win a cup anytime soon. Unfortunately I'm too die hard to just leave them high and dry, not that they'd miss me anyway....
Don't worry my friends, I don't mind not signing big UFA's... Bring up some kids from Hamilton to replace our lousy player (ie: Garth Murray) and the future will look brighter!
I disagree asp....we were underdogs in the the ahl for a reason. our players aren't that good......price won.
If the Habs are smart, they swap Souray's rights for Hannan's. Hannan comes cheaper and would be a good fit for Montreal.
i agree with most of your statements, especially all concerning the front office moves, or lack thereof, but when you say that koivu doesn't have championship level experience, we split. koivu's a born leader, and let's not forget, he's been a silver and bronze medal winner, which is more than most of his other teammates can say. he is a winner, and leads by example, coming back again and again from all types of adversity from knee surgeries to recovering from cancer, which anyone will tell you will be a continual fight for the rest of his life. i'm sure koivu didn't take offense to your comment, but i did. no animosity, though, you do make good points. koivu can't do it alone.get marleau, bob. sign peca, let him revenge himself on the maple weeps...boody-hoo, for the white and blue!
Habs should sign Briere and then trade Kovy and a couple of propects for Regehr, seeing how Keenan repotedly wants #27.