Hockey Trade Rumors

The entire hockey world knows that this is the Montreal Canadiens centennial season and expectations for Les Canadiens are higher than ever! Like many other Habs fans I witnessed their last two games this past weekend (losses to Buffalo and Toronto) with much concern. This is a team that is severely lacking intensity, motivation and urgency. Just a year ago the Habs were the surprise of the NHL, storming up the standings with Alexei Kovalev leading the way amidst the chants of MVP at the Bell Centre. A year later Kovalev (with the exception of his MVP all-star game performance) is dragging this Canadiens team down with his uninspired and unproductive play.The entire hockey world knows that this is the Montreal Canadiens centennial season and expectations for Les Canadiens are higher than ever! Like many other Habs fans I witnessed their last two games this past weekend (losses to Buffalo and Toronto) with much concern. This is a team that is severely lacking intensity, motivation and urgency. Just a year ago the Habs were the surprise of the NHL, storming up the standings with Alexei Kovalev leading the way amidst the chants of MVP at the Bell Centre. A year later Kovalev (with the exception of his MVP all-star game performance) is dragging this Canadiens team down with his uninspired and unproductive play.

I hate to admit it but Kovalev an UFA this summer has to either quickly regain his MVP form or he simply has to go! His inconsistency is killing the Habs right now and it appears contagious! It is apparent from watching the club, that the Habs are waiting for a saviour. It’s evident that Kovalev is playing as just a shadow of his former self and Carey Price certainly isn’t playing worthy of the “Jesus” Price praise. This begs the question, who or what is going to save the Habs season?

The Lecavalier rumors must be put to rest, at least until the draft. Given Bob Gainey’s portfolio, he’s not about to mortgage the future which he’s assembled over the years to land a coveted franchise player. However, the reality is the Habs desperately need a franchise player like they had in Kovalev last year. They currently do not have a go to guy that can change the tempo or outcome of a game.

Last season Montreal finished first in the Eastern Conference and this year the expectation was that they would progress and be an even more complete team. This summer the entire Montreal roster will be revamped as Kovalev, Koivu, Tanguay, Lang and Komisarek are all UFA’s. It’s next to certain that most of these players will not be in the fold next season. Hence the time is now for this group to compete and perform at a high level.

At worst the Habs must finish no lower than in 4’th place to realistically compete in the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs. Everyone knows the importance of home ice advantage come playoff time and the Habs post-season record undoubtedly backs this theory up. With the Bruins playing elite hockey, the NorthEast division is well out of reach. Bob Gainey must put his GM skills to work to get this club back in the right direction if they are to compete against the likes of the Bruins, Devils and Capitals.

So the million dollar question is, what does Bob Gainey do? For the record, lets just say this, how good would Mark Streit look in a Montreal uniform right about now. His presence on the powerplay, his versatility (He played both defence and wing) were underestimated in Montreal last season. The Habs do have the depth and prospects to make a deal before the March 4th trade deadline. The problem is, there is a lack of quality players to be had in the trade market. Jay Boumester would more than bolster the defence corps, but he comes with a high price tag and word is Jaques Martin and the Panthers are keen to maintain his services as they are a team desperate to clinch a playoff spot. Other options include Maple Leafs Tomas Kaberlea and Pavel Kubina and perhaps even Anaheim defenseman Chris Pronger. If I’m Gainey I would seriously consider making a strong pitch for Chris Pronger or even Scott Niedamayer who is an UFA this summer. The biggest sticking point is that Anaheim is a playoff bound team and trading either Pronger or Niedamayer reduces their probability of making the playoffs.

With the long-term injury of Robert Lang and Tomas Plekanec’s woeful season, the Habs also need a quality centreman. Outside of veterans such as Keith Tkachuck and Doug Weight there are slim pickings on the trade market.
The reality is, if Bob Gainey really wants to land an impact player the Habs have to be willing to over pay as well as sacrifice some of their coveted future prospects. The problem is many teams find themselves with a realistic chance of making the post-season and will thus be reluctant to become sellers. Every team in the Western Conference including the 15th place St. Louis Blues aren’t far removed from 8th place.

Chances are the Montreal Canadiens are going to have to look within to solidify a strong post-season run. It may all come down to the currently struggling Carey Price. He’ll have to rival the play of legendary greats such as Dryden or Roy if the Habs have any hope of reaching the Stanley Cup Finals. A decision has to be made with Alexei Kovalev. If Kovalev does not soon step up his performance, Canadiens management may have to decide whether or not Kovalev serves the best interests of the team going forward. Also, players such as Higgins, Koivu and Plekanec all have to contribute more offensively like they did last year if the Habs are to have any playoff success.

The more you dissect this Canadiens team, the more you realize how many holes and weaknesses this team has. The good news however is that despite all the injuries and underachieving performances of many of the core veteran players, the Habs still find themselves nestled into fifth place, albeit hanging on for dear life! If they don’t develop a consistent winning trend soon, that could quickly change in the next couple weeks. Bob, please do something!