MONTREAL, QC — All Habs news for July 16, 2010
A number of sources in Montreal are reporting that Julien Brisebois may be on his way to the Tampa Bay Lightning. BriseBois is currently the CEO of the Hamilton Bulldogs and carved out a reputation as the resident salary cap expert in the Canadiens’ organization. As an assistant to former GM Bob Gainey, Brisebois was responsible for managing player contracts.
BriseBois is a candidate for an Assistant GM position with the Lightning created to be responsible for all financial matters. GM Steve Yzerman is seeking a second assistant to complement the work of former Habs defenseman Tom Kurvers.
The 33-year old BriseBois has been with the Canadiens since 2001.
With Yzerman having been rebuffed by the Canadiens and coach Guy Boucher allowed to walk, BriseBois’ possible addition to the Tampa Bay organization could provide a glimpse into the what-could-have-been management team for the Habs.
With the recent signing of Alexander Avtsin, the Canadiens’ Fall training camp could be a competitive affair. The top line looks to remain intact from last year centered by Tomas Plekanec. But after that all bets are off.
Mike Cammalleri — Tomas Plekanec — Andrei Kostitsyn
— Scott Gomez — Brian Gionta
So who will fill the spot next to Gomez and Gionta on the 1B line? Most assume that its Benoit Pouliot’s position to lose although a strong camp by Avtsin or Lars Eller could vault them ahead of Pouliot.
Eller has all the tools to fit in with Gomez and Gionta but will probably be eased in with time on the third line. Avtsin will likely spend time in Hamilton but a skilled-winger with size and scoring touch may be what the doctor ordered for the Habs at some point in the season.
Max Lapierre — — Travis Moen
It’s probably safe to assume that either Pouliot or Eller will line up between Lapierre and Moen on the third line.
For sake of argument, we can pencil in the fourth line as follows.
Tom Pyatt — Dustin Boyd — Mathieu Darche
Pyatt is a favorite of coach Jacques Martin. Boyd should be an every game player relied on for his gritty style of play. That leaves Darche, who will be hard-pressed to fend off competition for his place in the line-up.
The list of players vying for his spot is long and includes: Max Pacioretty, Ben Maxwell, Ryan White, Brock Trotter and David Desharnais.
(photo credit: Getty)