Habster:
While watching the Minnesota Wild/Calgary Flames game on TSN tonight, Pierre McGuire mentioned that Canadiens Assistant GM Pierre Gauthier and Head pro scout Gordie Roberts were at the game (they panned the camera on them in the press box) and were also at the Calgary/Nashville game the night before.
During the second intermission, the TSN panel mentioned the possibility of the Flames and Canadiens swinging a deal (only speculation on their part, folks!!!). Darren Dreger also mentioned the possibility of the Flames wanting to dump salary to sign Dion Phaneuf to a long term deal. He mentioned Alex Tanguay for Michael Ryder trade as Calgary wouldn’t be financially committed to Ryder beyond this season while Tanguay still has another year left on his current contract at a $5.25 million cap hit.
I’m not convinced the Flames will part with Tanguay as he is fourth in team scoring (G-11 A-25 PT-36) and the Flames can’t afford to lose any offense from their lineup. I also think that the Canadiens would have to throw in another player because of Ryder’s UFA status next year, preferably they would like a decent prospect along with Mr. Ryder.
I can’t help but think that the Habs are also looking for an experienced defenseman to play in the #4-6 position. The Flames would probably consider parting with Cory Sarich, Rhett Warrener or David Hale if the deal was right but these names are not exactly inspiring or high end players (Rhett Warrener is the most serviceable of the bunch but is on the IR with a Fractured Right Ankle).
Personally, I like what Ryan O’Byrne was doing on the ice before he broke his thumb. He would be a better fit on the third pairing which would upgrade the #5-6 spots while allowing Gainey to get a solid #4 defenseman who could play with Roman Hamrlik and give the team a solid second pairing.
Anyhow, tell me what you think about the rumour. Here is the Calgary Flames FULL ROSTER and TEAM STATS.
Montreal Team 990 radio rumour this morning was that Montreal might part with Kovalev…to reunite him with Keenan.
Hey Dave,
I heard the same rumour/interview on Team 990 from La Presse writer Francois Gagnon this morning (who has very little credibility in my opinion, especially if he thinks the Habs can get a Francophone for a Russian exchange). It simply won’t happen!!
It would be foolish and downright stupid for the Habs to trade Alex Kovalev as he is playing so well on a dynamic, offensive line with Plekanec and A. Kostitsyn. He is the main reason the powerplay has been ranked #1 for most of the season (he leads the NHL in powerplay points). He also is acting as a mentor for fellow Russians, Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn.
I would hope that Gainey adds to an already solid lineup and doesn’t subtract too much from it……I would be willing to give Calgary: Ryder and a decent prospect…dare I say Chipchura or Halak!!!!
Anyhow, thanks for the comment and rumour….if you have anymore, let me know, Dave!!!!
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