Headlines: Nash, Subban, Galchenyuk, Price, Kostitsyn, Koivu

Rick Stephens

12 years ago

All Habs Headlines: Monday July 23, 2012

On this day in hockey history… Happy 43rd birthday to former Habs forward Andrew Cassels. The Canadiens chose Cassels in the first round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, the same year that they picked up John LeClair and Eric Desjardins in the second round.

ALL HABS HEADLINES

► Sather schools Howson: The New York Rangers became an even more formidable opponent for the Habs with the addition of power-forward Rick Nash. Rangers GM Glen Sather was able to add a premiere 30-goal winger without giving up the core of his lineup. Heading to the Columbus Blue Jackets are Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixson, Artem Anisimov and a 1st-round draft choice. Given the strength of the Rangers and how poorly Columbus has drafted, the draft pick isn’t as valuable as it sounds.

The Rangers also picked up minor-league defenceman Steve Delisle and a conditional third-round pick. Columbus GM Scott Howson had painted himself into a corner by making unrealistic demands and quickly running out of trading partners. Blue Jackets fans are unlikely to be satisfied with the return after Howson created such high expectations.

For the Rangers, it was a masterfully-timed pitch given that the Philadelphia Flyers are currently handcuffed by the Shea Weber offer.

► Miss hockey? Yes, so do we. It’s not of the on-ice variety but there is plenty of hockey news everyday. And we’re glad to pass it on to you. But how do you fill the hockey void? We want to hear from you.

As far as substitutes, here’s one of the best gadgets we’ve run across for backyard fun.

► Signing watch: P.K. Subban‘s agent Don Meehan is scheduled to chat with Habs GM Marc Bergevin this week to discuss a new contract for the young defenseman. As well, J-F Chaumont from Le Journal de Montreal is reporting that Habs first round pick Alex Galchenyuk is expected to sign an entry-level contract this week.

*update 5:09 p.m.* On Monday, Alex Galchenyuk signed a 3-year entry level deal with the Canadiens.

► Here’s your brick, what’s your hurry? One week ago the Montreal Canadiens announced their Tour des Canadiens condo project. By week’s end, centennial brick owners were being advised that some of those bricks were already being plucked from the plaza. Apparently there will be no construction holiday for the Habs.

► Price golfs for charity: Carey Price has a long-standing friendship with former NHL goalie Olie Kolzig. So Price was happy to participate in Kolzig’s annual charity golf tournament for his autism foundation.

“Coming down in the summer, you feel young again. Helping out the Kolzig Foundation is starting to mean a lot to me and my wife (Maggie). The one thing about hockey players, is once you play a season or two with a guy, you build a bond. I see Carey (Price) every summer. It’s a great time. You want to catch up and tell some stories.” — Dylan Stanley, former Tri-City American player