All Habs Headlines: Friday June 22, 2012
On this day in hockey history… In 1991, Quebec Nordiques selected Eric Lindros first overall in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.
DRAFT DAY HEADLINES
► Arbitration for Price: RDS reported that the Canadiens had filed for salary arbitration with franchise player and goaltender Carey Price. Should fans be concerned? Not at all is the answer from Marc Bergevin. The Habs GM said that the process is “just a technicality” that prevents other teams from signing Price to an offer sheet. Bergevin said that the paperwork was not an indication of the state of contract negotiations.
In speaking to reporters, Bergevin said that he had informed Price’s agent Gerry Johannson, adding that “Carey knew from even before that we were going to do that and the parties are all fine with that.”
Regarding the state of the contract Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reported that a long-term deal will be in the $40 million range. Negotiations on a long-term deal will continue until the date of Price’s arbitration hearing. If no agreement can be reached, Price will have the option between taking a 1 or 2 year contract from the arbitrator.
#SNdraft. Price will sign minimum 1or 2 yr arb deal if he doesn't accept #Canadiens long term offer thats believed to be in the 40M range.
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) June 21, 2012
► Habs release schedule: The Canadiens regular season schedule for 2012-13 was released Thursday surprising many that for the first time since 1999 they will face the Ottawa Senators at home. The Habs then head to Toronto for a Saturday night date with the Maple Leafs. Starting the following week, the Canadiens have a home-and-home series with the Bruins finishing out the week with a home match against the Capitals.
The regular season will come to an end for the Habs in Toronto on Saturday April 13. Of course, all of this is dependent on this summer’s re-negotiation of the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement going relatively smoothly so as to prevent a work stoppage in the Fall.
Read more: Habs unveil 2012-13 calendar
► Waiting on Edmonton & Columbus: In the words of many hockey reporters, this year’s draft is truly one where, “anything can happen.” With the Habs sitting with the third overall selection, barring a trade up scenario – which GM Marc Bergevin hasn’t ruled out – he is stuck in the unenviable spot of waiting to see what the Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets do.
Yesterday, Oilers’ GM Steve Tambellini indicated that he had yet to receive any at all interesting offers for the first overall selection. If they stay at #1, all analysts have it down to a decision between Nail Yakupov and Ryan Murray for the club. Where it gets interesting is that reliable Columbus reporter Aaron Portzline’s read on the Blue Jackets situation at #2 (via Twitter) is that the team would love to take Ryan Murray, but if he goes first, then Portzline believes Columbus would select Alex Galchenyuk over Nail Yakupov.
What would this mean for Montreal? Will Nail Yakupov fall into Bergevin’s lap? If he does, will he take him? We’ll know this evening. In the meanwhile, for mock drafts from the All Habs crew, please visit our Draft Centre.
► All Habs Draft Party: Still looking for a great place to watch tonight’s first round of the NHL Entry Draft? Come down to McLean’s Pub for the All Habs Draft Party! Food & drink specials, trivia, prizes, guests, and more, with free admission! Just read below.
Read more: Get Your VIP Pass to Habs Draft Party
► New at All Habs Hockey Magazine:
All Habs 2012 NHL Entry Draft Mock Draft – Part 3
All Habs 2012 NHL Entry Draft Mock Draft – Part 2
All Habs 2012 NHL Entry Draft Mock Draft – Part 1
Restocking the Habs’ Cupboard: Drafting Beyond the First Round
A Complete Mock Draft for the Montreal Canadiens
NHL Entry Draft Q&A With Mark Edwards, HockeyProspect.com
On Rookies & Roster Spots – Adjusting Expectations
All Habs Mailbag: Robinson, Salak, Kane, Budaj, Jagr, NHL Entry Draft