Is Bob Gainey watching the parade go b y?

[RadioGaGa 162]

Don't count on Latandresse. Let him work his way up through the ranks. He's unlikely to produce like he did at last year's camp.

I can't see Samsonov and Kovalev on the same line.

I agree on Latendresse...if anyone Forwards get promoted this year it'll be Kostitsyn (for Offense) or Lapierre (for grit).

Let Guy work through the system...no need to rush him.

I'd have no problem at all with Samy & Kovy on separate lines...

[Sticks of Fury 0]

Take Sergei.

Take the skilled forward and mold him into the player you want.

[cobrAA 0]

Here is something to fuel the Habs/Leafs debate...

Who would you rather have on your team, putting all biases aside?

Darcy Tucker

or

Sergei Samsonov ?

samsonov.

I mean tucker is more of a physical player in my opinion than sergei, and i actually prefer to see nice offensive move than nice big hits.

[Eazy_b97 1]

To be honest I think a Tucker for Samsonov trade would suit each team best. When you put the financial terms aside at least.

Samsonov is a forward Montreal has a few times over. Sure he may be a bit better, but he isn't a huge improvement. Tucker would add grit and a physical presence that they need.

On the flip side, Toronto needs speed and a puckhandling winger. They have enough size and toughness to make-up for Tuckers lost grit.

[kosydar 0]

I was going to hold off on answering but what the hell. All of this is without any bias, if you can even believe that.

I think its Tucker and not even close.

In the new NHL, one would assume that the clear choice would be Samsonov. He is a speedy, skilled winger who can score. But can he really score as well as everyone says he can? Last year Tucker had five more goals. I can't say that I watched nearly as many Bruins/Edmonton games as I did Leafs games, but Tucker was constantly paired with guys like Kilger, and received third line minutes. I think its safe to assume that Samsonov played a fair bit with Bergeron and Sturm. There is no reason why a "better" offensive player shouldn't score more goals while playing with those elite players than a "worse" offensive player who plays with grinders. Tucker had more shots, a better shooting percentage, and ten more assists.

All of that is just based on stats. On to the other stuff.

Tucker brings a lot more to the ice than Samsonov. Many people accuse Tucker of being a dirty player, and there is some merit to that. However, nobody can question his heart and his work ethic. Samsonov is prone to float on the ice, or take a shift off. He goes through streaks where he doesn't score, and therefore he isn't effective. Even when Tucker doesn't score, his game is still effective, creating turn overs, big hits, forechecking, etc. There is no question that Samsonov is the much more skilled player by default, but his results don't show it. Tucker's grit, leadership, and work ethic make up for his lack of talent. Another important factor to keep in mind is salaries. Tucker= $1.6 mil, Samsonov= $3.5 mil (?).

Bottom line- Its no wonder why Samsonov was drafted 8th overall and Tucker was 151st. Samsonov has far more skill, but yet he doesn't produce like he should. Tucker adds much more to his team than Samsonov does (including offense), while playing in a traditionally non-offensive role.

[ecjp11 0]

why would the canadiens want Tucker? they already have a whiner, his name's Mike Ribeiro!

[kosydar 0]

why would the canadiens want Tucker? they already have a whiner, his name's Mike Ribeiro!

Obviously they wanted him at some point seeing as they drafted him, smart guy.

[RadioGaGa 162]

why would the canadiens want Tucker? they already have a whiner, his name's Mike Ribeiro!

Obviously they wanted him at some point seeing as they drafted him, smart guy.

I wish he hasn't taken so long to develop....the way he plays NOW would be great in Montreal...the way he played THEN....totally expendable.

[ecjp11 0]

why would the canadiens want Tucker? they already have a whiner, his name's Mike Ribeiro!

Obviously they wanted him at some point seeing as they drafted him, smart guy.

the san jose sharks wanted Pat Falloon "at some point"

[cobrAA 0]

I was going to hold off on answering but what the hell. All of this is without any bias, if you can even believe that.

I think its Tucker and not even close.

In the new NHL, one would assume that the clear choice would be Samsonov. He is a speedy, skilled winger who can score. But can he really score as well as everyone says he can? Last year Tucker had five more goals. I can't say that I watched nearly as many Bruins/Edmonton games as I did Leafs games, but Tucker was constantly paired with guys like Kilger, and received third line minutes. I think its safe to assume that Samsonov played a fair bit with Bergeron and Sturm. There is no reason why a "better" offensive player shouldn't score more goals while playing with those elite players than a "worse" offensive player who plays with grinders. Tucker had more shots, a better shooting percentage, and ten more assists.

All of that is just based on stats. On to the other stuff.

Tucker brings a lot more to the ice than Samsonov. Many people accuse Tucker of being a dirty player, and there is some merit to that. However, nobody can question his heart and his work ethic. Samsonov is prone to float on the ice, or take a shift off. He goes through streaks where he doesn't score, and therefore he isn't effective. Even when Tucker doesn't score, his game is still effective, creating turn overs, big hits, forechecking, etc. There is no question that Samsonov is the much more skilled player by default, but his results don't show it. Tucker's grit, leadership, and work ethic make up for his lack of talent. Another important factor to keep in mind is salaries. Tucker= $1.6 mil, Samsonov= $3.5 mil (?).

Bottom line- Its no wonder why Samsonov was drafted 8th overall and Tucker was 151st. Samsonov has far more skill, but yet he doesn't produce like he should. Tucker adds much more to his team than Samsonov does (including offense), while playing in a traditionally non-offensive role.

you sold me! I want tucker even if i don't like this trouble-maker!

With the facts that he is paid 2 mil less and have more points than sergei when playing less minutes on ice and with sucker player. I would se tucker with ribeiro and let say uuummm...(actually i have no freakin idea...) Latendresse! LOL bring some ''punch'' for ribeiro!

[Eazy_b97 1]

Actually the Habs have tried to get'em back a few times. They wanted to trade Hackette for him, back when Hackette didn't suck, but the Leafs wouldn't. Then this year they apperantly tried to as well, never heard what the offered, but the Leafs didn't budge.

Tucker floats too actually, it's just he knows when to turn it on. Samsonov will float in the playoffs, Tucker never would. Watching Tucker game in and game out pisses me off to be honest. He's so good when he wants to be, he's crazy and he scores, but too often he just doesn't do much of either. He'll finish his checks, but he doesnt' run at the guy like he usually does. There is no way he could do it 82 games, but you know the potential is there.

[Gongshow11 1]

The only reason samsonov was stellar in BOS was because of thornton. With the Oilers we all saw how he couldn't do much on his own. However, put samsonov with kovalev, and maybe some magic of sergei can resurface. Aren't they on the same line in international play?

[hamstercaster 2]

I think you'll see Johnson similar to Ryder, but less finish.

If what you say is true, we'll be really disapointed with him, hell, Ryder only has finishing skills, nothing else.

Up and down the wings, finishes checks, but doesn't throw any big ones. Isn't fancy, does his job. He DOES have finish, just Ryder's is better. Good fit to keep consistency on the lines. With the Samsonov signing, it could be what they are going for.

Ryder - Koivu - Kovalev

Johnson - Ribeiro - Samsonov

lines seem to have some consistency on them. Up and down the wings guy on one side. Center's who like to pass, but have finish. Other wingers who love to handle the puck and dangle. Come with speed, provide excitement.

Nope, it will be more like this

Samsonov - Koivu - Kovalev as Samsonov is a LW and not a RW and Gainey in an interview has said Samsonov and Kovalev would look nice together on the same line.

I think Gainey has done three very good moves yester day by sending Zednik away, a very fast skater but that can only skate in straight lines, couldn't pass if his life depended on it and won't go in front of the net. Then they get Johnson, a solid RW who will help them more than Zednik. A really solid 3 line guy and even a second line guy depending on how the youngsters in Montreal will do. Samsonov, that's icing on the cake for a busy day in Habs land. Lets hope that he'll finally play up to his potential and to what we have all been expecting of him.. but I doubt it as players usually don't do better in Montreal in the scoring department for some reason. Let's hope that it will change this year though

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Samsonov - Koivu - Kovalev as Samsonov is a LW and not a RW and Gainey in an interview has said Samsonov and Kovalev would look nice together on the same line.

Exactly, that's what Gainey told the media. Kovalev should play with Samsonov. I heard that Kovalev really like to play with him.

And for Tucker vs Samsonov, seriously is it a joke?

Gainey really impress me with his moves. If Kovalev and Samsonov are floater like some of you say, Gainey would never have sign those 2. It always seems more easy for a guy who is that talented.

[ecjp11 0]

I don't know what everyone else has read, but it sounds like Koivu is a long way from playing. The story in the paper the other day made the situation sound very seriously. As in complete loss of vision in the injured eye. That would mean retirement.

[RadioGaGa 162]

I don't know what everyone else has read, but it sounds like Koivu is a long way from playing. The story in the paper the other day made the situation sound very seriously. As in complete loss of vision in the injured eye. That would mean retirement.

That wouldn't be good...Last I heard it was not progressing as well as they'd hoped, but a full recovery was still expected.

[Grave77Digger 1]

Think of it like this, Next season the free agents will be younger. Tying up your resources long term at this point would be foolish.

[hamstercaster 2]

If Koivu does not make it back on time, I hope that they will give Plekanec a chance to pivot the first line between Kovalev and Samsonov. Ribeiro is not first line materiel in my mind because he's too slow. He's got the hands and vision but Samsonov and Kovalev will need a speedy center than can keep up with them. I do have a feeling that Koivu may not be back for at least a good while if ever as his injury is much more serious than what they had anticipated at first.. but they signed him again to a 4.5 million dollar contract nonetheless... big mistake, even if healthy

[Adam91 0]

If Koivu does not make it back on time, I hope that they will give Plekanec a chance to pivot the first line between Kovalev and Samsonov.

Finally someone who agrees with me. I think Pleks have a lot of untapped potential and I want him to be given a shot on the first line. I thought he was Montreal's best player against Carolina

[hamstercaster 2]

He was one of their best all season I find. Too bad they kept him on the third and fourth line most of the time. If given the chance I think he can put on good numbers, maybe 60-80 if he plays with the right players. He did not seem afraid to go in the corners and all, he's fast, has good hands. I think he could complement the Russian Mafia quite well on the first line... if not at least give him a shot at the second line as I don't see who else they could put there if Koivu is not back this season.. Bonk?? I hope that's not the route they will take. They have to give their young guns a good chance to prove they can compete at high levels playing on the top two lines.

[kosydar 0]

I really hope that Samsonov-Koivu-Kovalev are a line. Any checking line worth their salt could stop them instantly.

[Eazy_b97 1]

I don't think there would be enough pucks to go around on that line. Sorry I had them on the wrong side, I was just doing a quick outline to show the depth they have for their top 6. Johnson won't be the player Zednik was, for all his flaws, the guy was a monster in the playoffs.

As hard as it is, try and keep most of the Koivu reports out of your mind. We had the same crap with Sundin. It was career ending one day, then a week away the next. Eyes are so difficult to judge.

Theo - Tucker spent roughly 40% of the season on "the first line", half of which was with O'Neill and Allison, the other with Sundin and a random winger. This was his first year on our first line for any amoung of regular time, and he has spent alot of minutes on our "third" line through his Leaf career. Samsonov has been a first line guy since his second or third season. He really didn't have to grind it out on the 3rd and 4th lines at the start of his career like Tucker did.

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

I really hope that Samsonov-Koivu-Kovalev are a line.  Any checking line worth their salt could stop them instantly.

A line with Allison, Tucker and Antropov would be much more harder to stop, I agree with you ;)

EDITED - Concerning what you said Kosy, I red about 5 mintues ago on rds.ca that Carbonneau wanna use Samsonov on a line with Ribeiro and Kovalev. I think you won't like that mix but IMO I like it.

[kosydar 0]

I really hope that Samsonov-Koivu-Kovalev are a line.  Any checking line worth their salt could stop them instantly.

A line with Allison, Tucker and Antropov would be much more harder to stop, I agree with you ;)

EDITED - Concerning what you said Kosy, I red about 5 mintues ago on rds.ca that Carbonneau wanna use Samsonov on a line with Ribeiro and Kovalev. I think you won't like that mix but IMO I like it.

Neither of those lines would score unless they were on the PP. But it seems like you're getting my point. You can't put all one dimensional players on a line and expect them to fool the opposition's defense. In this case, three soft forwards who are prone to float and take a shift off have the capablility to really hurt their team. I've always believed that you need a little bit of everything on a first line if you really want them to succeed. Look at probably the best first line in hockey in the last 5 years, Naslund-Morrison-Bertuzzi. Naslund snipes and plays soft, Morrison sets shit up, Bertuzzi scores and plays a gritty game. Its easy to see that a Allison-Tucker-Antropov line would be very easy to shut down with speed. However, they would be very good with the puck down low. How they would get the puck down low is beyond me. The Kovalev-Samsonov-Ribeiro/Koivu line would be just as easy to shut down with simple defensive play. That line would give up far more goals then they score themselves. But if they ever got heads up against the opponent's first line who doesn't play good D, they could score. But unfortunately for them, coaches in the NHL are too smart for that.

[kosydar 0]

Oh my God, I sound like Pat Quinn.