The first category of interesting players that could have an impact on an new team are those who are sent to the minors because they are not living up to their contract or the teams do not have adequate cap space to keep them at the NHL level. The most prominent players who have fallen into this situation are Christobal Huet, Wade Redden, and Ales Kotalik. All three players would most likely still be playing in the NHL if not for their contracts. However, it will be interesting to see if any of these three will get a shot in the next few years as the salary cap continues to rise and the impact of their contracts is diminished.
There are a few servicable defencemen on the wire this year, highlighted by Shaone Morrisonn, who has played for Washington and Buffalo at the NHL level, but was caught in a numbers game this year for the Sabres as they added Regehr, Erhoff, and youngster M-A Gragnani. Morrisonn has size, 6-4 and 210 pounds, and averaged just over 16 minutes of ice time last year so he should be able to find work in the NHL this year. Perharps the Islanders, who are in need of a defenceman would be a possible fit, plus they had success last year.
Another category of players who frequently pass through waivers are enforcers. This year, potential heavy-weight champ, Eric Godard, was placed on waivers by the Stars. Godard is in an interesting situation because he signed a two-year deal with the Stars in the offseason and has a two-way clause for the first year. With the Stars being strapped for cash and already having an enforcer, Krys Barch, albeit not of Godard's stature, singed for this season, it made sense for the Stars to waive Godard this year and plan to have him with the NHL club next season. I would have loved for the Habs to put a claim in for Godard. I have always felt that fighting has no place in hockey but it would make sense for the Canadiens to have an enforcer since the NHL does not share my opinion on fighting and seems to endorce violence. If you are going to have a goon, you might as well have one of the best and Godard definetely fits the bill. Plus, he seems comfortable with limited ice and game time, playing 20 games, and he is a team player, as is evident by his taking a 10 game suspension to protect backup goalie Brent Johnson.
Godard Fights
- Godard coming off the bench
- Godard vs Orr
- Godard vs Neil
The other player who, in my opinion, should be of some interest to the Canadiens is Philly goon Tom Sestito. Although it appears that Sestito will soon be suspended for his hit on Andre Deveaux, he does fit the mold of a player the Habs are lacking. Although he does not appear to be as tough as Godard, he does have size, 6-5 and 220 pounds, and he is more capable of taking a regular shift scoring 4 points in 9 games with Columbus and 32 points in 46 games with their minor league affiliate last season.
- Suspension looming for Sestito
- This clip shows that Sestito can skate decently for a big man
Either Godard or Sestito could fit in with the Habs, with Sestito being my first choice, and provide some more grit on the fourth line. The downside to taking a shot on either is limited as they can both be sent to the minors on a two-way contract this year if they don't work out. The Habs could give them a quick try-out as players like White heal from injuries. It is not as if any of the current players in camp have played well enough to deserve a spot ahead of either of these two.
The waiver wire is always a gamble. Though in the Habs case, they could use some toughness on defence and some grit for the fourth line. Some good points, Balk. Godard knows his role and could be a good pickup. The jury is out on Sestito. Dumb play against the Rangers. Can he learn from his mistakes. Otherwise he'll drive Martin mad.
ReplyDeleteFrustrated Habs' fan
the last thing the habs need is a guy who can do nothing but fight. the habs have sean whyte who is tough and not afraid to take on the colton orr's of the nhl. let the leafs stock up on truculence; i'll take speed and skill any day.
ReplyDeleteok, so it's ryan white, not sean whyte. but my point stands.
ReplyDeleteThe season starts next week and the Habs don't have a complete third line and the fourth line is composed of a defenceman and two guys who belong in the AHL. The defence, which looked good in August, looks pretty shaking. And the cupboard is bare in Hamilton. What's going on?
ReplyDeletehockey is the habs
Hey, hockey sweater guy,
ReplyDeleteI don't see the speed and skill on a fourth line. Better to have a inexpensive grit and truculence, than soft bodies taking up roster space.
Frustrated Habs' fan
dear FHf, HS,
ReplyDeletehey guys, what's with the obsession with fighting? it's one thing to have a chris neil who can skate, score, take a regular shift and is tough. but what's the point of a guy who plays 5 mins a game, if that, and goes out to beat on the other team's thug? you can still be tough and contribute. any one doubt PK's toughness, Travis Moen's, Ryan White's. all three can play.
I was interested to see the reaction to the suspension of Maple Leafs forward Clarke MacArthur for his elbow to the head of Justin Abdelkader. ``I just grazed him and I think he was trying to draw a penalty," MacArthur said. Later he said that suspensions such as his will take the hitting out of the game. As Brendan Shanahan said, MacArthyur`s hit was reckless. If players are held responsible for their sticks, as in high sticking, then surely they can be resposible for their elbows. With his all-or-nothing attitude, the Leaf forward won`t learn and I expect to see him back before Shanny before the season ends. And why is Ron Wilson defending his player. Next time a Leaf gets targeted, I hope he keeps his trap shut.
ReplyDeleteHockey is the Habs
Thanks for the comments.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't advocate for fighting to continue in hockey, I recognize that, until it is eliminated, it plays an important part of team intimidation. Laraque was a useless player, but Neil was easier to deal with for those two years. Also, IMHO, the main role of a goon is to protect players in the last few minutes of games where the score is lopsided. The league has not made a commitment to enforce the rules they have laid out - calling the instigator in particular - so teams must do what they can to avoid massacre's like the one in Boston last year. You think Campbell attacks Pyatt if he knows that one of his teamates will pair off with MacIntyre?