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A source today has told me that the Caps losing Kozlov and Fedorov opens up a "serious" possibility. I asked who the Caps were interested in and he threw some pretty big names out there, one of whom would be via trade, one is a pending UFA that is still playing.
The player via trade was Ilya Kovalchuk. It is intriguing to consider an Ovechkin/Kovalchuk duo going up against the Crosby/Malkin combo for the next several years.
Now let's look at Montreal.
They are also heavily rumored to be involved in the Kovalchuk sweeps (should it become a sweeps) as well as fighting it out with a few other teams as possible trade partners with Tampa for Vinny.
Many people are rightfully noting that we can never tell what Bob Gainey will do, nor should we trust rumors out of Montreal. Those people are wise...However, the one thing that we can trust these days is the Cap and who they need to sign.
The Montreal Canadiens are in a GOLDEN spot right now. They have $30M plus to spend and can truly shape their franchise in a summer where many teams are cashed strapped. This reminds me of the position the Flyers were in when they went out and grabbed Briere, Timonen and Hartnell.
Recently we are hearing murmurs that Koivu will go to Minnesota to be with his brother and that while there is talk with Komisarek the Habs may be undervaluing Mike...And that makes me wonder.
If the Habs are content letting their UFA's walk then THAT tells us something as well. It doesn't tell us that the Habs are not going to spend to the Cap...because they clearly will...but first!!!!
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome your 2010-2011 Montreal Canadiens:
At Forward:
Andrei Kastsitsyn
Siarhei Kastsitsyn
Georges Laraque
Glen Metropolit
and Maxim Lapierre!
On Defense:
Andrei Markov
Roman Hamrlik
Josh Gorges
and Ryan O'Byrne!
and in Goal: Carey Price..
Hooooray!
Ok that may be a bit exaggerated, but those are the only players that were semi- fill timers last year who are signed....Higgins, Latendresse, and Plekanec are RFAs
If the Habs are being stingy with their nine year captain and defensive gem it tells us that they are saving space for something elese...Something big.
Enter Vinny or Kovalchuk. I predict one of them will be in a Habs jersey at some point this year and for the next several years.
No matter what, Montreal holds the keys in many ways to the puzzle of this coming summer and where UFAs will end up.
Winter Classic in Fenway?
I have long felt that it was down to the NEW Yankees Stadium and Fenway, but knowing Jacobs power at the NHL I would say this seals it.
According to an AP Article:
Jeremy Jacobs said he thinks it's the worst kept secret in Boston that the game on New Year's Day will be played at Fenway.
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