1) Last night's game against the Florida Panthers was another sorry display by the Montreal Canadiens, and proof positive that they've chosen a clear direction from here to the end of the season.
They aren't far from 29th in the league, and for all those disgusted with their effort of late, there are many more excited at the prospect of drafting in the Top 3 at this year's selection.
2) Had a rather
healthy debate about Josh Gorges with Ted Bird and Joey Elias this weekend.
Elias and Bird were suggesting Gorges' play has dropped off significantly since signing his 6-year pact with the team.
I fired back with the fact that he's leading the NHL in blocked shots by over 30, a +13, and he's responsible for the Canadiens having the top penalty kill in the league. This was before, of course, he played his worst game of the season against the Panthers.
3) On that theme, and I brought this up with Elias and Bird: Where would the Canadiens be if they didn't have the top-ranked penalty kill in the league?
Nail...
4) It's a discussion we've been having for four years now, and its complexion hasn't really been altered at all: What is Andrei Kostitsyn's value on the trade market.
This year, it depends on whether or not Rick Nash moves.
If he doesn't, the Canadiens may be stuck waiting on fair value that isn't coming.
If he does, teams may be more interested in other similar players--like Clarke McArthur of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Either way, if I were a betting man Kostitsyn will be moving today. The Habs would like at least a 2nd rounder, or an NHL-ready (or limited-experienced) prospect.
The one team that's extensively scouted Kostitsyn -- the Phoenix Coyotes.
5) If Chris Campoli moves, I figure it'll be towards the very end of the day, when very few capable defensemen are left on the market.
I don't expect him to move for more than future considerations, or a conditional draft pick.
6) Word out of Bob McKenzie this morning is that the Canadiens are intent on signing Travis Moen. They've been getting calls on him, and as everyone is aware, the Detroit Red Wings have been interested for quite some time.
7) The x-factor today is whether or not the Canadiens can move Yannick Weber for another prospect, or something as high as a 3rd round pick.
It's a long-shot, but the Canadiens need to cut ties with him. If not, they should be fielding offers for Raphael Diaz.
8) Chances of Tomas Kaberle moving, slim-to-none.
Chances of Tomas Plekanec moving, very strong. He's got to be the most attractive Montreal-commodity that's available.
9) For all those worried about the potential for P.K. Subban to move, get off of it. He's not going anywhere. Not now. Not in the summer. Not at all.
10) Can Mathieu Darche attract a buyer between now and 3:00pm? The Florida Panthers are one team that's shown interest in making his acquisition. Being injured doesn't help the cause, but I'm sure Darche isn't beating himself up over it.
He wants to stay with the Canadiens.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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