Canadiens Hockey: EXPERIENCE The Centennial Season
About the show
HAL GILL PREPARES TO MOVE HIS WIFE AND TWO YOUNG DAUGHTERS TO MONTREAL AS ONE OF THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE MONTREAL CANADIENS. GILL JOINED CJAD'S ABE HEFTER AND DAVE FISHER ON THE ANDREW CARTER MORNING SHOW FRIDAY.
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GIONTA, CAMMALLERI, GILL , SPACEK JOIN HABS IN $71-MILLION DOLLAR FREE AGENT FIREWORKS
The Canadiens finished off a furious free agent binge with Brian Gionta, Scott Gomez's former linemate in New Jersey, and 30-goal man Mike Cammalleri from the Calgary Flames.
After touching up the blueline the Habs get 2 trigger-men:
5-years and $25-million dollars for Gionta
(5-TIME 20-GOAL SCORER, CAREER BEST 48 IN ONE SEASON)
Brian Gionta Conference Call Listen
5-years and $30-million dollars for Cammalleri (SCORING 30+ 2 OF THE LAST 3 SEASONS)
Mike Cammalleri Conference Call Listen
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE CJAD SPORTS POLL QUESTION.
The Canadiens snag TWO veteran defenseman who would be tremendous additions to the club---were it not for the loss of Mike Komisarek to the...BRACE YOURSELF-----MAPLE LEAFS. Jaroslav Spacek signs a 3-year deal paying him just under $4-million per season. The 35-year old Czech scored 17 goals combined over the last 2 seasons combined.
Gill is 34 and at 6'7" becomes the obvious bruiser to make up for the now probable loss of Komisarek. Gill scored 2 goals in the regular season with the Penguins and appeared in all 24 Stanley Cup playoff games for the Penguins. He's used to being booed at the Bell Centre having spent most of his career with the Bruins and Leafs.
The LA Kings were believed to be complicating the bidding for Kovie. While it was at one point believed the AK27 and Bob Gainey were very close on a new 2-year deal that would give the Habs' playoff goal-scoring leader since his arrival in Montreal a renewal at about the same money he earned over the last 4 years, a change of scenery seems more likely.
Habs-Leafs rivalry games could be full of fireworks. Brian Burke set off a late blast with a $22.5 million dollar deal for Mike Komisarek over the next 5 years. Earlier he signed a heavyweight firecracker of a fighter Colton Orr on Canada Day.
Mike Komisarek Conference Call Listen
Only a dream...Hossa and the Sedins go elsewhere.
HABS MAKE A DEAL: FAILING TO GET A BIG CENTRE, THEY GET A BIG-SALARY CENTRE
SO MUCH CAP-SPACE, SO LITTLE TIME
Rumours of a deal in Calgary with the Canadiens for Olle Jokinen fall through as Bob Gainey pulls the trigger on a deal with the Rangers for Scott Gomez. Christopher Higgins is headed home to New York, though with the Rangers, not the Islanders. His days may have been numbered in Montreal ever since he was discreetly stripped of the A for assistant captain this past season.
Higgins' father is a New York City fireman and his brother is a New York City police officer walking the beat at Times Square, just blocks from Christopher's new hockey home at Madison Square Garden.
Gomez will make more than $7.3 million for each of the next 5 years, having defected from the New Jersey Devils to the Rangers in a previous bidding war.
The deal could also seal the fate of Saku Koivu, though there is still believed to be room in Bob Gainey's budgeting for Mike Komisarek who WILL test free agency.
Scott Gomez Conference Call Listen
Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced the acquisition of forward Scott Gomez along with forward Tom Pyatt and defenceman Michael Busto from the New York Rangers, in return for forward Christopher Higgins and defencemen Ryan McDonagh, Pavel Valentenko and Doug Janik.
« We are extremely pleased to have acquired an impact centreman in Scott Gomez. He is an outstanding playmaker and an excellent skater. Having won the Stanley Cup twice with the New Jersey Devils, he brings to tour team a lot of playoff experience. Scott is an elite player who will certainly contribute to the success of our team for years to come » said Bob Gainey.
Scott Gomez, 29, will be entering his 10th NHL season in 2009-10. Last season, the 5’11’’ and 200 lb centreman led the Rangers (tied with Nikolai Zherdev) with 58 points, including 16 goals, in 77 regular season games. As a member of the New Jersey Devils for seven seasons and the New York Rangers for the last two seasons, Gomez recorded 578 points in 706 games, registered 1,914 shots and maintained a plus/minus +60. Gomez showed he is a durable player having missed a mere 32 regular season games (on a possible 738) during his NHL career. After as 7-year stint with the Devils, Scott Gomez signed a 7-year agreement with the New York Rangers as an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2007.
The first-ever Hispanic player drafted in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft and 18th Alaska-born player ever selected, Scott Gomez started off his NHL career with the Devils in 1999-2000. In his first season with New Jersey, he recorded 70 points in 82 games and clinched the Calder Award as the NHL Rookie of the Year. A two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Devils in 1999-00 and 2002-03, Gomez never missed the Stanley Cup playoffs in his 9-season career, playing 114 post-season games and contributing 81 points, including 27 goals and a +/- plus 15.
On the international stage, Scott Gomez was called upon to represent the United States at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin where he recorded five points, including 4 goals, in six games. Earlier today, USA Hockey invited Gomez to its 2010 Olympic orientation camp.
Michael Busto is 23 years old. The 6’01’’, 210-pound defenceman played for the ECHL Charlotte Checkers for the past two seasons. The Burnaby, British Colombia native registered 11 points in 54 games last season (3 goals, 8 assists), and 41 penalty minutes. He joined the Rangers as a free agent in April 2007.
Tom Pyatt is 22 years old. The 6’00’’, 185-pound forward registered 37 points in 73 games with the AHL Hartford Wolfpack last season (15 goals, 22 assists). The Thunder Bay, Ontario native was a 4th round selection from the Rangers, 107th overall in 2005. He earned a gold medal with Team Canada Junior in 2006 and 2007.
Christopher Higgins registered 23 points in 57 games with the Canadiens in 2008-09 (12 goals, 11 assists). The Canadiens’ first round pick in 2002 played in 282 career regular season games in the NHL, and registered 151 points (84 goals, 67 assists). Ryan McDonagh, 20, completed in 2008-09 his second season with the University of Wisconsin Badgers in the WCHA. The Canadiens’ first round pick in 2007 recorded 16 points in 36 games (5 goals, 11 assists). Pavel Valentenko, 21, played in only four games with the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs before opting to resume his career in Russia with the Moscow Dynamo of the KHL, where he played eight games (0-1-1). Doug Janik, acquired from the Dallas Stars on February 26 in return for Steve Bégin, played in 22 games with Rockford and Hamilton in the AHL, and recorded seven points (0-7-7).
IS KOIVU CAPTAINCY OVER? COULD KOMISAREK BE 'THE NEXT ONE'?
Canadiens GM Bob Gainey has confirmed to CJAD that he will not make a contract offer to Saku Koivu before July 1 unless a major trade changes the Habs' roster landscape.
Gainey is waiting for an answer from Mike Komisarek and Alex Kovalev on their offers. But Gainey claims its more his decision than Koivu's wish to test free agency that could result in someone else wearing the C for the Habs for the first time in 10 years.
Here's CJAD's Rick Moffat and the media scrum with Bob Gainey at the Bell Centre, where the Habs also introduced Guy Boucher as their new Bulldogs coach, and where Jean Beliveau was named Honourary Captain for the Canadian Mens' Hockey Team.
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HABS GO HOME-GROWN FOR COACH
WEST-ISLANDER NOW BABY HABS BOSS WITH HAMILTON BULLDOGS
Guy Boucher has shot up the ranks since playing hockey on the West Island and McGill, and now he shoots out of the Q-League to make his will be named the new head coach of the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Boucher replaces Don Lever at the helm of the Canadiens top farm club in the American Hockey League.
Boucher was behind the bench of the Drummondville Voltigeurs the last 3 seasons, guiding them to their first Quebec Major Junior Hockey League title last May. He also coached for Team Canada at the Gold Medal-winning 2009 tournament where Habs' prospect PK Subban anchored his powerplay.
Boucher, a native of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, was under contract until 2013 with the Voltigeurs. He thanks Jacques Lemaire, Pat Quinn and Jean Pronovost for 'accelerating' his coaching growth.
He beat out 3 other candidates, who were interviewed last week, including Andre Tourigny of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and Pascal Vincent of the Montreal Juniors.
'NEXT GENERATION SAKU'? HABS SHOW 2ND ROUND FINNISH
'I'LL BE HEARTBROKEN IF I DON'T GET TO PLAY WITH HIM': Joonas Nattinen Listen
HABS MAKE LECAVALIER HAPPY---DOH---THAT'S AGENT PHILIPPE, NOT VINNIEListen
CJAD'S HOCKEY INSIDER MURRAY WILSON, FORMER 1ST ROUNDER IN '71 ON THE DRAFT WEEKEND OVERVIEW:Listen
YOUR ALL ACCESS PASS TO TREVOR TIMMINS ON THE CANADIENS DRAFT SURPRISES AND SUCCESSESListen
After going homegrown in Round 1 the Canadiens made their second pick in the draft a Koivu for the next generation. Joonas Nattinen is a 6'2" centre who starred for the struggling Finnish team at the World Juniors but earned his reputation as a smart, skilled playmaker with solid 2-way skills.
"I don't know what's going on with Saku but I will be heartbroken if he doesn't re-sign with the Canadiens...I haven't had a chance to meet him but he is a hero in my country," Nattinen told CJAD in a 1-on-1 interview after being picked 65th overall (3rd Round).
Koivu is said to be a priority for GM Bob Gainey after Mike Komisarek but there are rumours that the centre and the Habs could be parting ways.
Nattinen admits he can improve his scoring touch and put on more size. The whispy blonde had no family cheering him on at the Bell Centre---the folks came for the World Juniors, so he had his Finnish and North American agents applauding.
Nothing came of the Panthers-Canadiens Friday nite huddle. Bouwmeester is getting his wish and moving to Alberta with the Calgary Flames. Assuming he signs of course. You don't doubt Darryl Sutter do you?
Later in Round 3, No. 79 overall, the Canadiens selected Mac Bennett a defenseman from Warwick, RI. The 6-footer posted 11 points in 15 games at Hotchkiss, a wellknown prep school in Connecticut. His season was cut short by injury, though. That helps explain whey the Habs get him at #79 despite being ranked 40th among North American skaters. Bennett vaulted 23 spots since the midterm rankings. He will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall of 2010.
Now fully recovered from a sprain of his right MCL, Bennett is eager to continue his development.
“This summer I’ll just be working out a lot, trying to get bigger and stronger,” said Bennett. “ I’ll probably stay of the ice for a while and work as hard as I can off the ice.
“I don’t shy away from the physical part of the game, but I wouldn’t say that I’m a checker," added Bennett. "I’m more of an offensive defenseman, quarterback on the power play type of guy. If I have to hit or I have to fight, I can do that too.”
Bennett isn’t short on NHL bloodlines. His grandfather is former Bruins goaltender Harvey Bennett (1944-45) and his uncles, Curt and Harvey Bennett Jr. both played in the NHL. Curt was drafted by the Atlanta Flames and went on to suit up for 580 NHL games. Harvey Jr. played 268 NHL games with five different teams (Pittsburgh, Washington, Philadelphia, Minnesota and St. Louis).
In the fourth round, Timmins and the Canadiens ventured back overseas, reaching out to explosive scoring Alexander Avtsyn of Moscow Dynamo in the Russian "second tier". The 6-foot-2 right winger had a dominant season in Russia, piling up 56 goals and 110 points in 76 games.
Avtsyn says he admires Alexander Ovechkin and believes he can bring a strong presence along the boards. He'll stay in Russia for another year and look to come to North American in 2010.
The biggest cheers of Round 5 came when the Canadiens took Drummondville Voltigeurs little guy Gabriel Dumont. The 28-goal scorer is coming off a shoulder injury. His agent is Philippe Lecavalier. That's as close as the Canadiens came Draft Weekend to bringing Vinnie Lecavalier home.
HOMEGROWN U.S. COLLEGE PROSPECT---GAINEY AND TIMMINS SCORE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
They didn't score the Vinnie Blockbuster no thanks to Brian Lawton of the Lightning, but Bob Gainey and Trevor Timmins did bring the Bell Centre crowd to life with the Habs' 1st Round selection of West Island native Louis Leblanc. Destined for Harvard for the next 2 seasons most likely, Leblanc is a centre who many scouts project as a smart second-liner at the NHL level. Here's Rick Moffat with CJAD's Hockey Insider Murray Wilson on the selection and other Habs trade rumours from Day 1 Round 1: Listen
LIFELONG HABS FAN DRAFTED BY LEAFS, NO VINNIE DEAL YET FOR GAINEY
Toronto GM Brian Burke was the first NHL GM to park at his team's table on the Bell Centre Draft floor. Leafs fans are noticeable in the 200 level and their chants of "Go Leafs Go" was launched in response to the first chorus of "Leafs Suck" heard in the hours before the first selection. Burke savoured the villain's role when he took Nazim Kadri, an admitted lifelong Habs fan, with the 7th choice overall.
There was a blockbuster trade early in Round 1...Pronger from the Ducks to the Flyers. Speculation intensifies that Philly will have to move Dan Briere.
George Gillett declared "Je vous aime" and gave the thumbs up to the Bell Centre faithful after thanking the Molson Brothers for coming along at "the right time".
Draft Day rumours included the fact that Gainey and Komisarek's agent were talking. Would that make Gainey more bold in pursuing the Vinnie Trade?
DRAFT DAY FULL OF SURPRISES AND EMOTION FOR CURRENT HABS, AND HOCKEY HALL OF FAMERS ALIKE
Guillaume Latendresse admits he was disappointed he did NOT go 1st round. Josh Gorges was stunned to be shut out on Draft Weekend. Hall of Famer Denis Potvin tells the story about a last-minute blockbuster deal the legendary Canadiens GM Sam Pollock FAILED to make.
MORE COMING UP ON THE RIC PETERSON SHOW LIVE FROM THE BELL CENTRE/NHL DRAFT HEADQUARTERS, OR LISTEN NOW:
JOSH GORGES: Listen
GUILLAUME LATENDRESSE:Listen
HALL OF FAMER DENIS POTVIN---ALMOST A HAB!:Listen
DRAFT NITE IN BELARUS--SERGEI K: Listen
CANADIENS COACHING HOUSE-CLEANING CONTINUES
Gainey's longtime friend and teammate Jarvis gone, Muller stays, Don Lever and Ron Wilson axed, Mommesso in limbo
GM Bob Gainey confirms Doug Jarvis has been fired, the 3rd assistant purged from the Habs staff counting Don Lever and Rollie Melanson. Lever had been promoted from the Hamilton Bulldogs when Guy Carbonneau was let go. "I just don't understand how I can be called up and then discarded," Lever is quoted as saying. The initial confirmation from the Canadiens has also left questions about the fate of former Habs player Sergio Mommesso, who went from development consultant to assistant coach when Wilson replaced Lever as the Bulldogs' top coach.
CJAD Sports has learned Mommesso is 'under review' and will have to meet with the Bulldogs next head coach to learn of his fate.
Canadiens GM Bob Gainey and right-hand man Julien Brisebois apparently told Wilson and Lever, who had hoped he might get consideration to be the next Habs' bench-boss, the organization is going in a 'different direction.'
KEEP IT LOCKED ON CJAD 800 FOR ALL YOUR HABS DRAFT WEEKEND DEVELOPMENTS LIVE FROM THE BELL CENTRE
VINNIE: "OF COURSE!..." WHEN ASKED BY CJAD IF HE'D ACCEPT A TRADE TO MONTREAL!!!
He said it. He finally said it. Vincent Lecavalier says he'd accept a trade to Montreal if it came right down to it. CJAD's Abe Hefter caught up with the Lightning star (and Beliveau body-double in the movie The Rocket!) at a West Island charity BBQ for Sun Youth hosted by Sources Dodge Chrysler Jeep.
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TK: 'I WANT TO COME BACK'
Canadiens forward Tom Kostopoulos admits even though he wants to return to Montreal, there is no offer on the table to bring him back. And there are no talks underway with his agent Jerry Buckley. KOSTOPOULOS IN A CJAD EXCLUSIVE speaks out about the future of the Koivu captaincy, Alex Kovalev, the Jacques Martin hire and his surprise prediction for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
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Jacques Martin New Head Coach of the Canadiens
Dressed in a dapper dark brown pin-stripe suit and a striped tie, with a CH logo pin tacked to his lapel, Jacques Martin was introduced as the new head coach of the Montreal Canadiens today at a packed Bell Centre news conference. Martin says he was flattered to receive a call from GM Bob Gainey inquiring about his services, and Martin admitted to CJAD's Abe Hefter that it took him no time at all to make the decision to leave the GM ranks in Florida for a spot behind the Canadiens' bench.
Gainey also announced that goaltender coach Rollie Melanson would not be back with the team. He would not speculate about the future of current assistants Doug Jarvis, Kirk Muller or Don Lever.
Martin coached the Panthers for three seasons beginning in 2005, but enjoyed more success as the bench boss of the Ottawa Senators.
Jacques Martin with CJAD's Abe Hefter on the phone call from Bob Gainey that led to today's announcement at the Bell Centre. Listen
Under Martin's guidance, the Senators earned their first President's Trophy, posting a 52-21-8-1 mark upon completion of the 2002-03 campaign. He led Ottawa to its first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, losing to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils. Martin has been nominated for the Jack Adams Trophy as NHL Coach of the Year four times. He won the award in 1998-99 and was nominated in 1996-97, 2000-01 and 2002-03. He also was selected as head coach of the Eastern Conference at the 2003 NHL All-Star Game in Florida and head coach of the World Team at the 2001 All-Star Game in Denver.
SUBBAN SIGNS 3 YEAR DEAL...FLAG CEREMONY TO FOLLOW?
PK Subban confirms to CJAD 800 that the Habs' flag still flies over his bed in Belleville. Every morning he wakes up and sees his motivation. And now he's got a 3 year deal signed with the Habs. Agents Don Meehan and Pat Morris got it done with Julien Brisebois.
The likeable star of Canada's World Junior Gold medal victory in a CJAD 1-on-1 says it was tough to follow the Habs' meltdown in the playoffs.
"Some people told me 'you have a better chance to make the team if they're having problems', but I don't look at it that way. I've been a fan of this team for too long," says Subban.
Asked what he'll do to get his head away from hockey for vacation before this summer's developmental camp at Brossard, PK laughed...he's going to take shots on his kid brother...a rookie goalie candidate with his junior team the Belleville Bulls. Sounds like PK may finally have to give up the flag as a 'hand-me-down' to Little Brother.Listen
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GIONTA, CAMMALLERI, GILL , SPACEK JOIN HABS IN $71-MILLION DOLLAR FREE AGENT FIREWORKS
The Canadiens finished off a furious free agent binge with Brian Gionta, Scott Gomez's former linemate in New Jersey, and 30-goal man Mike Cammalleri from the Calgary Flames.
After touching up the blueline the Habs get 2 trigger-men:
5-years and $25-million dollars for Gionta
(5-TIME 20-GOAL SCORER, CAREER BEST 48 IN ONE SEASON)
Brian Gionta Conference Call Listen
5-years and $30-million dollars for Cammalleri (SCORING 30+ 2 OF THE LAST 3 SEASONS)
Mike Cammalleri Conference Call Listen
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE CJAD SPORTS POLL QUESTION.
The Canadiens snag TWO veteran defenseman who would be tremendous additions to the club---were it not for the loss of Mike Komisarek to the...BRACE YOURSELF-----MAPLE LEAFS. Jaroslav Spacek signs a 3-year deal paying him just under $4-million per season. The 35-year old Czech scored 17 goals combined over the last 2 seasons combined.
Gill is 34 and at 6'7" becomes the obvious bruiser to make up for the now probable loss of Komisarek. Gill scored 2 goals in the regular season with the Penguins and appeared in all 24 Stanley Cup playoff games for the Penguins. He's used to being booed at the Bell Centre having spent most of his career with the Bruins and Leafs.
The LA Kings were believed to be complicating the bidding for Kovie. While it was at one point believed the AK27 and Bob Gainey were very close on a new 2-year deal that would give the Habs' playoff goal-scoring leader since his arrival in Montreal a renewal at about the same money he earned over the last 4 years, a change of scenery seems more likely.
Habs-Leafs rivalry games could be full of fireworks. Brian Burke set off a late blast with a $22.5 million dollar deal for Mike Komisarek over the next 5 years. Earlier he signed a heavyweight firecracker of a fighter Colton Orr on Canada Day.
Mike Komisarek Conference Call Listen
Only a dream...Hossa and the Sedins go elsewhere.
HABS MAKE A DEAL: FAILING TO GET A BIG CENTRE, THEY GET A BIG-SALARY CENTRE
SO MUCH CAP-SPACE, SO LITTLE TIME
Rumours of a deal in Calgary with the Canadiens for Olle Jokinen fall through as Bob Gainey pulls the trigger on a deal with the Rangers for Scott Gomez. Christopher Higgins is headed home to New York, though with the Rangers, not the Islanders. His days may have been numbered in Montreal ever since he was discreetly stripped of the A for assistant captain this past season.
Higgins' father is a New York City fireman and his brother is a New York City police officer walking the beat at Times Square, just blocks from Christopher's new hockey home at Madison Square Garden.
Gomez will make more than $7.3 million for each of the next 5 years, having defected from the New Jersey Devils to the Rangers in a previous bidding war.
The deal could also seal the fate of Saku Koivu, though there is still believed to be room in Bob Gainey's budgeting for Mike Komisarek who WILL test free agency.
Scott Gomez Conference Call Listen
Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced the acquisition of forward Scott Gomez along with forward Tom Pyatt and defenceman Michael Busto from the New York Rangers, in return for forward Christopher Higgins and defencemen Ryan McDonagh, Pavel Valentenko and Doug Janik.
« We are extremely pleased to have acquired an impact centreman in Scott Gomez. He is an outstanding playmaker and an excellent skater. Having won the Stanley Cup twice with the New Jersey Devils, he brings to tour team a lot of playoff experience. Scott is an elite player who will certainly contribute to the success of our team for years to come » said Bob Gainey.
Scott Gomez, 29, will be entering his 10th NHL season in 2009-10. Last season, the 5’11’’ and 200 lb centreman led the Rangers (tied with Nikolai Zherdev) with 58 points, including 16 goals, in 77 regular season games. As a member of the New Jersey Devils for seven seasons and the New York Rangers for the last two seasons, Gomez recorded 578 points in 706 games, registered 1,914 shots and maintained a plus/minus +60. Gomez showed he is a durable player having missed a mere 32 regular season games (on a possible 738) during his NHL career. After as 7-year stint with the Devils, Scott Gomez signed a 7-year agreement with the New York Rangers as an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2007.
The first-ever Hispanic player drafted in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft and 18th Alaska-born player ever selected, Scott Gomez started off his NHL career with the Devils in 1999-2000. In his first season with New Jersey, he recorded 70 points in 82 games and clinched the Calder Award as the NHL Rookie of the Year. A two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Devils in 1999-00 and 2002-03, Gomez never missed the Stanley Cup playoffs in his 9-season career, playing 114 post-season games and contributing 81 points, including 27 goals and a +/- plus 15.
On the international stage, Scott Gomez was called upon to represent the United States at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin where he recorded five points, including 4 goals, in six games. Earlier today, USA Hockey invited Gomez to its 2010 Olympic orientation camp.
Michael Busto is 23 years old. The 6’01’’, 210-pound defenceman played for the ECHL Charlotte Checkers for the past two seasons. The Burnaby, British Colombia native registered 11 points in 54 games last season (3 goals, 8 assists), and 41 penalty minutes. He joined the Rangers as a free agent in April 2007.
Tom Pyatt is 22 years old. The 6’00’’, 185-pound forward registered 37 points in 73 games with the AHL Hartford Wolfpack last season (15 goals, 22 assists). The Thunder Bay, Ontario native was a 4th round selection from the Rangers, 107th overall in 2005. He earned a gold medal with Team Canada Junior in 2006 and 2007.
Christopher Higgins registered 23 points in 57 games with the Canadiens in 2008-09 (12 goals, 11 assists). The Canadiens’ first round pick in 2002 played in 282 career regular season games in the NHL, and registered 151 points (84 goals, 67 assists). Ryan McDonagh, 20, completed in 2008-09 his second season with the University of Wisconsin Badgers in the WCHA. The Canadiens’ first round pick in 2007 recorded 16 points in 36 games (5 goals, 11 assists). Pavel Valentenko, 21, played in only four games with the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs before opting to resume his career in Russia with the Moscow Dynamo of the KHL, where he played eight games (0-1-1). Doug Janik, acquired from the Dallas Stars on February 26 in return for Steve Bégin, played in 22 games with Rockford and Hamilton in the AHL, and recorded seven points (0-7-7).
IS KOIVU CAPTAINCY OVER? COULD KOMISAREK BE 'THE NEXT ONE'?
Canadiens GM Bob Gainey has confirmed to CJAD that he will not make a contract offer to Saku Koivu before July 1 unless a major trade changes the Habs' roster landscape.
Gainey is waiting for an answer from Mike Komisarek and Alex Kovalev on their offers. But Gainey claims its more his decision than Koivu's wish to test free agency that could result in someone else wearing the C for the Habs for the first time in 10 years.
Here's CJAD's Rick Moffat and the media scrum with Bob Gainey at the Bell Centre, where the Habs also introduced Guy Boucher as their new Bulldogs coach, and where Jean Beliveau was named Honourary Captain for the Canadian Mens' Hockey Team.
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HABS GO HOME-GROWN FOR COACH
WEST-ISLANDER NOW BABY HABS BOSS WITH HAMILTON BULLDOGS
Guy Boucher has shot up the ranks since playing hockey on the West Island and McGill, and now he shoots out of the Q-League to make his will be named the new head coach of the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Boucher replaces Don Lever at the helm of the Canadiens top farm club in the American Hockey League.
Boucher was behind the bench of the Drummondville Voltigeurs the last 3 seasons, guiding them to their first Quebec Major Junior Hockey League title last May. He also coached for Team Canada at the Gold Medal-winning 2009 tournament where Habs' prospect PK Subban anchored his powerplay.
Boucher, a native of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, was under contract until 2013 with the Voltigeurs. He thanks Jacques Lemaire, Pat Quinn and Jean Pronovost for 'accelerating' his coaching growth.
He beat out 3 other candidates, who were interviewed last week, including Andre Tourigny of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and Pascal Vincent of the Montreal Juniors.
'NEXT GENERATION SAKU'? HABS SHOW 2ND ROUND FINNISH
'I'LL BE HEARTBROKEN IF I DON'T GET TO PLAY WITH HIM': Joonas Nattinen Listen
HABS MAKE LECAVALIER HAPPY---DOH---THAT'S AGENT PHILIPPE, NOT VINNIEListen
CJAD'S HOCKEY INSIDER MURRAY WILSON, FORMER 1ST ROUNDER IN '71 ON THE DRAFT WEEKEND OVERVIEW:Listen
YOUR ALL ACCESS PASS TO TREVOR TIMMINS ON THE CANADIENS DRAFT SURPRISES AND SUCCESSESListen
After going homegrown in Round 1 the Canadiens made their second pick in the draft a Koivu for the next generation. Joonas Nattinen is a 6'2" centre who starred for the struggling Finnish team at the World Juniors but earned his reputation as a smart, skilled playmaker with solid 2-way skills.
"I don't know what's going on with Saku but I will be heartbroken if he doesn't re-sign with the Canadiens...I haven't had a chance to meet him but he is a hero in my country," Nattinen told CJAD in a 1-on-1 interview after being picked 65th overall (3rd Round).
Koivu is said to be a priority for GM Bob Gainey after Mike Komisarek but there are rumours that the centre and the Habs could be parting ways.
Nattinen admits he can improve his scoring touch and put on more size. The whispy blonde had no family cheering him on at the Bell Centre---the folks came for the World Juniors, so he had his Finnish and North American agents applauding.
Nothing came of the Panthers-Canadiens Friday nite huddle. Bouwmeester is getting his wish and moving to Alberta with the Calgary Flames. Assuming he signs of course. You don't doubt Darryl Sutter do you?
Later in Round 3, No. 79 overall, the Canadiens selected Mac Bennett a defenseman from Warwick, RI. The 6-footer posted 11 points in 15 games at Hotchkiss, a wellknown prep school in Connecticut. His season was cut short by injury, though. That helps explain whey the Habs get him at #79 despite being ranked 40th among North American skaters. Bennett vaulted 23 spots since the midterm rankings. He will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall of 2010.
Now fully recovered from a sprain of his right MCL, Bennett is eager to continue his development.
“This summer I’ll just be working out a lot, trying to get bigger and stronger,” said Bennett. “ I’ll probably stay of the ice for a while and work as hard as I can off the ice.
“I don’t shy away from the physical part of the game, but I wouldn’t say that I’m a checker," added Bennett. "I’m more of an offensive defenseman, quarterback on the power play type of guy. If I have to hit or I have to fight, I can do that too.”
Bennett isn’t short on NHL bloodlines. His grandfather is former Bruins goaltender Harvey Bennett (1944-45) and his uncles, Curt and Harvey Bennett Jr. both played in the NHL. Curt was drafted by the Atlanta Flames and went on to suit up for 580 NHL games. Harvey Jr. played 268 NHL games with five different teams (Pittsburgh, Washington, Philadelphia, Minnesota and St. Louis).
In the fourth round, Timmins and the Canadiens ventured back overseas, reaching out to explosive scoring Alexander Avtsyn of Moscow Dynamo in the Russian "second tier". The 6-foot-2 right winger had a dominant season in Russia, piling up 56 goals and 110 points in 76 games.
Avtsyn says he admires Alexander Ovechkin and believes he can bring a strong presence along the boards. He'll stay in Russia for another year and look to come to North American in 2010.
The biggest cheers of Round 5 came when the Canadiens took Drummondville Voltigeurs little guy Gabriel Dumont. The 28-goal scorer is coming off a shoulder injury. His agent is Philippe Lecavalier. That's as close as the Canadiens came Draft Weekend to bringing Vinnie Lecavalier home.
HOMEGROWN U.S. COLLEGE PROSPECT---GAINEY AND TIMMINS SCORE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
They didn't score the Vinnie Blockbuster no thanks to Brian Lawton of the Lightning, but Bob Gainey and Trevor Timmins did bring the Bell Centre crowd to life with the Habs' 1st Round selection of West Island native Louis Leblanc. Destined for Harvard for the next 2 seasons most likely, Leblanc is a centre who many scouts project as a smart second-liner at the NHL level. Here's Rick Moffat with CJAD's Hockey Insider Murray Wilson on the selection and other Habs trade rumours from Day 1 Round 1: Listen
LIFELONG HABS FAN DRAFTED BY LEAFS, NO VINNIE DEAL YET FOR GAINEY
Toronto GM Brian Burke was the first NHL GM to park at his team's table on the Bell Centre Draft floor. Leafs fans are noticeable in the 200 level and their chants of "Go Leafs Go" was launched in response to the first chorus of "Leafs Suck" heard in the hours before the first selection. Burke savoured the villain's role when he took Nazim Kadri, an admitted lifelong Habs fan, with the 7th choice overall.
There was a blockbuster trade early in Round 1...Pronger from the Ducks to the Flyers. Speculation intensifies that Philly will have to move Dan Briere.
George Gillett declared "Je vous aime" and gave the thumbs up to the Bell Centre faithful after thanking the Molson Brothers for coming along at "the right time".
Draft Day rumours included the fact that Gainey and Komisarek's agent were talking. Would that make Gainey more bold in pursuing the Vinnie Trade?
DRAFT DAY FULL OF SURPRISES AND EMOTION FOR CURRENT HABS, AND HOCKEY HALL OF FAMERS ALIKE
Guillaume Latendresse admits he was disappointed he did NOT go 1st round. Josh Gorges was stunned to be shut out on Draft Weekend. Hall of Famer Denis Potvin tells the story about a last-minute blockbuster deal the legendary Canadiens GM Sam Pollock FAILED to make.
MORE COMING UP ON THE RIC PETERSON SHOW LIVE FROM THE BELL CENTRE/NHL DRAFT HEADQUARTERS, OR LISTEN NOW:
JOSH GORGES: Listen
GUILLAUME LATENDRESSE:Listen
HALL OF FAMER DENIS POTVIN---ALMOST A HAB!:Listen
DRAFT NITE IN BELARUS--SERGEI K: Listen
CANADIENS COACHING HOUSE-CLEANING CONTINUES
Gainey's longtime friend and teammate Jarvis gone, Muller stays, Don Lever and Ron Wilson axed, Mommesso in limbo
GM Bob Gainey confirms Doug Jarvis has been fired, the 3rd assistant purged from the Habs staff counting Don Lever and Rollie Melanson. Lever had been promoted from the Hamilton Bulldogs when Guy Carbonneau was let go. "I just don't understand how I can be called up and then discarded," Lever is quoted as saying. The initial confirmation from the Canadiens has also left questions about the fate of former Habs player Sergio Mommesso, who went from development consultant to assistant coach when Wilson replaced Lever as the Bulldogs' top coach.
CJAD Sports has learned Mommesso is 'under review' and will have to meet with the Bulldogs next head coach to learn of his fate.
Canadiens GM Bob Gainey and right-hand man Julien Brisebois apparently told Wilson and Lever, who had hoped he might get consideration to be the next Habs' bench-boss, the organization is going in a 'different direction.'
KEEP IT LOCKED ON CJAD 800 FOR ALL YOUR HABS DRAFT WEEKEND DEVELOPMENTS LIVE FROM THE BELL CENTRE
VINNIE: "OF COURSE!..." WHEN ASKED BY CJAD IF HE'D ACCEPT A TRADE TO MONTREAL!!!
He said it. He finally said it. Vincent Lecavalier says he'd accept a trade to Montreal if it came right down to it. CJAD's Abe Hefter caught up with the Lightning star (and Beliveau body-double in the movie The Rocket!) at a West Island charity BBQ for Sun Youth hosted by Sources Dodge Chrysler Jeep.
Listen
TK: 'I WANT TO COME BACK'
Canadiens forward Tom Kostopoulos admits even though he wants to return to Montreal, there is no offer on the table to bring him back. And there are no talks underway with his agent Jerry Buckley. KOSTOPOULOS IN A CJAD EXCLUSIVE speaks out about the future of the Koivu captaincy, Alex Kovalev, the Jacques Martin hire and his surprise prediction for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Listen
Jacques Martin New Head Coach of the Canadiens
Dressed in a dapper dark brown pin-stripe suit and a striped tie, with a CH logo pin tacked to his lapel, Jacques Martin was introduced as the new head coach of the Montreal Canadiens today at a packed Bell Centre news conference. Martin says he was flattered to receive a call from GM Bob Gainey inquiring about his services, and Martin admitted to CJAD's Abe Hefter that it took him no time at all to make the decision to leave the GM ranks in Florida for a spot behind the Canadiens' bench.
Gainey also announced that goaltender coach Rollie Melanson would not be back with the team. He would not speculate about the future of current assistants Doug Jarvis, Kirk Muller or Don Lever.
Martin coached the Panthers for three seasons beginning in 2005, but enjoyed more success as the bench boss of the Ottawa Senators.
Jacques Martin with CJAD's Abe Hefter on the phone call from Bob Gainey that led to today's announcement at the Bell Centre. Listen
Under Martin's guidance, the Senators earned their first President's Trophy, posting a 52-21-8-1 mark upon completion of the 2002-03 campaign. He led Ottawa to its first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, losing to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils. Martin has been nominated for the Jack Adams Trophy as NHL Coach of the Year four times. He won the award in 1998-99 and was nominated in 1996-97, 2000-01 and 2002-03. He also was selected as head coach of the Eastern Conference at the 2003 NHL All-Star Game in Florida and head coach of the World Team at the 2001 All-Star Game in Denver.
SUBBAN SIGNS 3 YEAR DEAL...FLAG CEREMONY TO FOLLOW?
PK Subban confirms to CJAD 800 that the Habs' flag still flies over his bed in Belleville. Every morning he wakes up and sees his motivation. And now he's got a 3 year deal signed with the Habs. Agents Don Meehan and Pat Morris got it done with Julien Brisebois.
The likeable star of Canada's World Junior Gold medal victory in a CJAD 1-on-1 says it was tough to follow the Habs' meltdown in the playoffs.
"Some people told me 'you have a better chance to make the team if they're having problems', but I don't look at it that way. I've been a fan of this team for too long," says Subban.
Asked what he'll do to get his head away from hockey for vacation before this summer's developmental camp at Brossard, PK laughed...he's going to take shots on his kid brother...a rookie goalie candidate with his junior team the Belleville Bulls. Sounds like PK may finally have to give up the flag as a 'hand-me-down' to Little Brother.Listen
BELIVEAU TO GET ANOTHER PHD
Dr. Beliveau? Why not--he's surgically carved up enough goalies in his day. Canadiens living legend Jean Beliveau recieved an Honourary Doctor of Laws degree from Ryerson University in Toronto. The Companion of the Order of Canada and Hockey Hall of Famer will be 78 in August.
GEORGES LARAQUE AND CJAD'S ABE HEFTER ON THE ANDREW CARTER MORNING SHOW.Listen
HIGGINS ON THE WORLD STAGE
CJAD's Abe Hefter caught up to Christopher Higgins of the Canadiens from his hotel room in Berne, Switzerland, prior to his appearance with Team USA against the Swiss at the World Hockey Championsips. Listen
COUNTDOWN TO THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY ON CJAD 800
ON DECEMBER 4TH, THE WORLD WILL CELEBRATE A REMARKABLE DATE. CANADIENS FANS EVERYWHERE WILL UNITE TO CELEBRATE THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREATEST HOCKEY TEAM IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD.
CJAD 800 WILL BE THERE EVERY STRIDE OF THE 2009-2010 SEASON AND BEYOND.
THE 100TH SEASON IS OVER, ALL TOO QUICLY IN ROUND ONE
CLOSE YOUR EYES, HABS FANS. LISTEN AND FOCUS ON THE FUTURE. COLDPLAY MEETS THE 100TH SEASON: LISTEN: Listen
THE AFTERMATH: KOVALEV SAYS HIS FUTURE IN MONTREAL DOES NOT HINGE ON GAINEY---'WE'RE IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS'
ALEX KOVALEV SAYS HE WANTS TO COME BACK. The AK-27 says despite his special relationship with Bob Gainey his decision to return will NOT hinge on the GM's future. "We're in different situations," Kovalev tells CJAD 800. Asked if he were the GM who he'd sign first Kovalev gave that sly artiste's grin "Me first."
Patrice Brisebois admits he's in a grey zone and thinking about retirement. Robert Lang declares he wants to come back. Same with Mathieu Dandenault--and he says he'd like to talk contract sooner rather than later. Alex Tanguay gives the 'p.c.' "I'd love to return to Montreal" message but also dropped hints he may not be so fast to sign on the dotted line.
Big Georges Laraque asked by CJAD if the young players learned off-ice lessons this season says "I hope so...." and suggested that there were players were did not keep their focus away from the rink.
THE DAGWOODS POSTGAME SHOW IS BACK!!!
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW FOR JUST A SAMPLE OF WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN YOU JOIN CJAD'S ABE HEFTER AFTER EVERY CANADIENS' HOCKEY GAME ON CJAD!!!
CJAD'S Abe Hefter takes your calls on the Dagwoods PostGame Show
RICK MOFFAT'S BLOG..."Stupid Question of the Day..."
HEFTER ON THE HABS: CHECK OUT ABE'S BLOG ON THE CANADIENS'
Email Abe Hefter at: abe.hefter@cjad.com
Email Rob Martier at: rob.martier@cjad.com
Email Rick Moffat at: rick.moffat@cjad.com
CONGRATULATIONS CJAD & SPORTS ILLUSTRATED'S MIKE
FARBER: Named to the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee along with Lanny McDonald, Peter Stastny, Bill Torrey! No wonder he was allowed at an SI Swimsuit Edition photo-shoot. Hear Mike every weekday morning on the Andrew Carter Morning Show at 7:55.
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