Thanks GG

George Gillette Jr. An American businessman buying the storied Montreal Canadiens. For some this was insanity, how could someone like him buy the greatest franchise in the history of the NHL.

I was a little skeptical when it happened too. The word on Gillette was that he had been a billionaire and broke a few times over. But the Habs were losing money year over year. Taxes on the Molson Centre (Bell Centre) were out of this world. The Molson family had had enough. So Gillette stepped up and made the investment in the Montreal Canadiens.

Looking back at what he did for the franchise, I can't believe I was ever nervous about him being the new owner. He made the Habs profitable again and turned them into a model team for other NHL clubs to mold themselves after. Seeing him sit along the glass at games, cheering like every other fan after a goal was awesome. You won't find too many owners in professional sports that will do that. I once read an article about a fan who saw him at a game in Anaheim against the Ducks roaming the concourse between periods. After the fan stopped him to chat, Gillette spent 5 minutes, until puck drop, talking about the Habs and hockey in general.

Now the big knock against him was, and still is, that he knows little about the game. I find this such a funny argument because the owner puts people in place to run the team. A good owner doesn't call the shots on player moves. He hires experts to do that, which is exactly what Gillette did with Gainey. You don't have to look any further than the Tampa Bay Lightning to see a team with "hockey experts" as owners. Barrie, and to a lesser extent Koules, weigh in on every hockey decision that is made. The team, not surprisingly, signed and then traded a cornerstone d-man in Boyle after promising him they wouldn't, signed about 40 forwards and no defencemen last free agent period, hired an ESPN analyst who hadn't coached in 15 years to lead the team (and then fired him early in the season) and finished near the bottom of the standings. Now, one owner wants to trade Vinny L., the other doesn't, and Bettman had to meet with them both to iron out their differences....oh yeah and Barrie had to come up with cash to secure his ownership in the team. I could care less if Gillette knows what an icing is or not. The fact is he cared about the team and the fans. He let the hockey guys make the hockey decisions.

George Gillette was a great owner who I will miss dearly. He took a franchise that was hemorrhaging money and turned them profitable once again. Did make a killing while doing so? Sure he did. Did he get a great return off his initial investment and took the profits? Of course. I mean the guy is a businessman, and he did exactly what any smart businessman would do. At the end of the day he sold back to the Molson family, avoiding the evil Quebecor getting their hands on the team and turning it into a an all Quebecois team (and a political platform). Cheers to little GG and his smiling face cheering on the Habs and thanks for everything you did.

The Habs Effect

As I cheered the latest GSP victory in UFC 100, I got to thinking how much influence the Habs actually have over me. Throw out the fact that I religiously watch every game, usually on RDS even though I don't speak French. Forget about how my beautiful wife to be and I took trips to see the Habs play the past two seasons. And don't even worry about the time I spend reading posts on various sites regarding the Habs or the Habs gear I seem to always wear.

Now I don't really like MMA. Something about watching a guy get KO'd and then punched/kicked a few times when he's out for good measure just doesn't do it for me. I enjoy boxing, but MMA, although a very tough sport in which the competitors are in peak physical condition and have a wide array of skills in various forms of martial arts and wrestling, is something I have never got into.

Now with this being said, I was beaming with pride after GSP dominated his latest match. Yes, some of the pride comes from him being a Canadian, but more of it comes from him being a Canadiens fan, which got me thinking about how I seem to have some sort of a bond with those associated with the Canadiens. George Strombolopolous did a 100th anniversary special complete with celebrities from all walks of life talking about the Habs, some of them fans, others not as much. Not only did I suddenly have a new respect for Strombo, (who I couldn't stand before) but also with many of the guests featured. Sam Roberts, who I never really got into, was suddenly a great singer and I was downloading his tunes. My support of Justin Morneau as my favorite baseball player was threatened by Dodgers catcher and die hard Habs fan Russell Martin. I now enjoy Great Big Sea's music a lot more after hearing lead singer Alan Doyle talk about being a fan. Hell, Celine Dion's creepy old husband now didn't seem so bad. Viggo Mortensen is now an actor I can't get enough of, I mean he was a good actor before, but add the Habs factor in and he's unreal (pictured above at a film festival in TO no less, wearing a Habs shirt, take that Leafs fans).

Now this doesn't just stop with fans, songs, such as U2's "One" with Mary J. Blige is currently one of my favorite tunes after hearing it at the Bell Centre during the players intro. As is the case with "All The Things I've Done" by the Killers along with u2's Vertigo (old Habs goal song). A recent tribute to Saku Koivu has left me listening to Coldplay's "Scientist". I mean Coldplay, really....I don't like Coldplay.

So it appears my obsession has reached new levels. I may need help, who knows. But like I tell my lovely bride to be, there are worse things I could be addicted too. I then usually talk about drugs (making sure to bring up meth, cocaine, heroine), gambling (on cockfighting), booze, etc. to further prove my point. Lucky for me she is so understanding. Gotta love the Habs!

A True Hero Moves On

Saku Koivu, the second longest serving captain in team history, has signed a deal with the Anahiem Ducks. Habs fans dreams of seeing Selanne/Koivu have come true, just not in a Canadiens jersey.

Saku was drafted by the Habs in the first round, 21st overall in 1993. He joined the team in 1995 and immediately won fans over with his fearless play. At only 5'10, 187 lbs, Koivu was undersized, but made up for that with heart and determination. He was named captain of the team in 2000. He played in 2 all star games, won the King Clancey Award twice for his humanitarian work and the Bill Masterton Award after his battle with cancer. He also won a bronze and silver medal while representing Finland at the Olympics.

His return from cancer will always be my favorite Habs moment. The ovation he received from the crowd when he stepped on the ice against the Sens was magical. A true fighter, Saku was not only able to play hockey again, but was back sooner than expected and lead the Habs to a shocking first round upset over the heavily favoured Bruins. Saks also battled a serious eye injury after being struck in the eye with a Justin Williams high stick in the 2006 playoffs. The Habs were in control of the series up 2-0, but without their leader fell to the Canes in 6, who went onto win the Stanley Cup. Again, Koivu was able to return from the injury and continue his fearless play.

His work on the ice was matched by his work off the ice as he was instrumental in bringing cancer treatment devices to local hospitals in the Montreal area. He was an inspiration to anyone who was touched by the deadly disease, not only in Quebec, but around the world.

A constant target of the French media because he didn't speak their language, Koivu seemed to take it all in stride. He went out on the ice, game in and game out, and gave it all he had. Despite his size, he wasn't afraid to take on all comers, no matter how big. You will be missed Saku there are so many great memories of your time with the Habs. I grew up in a Koivu era and it won't be the same without you. Nothing I can say can pay big enough tribute to a great human being like yourself. I wish you all the best with the Ducks. Here is a nice tribute:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef_ysh50g8s

Career Stats:

Regular Season: 792 GP, 191 G, 450 A, 641 P, 623 PIMS

Playoffs: 54 GP, 16G, 32 A, 48 P, 42 PIMS

And Now The Sandpaper

After addressing the need for skill on July 1, BG turned his attention to adding some grit, size and toughness to the 2009-2010 addition of the Montreal Canadiens. Defenceman Paul Mara and winger Travis Moen were added today. Mara should add some depth and size to the backend, while Moen should add a physical dimension to the 3rd/4th lines. With their signings, guys like Kostopolous and Boullion are all but guaranteed not be offered contracts, although that may have been determined before these deals. Here's a breakdown on the two newest members of the Habs: (please note Koivu post coming soon)

Paul Mara-Mara is a 29 year old defenceman who was a 1st round pick of the Bolts in 1997. At 6'4, 212 lbs Mara is a big body who played last year with the Rangers. He has also had stops in Boston, Phoenix and Tampa Bay. He scored 5 goals and added 16 assists last season, while accumulating 94 PIMS. His best season came in 2005-06 when he scored 15 goals and 47 points while playing with Phoenix. Mara is known as a good team guy who isn't afraid to stick up for his teammates. He has laid a beating on Darcy Tucker on a couple of occasions, which is always a good thing.

Travis Moen-Moen is a bruising winger who finished the year with the Sharks. He made a name for himself as part of the Ducks run to the Stanley Cup where he was a big part of their checking line. Another big body at 6'2 215 lbs, Moen began his career with the Blackhawks before playing for the Ducks and then the Sharks last year as a deadline day acqusition. He scored 7 goals last year and assisted on 9 others as well as collecting 91 PIMS. He is another player who stands up for his teammates and is an effective penalty killer.

So Long Kovy, You Will Be Missed

So it's finally official. Alex Kovalev will not be back with the Habs next season. He signed a 2 year $10 million contract with the Ottawa Senators today, ending his time in Montreal. BG Apparently offered AK27 a contract, but Kovalev did not accept it quickly enough and the money went to another player.

I still remember when the Habs traded for Kovalev. Jozeph Balej and a 2nd round pick went the other way, and the Habs finally had a legitimate impact player at the trade deadline. Although he started slow, he quickly won the fans over with his dazzling stick handling and highlight reel goals. His play was up and down, much like it has been his whole career. But when he was on, he had the ability to win games on his own.

The 2007-2008 season was Alex at his best. Scoring 35 goals and assisting on 49 others, Kovalev was the team MVP and an NHL second team all-star. On a nightly basis chants of "Kovy, Kovy" echoed through the Bell Centre as he weaved through the opposition. The Habs were never out of a game with him in the lineup.

Things weren't all roses though as this past season Kovalev was sent home for a few days by GM Bob Gainey after struggling. Bob and Alex seemed to have a special bond and it seemed every time they had one of their "talks" Kovy would dominate in the games following. He returned to a standing ovation from the crowd and scored early in the first period against the Sens. Kovy season was up and down, but the fans never wavered in their support of him. His involvement in the community only added to the admiration and it seemed like he would never leave.

I was also one of those fans that couldn't get enough of watching him play. For once, after god knows how many years, the Habs had a game breaker. I could handle the occasional turnover or lazy shift because I knew what he could do. He had the ability to go end to end at any time. He was a human highlight reel who kept fans on the edge of their seats. So I wish you all the best Alex, just not against the Habs. I thank you for 4+ good seasons, I will miss watching you in a Habs uniform. Here are my top 5 Kovy memories:

Career stats with Montreal:

Reg. Season: 314 GP, 103 G, 161A, 264 P, 310 PIMS

Playoffs: 33GP, 17G, 14A, 31P, 22 PIMS

1. The Forearm-Late in a game against the Leafs (the Habs were up by a bunch), Darcy Tucker attempts to throw an elbow at Kovy. He catches him with a bit of elbow, so Kovalev, steaming, grabs the puck, stick handles around the zone towards Tucker and lays him out with a huge forearm. One of my favorites Habs memories of all time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3CcEOH6W0A

2. Helmet less Playoff Goal-The Habs are playing their longtime rival, the Boston Bruins. After colliding with Chara in front of the B's bench, he loses his helmet. Kovy grabs the puck dekes past a couple of Bruins, drops the puck to the point and it ends of back on his stick. He burries the shot and the crowd explodes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zFWe4lgAWg

3. Highlight Reel Heaven-The Habs played the B's March 20, 2008 and continued their dominance. Kovalev scored on a spin-a-rama goal around Chara and then splits the D (Chara and Wideman) to score his second. Nothing I like seeing more than Habs turning Chara inside out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpqbVCfM73Q

4. "The Move"-We all all seen it many times. Kovy on the half boards working the power play. He carries the puck towards the point, and then makes a move on the forward and drives back towards the goal before taking a shot on net, usually top shelf. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sutTsQNLfc

5. "The Comeback Game"-After spotting the Rangers a 5-0 lead, the Habs storm back and Kovalev scores his 2nd of the night on a one-time blast. The Habs go on to win in a shootout, capping the biggest comeback in team history.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrer1boFz0Y

Boy what terrible moves....

After watching another TSN program (The Reporters) where they ripped BG for his moves on July 1st (along with the Gomez deal), I decided I have had enough. Brian Burke gets high praise for locking up Komisarek, Colton Orr and dealing for Garnet Exelbey/Colin Stuart, yet Gainey is run through the mud for signing the 1st and 6th top scoring UFA's, along with the 2nd highest scoring d-man. All year we heard was how Gainey had screwed himself by allowing so many players to test the free agent market. He was able to go out and replace those players with other quality free agents and change the team after a difficult year to say the least. So let's breakdown the moves to see how Gainey did.

*Points (Goals-Assists=Points)

Cammalleri-39-43=82 / Kovalev-26-39=65

Gomez-16-42=58 / Koivu-16-34=50

Gionta-20-40=60 / Tanguay-16-25=41

Spacek-8-37=45 / Schneider-9-23=32

Gill-2-8=10 / Komisarek-2-9=11

So in comes 85 goals and 255 points. Out (for now) goes 69 goals and 199 points.

*Salaries (cap hit in millions)

Cammalleri-$6.0 / Kovalev-$4.5

Gomez-$7.357 / Koivu-$4.75

Gionta-$5.0 / Tanguay-$5.25

Spacek-$3.833 / Schneider-$5.625

Gill-$2.25 / Komisarek-$4.5 (new salary)

So the Habs spent $24.458 and let $24.625 walk. Obviously, four out of the five free agents listed above have not yet signed deals, so cap hit are based on last years salary (minus Komisarek who has a new deal)

*Age

Cammalleri-27 / Kovalev-36

Gomez-29 / Koivu-34

Gionta-30 / Tanguay-29

Spacek-35 / Schneider-40

Gill-34 / Komisarek-27

Average age of new players is 31, average age of players moving on is 33.2.

*Size (as per TSN inches, lbs)

Cammalleri-69, 185 / Kovalev-73, 224

Gomez-71, 200 / Koivu-70, 187

Gionta-67, 175 / Tanguay-73, 189

Spacek-71, 204 / Schneider-71, 195

Gill-79, 250 / Komisarek-76, 240

Average size of new player is 71.4 inches and 202.8 lbs. Size of guys leaving is 72.6 inches and 207 lbs.

So in looking at the above areas, the only area where the new guard comes up "short" is size. Now in 2007-08 the Detrioit Red Wings (now I am in no way comparing the Habs and Wings) were the smallest team in the league, yet won the cup. So why is everyone so hung up on size?

The same "experts" that are ripping the new Habs are the same ones that were ripping the old ones. Pierre Maguire, whose obsession with the Leafs and Brian Burke is starting to get creepy, talked about how bad the Habs moves were, specifically the Gomez one. He failed to consider the fact that Cammaleri and Gionta both noted the acquisition of Gomez was one of the reasons they signed with the Habs. Cammaleri was TSN's 5th best UFA, if the Leafs got him they would be showered with praise. In the next breath he talked Brian Burke up for his key signing of Colton Orr and snagging Mike Komisarek from the Habs. Guess he forgets Komisarek's season last year, where he was the Habs worst defenceman, coughing the puck up on a nightly basis. I don't have anything against Komi, despite his decision to join the Habs biggest rival, but let's not forget the guy brings ZERO offence, a weak first pass, and his physical game in the 2nd half of the year was no existent. For $4.5 million you can have him TO.

Others talk about Gainey spending too much on free agents and "letting Sather off the hook" by taking Gomez. The Habs had $33 million in cap room. Did people honestly think Gainey was going to start the season with $20 million to spend? Who cares when he spends the dough, he made moves that he thinks will make the team better. He brought in, for the most part, younger players who they can build around.

So there you have it. I have been watching hockey for far too long to say for certain that the players added will make the team better. We will have to wait to see how next year plays out. But last years team ended the year by limping into the playoffs then losing four straight to the Bruins. The core of the team was aging and with 10 UFA's everyone knew there would be changes. But let's wait until the team actually plays a game to pass judgement.

Free Agent Madness (Day 1....)

Bob said there would be changes.....and there was. Lots of action with the Habs who always seem to be the bridesmaid when it comes to UFA's. The team was able to attract 4 new UFA's (so many I didn't feel as bad for blowing an entire day in front of the TV & computer). Gone, at least as of now, are all 10 UFA's the Habs entered the off season with. Guys like Koivu, Kovalev, and Komisarek-the faces of the franchise for the past few years, are no longer here. In their place, new (tiny) faces. It didn't take long for BG to burn threw that $33 million+ in cap space, with only $8.8 million and change left. So in addition to Scott Gomez, the Habs newest members are (in order of when they were signed):

Jaroslav Spacek (3 years, $11.5 million)-The 5'11, 204 lbs Spacek is a solid 2 way defenceman that can play the PP. Spacek is no spring chicken at 35, especially on a 3 year deal. He spent last year with the Sabres, but has also had NHL stops in Edmonton, Chicago (x2), Columbus and Florida. He put up a very respectable 45 points last year and has topped 30 points 5 times in his career.

Hal Gill (2 years, $4.5 million)-Gill is your prototypical stay at home defenceman. At 6'7, 250 lbs, the 34 year old Gill adds size to the back end and helps ease the blow of losing physical leader Mike Komisarek to the Leafs. Gill won a cup last year with the Pens and has had stops in Toronto and Boston (but we won't hold that against him). Last year he had 2 goals, 8 assists along with 53 PIM's. Career high point total is 24, with 124 career high in PIM's.

Mike Cammalleri (5 years, $30 million)-Cammalleri isn't the biggest guy (5'9, 185 lbs) but possesses excellent speed and scoring touch. Ranked #5 on TSN's top UFA list, he played with the Flames last year where he scored 39 goals and added 43 assists. Now, he was playing on a line with Iginla, but Jerome isn't exactly Gretzky when it comes to play making (although a star nonetheless). Cami, who is 27, began his career with the Kings and has scored 20 or more goals in every full NHL season he has played.

Brian Gionta (5 years, $25 million)-After spending his entire career with the Devils, Gionta moves on to the Habs to play with old line mate Scott Gomez. At 5'7 175 lbs, Gionta is tiny by NHL standards, but has great speed, a strong scoring touch, and some grit (for a little guy). He scored 20 goals and added 40 assists last year, well off his career high of 48 goals in 2005/06 (with Gomez). Gionta is 30 and has had 5 straight 20 goal seasons and won a cup with New Jersey in 2002/03.

BG wanted to change the face of the team, and he did. Size up front is still an issue, but there is no doubting the skill. I really like the Cammalleri signing, especially after seeing Gaborik fetching $7.5 million per year from the Rangers. I think Spacek/Gill will more than makeup for the loss of Komisarek, especially if Komisarek plays like he did last season. Gionta and Gomez should have good chemistry and hopefully they can again put up the numbers like they did in 2005/06. Personally, I would have taken Kovalev over Gionta (if the rumors are true regarding them both getting similar offers and Gionta accepting first). Doesn't appear to be enough cap room to bring Kovy back, but he would be a HUGE difference maker on the 2nd line. The question now becomes who is captain of this team with Koivu (C), Kovalev (A), Komisarek (A), and Higgins (A) all gone. Markov just doesn't seem like the captain type, especially in a city like Montreal.

Gainey made a splash on Day 1, well actually he cannon balled off the high diving board. With so little cap space left (after signing the RFA's) it will be interesting to see if anymore "tweaks" are made.