Neely4Life wrote:They ruined Carey Price as a Montreal Canadian. Ole.
They have lost their captain and best player. Ole
They wont be back in the playoffs for a least 2 or 3 years. Ole
It's ironic. Here they are with 12 roster spots to fill and a ton of cap space. By all accounts they'll have a tough, tough time attracting free agents. They need all their picks and prospects for a rebuild, but have just 9 players they could even consider trading. They could troll the KHL for some UFAs, but how many quality players are really there that are worth it, want to come back and will clear waivers?
I see the Habs starting next year with a new GM/coach, that much is a given, but also with a half dozen or more rookies in the lineup. If their new GM is smart, and the coach good, they'll have all those guys on 2 way contracts, play real exciting hockey to turn the team atmosphere around, and then would have the cap space to bring in some UFAs in 2010-11.
I don't see them making the playoffs next year, for sure, but they might be able to pull it off the year after that. Of course by that time the Sens and Leafs will have some 2nd and 3rd year players roundign into top-form, with top-5 or top-10 rookies/sophomores. So it could be challenging for Montreal, even then.
Bottom line, no playoffs next year. Distinct possibility the year after, if they make all the right moves.
Then, again, when I hear statements like the next coach they hire better be a French Canadian, Woof, wow! Their attendance is not a problem, why pander to the masses? Hire the best guy available to deliver a good product. They can afford a medium-to-long term solution, but they seem intent on making a short-sighted move.