Canadiens Trade Chris Higgins For Scott Gomez

RDS has learned that the Habs have obtained Scott Gomez from the New York Rangers for Christopher Higgins. Also going to NY in the trade is Ryan Mcdonagh, Pavel Valentenko and Doug Janik. Canadiens also obtain Tom Pyatt and Michael Busto. Source

Bob Mckenzie was right on, the Habs did get Gomez, but does that mean that its over for Lecavalier? or will this just be the beginning of more move to come? Some rumors says that this may not be the only trade that Bob Gainey is working on.

Mike Komisarek Going Free Agent

According to RDS, Mike Komisarek is going to test the free agent market this summer. Renaud Lavoie has learned that the Canadiens have put lots of effort to retain him, but Mike have decided he did not want to stay in Montreal. Source

There is also a rumor that the Boston Bruins are interested in signing Komisarek on July 1st, but I doubt it would happen. I just don't see him being friends with Lucic.

What Will Bob Gainey Do?

We are a little bit more than 24hrs before the free agent market begins and things have already started to move yesterday in the Montreal Canadiens organization with multiple offers to some pending free agents. Bob Gainey told the media that he is expecting or is still attempting to complete a trade before July 1st. That statement from Habs GM will only increase the rumors and speculations. So, what will Bob Gainey do?

It is known that Bob Gainey is looking for a big center to play on the Habs first line. The first name that comes to everyone's mind is of course Vincent Lecavalier. We all know that the Habs are definitely interested in him, but are the Lightnings ready to let him go? More specifically, is Len Barrie finally willing to let the trade go through and not veto the trade? Something tells me there is always hope for a trade between Tampa and Montreal and that door is not competely close. It should still be wide enough for Gainey to firmly believe that a trade could still be done. Or else how do you explain his actions? Only two official offers are on the table for 11 of his UFAs. If Bob Gainey doesn't think he has a serious chance in compeleting the deal, would you think he would risk the chance of losing Alex Tanguay and Saku Koivu? I don't think so.

And what if the deal for Vinny Lecavalier fails? Well, I am sure that he has a backup plan. That plan B would most likely include better players than Tanguay or Koivu. According to TSN's Bob Mckenzie, the Habs could be interested in Scott Gomez, Daniel Briere or Simon Gagne if Lecavalier's deal doesn't work out.

So what if no deals happen in the next 24 hrs? We go on the free agent market! The Canadiens have over $30 Million in available cap space, thats more than any other teams in the league. There are rumors from The Gazette that the Habs are very interested in the Sedin Twins. There is also Martin Havlat that could come to Montreal.

Bob Gainey has so many options available that we don't need to worry not being able to complete the roster for season 2009-10. The next few days could be very exciting for every Habs fan, so be prepared!!!

Alex Tanguay's Negociation Rights Could be Traded

Bob Gainey tells reporters that Alex Tanguay's negociation rights is on the market and could be traded. Source

No Offer to Saku Koivu Until July 1st

The Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu is in the same situation as Alex Tanguay and has received a call from Bob Gainey that they are unable to submit a serious offer to him until July 1st. Bob Gainey said that they are currently working to complete a transaction. Source

Habs Offer A Contract To Alex Kovalev

From CKAC, unrestricted free agent Alex Kovalev has received an official offer from the Montreal Canadiens today. It has been rumored that there was a verbal agreement that he will be back next season a few days before the draft. Source

Offers to Habs RFAs

RDS has learned that restricted free agents Chris Higgins, Guillaume Latendresse, Thomas Plekanec, Matt D'agostini, Gregory Stewart and Kyle Chipchura have all received an offer from the Montreal Canadiens. Source

No Offer To Tanguay Before July 1st

According to RDS, the Montreal Canadiens will not offer a contract to pending unrestricted free agent Alex Tanguay before July 1st. Alex Tanguay's agent has told RDS that Bob Gainey has informed them that his client will not receive an offer until July 1st. RDS have learned that many pending UFAs agents have also received the same call from Bob Gainey becaues he is working on getting Vincent Lecavalier to Montreal. Source

Hamilton Bulldogs Head Coach Is Guy Boucher

According to RDS, Guy Boucher will become the Hamilton Bulldogs new head coach and it will be announced today at noon. Source

Is Daniel Briere or Simon Gagne the Habs Plan B?

According to the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch, Bob Gainey might turn to Daniel Briere if he is unable to obtain Vincent Lecavalier. Sources tell Garrioch that the Flyers are also interested in trading Simon Gagne. Source

Bob Gainey Still Wants Vincent Lecavalier

We have heard many rumors and speculations before and during the draft, everyone was expecting or hoping for a blockbuster trade and see Vinny in the Montreal Canadiens jersey. Lot of fans were disappointed that nothing happened during the draft and many reports says that Vinny will not be traded.

Just when we are starting to lose hope, RDS came up with some information that Bob Gainey is still not giving up on landing Lecavalier. According to Renaud Lavoie, many sources around the league are telling him that Gainey is still very much interested. Gainey have been working untill the last minutes before the draft to get the deal done, but were unable complete the deal because Len Barrie has blocked the transaction once again. The Canadiens will continue to try to get the deal done in the next couple of days before Lecavalier's contract kicks in. Source

So yeah...Lecavalier rumors just don't seems to want to die.

2009 NHL Post-Draft Rumors

So the 2009 NHL entry draft is now over and we still haven't had many transactions yet. This doesn't mean that the discussions between GMs have stopped. Bob Gainey has not made his big splash yet and here are the recent rumors concerning the Montreal Canadiens.

According to La Presse's François Gagnon, Saku Koivu will still be a Habs because Bob Gainey was unable to obtain a number 1 center such as Vinny Lecavalier during the draft. Koivu is still the best center of the team and Bob Gainey will have to resign him. Koivu's agent believes that there is a possibility of getting a deal done before July 1st. Source

From La Presse's Mathias Brunet, Vincent Lecavalier's agent believes his client will remain as a Tampa Bay Lightning and doesn't expect to be traded. Source

According to Eklund, the offer for Vinny Lecavalier were too low. Source

Also from Eklund, Mike Komisarek's rights might be traded. Source

From The Gazette's Pat Hickey, Bob Gainey says that he has talked with other teams, but with no progress and it might take some time to get that big centerman needed in Montreal. It could take up until September or even in October. Source

From the Ottawa Sun, it seems that the trade talks between the Lightnings and the Habs for Lecavalier have intensified. Sources say that the names from the Canadiens are Jaroslav Halak and Christopher Higgins. Source

NHL 2009 Draft Day Rumors

Well guys this is it, today is the NHL Entry Draft and many teams are trying to make a move, so here are today's rumors.

According to TSN, the significant offer that the leafs had received yesterday was from the Boston Bruins. The offer was Phil Kessel for Tomas Kaberle and the Leafs first round pick (7th overall). Source

From ESPN Pierre LeBrun, the Altanta Thrashers are interested in Tomas Kaberle. If Islanders take Victor Hedman, the Leafs will attempt to obtain the Lightnings 2nd overall pick. If not, then they will try to get Atlanta's 4th overall pick to select Brayden Schenn. Burke has also told LeBrun that Tampa wants Luke Schenn to be included in any deals for their 2nd overall pick, but the Leafs aren't ready to pay that price. Other players who are on the market are Ryane Clowe and Jean-Sebastien Giguere. Source

On Spector's Hockey, the Ottawa Sun Bruce Garrioch says that Gary Bettman has told the Bolts owner not to move Lecavalier in order to be able to sell the franchise. Damian Christoder from St. Peterburg Times says that Lecavalier trade seems to be less likely. Source

The Sedins Brothers will be testing the free agent market on July 1st and Montreal is a possible destination for the twin brothers. Source

The Lightnings willing to trade the 2nd overall pick. Source

According to CKAC, Alex Kovalev have met with the Montreal Canadiens new owners, the Molson Brothers, and with the Habs new head coach Jacques Martin a few days ago. Kovalev did not sign any contract, but have agreed to a verbal agreement to be back next season. Source

Bob Gainey Pre-Draft Press Conference

In a press conference today at 4:30 pm, Bob Gainey have clarified that only Mike Komisarek have received an offer on the table. He will discuss with the other UFAs after the draft. He also noted the possibility that some UFA won't be back next year without specifying who.

Concerning the draft, Bob Gainey said that he is 95% sure that he will be using his first round pick to select a prospect. The chances of a transaction during the draft tomorrow are pretty slim. Bob says that although they have an eye on local prospects, they will go for the best possible player in the first round.

Gainey also said that it is not a secret for anyone that they are looking for a big center, and right now, there isn't one on the free agent market.

When asked if the Vincent Lecavalier's case is completely closed, he answered that all options are still open. He also said that his relations with Lightnings GM Brian Lawton are good and they could work together.

Today's Habs Rumors

As we are only one day from the draft, there are many rumors running around today. Here are the latest rumors.

According to The Gazette Pat Hickey, Saku Koivu wants to stay with the Montreal Canadiens next season. Hickey also believes that Vincent Lecavalier will not be traded, he explains that the Lightnings owners agreed that by trading Lecavalier would be a serious blow to their marketing. The current rumors are that the Habs are interested in Patrick Marleau or Daniel Briere. Source

According to TSN Darren Dreger, there are currently five teams that are in negociation with the Florida Panthers for Jay Bouwmeester's rights. It will cost the teams a 3rd round pick just to be able to talk to him, if that team is successful in signing him, the price could be a first round pick. Source

From The Fourth Period, The Sun-Sentinel claims that the Montreal Canadiens are very interested in Jay Bouwmeester's negociation rights. Source

From CKAC, the radio station have learned that the Montreal Canadiens are currently working on a plan A which would exclude all current unrestricted free agents except Mike Komisarek. According to many sources, almost all of the UFA have not received any phone call from the organization in the past few weeks. Only Mike Komisarek is currently in negociation with Bob Gainey. Source

Eklund claims that some Habs players have heard that their teammates are being prepared to be traded to the Lightnings. Source

According to RDS, Bob Gainey will negociate with unrestricted free agents Saku Koivu, Alex Tanguay, Mike Komisarek, Alex Kovalev and Mathieu Schneider after the draft. The other UFAs have received a message from the Canadiens that they will not be back next season. Source

Francis Bouillon Won't Be Back

According to RDS, the Montreal Canadiens have told Francis Bouillon that they will not retain his services for next season. Source

Habs Rumors : Something Big Coming?

Again these are just rumors and we cannot take everything we read or hear too seriously, but things seems to be starting to heat up with the Montreal Canadiens. Rumors around seems to indicate that something big might be coming on the day of the draft.

From Eklund, according to his sources, the Habs organization is currently on "lockdown mode" and a huge trade could be announced on the draft day. The people who are aware of the situation are not saying anything, but only respond with a huge smile on their face. Source

From ESPN rumors, there might be a blockbuster move in the works for the Habs. Source

Pat Hickey speculate that the Habs might be working on a blockbuster trade after Bob Gainey has told him that he had some talks with the UFAs, but he won't do anything until after draft. Source

According to CKAC, Pierre Boivin said that the decision to leave a lot of cap space was a good one, now they need to make those transactions, they need to make those decisions, but you always need to be two to dance, so there is a lot of work to do, but they can't make any promesses. Source

Trading Lecavalier? Yes or No

After the meeting between the two Lightnings owners and Gary Bettman yesterday, there have been many contradicting rumors and speculations in the media. The question everyone has been asking : Will Vinny Lecavalier be traded or not?

According to RDS, the situation in Tampa Bay remains the same, Oren Koules is still in control of the team. Gary Bettman has removed the rights of Len Barrie to contact agents and other teams managers, but Barrie still have the rights to decline a transaction. According to Renault Lavoie, this means that the chances of seeing Vincent Lecavalier traded would be close to zero unless Barrie changes his mind. Source

According to St. Peterburg Times, it is status quo, nothing have changed. Koules remains in charge of decision making of the team and both owners need to approve the transaction to get the deal done. Bettman has also given the two owners more time to sort out their disagreement. There is also a possibility for one to buy out the other's share of the franchise. Source

From The Tampa Tribune, Martin Fennelly believes that there is a growing possibility that Vinny Lecavalier would be traded now that Koules is still in control. He believes that with Koules and Lawton in charge of the team, they will not get as much as Lecavalier should be worth, stating Dan Boyle as an example of their incompetence. Source

According to Pierre LeBrun, from ESPN, the meeting concluded that Brian Lawton will be dealing with all signings and trades. Source

From ruefrontenac.com, Marc De Foy and Martin Leclerc, two reporter who covers the Habs regularly, believes that with Koules in control, Vinny Lecavalier will most likely be traded before July 1st. Source here and here

Bettman : Oren Koules Gets to Decide

According to The Tampa Tribune, Gary Bettman has given Oren Koules the final say in the Tampa Bay Lightnings decisions. Koules has been known to be in favor of trading the Lightnings captain Vincent Lecavalier. Source

Rumor : Jay Bouwmeester

According to Spector's Hockey, the price to obtain Jay Bouwmeester's negociation rights is a draft pick and could become a 1st round pick if he signs with that team. It is also rumored that the leafs are interested in Bouwmeester. Source

Rumor : Dany Heatley Will Not Be a Habs

For all of those who hoped to see Dany Heatley in the Montreal Canadiens jersey, you can forget about it. According to the Ottawa Sun, Heatley's agent have submitted a list of teams to GM Bryan Murray. Montreal does not appear on the list. The teams are the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins. Source

Kirk Muller Stays, Doug Jarvis Fired

The Montreal Canadiens have announced today that Kirk Muller will continue in his position as assistant coach next season. While the associate coach, Doug Jarvis, will not be back next season. Source

Disputes Between Lightnings Ownership

In the St.Petersburgh Times, John Romano reports about the dispute between Oren Koules and Len Barrie, the two owners of the Tampa Bay Lightnings. According to Romano, the conflicts between these two men are much bigger than we might of thought to the point where they are requesting a meeting tomorrow with the NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to find out who may have the authority to make decisions for the team.

It is said that Koules wants to keep Brian Lawton as GM and trade Lecavalier in order to get rid of his huge contract. On the other hand, Barrie does not support Lawton and wants to build the team around Vincent Lecavalier.

Romano urges the Lightnings and Gary Bettman to resolve this problem quickly since they only have 10 days before July 1st when Lecavalier's no-trade clause contract will come into effect.

Read Full Article here

Don Lever and Ron Wilson Fired

The Hamilton Bulldogs 2008-09 head coach and assistant coach, Don Lever and Ron Wilson, have been fired today by the Montreal Canadiens.

Today's Lecavalier Rumors Updates

According to Eklund, his sources believe that Vincent Lecavalier will become a Canadiens in 1 week. This is due to the Molson family acquiring the team. Source

From Spector's Hockey, Habs are still interested in Lecavalier but not at the asking price of Andrei Markov. The Kings were interested in early spring but are less interested now. Spector doesn't believe the Habs would trade away Andrei Markov because Mike Komisarek will possibly become UFA. He also think that a trade between the two teams would be less and less possible as the days goes by. Source

From CKAC, according to Jean Perron, he believes that Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St-Louis will be with the Habs because of the new ownership. He also added that Lecavalier is building a new house in the region of Montreal.

A rumor from CHfans is that a deal have been accepted by the Lightnings owners for the Lecavalier trade. The names are Plekanec, Higgins, Gorges, Hamrlik and 1st round pick for Lecavalier, St-Louis and Paul Ranger. Source

The Montreal Canadiens Sold to The Molson Family

According to La Presse's reporter Jean-François Bégin, the Montreal Canadiens have been sold to the Molson family. It has been reported to La Presse by many reliable sources close to the sale of the franchise and it would all be announced this afternoon. Source

Rumors : Saku Koivu With Ducks

According to a Finland newspaper, Iltalehti, Saku Koivu would join the Anaheim Ducks this summer to get the chance to play with his friend Teemu Selanne. Source

More rumors on Lecavalier for Markov

From The Gazette, Pat Hickey talks about rumors that Vincent Lecavalier could be traded for Habs defensman Andrei Markov. He added that if Vinny is indeed traded to the Canadiens, it would also mean the end of the captain Saku Koivu as a Habs. He also notes that Mike Komisarek is going to become a free agent on July 1st. Source

Rumors : Beauchemin to Montreal

According to Spector's hockey, if the Habs are unable to re-sign Mike Komisarek, they would be very interested in François Beauchemin. It is reported that the Ducks GM expect Beauchemin to test the market this summer. Source

Rumors : Habs on Jack Johnson

According to Eklund, the Canadiens are very interested in getting the Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jack Johnson. The Pittsburgh Penguins are also interested. Source

For more recent Habs rumours please click here.

Islanders 1st Pick Might be Matt Duchene

Everyone have been wondering who the NY Islanders would select with their 1st overall pick in 2009 Draft in Montreal. Will it be John Tavares or Victor Hedman?

With less than a week to the Draft, there are rumors on the possibility that the first overall pick would not be Tavares or Hedman, but it would be Matt Duchene instead. According to Greg Logan from newsday.com, Matt Duchene is a much more complete player than John Tavares. Source

Eklund also reports that the Islanders might choose Duchene. Source

Lawton : Not Trading 1st Round Pick

According to RDS, Brian Lawton says that the Tampa Bay Lightnings are not going to trade their 1st round pick. They wish to select Victor Hedman to stabilize their defense. Source

Well, that denies Eklund's yesterday rumor. But then again...we can never be sure when it comes to Lawton. I still remember when he said that he never shopped Lecavalier during the All-Star break.

Rumors : Dany Heatley for Sedins Brothers

Rumors from ESPN that Dany Heatley could be traded to the Canucks for the Sedins Brothers. Source

Komisarek Closer to Habs, Koivu Closer to Wilds

From Eklund, rumors are that Mike Komisarek and the Montreal Canadiens are closer to a deal. On the other hand, Saku Koivu is closer to the Minnesota Wilds. Source

Rumors : Tavares For Weber?

Eklund has suggested that if the NY Islanders decided to select Hedman instead of Tavares, the Lightnings could possibly decide to trade John Tavares to the Predators. He explains that assuming the Canadiens are not willing to include Markov in the trade for Lecavalier and that both teams cannot agree on a deal. The Lightnings will have to look for another star defenseman elsewhere and consider trading John Tavares to Nashville for Shea Weber. Source

Sedins Brothers Looking for a 12-years Contract

According to a Sweden website expressen.se, the Sedins Brothers are looking for a $ 63 Million contract for 12 years, $5.25 Million per season. Source

Panthers GM Shopping Bouwmeester Negociation Rights

According to Spector's Hockey, the Florida Panthers GM Randy Sexton have spoken to other 29 GM in the league about the possibility of trades, including the negociation rights of Jay Bouwmeester. Source

Flyers GM believes Habs Trying to Re-sign Komisarek

From Spector's Hockey, the Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said that they are trying to get the rights for Jay Bouwmeester. They are also interested in Mike Komisarek, but he believes that the Montreal Canadiens are trying to re-sign him. Source

Marian Gaborik Is Back on the Market

According to Michael Russo from the Star Tribune, the Wild's GM Chuck Fletcher has notified all 29 teams about Marian Gaborik's availability. Gaborik is going to become unrestricted free agent on July 1st. Will the Montreal Canadiens be interested in getting Marian Gaborik's negociation rights? Source

Habs Say No to Daniel Briere

Remember the rumors from spector's hockey on Daniel Briere a few days ago? The Philadelphia Flyers had apparently offered Daniel Briere to the Habs, the Coyotes and the Kings. Well, according to Pat Hickey from the Gazette, it did happen. But, all the teams said no to the Flyers, including the Montreal Canadiens. Source

By the way, Eklund is saying that the Buffalo Sabres are interested in having back Briere now. Source

Eric Desjardins : Habs Assistant Coach?

Many of us, including me, would love to see Eric Desjardins as a potential Habs assistant coach or defensemen coach. Our poor defensive play last year and with all the new defensive prospects coming up such as Ryan Mcdonagh, P.K. Subban, David Fisher, Yannick Webber and Mathieu Carle. It would only make sense to have a star defensemen teach them the ropes in the NHL, a mentor to whom they can look up to. We have seen what have happened to Ryan O'Byrne without a defensemen coach, he got lost and instead of progressing in the NHL, he regressed.

Unfortunately today, Eric Desjardins have told CKAC radio, that he has not received any calls from Bob Gainey or Jacques Martin for the position of assistant coach. He also added that he has no interest in that position right now. He might be interested in 6 or 7 years from now, but for the moment, his family is his priority. Source

Rumors : Lecavalier to Ottawa, Heatley to L.A.

According to Eklund, his source told him that it is possible that there will be a major trade between four teams : Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers and the Tampa Bay Lightnings.

The Sens would obtain Vinny Lecavalier, the Kings would get Dany Heatley and the Lightnings would get Jack Johnson and two Senators prospects. In addition, the Flyers gets L.A.'s 5th overall pick in return of a top scoring forward. Source

Lastest Rumors : Leafs Wants Maxim Lapierre

Another rumor from Eklund, the Leafs are interested in Maxim Lapierre.

Rumors : Vincent Lecavalier For Andrei Markov

From Eklund, according to his sources, if the NY Islanders don't pick John Tavares with their first overall pick and the Tampa Bay Lightnings gets him. The Lightnings will think about improving their defense by trading Lecavalier. The Habs are now willing to trade away Andrei Markov according to Eklund and are therefore the favorites to get the deal done. Source

I personally don't see Bob Gainey trading away Andrei Markov, especially after what have happened at the end of the season when Markov was injured. The Canadiens are a completely different team with him in the lineup and I believe that Bob Gainey knows this better than anyone. He is the core of the team. The Habs have so many young defensive prospects in the minors through the last couple drafts, it is more likely that Gainey would trade away David Fisher, Mcdonagh or P.K. Subban than trading Markov.

Chris Pronger Trade Related to Vincent Lecavalier Trade Rumors

From Eklund, the Chris Pronger trade that didn't go through could possibly be tied to the L.A. Kings wanting to get Vincent Lecavalier. Source

Rumors : Komisarek to Devils or Flyers

New rumors from Eklund, Mike Komisarek is getting closer to the New Jersey Devils. There are also rumors that the Flyers are trying to clear up cap space for Mike Komisarek or Jay Bouwmeester by trading James van Riemsdyk and another unknown star player. Source

Daniel Briere to Montreal, Phoenix or Los Angeles

From Spector's Hockey, Daniel Briere has been shopped by Flyers to the Montreal Canadiens, Phoenix Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings. Others such as Simon Gagne and Joffrey Lupul and Scott Hartnell could be traded. Spector believes that it will be unlikely to move Briere because of his expensive salary and his recent injuries. Source

Bronfman and Saputo Made an Offer

According to the Journal de Montreal, Stephen Bronfman and Joey Saputo have made a consortium and have offered $450 Million for the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club, the Bell Center and the Gillett Entertainment Group. According the same source, this is the highest bid that George Gillett have received so far.

Habs Alone in Lecavalier Race?

Rumors coming from thescore.com claiming that Chris Pronger has been dealt to the L.A. Kings for Jack Johnson and the 5th overall pick this year. Source

But, Chris Pronger himself and the Kings have denied the rumors.

Now, if this rumor is true, does it mean that the Los Angeles Kings are now out of the race for Vincent Lecavalier?

Also, by getting rid of Pronger's salary of $6.25 Million cap space, the Anaheim Ducks might be making some room for François Beauchemin's contract.

Rumors : Phil Kessel to Montreal

Rumors from hockey30.com says that Bob Gainey is interested in offering a contract to Bruins restricted free agent Phil Kessel. The Bruins don't have any cap space left after signing David Krejci. Full article here

ESPN Rumors : Lecavalier to LA or MTL

Even ESPN rumor central says Vincent Lecavalier will become whether a Los Angeles Kings or a Montreal Canadiens Habs. Source

François Beauchemin Going UFA

According to François Beauchemin's agent, Robert Sauvé, he believes that his client will most likely test the unrestricted free agent market because the Ducks' top priority is to sign Scott Niedermayer. Sauvé believes that Niedermayer will stay in Anaheim and the Ducks won't have enough cap space to sign Beauchemin afterwards. They will wait and see what happens with Niedermayer before looking elsewhere.

Could Beauchemin sign as a UFA with the Montreal Canadiens? It would be a very good alternative for Gainey if he is unable to sign Mike Komisarek. Full article here

But ESPN says that the Pens are interested in Beauchemin. Source

Tanguay's Agent Spoke with Gainey

CKAC has learned that Alex Tanguay's agent, Robert Sauvé, have spoken with GM Bob Gainey. According to Sauvé, the Montreal Canadiens told him that they have higher priorities to deal with right now, once this priority is dealt, they will discuss about Tanguay. The agent added that they did not mention if they were interested in Tanguay's or not.

Robert Sauvé told CKAC that the sale of the team doesn't bother Tanguay at all, it is much more important for him to know who is the GM and coach. He says that Alex Tanguay doesn't have a problem working under Jacques Martin or Bob Hartley. Full article here

Capitals Might be Interested in Kovalev, Koivu or Tanguay

From TSN's Scott Cullen, if the Washington Capitals are unable to resign Sergei Fedorov and Viktor Kozlov, they would be interested in signing Alex Kovalev, Saku Koivu or Alex Tanguay. Full article here

Quebecor Also Submit Offer to Buy The Habs

Earlier today, we have had confirmation from the Molson family that they have submitted an offer to acquire the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club. Now, Quebecor's consortium also confirms that they have also submitted an offer to buy the franchise. Quebecor's consortium also include the FTQ and René Angélil.

Forget Allaire With Habs

Yup, It is confirmed that François Allaire is now a Maple Leafs. So, for all of those who hoped to see him showing Carey Price a few tricks, you can now forget about it. Source TSN

Molson Officially Submit Offer to Buy the Canadiens

The Molson Family have confirmed that they have submitted to George Gillett an offer to buy the Montreal Canadiens. Full article here

Dany Heatley Not Likely a Habs

Pat Hickey, from the Gazette, doesn't believe that the Ottawa Senators would trade Dany Heatley to a division rival such as the Montreal Canadiens. He also added that Heatley would not want to play for a defensive coach like Jacques Martin.

Regarding Vinny Lecavalier, Hickey believes that rumors are generated by the Tampa Bay Lightning in order to sell season tickets.

Full article here

Vincent Lecavalier : LA or MTL

According to Eklund, Vinny Lecavalier will either end up as a Los Angeles Kings or a Montreal Canadiens on the day of the draft. Full article here

Komisarek Rumours

According to Eklund, the Habs have had discussion for a short term contract with Mike Komisarek, but It looks like he will be signing elsewhere. He even added that Dany Heatley might be traded to Montreal for several players including the negociation rights of Mike Komisarek. Full article here

Habs Rumours

Ok, as you all know, the NHL 2009 Draft is coming up and also the free agent market is opening soon in less than a month, so there will be many rumors circulating around everywhere. I will be posting any rumors I read or hear of related to the Habs here. Please note that rumours are rumours, you can't take them too seriously. Have fun and enjoy!

Emelin Say No to the Habs

According to Marc De Foy from ruefrontenac.com, Yemelin has signed a two year deal with the AK Bars in KHL. This is a really bad news for the Habs organization and its fans as Alexei Emelin is one of the club's best young prospects. He was ranked 4th best russian prospect. Full article here

Pierre Groulx Could Become the Habs Next Goalie Coach

RDS has learned that Pierre Groulx intend to meet Jacques Martin to become the Montreal Canadiens next goalie coach. Groulx used to work with Martin when he was with the Panthers and with the Senators. Full article here

Quebecor Gets More Help

According to RDS, Quebec Inc. is interested in joining Quebecor's consortium in order to buy the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club. There are currently three groups who are still in the race to acquire the franchise : Molson, Quebecor and an american investor group. Full article here

It is also reporter from La Presse that Quebecor has submitted a demand for a license to the CRTC for a television sport channel called "TVA Sport". Full article here

Guy Boucher Interested to Join the Canadiens

In an interview with La Presse, Guy Boucher has admitted that he is interested in joining the Montreal Canadiens. He has also confirmed that he has had discussions with Trevor Timmings concerning the coaching position with the Hamilton Bulldogs a few weeks ago, and that he has received some offers from other NHL teams. But so far, he still did not have any offer from the Habs. Boucher added that he understands that the Canadiens have other concerns right now. He also told La Presse that he currently have three offers to coach in the AHL as head coach and one offer to become assistant coach in the NHL Full article here

Jacques Martin : $ 6 Million

According to RDS, Jacques Martin has signed a contract of $6 Million for 4 years with the Montreal Canadiens. This will give him a salary of $1.5 Million annually. Full article here

David Marcoux : Habs New Goalie Coach?

According to CKAC radio, David Marcoux, the former Calgary Flames goalie coach will be replacing Roland Melanson. Full article here

But David Marcoux tells RDS that the rumours are false. Link here

Jacques Demers would be Savard's Coach

After Serge Savard have announced that his consortium will not buy the Canadiens, Jacques Demers have told RDS that he would be Savard's head coach to lead the Habs.

Jacques Demers added that he would have Benoit Brunet, Eric Desjardins and Kirk Muller as his assistant coach.

According to Jacques Demers, he believes that the sale of the team is about to be completed. He thinks that George Gillett will remain as owner of the team but with a certain percentage of the team to a new investor. The Molson family might play a big part in it.

Full article here

Serge Savard Leaving the Battle For the Canadiens

Serge Savard has told La Presse that his consortium will not be in the race to buy the franchise now that the Molson family is interested in buying the team. Savard said he has always been close to the Molson family and does not want to fight against them to obtain the team. Savard consider himself part of the Molson family. He also doesn't want to fight for nothing. He is now on the side lines.

Full Article here

The Red Wings Were Interested In Mikael Johansson

The Detroit Red Wings assistant general manager, Jim Nill, told La Presse that they were interested in signing Mikael Johansson. Jim Nill said :

"We had the rights on him, but he has not developped enough to sign a contract with us. He became unrestricted free agent, but his habilities continued to progress. Today he has become a legitimate prospect."

The Wings later wanted to sign him as a UFA, but Mikael Johansson believed that he has better opportunity with other teams.

Full article here

François Allaire Back with the Canadiens?

With Roland Melanson leaving the Canadiens organization, Bob Gainey will need to find a replacement for the position of the Habs goalie coach. The media have already started some rumours and speculations on who that next goalie coach will be and only one name kept coming to everyone's mind : François Allaire.

Who better to develop your young star goaltender Carey Price than the co-founder of the Butterfly style? François Allaire has helped Patrick Roy develop his popular goaltending style that is now so widely use by almost all goalies around the world. François Allaire's contract with the Anaheim Duck will end on june 30th, it is therefore not surprising that he would be the top candidate for this position.

Reporter Marc Antoine Goding from La Presse has spoken to Allaire about his current situation. Allaire told him that he has received a new contract offer from the Anaheim Ducks, but that nothing is finalized yet. He is currently studying the offer with his family. Link here

Another reporter from La Presse, Mathias Brunet, has confirmation from François Allaire himself that indeed he has asked permission from the Ducks GM Bob Murray to discuss with different teams before the end of his current contract, but he has not have a response from his DG yet. Concerning his interest in joining the Montreal Canadiens, Allaire only limited himself in saying that he is still on contract with the Ducks until June 30th and according to the NHL regulations, he is not permitted to talk about it. According to Brunet, he has the impression that Allaire would want to come back to Montreal because of his desire to be closer to his family. Link here

Assistant Coach and Special Advisor

According to CKAC, rumours are that Jacques Martin's assistant coach would be Mario Tremblay and Jacques Lemaire will act as special advisor with the Montreal Canadiens.

Roland Melanson Won't be Back

The Habs goaltender coach Roland Melanson will not be back with the Montreal Canadiens next year have announced Bob Gainey in today's Presse conference. Bob thanked him for his services and gave him permission to speak with other teams.

Jacques Martin Is The Habs New Head Coach

Wow! what a shock! First off, we never have thought that Bob Gainey would have hired a head coach so soon, especially after what he have said at the NHL Combine in Toronto. He told everyone that the main focus is the sale of the team and that the new owner might take a new direction. Normally, he should be waiting for the franchise to be sold before making any moves.

The second surprise is the new coach who is hired! No one could have predicted that Jacques Martin would become the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens. If you look back at all the potential candidates for the job, his name has never came up on the list. We have all led to believe that the next new head coach must be someone who is available and is currenly without a job. Well, Bob Gainey had someone else in mind. He decided to hire a current GM to become a head coach! Don't ask me how he was able to convince him to come to Montreal. It's already hard for me to believe that any GM would leave their job to become coach. Bob Gainey has everyone fooled.

By looking back at the criterias for the head coach position, we have to admit that he is the best fit person for the job. He is a very experienced coach in the NHL. He is bilingual and he is a very defensive system coach, just how Bob likes it.

This was one of the factors that I was the most worried about when I first heard the news. Are we going to have a defensive hockey club to watch for the next 2.5 years like the Florida Panthers? I hope not! For once we have an exciting offensive team in Montreal, pleast don't take that away from the fans.

Canadiens Ranked 2nd Best Prospect Organization

Hockey Future have made a list of organization which have the best prospects that are not yet in the NHL and the Habs are in 2nd position right after the St-Louis Blues. According to HF, the Habs best forward prospect is Max Pacioretty and defensive prospects are Ryan Mcdonagh and P.K. Subban.

Here are the top 5 prospects :

1. Ryan Mcdonagh
2. Max Pacioretty
3. Ben Maxwell
4. P.K. Subban
5. Kyle Chipchura

You can read the full article here

For more information on the Habs prospects go here