Canadiens de Montréal

[Habsfan]

Kovalev to Sens - Beachemain to leafs

 

WHAT!!!! :eek:

 

Please tell me you're joking!

[Habsfan]

from TSN.ca

 

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283891

 

 

KOVALEV SIGNS TWO-YEAR DEAL WITH SENATORS

 

A day after some fans held a rally to keep Alex Kovalev in Montreal, the forward's tumultuous tenure in La Belle Province has come to an end as the enigmatic sniper has signed a two-year contract with the Ottawa Senators.

 

One of the most skilled players in the league, the Togliatti, Russia native is also one of the most unpredictable. He can look spectacular one night, controlling the play, while completely disappearing for long stretches at a time.

 

The Kovalev signing comes at a time where the Senators are struggling to move forward Dany Heatley, who requested a trade last week, and twice wouldn't lift his no-movement clause to go to the Edmonton Oilers.

 

Kovalev spent five up-and-down seasons in Montreal after being acquired in a trade with the New York Rangers for Josef Balej and a second round draft pick. He enjoyed his best season with the Habs in 2007-08 when he scored 35 goals, added 49 assists, was named a Second team NHL All-Star and helped lead the team to their first division title since the 1992-93 season.

 

Kovalev, like many of his Canadiens teammates, struggled under the weight of expectations during the Canadiens 100th anniversary campaign this past year. The low point for Kovalev came in March following the All-Star break when General Manager Bob Gainey told him to take some time away from the team in order to “clear his head.” Many speculated that Kovalev had played his last game for Montreal. He did return after missing two games and finished the season with 26 goals and 39 assists.

 

The 36-year old broke into the league with the New York Rangers after a stellar international career that saw him collect gold for the Soviet Union at the 1992 IIHF World Junior Hockey championship as well as gold for the Commonwealth of Independent States at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France.

 

Kovalev continued his winning ways upon entering the NHL as he helped the New York Rangers capture the Stanley Cup in his second year in the league.

 

In 1151 career games, Kovalev has 394 and 547 asssists and twice played in the NHL All-Star game, being named the game's MVP this past year in Montreal.

[Habsfan]

There's no mention of Beauchemin signing with the Leafs though!

[GDS]

Leafs add Beauchemin to blueline

Monday, July 6, 2009 SportsNet

 

 

The Toronto Maple Leafs have brought in another defenceman, signing free agent Francois Beauchemin to a three-year deal believed to be in the range of $10 million.

 

As a member of the Anaheim Ducks, Beauchemin missed most of last season with a torn ACL. In the 20 games he did play, the Sorel, Quebec native recorded five points (four goals, one assist). He went onto register one point in 13 playoff games before the Ducks were eliminated in the second round in seven games to the Detroit Red Wings.

 

In 246 career games with Anaheim, Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens, Beauchemin has 21 goals and 69 assists for 90 points. He was a member of Anaheim's 2006-07 Stanley Cup winning team.

 

The Leafs, who gave up a league-high 293 goals against last season, continue the restructuring of their defensive corps. In addition to signing free agent Mike Komisarek from the Canadiens, Toronto traded offensive defenceman Pavel Kubina to the Atlanta Thrashers for stay-at-home defenceman Garnet Exelby.

[Cataclaw]

Ho hum.. i grow more and more pessimistic with everything passing day..

 

Yes there were some players that needed to go, but dumping half the team and restarting is a bit of a gamble too.

[Habsfan]

3 years 3.8 million per year for beauchemin. The same amount as we gave Spacek, and Beauchemin is 6 years younger!!

 

Way to go Bob.

 

Bob will not finish the year as GM of the Habs. He'll get canned before March!

[GDS]

Denis Gauthier is a better fit for Montreal now that they have Spacek and Markov

[JFrosty]

À part notre première ligne en qui j'ai confiance, pour le reste, je suis très pessimiste.

 

Bob better surprise me.

[LED]

Ho hum.. i grow more and more pessimistic with everything passing day..

 

Yes there were some players that needed to go, but dumping half the team and restarting is a bit of a gamble too.

 

Surtout qu'on a toujours un certain Sergei K dans l'alignement...

[Cataclaw]

Surtout qu'on toujours un certain Sergei K dans l'alignement...

 

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: