RealGM

I read an interesting article this morning regarding Mr. Gainey and his plans towards the Montreal Canadiens this coming months regarding the Mat Sundin era. He was mentioning that the more time passes by; it’s almost obvious Mat is not interested to play for us. Mat never confirmed he was interested in playing for us and Mr. Gainey clearly stated that he’s losing faith in landing with Sundin. The article mentioned that we may go to Plan B. Mr. Gainey explained that a few teams are over salary cap and he may use this to his advantage by trading for a good role player in return.

So if there is such a plan B…

I looked at the teams over the salary cap and here is what I think

Sharks: Patrick Marleau-
Strengths: Good team player, True Center
Weakness: Huge Salary(0ver 6 millions)not really a weakness but something to think about

Ducks: The only player I’d take from them would be Ryan Gretzlaf… (dream on)

Blackhawks: Havlat
Strengths: Good hands, very talented
Weaknesses: Injury PRONE, huge fat contract for the amount of games he plays in a season

Flames: The only player that came to my mind was Jerome Iginla but that is a Dream on, get over it, next!

Flyers: I hate the flyers so s*** them ...Brière maybe? I kid I kid

Capitals: I like Green but other then that, no one in mind…Maybe Nylander


Feel free to add trade scenarios!

This is the 100th season, it’s now or never

I want nothing to do with Havlat. As talented as he is, the dude gets hurt when you sneeze on him.

I would have liked to see Gainey go after Sakic if we didn't land Sundin but he just re-signed in Colorado for one year. And it seems like Gainey has no interest in Shanahan. Mathieu Schneider's name has come up if we can't land Sundin - or if Sundin is willing to take a paycut to play for us. Marleau would be nice, but I'd rather go after Cheechoo or Average Joe Thornton.

Yeah to be honest all of this plan B stuff is bogus. Gainey doesn't have or need a plan B. He has already stated that he will wait until Sundin makes a decision before doing anything else. Our team is fine how it is right now, the addition of Sundin is very much welcomed, but not a necessity.

Honestly wouldn't want any of those guys that you listed there ygrr, I'd rather wait on Sundins decision. If he opts for someone else, then we stay put with our already awesome team, and maybe swing a big deal come the trade deadline.

A friend of mine has an uncle that works in the Habs organization and there are rumblings of Sundin looking to buy some land in Montreal and he's moving his family here. Take it for what it's worth, but I'm not going to get too excited until I hear what Sundin has to say in his presser this week in Toronto. I'm thinking it's either retirement or he's going to announce he's not coming back to Toronto this season and saying thanks to everyone for everything during his time there.

Snayr wrote:Yeah to be honest all of this plan B stuff is bogus. Gainey doesn't have or need a plan B.

Well, now we know there was a Plan B and we know what it was. Gainey was quoted as saying that Lang was his first choice in a trade scenario all along.
I like this deal. No, he's not Sundin, but we should learn to lower our expectations. Lang is a career 2nd liner who has become a very good depth player and PP specialist for a good team. He's not tough ( far from it) but he is a big body and a right hand shot, both things Gainey has wanted for a long time. The best part is we're not stuck with him past this season.
Lang has shown chemistry with Kovalev in the past and says he's looking forward to re-establishing it. That's up to Carbo of course. We don't know that he'll break up the Pleks/A Kots/Kovy line. I'm sure many combos will be experimented with in training camp.
Lang's arrival will mean the departure of either Dandenault or Chipchura. I hope it's Dandy. CHips is exactly the kind of dogged, determined Western Canadian kid this team has needed since Brian SKrudland/Mike Keane.

I agree KR - but I doubt Chips goes anywhere unless it's a huge deal. Dandenault will probably be moved, though.