In the last couple of days, the Canadiens have cut 23 players from camp. Some cuts were more surprising than others (my apologies to those of you who expected Robert Mayer in net).
As I said yesterday, the Habs' roster is pretty full as it is, so a lot of players who might have had a chance at cracking the roster on an emptier team (perhaps an Engqvist or a Palushaj) have been sent to the Bulldogs.
If you ask me, no player under the age of 25 is safe. (Except for Carey Price, but his place on the roster is the only thing that's safe. His sanity and the chances of some outraged fan egging his car? I'm not so sure.) Even players with more or less permanent roster spots last year, like Tom Pyatt and Benoit Pouliot, aren't sure bets to make the team, simply because of the excess of young talent we've seen at camp this year. Opinions abound on Pouliot, by the way, and my two cents is that his success or failure this season will speak volumes about Jacques Martin.
The good news about all this is that camp has shown us just how good our prospects can be, and what's in store for our Hamilton Bulldogs. They're going to be an awesome team this year. (Don't remind us that they would have been better with Guy Boucher still around.)
On another note: Matthew Ross, host of Game Points on The Team 990, has been looking for new in-studio correspondents to share opinions that listeners send in via Facebook and Twitter. Tonight, I'll be visiting the studio to see how it all works. Nothing super exciting, probably, I'll just try not to sneeze on-air or anything. Wish me luck! I really don't want to sneeze on-air!
Take a nasal spray. Great for you hon. You'll rock it I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteYes, the Bulldogs will be exciting this year. Will the Habs? Depends on the next series of cuts. Doubt Pouliot got a pretty juicy raise to play Fido in JM's doghouse. Don't think JM has it in him to housebreak him either.
Thanks, Tyg! I was a little nervous but I think I'll be a little more ready next time. It's easy to think you're ready, until you're suddenly prompted to speak.
ReplyDeleteAs for Pouliot, cap space is tight and he's got raw talent but isn't producing. If coach can't whip him into shape, we're in trouble. He might not be so easy to trade, especially if Stevie Y is done dealing with Montreal.