***** Illegal Curve is no longer posting at this address. Visit us at our new location http://www.illegalcurve.com
*****

Showing posts with label georges laraque. Show all posts
Showing posts with label georges laraque. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Laraque was not going to replace Stortini

From Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun:

It appeared as though Zack Stortini might be on his way out when the Edmonton Oilers made a pitch to bring back enforcer Georges Laraque.

However, according to Kevin Prendergast, that was never the case.

"No, Zack was always part of the plan," said the Oilers vice-president of hockey operations. "We know exactly what he can do.

"We just felt that Georges would fill a hole left by Curtis Glencross leaving. It was never to replace Zack."

Read the entire article here.

The only difference between Laraque and Glencross is that one can skate and one can't. With Stortini back in the fold, the Oilers would have had no need for Laraque to take up a roster spot.

Ballhype: hype it up!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Guy Carbonneau Discusses the Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau gives a candid interview about his teams' chances in the upcoming season. Carbonneau is especially excited about the addition of Alex Tanguay.

Guy Carbonneau called the acquisition of Alex Tanguay a "Christmas present that came before July 1."

"He may have had some difficulties last season," the coach added, "But his style will mesh very well with the kinds of players we have. And at the age he's coming here, I think he'll be able to handle the pressure of playing in Montreal."

The additions of Tanguay and Laraque should be welcomed in Montreal. How they will translate to on-ice success remains to be seen, but both are serviceable players who should be excited about playing in La Belle Provence.

Ballhype: hype it up!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Top four winners so far this off-season

I realize it is only three days into the free agent process, however, there has been an incredible amount of activity the past few days. Therefore, I think it is time to compile a list of the four winners since the off-season began:

Winners

1. Detroit Red Wings: Well this is easy. The Red Wings were able to re-sign Brad Stuart to a four-year contract and then pen Marian Hossa to a one-year deal at $7.4 million. More importantly, the Wings didn't lose anyone off their 2008 Stanley Cup roster. The best team in the entire NHL got substantially better without giving anything up. With the roster the team has lined up for next season, they will be even more overwhelming favorites than they were this past season. What does Ken Holland eat for breakfast in the morning? I'd love to know.

2. San Jose Sharks: The past few seasons, the Sharks have been loaded at forward; unfortunately, the team has been lacking the necessary defensive corps to take the next step. Well, that is no longer an issue for Bay Area fans. The Sharks' back-end is now comprised of Dan Boyle, Marc-Eduard Vlasic, Rob Blake, Christian Ehrhoff, Kyle McLaren, Doug Murray and Brad Lukowich (Craig Rivet was traded as this was written). That is a terrific blend of finesse and toughness. The additions of Boyle and Blake cannot be underestimated. Maybe the most important fact of all is that both players have won the Stanley Cup.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson has done a great job of molding his team and establishing organizational credibility throughout the NHL. By signing Mike Commodore and trading for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman, the Jackets were able to solidify their defense going into next season. Additionally, the team was able to replace the scoring void left by Nikolai Zherdev by quickly signing Kristian Huselius. With these trades, the Jackets are demonstrating their intention of building from the net out. That is a perfect strategy with Ken Hitchcock at the helm. More importantly for Jackets fans is that Howson has signed or acquired players with 3/4 year deals; thus, not handicapping himself down the line when prospects Derrick Brassard, Jakub Voracek, etc. come up for their second contracts.

4. Montreal Canadiens: This may same like a strange team to include on this list but bear with me for a second. The Habs haven't done anything stupid this off-season, in fact, they have actually improved their roster. While they lost Mark Streit to the Islanders, the Habs would have been more foolish had they actually paid Streit that type of money (5yr, $20.5 million). The Habs only really need to replace Streit on the power play, and with Kirk Muller continuing to guide the team with the man-advantage and Andrei Markov playing the point that shouldn't be a big concern. Additionally, the Habs have become more talented up-front with the addition of tremendous passer Alex Tanguay. As well, the team added much needed muscle on the fourth line by signing the hulking Georges Laraque to a three-year contract. Finally, the team signed Andrei Kostitsyn to one of the more reasonable three-year contract extensions I've seen in a while (3yr, $9.75 million). Good work by Bob Gainey and Company.

Honorable mention:
New Jersey Devils

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Ballhype: hype it up!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Laraque heads home

From TSN:

Georges Laraque is heading home.

The native of Montreal, Quebec has signed a three-year contract with the Canadiens, reportedly worth $4.5 million. The deal includes a partial no-trade clause.

Here is the entire article.

Good signing here by the Habs. The team needs some size, especially up front and the hulking Laraque will slip right into solid fourth line duty. Additionally, he is a positive force in the dressing room.

Ballhype: hype it up!

Laraque turns down Predators

From John Glennon of the Tennessean:

Predators General Manager David Poile said on Wednesday the team made an offer to Georges Laraque, but that the player's agent, Steve Kotlowitz, told Nashville that Laraque was looking to sign elsewhere.

"We certainly talked to him, but his agent seems to feel he'd be a better fit somewhere else,'' Poile said.

Read the entire article here.

The Predators are looking to add some toughness to their 4th line and had their eye on Laraque once free agency began. Now that he has turned them down, they will continue looking for alternative tough guys. I'm sure they won't have trouble finding one.

Ballhype: hype it up!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Tuesday)

Here are the morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which resume tomorrow night:

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus the Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

Ballhype: hype it up!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Thursday)

Here are the morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which begin on Saturday night.

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

Ballhype: hype it up!