The Montreal Canadiens are not even 12 hours into their latest trade and the team is already thinking about their next move. A report from Sportsnet’s Eric Engels states that defenseman Brandon Davidson could soon be on his way out of town. Habs GM Marc Bergevin is not just listening to offers for Davidson; he emailed the entire league informing the other 30 general managers of the blue liner’s availability. While the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Ian Cole is also known to be on the block right now, Davidson should come at a much lesser price and be much easier (and more timely) to move. The 26-year-old has been a frequent scratch this season and has just one point in 13 games. It wasn’t long ago that Davidson was thought to be an up-and-coming rearguard, playing major minutes for the 2015-16 Edmonton Oilers after a long stretch of solid AHL play. However, when he was shipped to Montreal for a rental in David Desharnais at last year’s trade deadline, it was clear his stock had dropped. Davidson could still be a valued depth addition for many teams, though. The Canadiens likely won’t have to shop him for very long.
- Following the difficult news about Derek Dorsett, Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning was very clear with the media today that he won’t be looking to trade for a replacement for the veteran grinder. Instead, Benning said that the situation “gives guys a chance to play more and step up.” The Canucks plan to fill Dorsett’s void internally, with the recently-promoted Nikolay Goldobin getting the first shot. After a hot start, Vancouver has been slipping of late and more than anything needs to put the puck in the net more often. Goldobin should be an offensive upgrade over Dorsett, but can he handle a big role?
- Following the Anaheim Ducks-New Jersey Devils blockbuster today, many in the hockey media are asking a predictable question: Why weren’t the Toronto Maple Leafs in on Sami Vatanen? It feels like the Leafs have been searching for a top-pair right-shot defenseman to play alongside Morgan Rielly for years now, yet couldn’t top an offer of Adam Henrique and Joseph Blandisi to get an elite righty puck-mover in Vatanen? Nazem Kadri is perhaps the closest comparable in the NHL to Henrique and, although three years older, Tyler Bozak compares favorably to Henrique as well. With a wealth of young talent in the AHL to boot, it seems unlikely that Lou Lamoriello and company couldn’t have outbid the Devils if they wanted to, so perhaps the better question is why didn’t they want to? In a relatively weak Atlantic Division, no one will be surprised if Toronto makes a run to the Eastern Conference Finals this year and maybe farther. If they don’t reach that goal, they may find themselves regretting missing the chance to strengthen the defense both this season and beyond.
I would love to have Kadri in Anaheim, but I’m cool with Henrique
Hey Doc, I know that you will be reading this bit of news so I already have a question for you. It is rumoured here in Michigan that the Wings have an interest in Davidson. What can you tell me about what type of defenseman that he is? You are a whole lot closer to these stories in Montreal than most of the press is & alot more honest with your opinion. Again, thanks for sharing your knowledge.
You’re always so polite and respectful in your posts PK. It’s refreshing to see in this world where every so many comments are from people who think they know everything, and the opinion of others is wrong. Personally I don’t know much about Davidson. But I can say Kadri is not likely to be traded. He’s flourished under Babcock; both offensively and is now Toronto’s best defensive centre.
Hey CJ, thanks for the information. It is only my opinion but a “true” fan is alot more honest than most of the press.
Who knows more than a hardcore fan of any team.
This format here is just outstanding for getting information about another team or player. On most days you can get information right here quicker than making a phone call,buying a magazine or paper.
Doc is a great source of information, especially on the Canadian teams. And whether you realize it or not, you have provided a wealth of information here on Hockey Rumours.
Keep sharing what you know Brother, about the greatest sport in the world. Again Thanks.
Hey PK,
I like Davidson, he’s a solid 5/6/7 D, he can be tough at times, alright offensive instincts and has good skating. His main drawback is he isn’t really good in any specific area. He’s solid all around and can be effective in 15 or so minutes a night but any more than that and you are playing with fire. He’s not quite as good as he was in Edmonton but you can definitely do worse for a depth D. He’s just low on the depth chart in Montreal and his role is currently occupied by Joe Morrow, who is very similar.
I doubt he’d cost too much, probably a 4th or 5th rounder.
Thanks Doc, I appreciate the information. It does sound like he could be a bit of an upgrade for the Wings. Man, I just watched Montreal score their third goal against the Wings. Interesting game, so far tonight but it does hurt to see two Original Sixers struggle like they have this year. But the good news for me is seeing Carey Price back in net.
No worries. Glad I could give some insight.
As for the game, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an NHL team give up six 2 on 1’s in half a period of play before. Oof that was a weak 1st by the Habs.
Yes but the third just started & you are up by two. That should be enough to shut down the Wings for the remainder of the game. It seems as though when a team gives up that many two on one’s, not enough effort is being put forth by the team in general. It is either awful coaching and/or lack of effort.
Yes but the third just started & you are up by two. That should be enough to shut down the Wings for the remainder of the game. It seems as though when a team gives up that many two on one’s, not enough effort is being put forth by the team in general. It is either awful coaching and/or lack of effort.
Sorry for the double. Don’t know what happened.