Looking Good in Red
January 28, 2009, by Homme De Sept-Iles
Sept serges who’d (swoon) sport sew well a Firewagon C
In these days of cap dragons, no gum with the cards and more talk of “le business”, it’s tougher to let these prospects be the skating dreams they (in some parallel past) can be. To wit, here is a list of seven dudes who’d be nice to see skating 41 times every Bell regular season.
7. Sergei Fedorov - An older player, yes, but a Selke Trophy-winner with some glam offensive skills. He’d blend in well with the Montreal defensive philosophy but provide some more size and some Stanley Cup whiskers.
6. Aaron Ward - Not a top-six forward but a game plugger with a nose for the action. He has the integrity of a player who doesn’t cause venom but can grind like an Adams Division workhorse. The fact that he speaks French (with his thick Anglo accent) fluently is a forever endearing trait to the RDS guys who love interviewing him.
5. Mikko Koivu - Why not have two sets of brothers? The younger Koivu has a mean streak that takes its best form in front of opposition goalies. A great passer, shooter and skater, Koivu wouldn’t slow down his speedy new teammates. And his experience in Minnesota’s smothering defensive system will allow him to transition smoothly to Carbonneau’s system.
4. Jarome Iginla – The greatest of the Canadian captains, Iginla brings force, ferocity and a goal-scorer’s finish to the ice. His personality; very outgoing; is something that would be a good addition to a team of mostly quiet do-it-yourselfers.
3. Pavel Datsyuk - Possibly the most creative of the NHL’s offensive blue chip players, Datsyuk would be a glittering ruby amongst the diamonds and sapphires of the Montreal offensive jewels. And speaking of jewels, he isn’t afraid of anyone. An elegant showman and playoff purist, Datsyuk would be Conn Smythe material for the Habs
2. Alex Ovechkin – Yes, clearly, this wish-list is more like a Fantasy Island mirage but who would adore Alexander the Great more than the knowledgeable and Russian-friendly crowds in Montreal? Nobody. And Ovechkin’s sense of theatre would meld historically with the Cup-thirsty city.
1. Ilya Kovalchuk - No player is scarier with the puck than Ilya Kovalchuk. Though he finished second to Ovechkin in goals in 07-08 (65 to 52), the Russian magician (apologies to AK27) has few peers in the one-on-one department. His infectiously positive attitude and team-first attitude make him an ideal Canadien.
(Yes, Vincent Lecavalier did not make this list. I’m sure he would look majestic in red. But seven is a short list and didn’t that Tampa suit-guy say he wouldn’t trade him … not on a Tuesday, not a Wednesday nor a Thursday? Besides, we’ve talked this one out already.)
Alternative Ending to this Article [Director's Cut]:
(And we may not have to wait very long to see just how well the jersey fits.)
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