SLBAM: we wonder why there’s still no announcement about Jeff Petry

What’s up gang. Are you ready for the return of the season? Training camps are fast approaching… if you will. Anyway, soccer starts soon too, and I can’t wait.

Another generous week from you and I love it. Many thanks. Without further ado, let’s get straight to your questions of the week.

Last year, I predicted the Habs would finish around ^20th-25th. With the line-up they had, I was confident they’d be able to get more wins. Unfortunately, a series of injuries to players caused them to drop quite a bit, and for other reasons too.

This year, I think the Canadiens have a better line-up than last year, and better coaching too, since the players should have a good understanding of what MSL requires.

I can’t predict that they’ll make the playoffs, but I think they’ll fight for a playoff spot with no problem, and maybe even cause a surprise if Samuel becomes what a lot of people would like them to become.

The addition of young players, Slaf in his second year, Caufield coming back healthy… In short, I’m looking forward to the start of the season.

I still don’t know why there was no press release in this case. I understand that he asked for a trade (or his wife), that he was happy to be gone, but now he’s back and until proven otherwise, he’s part of the Montreal Canadiens organization!

It’s obvious that he’s on the trading block, no doubt about it. So to make an announcement welcoming him back, only to trade him a few days later… I don’t know.

On the other hand, I would have just made a small announcement, via social networks. No need for a press conference, even less if the plan is to trade him before training camp.

But, if we go about it in the same way Hughes always has. It would be nice if, if he wants to trade him, he’d mention it, because he’s always been transparent. So yes, I’d like him to mention it too, because I’m a fan too.

I think the Senators will be the team with the best playoff chances of the three named.

With the additions over the summer, the youngsters who are pushing excessively hard, a Giroux who would like to take the organization to another level, and the new owners, I see them coming out on top.

The only question is, what happens when they have a losing streak? Will there be a coaching change, and will the owner be able to put in the coach he wants?

To be continued.

For the team that could disappoint and miss the playoffs. I’m very hesitant between Dallas and Boston (depending on your choices). Dallas, its top-3 is incredible (forward, defenseman and goalie). But I don’t know, I figure the Stars are one injury away from missing the boat.

On the other hand, the Boston Bruins, with all the changes, I wouldn’t put money against them, but phew, I’m not sure. Who will be able to continue the culture that has been established, because as we know, a culture comes mostly from the players.

Oh the million dollar question. I wish I could say yes or no. But I’m incapable of saying anything about it? For me, they’re still too young to know which of the two will have a better career and also, will Michkov come to America after all.

I have HUGE respect for McCagg and would love to learn from him, sincerely. Like anyone else, you’re not 100% sure you agree with everything, but his vision, his way of saying things, etc., are all very important.

He knows his stuff and isn’t afraid to say what he thinks. I have a lot of respect for people like that.

At the moment, Demidov seems to have a higher ceiling than Mishkov, especially with the videos of him practicing. Regardless, I think both will have incredible careers, and I can’t imagine if the two of them could play together in the NHL.

Although I’m no longer officially associated with a KHL team, I talk to my former team (Torpedo) regularly, and I also talk to Sibir regularly, since my former coach David is now the team’s coach and wanted to take me there with him.

So, I’m still looking at the KHL, because I like the league and also, as a coach, I like to look at what’s being done elsewhere. To look at the young rookies over there, wow. Especially with Grytsiuk with them, who was at OMSK before. They’re going to be a real force to be reckoned with.

❗ Rule changes in action: last night 3rd period of Avto vs Metallurg game started with a puck drop in Avto’s zone, because they were shorthanded.#KHLPreseason pic.twitter.com/ohGMBQ9nKf

– KHL (@khl_eng) August 11, 2023

Another new rule in Europe, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure what to make of it at first when I saw the announcement. Now, watching this video, honestly, I love it. It’s all about trying to give the team the maximum advantage on the power play.

Obviously, this sequence ends with a goal. Not every sequence will end with a goal. But if the team can build momentum with this face-off, why not.

At some point, you also have to ask yourself why the offending team (numerical disadvantage) is getting help via rules to allow the team not to be counted?

For example, under normal circumstances, you’re not allowed to clear. But when you’re short-handed, you are. I know that the LHPS in the past had kept the no-clearance rule. In short, I see this as a good thing, don’t you?

Extension

That wraps up this week’s questions. Once again, a huge thank you to all of you, as we’ve been able, so far, to keep my column active all summer long.

See you next week, @Mitch_Giguere.