Should Habs Sign Francois Beauchemin?

Back in 1998, one of the deepest draft years for the Montreal Canadiens in recent history, an up and coming Laval QMJHL defencemen was picked in the 3rd round 75th overall by the Habs. Later given up by the same team that drafted him, Francois Beauchemin went on to greatness by winning a Stanley Cup for Anaheim and positioning himself as a leader of the team. With the free agency deadline approaching Francois Beauchemin is a UFA on an Anaheim team with alot of up and coming talent. Should the Montreal Canadiens sign the 35 year old rugged defenceman and make a legitimate run for the Stanely Cup? Francois still has good years left in him and would give the Habs that extra push they seem to lack when Subban and Markov cannot solve opposing teams offense by themselves. With Jeff Petry signed surprisingly for a huge contract, perhaps moving Tom Gilbert or Alexei Emelin would add some cap space. Beauchemin would bring 1 more championship caliber defenceman to a team that has lost it’s way in the post season. The veteran leadership and work ethic would help younger players on the team develop. A reasonable 3 year contract for $10.5-12 would probably be enough to lure the Sorel Quebec native defenceman home to play. A late starter in the NHL he has the potenital to play like former Hab Chris Chelios much longer than most expect. The Habs made a big mistake letting him go years ago but can completely corrrect that by bringing Beauchemin back who is completely familiar with the Canadiens system since he was a direct product of it’s development. The Montreal Canadiens need more hometown players to give the team an edge in the playoffs next season. Should the Habs Sign Francois Beauchemin?

Should The Montreal Canadiens Draft Anthony Richard?

With the Montreal Canadiens offence struggling throughout the recent regular season and post season playoff drive offence becomes a priority to improve during the off season. It’s been many years since the Canadiens had a 50 goal scorer (Stephane Richer back in the 1989-1990 season) as well as a top 10 league scorer. Regarded as one of the deepest drafts in a generation this year offers many teams the chance to select high quality players that normally would be first round picks in previous years in the lower rounds. First and foremost the Montreal Canadiens have no 2nd and 4th round picks due
to recent trades which could come back to haunt them.

Within the QMJHL ranks there lies a Quebec native player for Val-d’Or by the name of Anthony Richard. It’s been a lifetime since a player with that last name dawned a Montreal Canadiens jersey. Anthony has a similar frame to that of one time great Maurice Richard (both height and weight wise). Anyone following him this past season will notice a repeating pattern of big games where he scored hat tricks for his team. Although the draft combine measures strength and endurance (all things that can easily be taught to a prospect) skill is the main ability that cannot be taught. With Charlie Hudon and Jeremy Gregoire definitely highly skilled future Quebec prospects for the Habs that have high potential to make the big club, Anthony Richard inevitably has Montreal Canadiens history written all over him in his style and skill. Although he is rated to go 126th in the overall draft, Marc Bergevin and his management must draft this player as he could be the steal of the draft. Scoring 43 goals and 91 points as well as 22 points in 17 games in the post season, this natural goal scorer of a player is much needed for the Habs to complement their current playmaking forwards who are limited in scoring potential. The Habs will need to trade some existing players to regain draft picks or they could miss out like they have in recent years on homegrown talent. Watching the Stanley Cup finals and noticing players like Antoine Vermette and Cedrick Paquette whom were both passed up by the Montreal Canadiens in prior drafts you realize why the Habs are extending their golf season right now and not in the thick of the action. If Anthony Richard is not drafted by the Montreal Canadiens it would be a crime.