1) What are your thoughts on the rumours that have come out about the Montreal Canadiens in the last year?
Mitchell Kantrowiz: The rumors are getting way out of control, and the team needs to put a stop to it. Whether it be by coming right out and denying them, or by banning media that pushes these rumors. The countless Pacioretty rumors (some of which may have hurt Montreal’s trading position), the Alex Galchenyuk rehab and family leaks, even the Carey Price teenage pregnancy rumors. It is getting over the top and frankly quite tasteless at this point. Not to mention this is probably something that free agents consider when looking at potential locations. Montreal really needs to clean up and increase professionalism within and around the franchise.
Zachary Cook: It’s difficult to pinpoint a time where there weren’t any rumors surrounding the Montreal Canadiens. Marc Bergevin seems to keep most information close to his chest, so it’s difficult to put much stock into anything that comes out about the team. The one rumor that actually seems to have some legs continues to surround Max Pacioretty. Without a contract after next season, rumors continue to surround the Canadiens captain, and there doesn’t really seem to be an ending in sight. It’s really become a baffling situation, because Pacioretty is still a premier goal scorer in the NHL, and the Canadiens have really done nothing to keep his value where it should be. If Pacioretty isn’t traded until the deadline, or he walks in offseason, that is a fireable offense for Bergevin and company.