Written by Graeme Nichols | 22 February 2009

While I spent the past week vacationing in Jamaica, one image pervaded my thoughts. I couldn't escape it. It was like watching an endless stream of Lalime and Gerber soft-goal highlights. It didn't help matters that the resort played host to a large number of Habs fans who fittingly sported their vintage CAC Habs hats. I was haunted knowing that I willingly left my car parked in Montreal for the duration of my stay. Would my car make it? Were the Habs still shitting the bed? Would I come back to Canada to see my vehicle flipped over and charred with a horde of douchebags standing to the side of the wreck - each admiring their work while enjoying a Molson Ex.

Now equipped with the knowledge of what I endured, you can fully appreciate how overcome I was with emotion when I saw my vehicle intact (and cleaner than I had left it). However, it wasn't until I got back to Ottawa that I understood how fortunate I had been. After placing a call to a friend, I was informed that not only did the Habs still stink, Carey Price is the new Marlboro man, three of their players are allegedly involved with the mob and Alexei Kovalev was benched for two games. Forget the swag offered over at Sens Army, I want to buy a t-shirt that reads "My car survived the Valentine's Week Disaster In Montreal."

Isn't it sad when professional hockey players have to resort to organized crime to score chicks? There's such a polarity to this issue - it's hysterical but depressing all at once. What the hell is wrong with these guys? They're playing in the hockey mecca that is Montreal. It's not like they're in Atlanta, where sports fans have an easier time identifying Michael Vick's canine victims. They're in Montreal for fuck's sakes. It almost makes you think though: one of two things is happening here. Either these guys are having a difficult time picking up or they're really into some freaky shit. Regardless, it's going to be fun to go to future Habs games to rib these clowns. I can't wait to see how offensive the Senators production crew gets for this one. (Remember the Spartacat boat video that played shortly after the passing of Bob Gainey's daughter?) Maybe we'll be treated to some Godfather audio clips after Hamrlik or the Kotstitsyn's are introduced for the starting lineups?

If I didn't hate the Habs as much as I do, I'd almost feel bad for Bob Gainey. It's not like the city wasn't already hard pressed to attract free agents as is.

Awesomely enough, the Habs information wasn't the highlight of the week that was. Almost six months too late, Bryan Murray has finally acquired the puck moving defenceman that he's publicly sought. Despite repeatedly stating that he'd refuse to overpay to bring in a need, concerns abound whether using San Jose's first rounder is too high a price to bring in an unproven commodity like Chris Campoli. It's a fair question that can only be proven with time. Like Brad mentioned in an earlier piece, on the surface the Meszaros trade breaks down into:

Meszaros and McAmmond for Kuba, Picard, Comrie and Campoli

That's not bad at all. Instinctively however, I can't help but feel guilty that more couldn't have been had. It's human nature. To evaluate this deal favorably, one of two things needs to happen in the future: Comrie needs to be resigned for less money or Comrie needs to be peddled again at the deadline.

Obviously fans are dwelling on the loss of the San Jose pick because of the team's recent successes on their recent road trip. As the team continues to climb in the standings, the likelihood that they'll net a lottery pick wanes. Many thought that a combination of the Sens and that SJ pick could be parlayed into a higher draft slot. While these concerns are completely understandable, I think it's important to consider how easily Murray gave up this pick. It's not inconceivable that this pick was given up because Murray believes that a combination of his available assets (read: Neil and Kuba) could net another (and higher) first rounder and a prospect.

While the rumor mills heat up over the next few days, bank on the words of the infamous and dynamic Bruce Garrioch. Bryan Murray's not done yet. I fucking hope not.

It's good to be back.

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