Samsonov whines

[Iced Tea]

Montreal mistake for Samsonov
March 12, 2007

Sportsnet.ca -- After being a healthy scratch for the sixth time this season Saturday, Sergei Samsonov realized choosing Montreal was a mistake.

"I need a different ... a fresh start. I'm looking forward to that," Samsonov, told the Montreal Gazette. "This hasn't worked out the way I expected, but life goes on."

"I thought this was going to be a better fit, because of the guys in the lineup and the way management portrayed things. But it was never meant to be."

Samsonov has struggled this season with just nine goals and 26 points in 63 games. In 74 games with Boston last year, he recorded 23 goals and 30 assists. Signed to a two-year, $7.05-million (U.S.) deal, the acquisition of Samsonov can only be viewed as a mistake by Montreal general manager Bob Gainey. In addition to the numerous healthy scratches, Samsonov has also been placed on waivers and has suggested a trade may be the best solution for both parties.

"I've been blamed for everything that has gone wrong. Why stop now?" said Samsonov. "Obviously, looking back, I regret my decision (to sign with the Canadiens). All you can do is make things different and learn from your mistakes. Things could have been done and handled differently."http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20070312_085234_620

Jeez, suck it up until the season ends for the Canadiens and then talk to the media. Bringing up this crap now takes the focus off the Canadiens making the playoffs. 2 points out of 8th place and Samsonov brings even more crap into the locker room. Heck, show Gainey he was wrong by playing great for the rest of the season and playoffs. Then give the finger to Bob and ask for a trade.

[Asterix]

The media in Montreal is absolutely ridiculous, it's shameful. However, players only control what they say and I've heard Samsonov say that he regretted signing here...

Let's recap:

He is demoted to the third line in Boston, then he comes out in the media
He's sat in the press box later in the season, he and his agent ask for a trade
He's asked a question by the media recently, he states regretting signing here
Samsonov is a bust in Montreal. I suspect that he'll be traded in the off-season when teams' salary caps aren't all spoken for.

[TimmyTabasco]

Yes, JL..thats right..JL..none of this Asterix nonsense..

Samsonov is a bust..a total bust..

But hey, didn't Gainey say he was option C? :laughing:

The Habs have to try to acquire better players, instead of players who dont go into traffic

But, they have a lot of good youth coming along..

BTW, Plekanec has surprised me

[Asterix]

Yes, JL..thats right..JL..none of this Asterix nonsense..

Samsonov is a bust..a total bust..

But hey, didn't Gainey say he was option C? :laughing:

The Habs have to try to acquire better players, instead of players who dont go into traffic

But, they have a lot of good youth coming along..

BTW, Plekanec has surprised me
What's that JL stuff you're talking about? :laughing:

The biggest problem Gainey is facing is that players in general don't want to play in Montreal. The medias, taxes (worst in Canada and around the league), the language (although this is a misconception as almost everyone is bilingual in Montreal), fans to a certain level...

So Gainey has to offer more to those players which takes more on the team's cap... and even at that, some like Arnott and Shanahan decide to sign for less elsewhere. It really does make a GM's job very difficult.

[KB in Kelowna]

Well he is in Quebec, so there are many fine cheeses produced in La Belle Provence to go with that whine :nod:

You have to wonder about the quality of advise some guys get from thier agents before sigining. Aren't they aware of the type of players Ganiney and Carboneau were and the style of team they were going to run given the personnel they have? A buck is abuck but if the team does not compliment your style are you going to be successful and happy there? Look at Anson Carter as another example.

[Asterix]

Well he is in Quebec, so there are many fine cheeses produced in La Belle Provence to go with that whine :nod:

You have to wonder about the quality of advise some guys get from thier agents before sigining. Aren't they aware of the type of players Ganiney and Carboneau were and the style of team they were going to run given the personnel they have? A buck is abuck but if the team does not compliment your style are you going to be successful and happy there? Look at Anson Carter as another example.
Although he's not having a good season by any means, I think that it's Samsonov's mouth more that his on-ice play that got him in the dog house. In three occasions this season he or his agent have put their feet in their mouth... Seeing that twice we've dressed 8 defensemen with Streit and Dandenault playing forward since the last outburst, I beleive that we won't see him wear the Habs' jersey again...