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Old 06-05-2006, 02:48 PM
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Canadiens Sign Begin and Downey
MONTREAL - Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced today the signing of forward Steve Bégin to a three-year contract (2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09). The Club also reached a one-year agreement with forward Aaron Downey.

« We are very pleased to have Steve Bégin under contract with the organization for the next three years. Steve proved to be one of the leaders of our club through his determination, his energy, and his commitment to the Canadiens' organization. As for Aaron Downey, we soon realized when we acquired him in January that he is a player who brings contagious leadership as well as an important physical presence on the ice », said Bob Gainey.

Steve Bégin, who will turn 28 on June 14, completed the 2005-06 season, his second with the Canadiens with 23 points in 76 games. He established career highs in games played (76), goals (11), assists (12) and points (23). He was selected as the winner of the Jacques-Beauchamp Molson Trophy, awarded annually to the member of the Canadiens who played a significant role during the regular season, without obtaining any particular honor. Bégin was selected by the Calgary Flames in the second round, 40th overall in 1996. He was acquired by the Canadiens through the NHL Waiver Draft (from Buffalo) on October 3, 2003.

Aaron Downey is 31 years old. He was acquired through the NHL waivers from St. Louis on January 23, 2006. He played in 25 games with the Canadiens in 2005-06, registered five points (1 goal, 4 assists) and 50 penalty minutes. With the Blues, Downey recorded two goals and 45 penalty minutes in 17 games.
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Old 06-05-2006, 03:13 PM
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Someone please explain to me how Downey is still in the NHL...


I can't believe this guy is going to play another year... I can't remember a fighter with as bad a record as him last year - and it's not like he's got tons of skills he brings to the table...

I just don't understand...
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"We voted to deny approval to Mr. Balsillie because we concluded he lacks the good character and integrity required of a new owner" required under NHL bylaws, said Jacobs, chairman of the league's board of governors.

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Old 06-05-2006, 04:13 PM
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Quote:
Someone please explain to me how Downey is still in the NHL...
Leadership???

Im glad that hes still here, although Id rather see Ivanans in the show. Its good to see Montreal still has a tough guy on their roster.
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Old 06-05-2006, 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Gym Class Hero
Leadership???

Im glad that hes still here, although Id rather see Ivanans in the show. Its good to see Montreal still has a tough guy on their roster.

You think he's the leader in that room? No way my friend...

He might be a decent guy, but Sheldon Souray et al. are not looking at Downey going "please share some more of your healthy scratch wisdom with us big guy"...

I don't mean to sound offensive in this post, I just strongly disagree...
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"We voted to deny approval to Mr. Balsillie because we concluded he lacks the good character and integrity required of a new owner" required under NHL bylaws, said Jacobs, chairman of the league's board of governors.

Good character? Have you met Boots? He's not the only criminal NHL owner... What has this league become...
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Old 06-05-2006, 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by OilersHockey
You think he's the leader in that room? No way my friend...

He might be a decent guy, but Sheldon Souray et al. are not looking at Downey going "please share some more of your healthy scratch wisdom with us big guy"...

I don't mean to sound offensive in this post, I just strongly disagree...
Oh I have no clue how the guy is in the room, Im just stating that might be one of the reasons hes still around.

Most Enforcers are the best leaders. Its a fact. Even if he is a healthy scratch half the games, he probably does whatever it takes to get the guys going when hes dressed.

Im standing by my feeling that hes a great leader
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Old 06-05-2006, 04:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gym Class Hero
Oh I have no clue how the guy is in the room, Im just stating that might be one of the reasons hes still around.

Most Enforcers are the best leaders. Its a fact. Even if he is a healthy scratch half the games, he probably does whatever it takes to get the guys going when hes dressed.

Im standing by my feeling that hes a great leader

Bob Gainey did mention it - but GM's will say pretty much anything when they sign a guy...

I like Downey - don't get me wrong - but I don't think he's a heavy - and I'd rather see pretty much anyone else in Montreal to take care of business...

Could be worse - they could have no one like Detroit...
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"We voted to deny approval to Mr. Balsillie because we concluded he lacks the good character and integrity required of a new owner" required under NHL bylaws, said Jacobs, chairman of the league's board of governors.

Good character? Have you met Boots? He's not the only criminal NHL owner... What has this league become...
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Old 06-05-2006, 04:55 PM
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Downey is a cheaper option then Niklas Sundstrom which was left as a third line grinder, i'd rather see Downey on the ice even if he doesn't produce much.

Steve's signing is great news, he was a key part of the team.
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Old 06-05-2006, 05:09 PM
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Good news on Begin.
Downey gets his last chance at the NHL next year I imagine
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Old 06-05-2006, 06:03 PM
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Nice signings for Montreal. Hopefully they'll dress Downey and he'll be active in dropping the gloves after his sub-par season.
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Old 06-05-2006, 06:59 PM
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Montreal has also signed Garth Murray to a 2 year contract.. which is awesome news.
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Old 06-05-2006, 07:08 PM
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Nice to see Montreal signing some gritty players.
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Old 06-05-2006, 07:47 PM
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Downey had a bad year, but at least Montreal is showing they want to have an enforcer in the lineup. They could have easily just let him go as a UFA and brought in a Euro.

Also with Garth Murray (an underrated middleweight) signed for 2 years today, Montreal will have some decent team toughness for next season.
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Old 06-06-2006, 01:58 AM
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Eh.
Well, ****.

I wonder how many times he'll drop the gloves and circle and then get 10 minutes for not fighting next year?

I wonder if he'll get put on his can 75% of the time he -does- actually fight next year?

I wonder if Theodore will light a fire under the ass of Colorado and return to his Vezina/Heart days.

I hate you Bob Gainey. I hate you so much it hurts.
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Old 06-06-2006, 10:43 AM
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he's a good guy to have in the room, but Downey over Ivanans? pass...
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Old 06-06-2006, 02:28 PM
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At this rate I was just happy to hear that a player like Downey was even in consideration of being re-signed. That being said, of course we would all rather see Ivanans full time. But let's just be thankful a player like Downey is still going to be around.
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