Off Topic » pick in the 2007 draft solidified his status

MONTREAL CANADIENSLAST SEASON: 46-28-8, 100 points; lost to New York Rangers in Eastern Conference final.COACH: Michel Therrien, seventh season with Canadiens, 287-224-23-58.ADDED: D Tom Gilbert, C Manny Malhotra, RW P.A. Parenteau, RW Jiri Sekac.LOST: C Daniel Briere, RW Brian Gionta, D Josh Gorges, LW Thomas Vanek.PLAYER TO WATCH: P.K. Subban: The 43rd overall pick in the 2007 draft solidified his status as a top-five defenceman in the NHL following a 2013-14 regular season in which he recorded 53 points (10 goals, 43 assists) in 82 games, and added another 11 (five goals and six assists) in 17 playoff games. And he isnt going anywhere. The Canadiens and Subban agreed to an eight-year, $72 million contract in the off-season.OUTLOOK: The Canadiens earned the ire of playoff foes Boston and New York for on-ice antics and their off-ice loquaciousness. But teams dont dislike opponents who arent good. The Canadiens are just that, and should find themselves in the playoffs come April. Cheap Ecco Shoes China . The Cavs announced the move Saturday, one day after LeBron James said hes returning to Cleveland. A 12-year veteran, Haywood has played in 794 NBA games, averaging 6. Ecco Shoes For Sale .com) - The surprising Calgary Flames host the winless New Jersey Devils at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday. http://www.eccocheap.com/. Jeff Carter had two goals and an assist as the Kings stretched their streak to seven wins in a row with a 4-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday. Cheap Ecco Shoes Outlet . -- Fantasy football owners and Denver Broncos fans can rest easy: Peyton Manning is back. Authentic Ecco Shoes Cheap . But unfortunately for the Niagara Falls, Ont., native, a pulled muscle wouldnt allow him to go past the second set. Japan sealed its victory over Canada in the first-round Davis Cup tie after Nishikori downed an ailing Dancevic 6-2, 1-0.The Whitecaps knew they needed a high-end central defender even before the season started. That need was exacerbated on Saturday after a second half meltdown that saw the Caps fortunate to escape from PPL Park with a point, despite leading 2-0 at half time. The difference between the 4-3 win in Portland and the 3-3 draw in Penn State was the first 25 minutes of the 2nd half. Against the Timbers, the Whitecaps didnt allow their opponents any kind of life after the interval and, in the end, added a fourth goal. In Philadelphia, there was only one team that came out of the tunnel it seemed and Vancouver was under siege from minute 46 on. A simple tactical switch by the Unions John Hackworth saw a largely invisible Zach Pfeffer replaced by Michael Lahoud, whose defensive work in midfield seemed to allow Philadelphias technical players to see more of the ball. Beyond that, it wasnt pace that got the home side back in the game, but instead some good, old fashioned wing play and continuous service to a rejuvenated-looking Conor Casey. The 32-year-old target forward was simply no match for the Whitecaps central defenders. Before getting injured, it seemed as though Jay DeMerit was the more likely Whitecap to win the odd aerial battle, but after landing awkwardly in the 38th-minute, one has to wonder whether Jay DeMerits long-term availability is in serious jeopardy. Compounding the Whitecaps troubles at the back was a worrisome performance by Johnny Leveron, who has been touted as Carl Robinsons guy since the boss scouted him after an impressive 2012 Olympic campaign. The 23-year-old Honduran is billed aas a defensive quarterback - a player who can make a great first pass.dddddddddddd But on Saturday, his first pass was often a panic ball straight into touch and defensively, well, Leveron had a nightmare. He couldnt catch up anywhere close to Sebastien LeToux on the equalizing goal and then he inexplicably gave Casey acres of space at the top of the box, meekly turning his back on what was then the go-ahead goal. With Andy OBrien turing 35 this month and Jay DeMerit now on the sidelines, the centre-back search has suddenly become the bigger priority than a goal-poaching striker. Short term, Carlyle Mitchell could be back in the picture. He and Leveron found some synergy together in one of the more fruitful periods of the 2013 campaign thanks to the Trinidadians recovery speed and defensive athleticism. Third-overall pick Christian Dean still needs some seasoning, which makes one think that a young, athletic blue-chip centre back is now at the top of the shopping list with the transfer window about to open. Carl Robinson and his web of scouts will be scouring the globe to hopefully unearth a player who fits the Whitecaps criteria of young and with upside value. Asked about a rumoured MLS link with former Man City and Everton vet Joleon Lescott, the manager acknowledged his pedigree, but admitted that the 31-year-old former England international could command an unrealistic wage. To think that Vancouver has taken four of six points away from home while conceding six goals in those games makes you wonder where they could be if they shore up, arguably, their most vulnerable position. ' ' '