Jan 09 Laraque's Absence Will Go Unnoticed, White Gets Callup

With Georges Laraque out yet again with an injury (upper body), the Montreal Canadiens went to the farm to call up forward Ryan White from the Hamilton Bulldogs. White will join the Canadiens today in Montreal for tonight’s game against the New Jersey Devils at the Bell Centre.

One has to wonder if it is not time for the Canadiens to revisit the Laraque acquisition.

Laraque has played in only 25 of the Canadiens’ 46 games this season, being either a healthy scratch or injured for roughly the other half. By “play” I mean he received a whole 5:36 of average ice time per game. In that span, Laraque has amassed a grand total of 2 assists and rifled  an amazing zero shots on net.

Obviously, Laraque was not acquired for his scoring touch, but as far as his pugilistic prowess is concerned, the supposed heavyweight champ has 4 fights this season, good for 1 win, 1 loss and two draws. And that is only if and when his sparring partner accepts, notarizes and RSVP’s the champ’s request to tango.

Some will argue that the mere threat of Laraque on the bench is just cause for his acquisition. I would argue that I don’t recall the Canadiens being any worse for wear in the 19 games where Laraque was nowhere near that bench.

Getting back to Ryan White.

White, 21, played 13 games with the Canadiens this season including his first NHL game on November 5 against the Bruins in Boston. The 6’00’’, 193 lbs forward registered two points (0-2-2), recorded 40 hits and blocked 12 shots, while playing an average of 11 minutes and 58 seconds.

White recorded 14 points (9-5-14) in 26 games with the Bulldogs this season. He added 52 shots on goal and 63 penalty minutes, while maintaining a +7 plus/minus differential.

If, per chance he should get into and win a fight tonight, the AHLer would be all but caught up to BGL.

Tags: Georges Laraque \ habs \ Hamilton Bulldogs \ hockey \ injury \ Montreal Canadiens \ NHL \ Ryan White