We’re finally through the preseason and it is Habs Hockey Eve! However, with the preseason came over-hyped and over debated story lines that will be nearly irrelevant as soon as the regular season begins on Thursday. This week we ask our panel, what do you think was the most over-hyped discussion of the Habs preseason?

Sean (@TheONeillFactor) – The Habs Twitter-verse seems very eager to pencil in Alexander Radulov for 30-35 goals, but I’m not so sure. Yes he’s talented and yes his pre-KHL numbers with the Predators were very good, but it’s far too easy to envision Radulov stumbling out of the gate, earning a spot in Therrien’s doghouse and being unable to play his way out.

Damon (@DTA23) – I was in attendance at the preseason game vs the Caps (free tickets from work, so my financial boycott of the team continues). Only thing of note besides the fact that I didn’t know most the players suited up was that Radulov is a player. He was by far the best player on the ice, but then again Washington was playing a bunch of scrubs as well.

To answer the question I think the most over-hyped discussion is the Therrien comment about Pacioretty being the worst captain in Canadiens history. He’s an idiot, who cares what he says.

Zach (@ZachDropsTweets) – I’ve got to think discussions and debates about forward lines and defensive pairings are the biggest waste of breath right now. We all know Therrien will be aggressively swapping players on to and off of lines and pairings about four minutes into the season opener, and the rotating will never end, so why people are exhausting themselves debating any sort of line-up in the preseason boggles the mind.

Ian (@BoisvertIan) – The most annoying narrative over the course of the Habs’ preseason didn’t even involve a player who wore a Habs’ jersey, and that’s Shea Weber. Playing for Canada at the World Cup of Hockey, Weber was criticized thoroughly, but I don’t think it’s entirely fair. Aside from Team Europe, the competition Weber will face with the Canadiens will not be the same as the competition at the World Cup of Hockey. It won’t even be close. Did Weber absolutely light it up? No, but he wasn’t exactly horrible either. Best on best tournaments are not a great way for judging the performance of a player, and the narrative of him “under-performing” in Toronto is frankly not true. I want to see him in a Habs’ sweater before I make any sort of judgement on him.

Sean (@TheONeillFactor) – Every single shift Weber plays this season is going to be a referendum on the trade, and the battle lines are already drawn. Those who still view the world through Bergevin-tinted glasses will be prone to giving #6 the benefit of the doubt. Those, like me, who view the deal as a franchise-defining error, are going to be heavily critical of Weber, almost no matter what. This story ain’t going anywhere.

Dennis (@DennisKane) –  Am I the only one who thinks the Weber trade was a good trade and changes the makeup of the team in a positive manner?

Damon (@DTA23) – I know Sean and myself are firmly in the #NeverWeber camp. The only thing that might make this Habs season watchable for me is the opportunity to gleefully hate watch every time Weber makes a bad play.

Dennis (@DennisKane) – Then it’s hard to imagine you being a Habs fan.

Sean (@TheONeillFactor) – I’m a lapsed Habs fan. There’s a chance I might come back one day (hard to totally abandon something that meant so much to me for so long), but until new management and a new coach is in place, I am done with this team. I will continue to watch as a bitter- yet-disengaged observer, but I stopped reaaaallllly caring about this team the moment they shipped Subban out of town. Bergevin and company don’t deserve this fanbase.

Damon (@DTA23) – I’ve 90% forsaken this team. The only sliver of hope of my fandom coming back will be based on what they do for the first time PK comes back to the Bell Centre. If they in no way acknowledge it (not the fans, I’m talking ownership with some sort of video montage) then I’m really done. But I have a feeling this organization is too prideful to do that. So for me it’s all about Smashville.

Ian (@BoisvertIan) –

CJ (@CJ_Casselman) – Don’t take this the wrong way guys, but if you’re done with the Habs, or are only watching in hopes to see the team fail, why bother yourself with this thread? I respect the choice others have made but if you’re done than move on. I hated the trade. I hated it not because of Shea Weber (I really like Weber) but this wasn’t the return the Habs should have fought for. It didn’t bother me that Subban was traded, I just don’t like the return. That said, I’m still a fan and will be cheering the team come opening night. I’ve been a fan for 35 years. They traded Chelios, Nolan, Roy, Muller, Keane and Koivu, all former favourite players of mine. Therrien and Bergevin won’t be here forever. Heck, neither will Geoff Molson. The names and faces will continue to change. I could understand a boycott, but if you’re leaving the team over this trade than enjoy Nashville. They should be fun to watch. But leave these Forum questions to the Habs fans who remain to discuss.

Sorry lads, I hate rubbing people the wrong way which I know this comment will, but I just don’t see the point.

Zach (@ZachDropsTweets) – We did it! We’re over-discussing in The Forum about the most over-discussed conversation. Well done everyone!