Hamilton Bulldogs POTW: Gabriel Dumont

It's time for a long overdue Bulldogs Player of the Week.

This week, it's none other than Gabriel Dumont, he's the Bulldogs Center that can do it all, and often does. In a season filled with more groans than cheers, Dumont has continued to impress on both sides of the ice, taking a leadership role on this young squad.

Thanks to the AHL All Star break the Bulldogs only played two games this week, losing their first one 5-1 to the Grand Rapids Griffins, and 4-2 to the Toronto Marlies yesterday.

In those two games Dumont scored a goal, banging in a rebound around the crease, and was Even in the plus/minus department. I know that's not the most likeable stat, but considering the Bulldogs lost those two games by a combined score of 7-3, it's not too shabby, especially when you take into account that Dumont plays even strength and shorthanded.

Dumont's goal is his 14th of the season, eclipsing his previous career high in goals (13) and points (24) by one in 18 less games.

With Ryan White seemingly falling out of favour in Montreal after his boneheaded double minor against Buffalo, Gabriel Dumont may become a viable option for the Canadiens fourth line, sooner rather than later. White provides a fighting spark that may not be needed with Prust in the lineup, and Dumont may be able to add some more offence on the 4th line while continuing to play on both sides of the ice. That is of course a moot point if one of two things happen, White improves his discipline, or you believe the Canadiens will run with 7-D for the rest of the year. Judging by Tomas Kaberle's game low 7:28 minutes of ice time, the latter doesn't seem likely.

At the beginning of the season, I was praising Dumont based on his defensive play and tenacity (AND TRUCULENCE), citing that if he can improve his offensive output he might be a serviceable NHLer on a bottom 6 line, that might not be such a long shot.

Special mention to Brendan Gallagher who likely would have been this week's Player of the Week if he was still in Hamilton, but, as illustrated by his goal yesterday, he had better things to do.