After debating picks and cash with Tampa Bay, Montreal has strengthened their strongest core in the defensive position. Tonight, the Canadiens acquired veteran Rob Blake for a 3rd/6th and cash. "It was a little more than we were first offering up," said GM Tomayko,"but after realizing we traded a 3rd and later pick plus cash we've earned this season for our #2 D-man for the playoffs, we were excited." Rob Blake carries a heavy salary with him, but the Canadiens have been playing with the floor of the Salary Cap all season. Rumors surrounded GM Tomayko about Jagr being added to the team, "I'm not sure how the rumors started of acquiring Jagr. I was given my only vacation this year just to move to my new place, and reports were flying that we were in final talks with Pittsburgh about acquiring Jagr. Jagr is an amazing player, but he wouldn't fit our squad. We feel we can remove some extra cap space in sending Matvichuk and Mezei down to the minors through waivers(if need be). We've added a top blue liner to our amazing defensive squad (thats allowed the most goals of any playoff positioned team). We have almost 5 million left in cap to see if we can add another player or 2 for this year and/or the long haul"
While in trading mood, GM Tomayko wanted to upgrade one of his UFA's by sending Glen Murray and some cash for Martin Straka. "We saw Straka was in a deal for Shanahan, a player we were after, and we figured we could try and grab him up before he skates with the Sens. They needed some cash, and we gladly offered them some to upgrade in our forward position. We're taking on some salary with Straka this season, but we're only looking to add one or 2 more players to our roster."
And the ******** has become Eric Belanger acquired for a 4th and cash. It appears the Canadiens are using their earned cash this deadline. They spent 4.4 million in RFA resignings and are still sitting alright in that department. Line changes may still occur as the Canadiens still have room for maybe 1 more player to add at the deadline.
Canadiens have 1 MIN and a 6th round comp left. Rumors state GM Tomayko doesn't want to move his 1st pick and all but has the 6th rounder picked out. These picks are not likely to go, but a couple players may just!
