The Montreal Canadiens have played the least amount of games this season, and are 9 points out of a playoff spot, but GM Tomayko decided to deal some talent for a strong veteran squad to make a push for that final playoff spot in the East. Let's take a look at who left and who's new in Montreal:
Departing: Max Talbot Sergei Fedorov Dustin Byfuglien Ryan Stone 2 MTL Year 5 2 PHI Year 5 6 MTL Year 5
Arriving: Brendan Shanahan Gary Roberts Kris Draper Chris Gratton Doug Weight Patrick O'Sullivan Sami Lepisto Jerred Smithson 3 ATL Year 6
*A couple draft picks were brought in and traded in the process.
GM Tomayko was available for comment after the Canadiens closed up business for the deadline:
"I'm very happy. Our goal at this deadline was to become contendors in the East, and that's just what we've done. We've been plagued by injuries all season, but now we have over a full squad of athletes to fill the voids. I realize we gave up the remainder of our draft picks for the next draft, but again, we're ready for this season's final run. We have a lot of hockey left. We've acquired expiring contracts for a few of our players that we hope to extend with success of the remainder of the year."
Among those leaving Montreal is Alternate Captain, Sergei Fedorov:
"We were glad to acquire Fedorov during free agency. He developed a great top line with Belanger and Guerin, but we had to make room for other trades. As always, it's hard to give up any player that you brought in. Max [Talbot] and Buffs [Byfuglien] were sought after by numerous GM's; so, I had to listen to offers. We came out with a more veteran version of Max in Smithson, a scoring winger in O'Sullivan, and a future point man for one of our powerplays in Lepisto."
Other deals did not include the departure of any current Canadien, as a few were rumored to have on their way out. Draper, Gratton and Weight all came in for draft picks. Draper and Gratton add high faceoff abilities for both PP's and PK's. Weight was rumored to go to Montreal for a couple of days. It wasn't until the Habs acquired later draft picks to lower the price tag of Weight.
"The problem now is fitting everyone on the squad. Once we're 100% healthy, I feel we're a real threat to catch up and pass the teams ahead of us in the standings. We have a solid team with a lot of veteran talent now. We also have a solid base for the future of the team. We took the Sabres late in the series last year, and we want revenge!!!"
GM Tomayko also went on to state that Quick will be starting in net for a few games to rest up DiPietro during this critical time of the season.
