The Montreal Canadiens made a huge splash the day before free agency began and acquired the number one center they had been seeking. The Canadiens acquired center Scott Gomez, left wing Tom Pyatt, and defenseman Michael Busto from the New York Rangers in exchange for left wing Chris Higgins, defenseman Doug Janik, and prospect defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko. The trade comes after months of speculation that the Canadiens were seeking a top center for their team. Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier and Philadelphia Flyers center Daniel Briere were the two forwards who popped up frequently in trade rumors with the Canadiens since the end of the season, while Gomez popped up in recent weeks. In 77 games last season with the Rangers, Gomez scored 16 goals and 42 assists for 58 points. Higgins struggled last season with the Canadiens, scoring 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points. Janik split time between the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens last season, appearing in 15 games and scoring one assist. Prospects Tom Pyatt, Michael Busto, Ryan McDonah, and Pavel Valentenko have yet to see any NHL action.
I’m not a big fan of this trade. I think the Canadiens gave up a little too much. Gomez is an extremely talented forward who can score goals, pass the puck, and provide a team with lots of leadership. He struggled a bit last season offensively, but should be able to rebound next season. However, if he struggles again, you can be sure the “boo birds” in Montreal will heckle him mercilessly. Pyatt showed lots of promise at the junior level, but since arriving in the AHL in 2006, his production has dropped significantly. He likely won’t be any better than a checking line forward at the NHL level, but could provide decent two-way skill. Busto had a couple of productive seasons in the WHL, but hasn’t been able to repeat his success in recent years. He could become a fifth or sixth depth defenseman for the Canadiens in the future.
Despite have a bad year in 2008-09, Higgins still has good offensive skills and the potential to score 30 goals in a season. He will be a good second-line center for the Rangers. No word if the Rangers intend on signing Janik, as he will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. If they do sign him, he will likely be a depth defenseman who won’t see much playing time. McDonagh is an extremely talented defenseman who has lots of offensive potential. He has the potential to become a top-two defenseman and will likely be a fixture on the Rangers’ blueline for years to come. I think the Canadiens are going to regret getting rid of him. Valentenko left the Canadiens last fall for the KHL because the team refused him a roster spot, saying he needed more time to develop. He plays with some grit and toughness and could be a good fit for the Rangers if they can get him to come back from Russia. However, I wouldn’t get my hopes up as I don’t think he’s ready for the NHL. Valentenko may opt to stay in Russia again if the Rangers can’t guarantee him a roster spot next season.
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