Canadiens Re-Sign Alexei Emelin to Two-Year Deal

The Montreal Canadiens announced on Saturday that they have re-signed defenseman Alexei Emelin to a two-year contract worth $4 million.  The deal will average out to $2 million per season.  In 67 games last season, his first season in the NHL, he had three goals and four assists for seven points.  Not a bad signing for the Canadiens, as Emelin brings plenty of rugged play and grit to the blueline.  He also has good size, is a strong skater, and is very mobile.  He has plenty of upside, so look for him to improve his play and get stronger with the Canadiens over the next two years.

Canadiens Sign Travis Moen to Four-Year Extension

The Montreal Canadiens announced on Friday that they have signed left wing Travis Moen to a four-year contract extension worth $7.4 million.  The deal will average out to $1.85 million per season.  In 48 games last season, he had nine goals and seven assists for 16 points and 41 penalty minutes.  He missed the last 27 games of the season with an upper body injury.  Not a bad signing for the Canadiens, as Moen has good size, works hard on the ice, plays with plenty of grit and toughness, and is excellent on the penalty kill.  He will continue to be a good fit on the forward lines for the next four years.

Canadiens Claim Brad Staubitz Off Waivers from Wild

The Montreal Canadiens remained active on Trade Deadline Day by claiming right wing Brad Staubitz off re-entry waivers from the Minnesota Wild. Montreal will now only be responsible for half of his salary for the remainder of the season. Staubitz will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. In 43 games so far this season, he has been held pointless and has 73 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth move for the Canadiens, as Staubitz will bring a lot of grit and toughness to the checking lines.

Nashville Predators Acquire Andrei Kostitsyn

The Nashville Predators have acquired left wing Andrei Kostitsyn from the Montreal Canadiens. In return, Montreal will receive a second round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft and receive back the conditional fifth round pick in 2013 that was sent to Nashville in the Hal Gill trade. Kostitsyn has 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points in 53 games so far this season. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Predators had been looking for some offensive skill for the playoffs and they got that in Kostitsyn. They are likely hoping he will find some chemistry with his brother Sergei, whom Nashville acquired in June 2010. However, Kostitsyn has been an inconsistent scorer throughout his career and it could be a risky move for the Predators, but perhaps the change of scenery can help him add some consistency to his game.

Predators Acquire Hall Gill from Canadiens for Geoffrion, Slaney

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have acquired defenseman Hal Gill and a conditional fifth round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for center Blake Geoffrion, left wing Robert Slaney, and Nashville's second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The fifth round pick will go to the Predators if Geoffrion appears in at least 40 NHL games next season, which could be likely. Gill, who will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, has one goal and seven assists for eight points and 29 penalty minutes in 53 games with the Canadiens. Geoffrion appeared in 22 games with the Predators, recording three assists. He also played in 20 games with Milwaukee of the AHL, scoring two goals and seven assists for nine points. Slaney appeared in nine games with Milwaukee, scoring one assist. He also played in 31 games with Cincinnati of the ECHL, scoring 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. Geoffrion and Slaney will both be eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. Gill really solidifies Nashville's blueline with his huge frame, shutdown skills, gritty performance, and skill on the penalty kill. However, the cost to land him was pretty steep, especially for a player who could potentially depart via free agency this summer. However, his presence on the blueline will be extremely valuable as Nashville inches closer to the playoffs. The assets the Canadiens landed in the move will definitely help in their rebuilding efforts. Geoffrion, the grandson of Canadiens' hall-of-famer Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion, is a hard worker on the ice with lots of versatility and upside who could see a full time spot on Montreal's roster next season. Slaney will likely remain in the minors for the remainder of the season. It still remains to be seen how he may fit into Montreal's future plans, so it will likely be known this summer if he receives a qualifying offer from the team or not.

Flames Acquire Cammalleri, Ramo from Canadiens for Bourque, Holland

The Calgary Flames swung a major deal on Thursday by acquiring left wing Mike Cammalleri, goaltender Karri Ramo, and a fifth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for left wing Rene Bourque, right wing Patrick Holland, and a second round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. The trade came just one day after Cammalleri made disparaging remarks on the Canadiens' play as of late. The tam currently sits at the bottom of the Northeast Division with a 16-20-7 record in 43 games and have 39 points. They are 3-7-0 in their last 10 games and have lost two straight games. In 38 games this season with Montreal, Cammalleri has nine goals and 13 assists for 22 points. In 35 games with Avangard Omsk of the KHL, Ramo has a 13-15-7 record, five shutouts, a 1.97 GAA, and a .927 save percentage. Bourque has 13 goals and three assists for 16 points in 38 games with the Flames. He is currently serving a five game suspension for elbowing Washington's Nicklas Backstrom in the head on January 5. In 40 games with the Tri-City Americans of the WHL, Holland has 17 goals and 40 assists for 57 points.

This is an excellent trade for the Flames, as Cammalleri adds plenty of offensive and scoring depth to the team despite struggling in Montreal this season. He enjoyed a productive 2008-09 season in Calgary playing alongside Jarome Iginla, so the two wingers will likely play on the same line once again and hopefully find the offensive spark they once had together. Ramo was drafted by GM Jay Feaster while he was with the Tampa Bay Lightning, so he adds some familiarity in net. However, there is no guarantee that Ramo will play for the Flames in the near future, as he has been playing in the KHL in recent years. Despite struggling for much of the 2011-12 season, this move clearly shows that the Flames are definitely going to make a push for the playoffs. As for the Canadiens, they dealt a player who had clearly lost his passion for the team and also cleared up some salary cap space in the process. In Bourque, they get a big winger who can score and play a physical game despite being a bit of a streaky scorer. He is also excellent on the power play and penalty kill, so they get a well-rounded special teams player in the deal. Holland has shown some promise in the WHL over the past few seasons, so the Canadiens get a prospect with some upside. In the end, the trade is a shakeup for both struggling teams. Cammalleri and Bourque will also look for fresh starts with their new teams and hopefully improve their offensive games.

Canadiens Sign Josh Gorges to Six-Year Extension

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed defenseman Josh Gorges to a six-year contract extension worth $23.4 million. The deal averages out to $3.9 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 39 games so far this season, he has one goal and nine assists for 10 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Canadiens, as Gorges has developed into an above-average shutdown defenseman. He has a good work ethic and plenty of leadership qualities and will likely be an important player in the Montreal Canadiens' efforts to turn around their struggling team.

Canadiens Sign Joe Callahan to One-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed defenseman Joe Callahan to a one-year, two-way contract. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He was immediately assigned to the Canadiens' AHL affiliate in Hamilton after the signing. In 27 games last season with the Florida Panthers, he had one assist. He also appeared in 48 games with Rochester of the AHL, scoring four goals and nine assists for 13 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Canadiens, as Callahan will likely spend the majority of the 2011-12 season in the minors.

NY Rangers Claim Jeff Woywitka Off Waivers from Canadiens

The New York Rangers have announced that they have claimed defenseman Jeff Woywitka off waivers from the Montreal Canadiens. In 63 games last season with the Dallas Stars, he had two goals and nine assists for 11 points. He has yet to play a game with the Rangers this season. This is purely a depth move for the Rangers, as Marc Staal is currently sidelined with post concussion headaches. Woywitka will bring plenty of size and strength to the blueline as either a sixth or seventh defenseman until Staal returns to the lineup.

Canadiens Claim Blair Betts Off Waivers from Flyers

The Montreal Canadiens announced on Wednesday that they have claimed center Blair Betts off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers. In 75 games last season with the Flyers, he had five goals and seven assists for 12 points. Not a bad depth move for the Canadiens, as Betts will bring lots of skill on the faceoff, as well has experience to the penalty kill and some two-way ability to the forward lines. Look for him to center the fourth line throughout the 2011-12 season.

Canadiens Sign Chris Campoli to One-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have signed defenseman Chris Campoli to a one-year contract worth $1.75 million. He was a restricted free agent this past summer with the Chicago Blackhawks and was scheduled for an arbitration hearing on August 3. However, the Blackhawks were not interested in paying the arbitration award and the hearing was moved up, with Campoli being awarded a one-year, $2.5 million contract. The Blackhawks walked away from the award, making him an unrestricted free agent. In 77 games last season with the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks, he had four goals and 17 assists for 21 points. This is an okay signing for the Canadiens, as Campoli will bring some offensive depth and puckmoving skill to the team's blueline. However, his defensive game is a bit lacking and he doesn't play with a lot of consistency, and more than likely, he will play as a sixth or seventh defenseman next season. With speculation that Andrei Markov may not be ready for the start of the 2011-12 season, Campoli will add sufficient depth until Markov makes his return to the lineup.

Canadiens Sign Jeff Woywitka to One-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed defenseman Jeff Woywitka to a one-year, two-way contract worth $650,000 at the NHL level. In 63 games last season with the Dallas Stars, he had two goals and nine assists for 11 points. This is an okay depth signing for the Canadiens, as Woywitka will bring plenty of size and strength to the blueline. More than likely, he will serve as a sixth or seventh defenseman for the team next season.

Canadiens Sign Brian Willsie to One-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed right wing Brian Willsie to a one-year, two-way contract worth $600,000 at the NHL level. In one game last season with the Washington Capitals, he had one assist. He also appeared in 76 games with Hershey of the AHL, scoring 30 goals and 38 assists for 68 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Canadiens, as Willsie will likely spend most of next season in the minors, providing lots of two-way skill and scoring depth for the team's AHL affiliate in Hamilton.

Canadiens Acquire Michael Blunden from Blue Jackets for Ryan Russell

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have acquired right wing Michael Blunden from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for left wing Ryan Russell. The Blue Jackets re-signed Blunden on June 29 to a one-year, two-way contract. Russell has yet to receive a new contract for the 2011-12 season and is still a restricted free agent. In one game last season with Columbus, Blunden had no points. He also appeared in 37 games with Springfield of the AHL, scoring 12 goals and nine assists for 21 points. Russell appeared in 65 games last season with Hamilton of the AHL, scoring 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as Blunden and Russell will likely spend the majority of next season in the AHL.

Canadiens Sign Nathan Lawson to One-Year Deal

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed goaltender Nathan Lawson to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay him $525,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level. In 10 games last season with the New York Islanders, he posted a 1-4-2 record, with a 4.06 GAA and a .893 save percentage. He missed 10 games this past January and February with a knee injury. He also appeared in 16 games with Bridgeport of the AHL, posting a 6-5-4 record, with a 2.90 GAA and a .913 save percentage. This is really just a depth signing for the Canadiens, as Lawson will likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Canadiens Sign Brock Trotter to One-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have re-signed center Brock Trotter to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 49 games last season with Dynamo Riga of the KHL, he had 9 goals and 17 assists for 26 points. He last played with the Canadiens during the 2009-10 season, going pointless in two games. This is really just a depth move for Montreal, as Trotter will likely spend the majority of next season in the AHL.

Canadiens Sign Peter Budaj and Erik Cole

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed goaltender Peter Budaj to a two-year contract worth $2.3 million and right wing Erik Cole to a four-year contract worth $18 million. Budaj's deal will pay him $1.15 million per season, while Cole's contract will average out to $4.5 million per year. In 45 games last season with the Colorado Avalanche, Budaj posted a 15-21-4 record, one shutout, a 3.20 GAA, and a .895 save percentage. Cole appeared in all 82 games last season with the Carolina Hurricanes, scoring 26 goals and 26 assists for 52 points. These are okay depth signings for the Canadiens. Budaj gives the team a fairly steady backup goaltender, but struggles mightily as a starter. If Carey Price should fall to an injury over the next two years for an extended period of time, Budaj may have a hard time carrying the team in goal. Cole brings plenty of goal scoring skill and some toughness to the forward lines, but injuries have taken a toll on his career and he can be inconsistent in his scoring from time to time. If Cole can play a more consistent game with the Canadiens, he will be an excellent addition to the team. If not, then the boo birds in Montreal will certainly voice their displeasure over his signing.

Canadiens Sign Yannick Weber to Two-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have signed defenseman Yannick Weber to a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 41 games last season with the Canadiens, he had one goal and 10 assists for 11 points. He also appeared in 15 games with Hamilton of the AHL, scoring eight goals and four assists for 12 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Canadiens, as Weber has made some good progress in his development. He has a decent shot, some offensive upside, and enough skill to play on the power play. Look for Weber to try to secure a regular roster spot on the team at training camp in September.

Canadiens Sign Andrei Markov to Three-Year Deal

The Montreal Canadiens announced on Thursday that they have signed defenseman Andrei Markov to a three-year contract worth $17.25 million. The deal will pay him $5.75 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In seven games last season, he had one goal and two assists for three points. Markov missed the last 65 games of the regular season and all seven of Montreal's playoff games with a knee injury. In 623 career NHL games, all with the Canadiens, he has 81 goals and 285 assists for 366 points. This is a decent signing for the Canadiens, as Markov has lots of offensive skill, is excellent on the power play, and is a good puck-mover. However, he has missed extensive time over the past two seasons because of knee injuries and shouldn't be counted on at this time to play a complete 82-game schedule. When healthy, he is an excellent defenseman, but if he should succumb to another injury next season, the Canadiens will likely find themselves looking for a long-term replacement for Markov.

Canadiens Sign David Desharnais to Two-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have signed center David Desharnais to a two-year contract extension worth $1.7 million. The deal will pay him $750,000 in 2011-12 and $950,000 in 2012-13. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 43 games last season with Montreal, he had eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points. He also appeared in 35 games with Hamilton of the AHL, scoring 10 goals and 35 assists for 45 points. Not a bad signing for the Canadiens, as Desharnais has some offensive upside, skates well, and is a hard worker on the ice. Look for him to continue to improve his skills over the next two years.