CANADIENS TRADE HIGGINS FOR COMEZ

Today in Montreal, Bob Gainey announced a trade. The trade was forward Scott Gomez along with forward Tom Pyatt and defenseman Michael Busto from the New York Rangers, in return for forward Christopher Higgins and defencemen Ryan McDonagh, Pavel Valentenko and the negotiation rights of Doug Janik."We are extremely pleased to have acquired a player of the caliber of Scott Gomez. He is an outstanding playmaker and an excellent skater. Having won the Stanley Cup twice with the New Jersey Devils, he brings to our team a lot of playoff experience. Scott is an elite player who will certainly contribute to the success of our team for years to come" said Canadiens GM Bob Gainey.

Last season,Scott Gomez had 16 goals and 42 assist for a total of 59 points in 77 games. Comez has won 2 stanley cups both came with the New Jersey devils.Comez is just what the Canadiens have been looking for a good stronge centermen that can score goals.As for Christopher Higgins, he registered 23 points in 57 games(which included 12 goals, 11 assists). Higgins was having a terrible season last year with Montreal. It all started with Higgins getting his 'A' on his jersey taken a way due to a club incedent. Then because of that he started to lose confidence.

Doug Janik came to Montreal from the Dallas Stars in the Begin trade. Janik played 15 games last season (all with the Stars) and only got 1 point and that was an assist. All the other players in this trade have not played in the NHL just yet.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

CANADIENS OFFER KOMISAREK A 4 YEAR 2H MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT

According to RDS, Bob Gainey has offered Mike Komisarek a 4 year 25 million dollar contract. "The only player we're talking to about a new contract is Mike Komisarek," Gainey said. "We have placed a strong long-term offer on the table." But according to TSN Mike Komisarek's agent said that he will test the free agent market tomorrow."After much discussion and thought, Mike Komisarek has decided to enter the free agent market tomorrow at noon," said agent Matt Keator in a statement. "Should they desire, we intend to keep Montreal involved in the process as they have treated Mike so well during his time in the organization. He remains interested in resigning with them."

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Canadiens select Petteri Simila 211th overall in Round 7

This afternoon in Montreal at the draft, Gainey selected Petteri Simila 211th overall in Round 7 thanks to a trade from the Stanley cup Champions (The Pittsburgh Penguins). Montreal traded there 6th round pick in 2010 to Pittsburgh for the 211th pick this season just so they can get Petteri Simila. "Well it seems that in 7 round's there is not enough picks available to answer to the number of players on our list," Gainey said.I think it was a nice touch for Montreal to make the last pick in the draft and Pittsburgh allowed us to do that."Petteri Simila can possibly play for Montreal next season if the Canadiens trade either Denis, Halak or Price.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Canadiens select Michael Cichy 199th overall In Round 7

This afternoon in Montreal at the draft, Bob Gainey announced that he has selected Michael Cichy 199th overall In Round 7.Michael has spent the last season playing in the USHL hockey league.In 56 games for the Indiana Ice, Michael Cichy got 76 points including 17 power play goals. Cichy will finish his contract with the Indian Ice then he will come to Montreal and play for the Montreal Canadiens.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Canadiens select Dustin Walsh 169th overall in Round 6

This afternoon in Montreal at the draft, Gainey announced that he has selected Centermen Dustin Walsh 169th overall in Round 6. Walsh spent the last season in the OJHL. He had 32 goals and 12 assist for a total of 63 points in 44 games for Kingston which included (which was the most points on his team). He will play in the NHL in 1 year.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Canadiens pick Gabriel Dumont 139th overall in Round 5

This afternoon at the entry draft in Montreal, Gainey announced that he has picked Gabriel Dumont 139th overall in Round 5.The centerman had got 49 points in 51 games.“I’m a hardworking player and I try to pattern my game after guys like Maxime Talbot and Ryan Smith,” said Dumont. “I still have some work to do on my skating. I’ve been workin on itg at it for the past two years and I’ll keep at it this summer to continue improving.I know that my ticket to the NHL might be as a defensive forward on a third or fourth line and I’m going to keep fine-tuning my defensive play." Dumont will play in the NHL in about 1 year.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Canadiens pick Alexander Avtsyn 109th overall in Round 4

This afternoon in Montreal at the draft, Bob Gainey announced that they have picked Alexander Avtsyn 109th overall in Round 4. The Right Winger had a great season in Russia getting 56 goals and 110 points in 76 games. “Montreal is a very good city and a very good team; the team with the most tradition in the NHL,” said Avtsyn with some translation help from Nikolai Vakourov, the Habs’ Russian scout. “I hope to come to North America after next year.

“I play a physical style with lots of speed and a hard shot but I need to work on my game away from the puck. I will work hard to do it," added Avtsyn. "I try to play the same way that Ovechkin plays. Having the Russians around the Canadiens dressing room will definitely make it easier to be comfortable in Montreal, too.”

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

CANADIENS DRAFT MAC BENNETT 79TH OVERALL IN ROUND 3

Today at the draft in Montreal ,Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced that he has picked Mac Bennett 79th overall in round 3. Mac Bennett is a defenseman from Warwick of the United States.“This summer I’ll just be working out a lot, trying to get bigger and stronger,” said Bennett. “ I’ll probably stay off of the ice for a while and work as hard as I can off the ice.I don’t shy away from the physical part of the game, but I wouldn’t say that I’m a checker.I’m more of an offensive defenseman, quarterback on the power play type of guy. If I have to hit or I have to fight, I can do that too.”

Mac Bennett's grandfather is former Bruins goaltender Harvey Bennett and his uncles, Curt and Harvey Bennett Jr. both played in the NHL at one time. So now Bennett can add his name to his family tree of players that have played in the NHL because in about 1-2 years he will be playing in the NHL.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

CANADIENS DRAFT JOONAS NATTINEN 65TH OVERALL IN ROUND 3

Today in Montreal at the draft,Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced that he will pick Joonas Nattinen 65th overall in round 3.Nattinen becomes the fourth player to ever be selected 65th overall in round 3 by the Canadiens. Joonas Nattinen is a centerman from Finland(who played with the Espoo Blues of the Finnish Junior league last season).In the Finnish Junior league last season Nattinen had 30 points in 38 games (which included 1 goal and 29 assist).

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

CANDIENS SELECT LOUIS LeBlanc 18th Overall IN ROUND 1

Tonight in Montreal at the draft, Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced that he will pick Louis Leblanc 18th overall in round 1.Louis Leblanc becomes the first Quebec-born player drafted by the Canadiens in the first round since the Quebec Remparts Eric Chouinard (who was selected 16th overall by Montreal at the 1998 draft). When Asked by TSN when do you expect to play in the NHL with Montreal? Louis Leblanc responded:" I will be going back to finish Harverd collage in Montreal. So I will stay there for 1 or 2 years then I will hope to make the jump to the NHL."So the Habs got just what I expected them to get in the draft. Which was Centerman from Montreal.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

GAINEY READY FOR THE DRAFT

Tonight in Montreal, the Montreal Canadiens will be looking to do a blockbuster deal to land an impact player. Bob Gainey was asked if this player can be Vincent Lecavalier from the Tampa Bay Lightning he reasponded:"It hasn't been a secret we've been in the market for a first-line centre. If we can get our hands on one, wherever that player may be, that's where we'll be looking. But it's going to require patience." But Gainey said that when the draft is over his top priorety will be to sign Mike Komisarek.

"His age, his positions on our team, we know we'll need a player like that. He's open to listening and talking. We've tried to evaluate the market as we see it and how we could fit him in and what would make him jump on a broom and say, 'yes'."Gainey will also discuss contracts with Mathieu Schneider, Alex Tanguay, Saku Koivu and Alex Kovalev after the draft."In my mind, it's about having priorities and doing them in the right order, not getting too far out of order, spending money too soon and then an opportunity comes by later," Gainey said.

Report: Canadiens will not Re-sign Bouillon

Late last night in Montreal, Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced that he will not re-sign Francis Bouillon to a new contract. Francis Bouillon has played a total on 9 seasons with Montreal. In those 9 seasons he has played a total of 401 games getting 21 goals and 81 assists for a total of 102 points.Gainey said that he has other priorities at this time. For an example Gainey will be worrying about getting a centerman at tonights draft. Francis Bouillon will become a free agent on July 1st.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Komisarek will likely test free agent market On July 1st

According to RDS, Mike Komisarek will most likely test the free agent's market on July 1st if he is either not signed by Montreal or traded at the draft in Montreal.RDS talked to Mike's agent (Matt Keator) but he did not comment on this situation. Mike Komisarek had 2 goals and 9 assist in 66 games with Montreal last season.The Canadiens other unrestricted free agents are Mathieu Schneider, Alex Tanguay, Saku Koivu, Alex Kovalev, Robert Lang, Francis Bouillon, Mathieu Dandenault, Patrice Brisebois and Tom Kostopoulos.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

KIRK MULLER WILL BE BACK NEXT SEASON

Today in Montreal, Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced that Kirk Muller will be back next season as a assistant coach. Muller has played 19 seasons with Montreal and has won one Stanley Cup back in 1993 with the Canadiens. This will be Muller's 4th season as a assistant coach. The Canadiens will look to add another assistant coach and a goalie coach, with Doug Jarvis and Roland Melanson not being back with the team for the 09-010 season.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

CANADIENS FIRE ASSISTANT COACH DOUG JARVIS

Today in Montreal, Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced that he has let Doug Jarvis go.Jarvis has won four Stanley Cups as a Canadiens center man in the 1970's. Jarvis played a record 964 consecutive NHL games for Montreal from Jarvis won four Stanley Cups as a checking center for the Canadiens in the 1970s. Doug Jarvis played a record 964 consecutive NHL games with Montreal from 1975 to 1987 . Jarvis has won the Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward in 1984. In 1988, Gainey gave Jarvis a chance to be an assistant coach on Minnesota. But now with him being fired he will have a chance to be a coach some where else.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

GILLETT SELLS THE CANADIENS TO MOLSON

This afternoon, George Gillett announced that Geoff Molson and his brothers Andrew and Justin will take over ownership of the 100-year old francise the Montreal Canadiens, the Gillett Entertainment Centre and the Bell Centre according to the TSN's report.When Molson used to be the owner of the Canadiens before, the HABS won 11 of their 24 Stanley Cups."I think to the extent that they have been able to find people who are obviously passionate about the game and structure a transaction that makes sense for everybody, that's a real plus for the franchise and the fans of Montreal,'' NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Jean Beliveau Wins the NHL LifeTime Achievement Award

Last night in Las Vagas it was the NHL awards ceremony. At the NHL awards ceremony Jean Beliveau was awarded the NHL life time achievement award. "I've always said that personal records come after the team records," the 77-year-old Béliveau told CBC Sports Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Irvin as part of the Canadiens' 100th anniversary season. "Play for the team."Jean Beliveau has won 4 Stanley Cups and all other NHL trophies from the Art Ross and Hart to the Conn Smythe. Before the 1961 season the Canadiens needed a captain. Beliveau ended up with the position. Beliveau talked about how he became the captain last night. This is how it came to be:

"Toe called me, and he said, 'Jean, you know that we have to vote for captain, can you come?' I was in a cast but I said, 'Sure,'" remembered Béliveau. "Toe came out from this little room and came towards me, shook my hand and said, 'Boys, here's your new captain.'I couldn't believe it, I almost fell off the bench. It was a big surprise."

"I was not even an assistant captain. It's one of my achievements after the Stanley Cups, it's certainly one of the nicest things that could happen to me in my life."When I was named captain, I got up after Toe shook my hand and I told my teammates, 'If you think I can be of any help with your career, even with personal situations or family [matters], my line is open 24 hours." According to Dick Irvin Beliveau ended his Career in the right matter by winning the cup with Chicago.

"Watching Béliveau carrying the Cup in Chicago was special," Irvin told CBC. "It was his 10th Stanley Cup and, to me, that was a wonderful moment for the history of the Canadiens because he meant so much to them." As you can see Beliveau deserved this award. Now it's official Beliveau has won all of the NHL awards.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Leafs Are in Interested in Maxim Lapierre

According to sources the Toronto Maple Leafs are Interested in Maxim Lapierre. But the big question is who will Brian Burke give up for Maxim Lapierre? Will it be a draft pick? A forward? A defenseman?Or will it be a goalie?Brian Burke will have to decide that. In my opinion the only way Burke will get Maxim Lapierre is if they trade somthing for him at the draft on June 26th 2009.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Vincent Lecavalier For Andrei Markov

The Lightning are thinking about improving their defense by trading Lecavalier for Andrei Markov. According to sources the Canadiens have put Andrei Markov up for sale. At this point the Canadiens still seem to be the top candidate for Leacavalier. But the big question is do the Canadiens really sure that they want to give up a All-star defenceman? Really in my opinion as a Habs fan I think the Canadiens should trade a draft pick or a player that wants out of Montreal for Leacavalier.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

MORE NEWS ON KOMISAREK

According to sources there is some speculation that the Flyers are trying to clear up some cap space for Mike Komisarek and Jay Bouwmeester by trading James van Riemsdyk and another player which at this time is unknown. There is also speculation that the Devils and the Ducks are intrested in Mike Komisarek .The Senators are also intrested in him and as a matter of fact the Senators has already put in an offer.The offer by Brain Murray to Bob Gainey is Dany Heatley for Mike Komisarek's negotiating rights. We should find out by July 1st if he will stay in Montreal.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

PENGUINS WIN THE 2009 STANLEY CUP

Before game 7 Maxime Talbot was asked who he thought the hero would be? He responded:"I'd like to think it's going to be me." Was he right or what. Maxime Talbot scored the Penguins only goals in game 7 as they won 2-1. In the second period it was a scary moment for the Penguins as Johan Franzen hit Sidney Crosby right in the left knee when there was no puck in sight. So is it a fare hit or not? I'll let you be the juge of that. But Sidney Crosby returned in the third period and played 1 shift which lasted 32 seconds. But he stayed on the bench and later lifted the Stanley Cup.

With just 2 seconds to go Nicklas Lidstrom came in from the point and took a shot which made Marc-Andre Fleury dive to make the save which more impotantly won the Stanley Cup for Pittsburgh."We said it when we started the playoffs, if your team plays well enough as a team and everyone has a chance to put the cape on and certainly Max put the cape on tonight," stated Penguins head coach Dan Byslma. When Penguins owner Mario Lemieux was asked how much does winning the Cup mean to Sidney Crosby ?

He reasponded:"It means everything to him," Lemieux said. "This kid, all he thinks about is winning championships. His whole life is training and practicing and playing hockey. He's a great kid, a perfect hockey player, that's all he does, think about hockey every day. It's amazing. I wish I would have had that discipline back then." The Penguins will look to defend there Cup victory next season.

The Penguins have won the Stanley Cup!!!!!!

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

KOMISAREK TALKS TO GAINEY, BUT DOES IT MEAN HE'S STAYING IN MONTREAL?

Bob Gainey has had discussion for a short term contract with Mike Komisarek. But despite the talk of contracts it looks like Mike Komisarek might be on his way to the Senators. The Senators G.M Brain Murray has offerd Bob Gainey Dany Heatley for Mike Komisarek's negotiating rights. So will he be staying or going? I will leave that to Bob to decide.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

TANGUAY'S AGENT SPOKE TO BOB GAINEY

According to CKAC Tanguay's agent Robert Sauvé has spoken to Bob Gainey."I had a discussion with Bobsled Gainey yesterday and the Canadian presently has another priority. Once this priority is dealt, they will discuss about Tanguay. They did not say us themselves they had interest or although this be", explained Tanguay's agent Robert Sauvé. Certain thing, Alex Tanguay sees itself very well to play under the orders of Bob Gainey and Jacques Martin. When Alex Tanguay was asked if he was botherd by the Canadiens being up for sale? He Reasponded:" The sale of the team is no consern to me. At this point I just have to worry about talking to teams about contracts." Alex Tanguay also indicated that he wants to stay in Montreal.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

GAINEY SIGNS JACUQUE MARTIN TO A 4 YEAR DEAL

According to RDS, Jacques Martin has signed a $6 Million Dollar contract for 4 years with the Montreal Canadiens. This will give him a salary of $1.5 Million a year."It was a priority for me to find a head coach that had a lot of experience in all situations," explained Gainey. "Jacques has proven himself in all capacities as a coach and he understands this environment. I like his professionalism. He's a coach at heart, a teacher who is here work as team and bring people together." Jacques Martin will coach the Canadiens for the next 4 years unless he screws up.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Roland Melanson Will Not Be Back next season

On June 1st the Canadiens announced the hiring of Jacques Martin and that Roland Melanson would not return next year.“In remaking the coaching staff, rather than one simple change, we felt that we needed some new ideas and new direction,” explained Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey. “Rollie has been here for a long time and he’s given a lot. The goalies that have learned from him and the goalies we have here now can retain what he’s left him and look forward to having input from somebody else.” Roland Melanson ( Also none as "Rolie the Goalie") won 3 Stanley Cups with the Islanders in the 8o's. He also joined the Canadiens for 1 season in 1991-1992.Melanson lead former Habs Goalie Jose Theodore to capturing both the Vezina and Hart Trophies after the 2001-02. Melnson also helped Gainey chose Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price as Draft Picks.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

GAINEY NAMES JACQUES MARTIN NEW HEAD COACH OF THE CANADIENS

Today in Montreal, Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced that Jacques Martin will be the Canadiens new head coach.Montreal will be Martin's fourth NHL team that he will coach after working for the St. Louis Blues,Ottawa Senators and being GM and head coach of the Florida Panthers."This is a tremendous opportunity to join this organization," Martin told a news conference in Montreal. "When you look at the players who are in the organization, there is a strong nucleus, a strong base, to build a winning team and I'm really looking forward with excitement to leading this team next year."

"I really believe this organization is rich in people and that is a very important ingredient," said Martin. "We had the opportunity to discuss at length, to talk about philosophy, talk about operations, talk about players, talk about the league. I was really excited by those conversations with Bob. It's good chemistry." With Gainey's hiring of Jacque Martin, this will be the first time since the 1992-93 that the Canadiens have hired a coach with NHL experience."It was a priority for me to find a head coach that had a lot of experience in all situations," explained Gainey. "Jacques has proven himself in all capacities as a coach and he understands this environment. I like his professionalism. He's a coach at heart, a teacher who is here work as team and bring people together."

"I think he has a really good reputation from what I hear," Canadiens forward Georges Laraque told TSN on Monday. "He did really well in Ottawa and as GM in Florida and the people will be happy here (in Montreal) because he's bilingual."Bob Gainey also announced that goaltending coach Roland Melanson would not be returning next season.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo