Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin was busy during last night’s thrilling 1-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. He made two moves, trading away David Desharnais to the Edmonton Oilers and acquiring enforcer Steve Ott from the Detroit Red Wings. In exchange for Desharnais’ services, Bergevin brought in 6’ 2”, 210-lb defenseman Brandon Davidson while the Habs’ 2018 sixth-round draft pick was the price to pay for Ott.

Canadiens acquire defenseman Brandon Davidson from the Edmonton Oilers, in return for forward David Desharnais. pic.twitter.com/4AaG72I0vA

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 1, 2017

Canadiens acquire forward Steve Ott from the Detroit Red Wings, in return for a 6th round pick in 2018.
DETAILS -> https://t.co/hDG0RGyISd

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 1, 2017

Desharnais was the whipping boy of the Montreal fan base for the better part of the last two-to-three years, and I certainly never held back from letting him have it earlier this season.

Back in November, I stated that this would indeed be the diminutive centre’s last season with the Habs. Sadly, there was no room left for him on this roster. He often found himself centering the third line, and after a few strong performances under former head coach Michel Therrien, would almost instantly get promoted to the first line and was given power play duties at the expense of other perhaps more deserving players such as Alex Galchenyuk. Unfortunately, the pressure seemingly was too much for him to handle, as he never found the very confidence that allowed him to defeat the odds as a small, undrafted player and solidify his place in the National Hockey League.

Despite being a healthy scratch for weeks on end at times, he remained the penultimate professional and never once complained about his situation. He has earned himself a second chance with the up-and-coming Oilers, within a market that will never scrutinize his every single action both on and off the ice. With that in mind, Desharnais must be relieved at long last.

Additionally, there must be a part of him that looks forward to not dealing with all of the media attention. Nevertheless, he took the time to speak with journalists in Brossard, Québec earlier today and an emotional Desharnais took the time to thank everyone in Montreal but especially his close friend Max Pacioretty:

David Desharnais est émotif lorsqu'il parle de son ami et ancien capitaine Max Pacioretty #Transactions2017 pic.twitter.com/qtJewSqxU0

— Hockey 360 (@hockey360) March 1, 2017

Pacioretty wished him the best of luck in Edmonton, and "...as a friend, (he'll) miss him," he told reporters late last night.

Carey Price also said that he was a close friend, and that he loved Desharnais but that he understands that it’s part of the business of the NHL.

For my part, I’d like to wish David all of the best in Edmonton. Without a doubt, he has shown that he can bounce back from adversity, and though his tenure in Montreal is over, he left journalists with a beautiful quote:

«J'espère que mon histoire et mon parcours en inspireront d'autres» / "I hope that my story and path will inspire others." - Desharnais

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 1, 2017

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