In my last blog entry, I took a look at the internal signings that Marc Bergevin was responsible for, and how I feel those players fit within the Montreal Canadiens.
Today, I’d like to look at a few successful trades that Bergevin pulled off. Next week, I intend on discussing the signings and trades that did not work out for the Habs since the general manager joined the organization..
Dustin Tokarski
Tokarski came to Montreal via trade in exchange for Cedrick Desjardins. Tokarski turned out to be a more reliable goalie than Peter Budaj, and would cost significantly less than Budaj did. He would prove himself worthy of the number 2 goalie position during the 2013-2014 Eastern Conference finals against the New York Rangers, acting as third goalie when Carey Price went down with an injury. Budaj would start a few games but came up short, and was quickly replaced by Tokarski who made his presence felt. While he did have a subpar 2014-2015 season (6W-6L-4OT, .910SV% & 2.75GAA), I expect him to do better next year, especially under the tutelage of goaltender coach Stephane Waite.
Michael Ryder
While mostly invisible during the 2012-2013 playoffs, Ryder made his return to Montreal in a trade that sent the aging Erik Cole to the Dallas Stars. Bergevin also acquired a third round pick (Connor Crisp), and was the clear winner in this transaction as Ryder would help the right wing by adding his infamous scoring touch. Unfortunately, he’s not known for much else, but it’s easy to credit Bergevin for this trade as Cole no longer had his place in the lineup and his salary was shed in order to liberate salary cap space. Ryder would score 10 goals and 21 points in 27 games with the Habs during what was expected to be his short tenure in the Bleu Blanc Rouge jersey.
Dale Weise
There was no longer any room for defenseman Raphael Diaz on the Habs’ roster, and Bergevin thus traded him for Dale Weise from the Vancouver Canucks. Weise quickly became a beloved player here in Montreal, most notably for his hard work and ability to occasionally put up points when playing on the first line with Mac Pacioretty and David Desharnais. He would often be referred to as a “clutch… player, coming up big during the 2013-2014 playoffs, putting up 7 points in 16 games (not bad for a 3rd and 4th-liner). He has size and grit, and the coaching staff knows exactly what to expect of him every time he takes to the ice.
Mike Weaver
A 5th-round pick is all it took to bring Mike Weaver from the Florida Panthers; an undersized yet underrated defenseman capable of killing off penalties and blocking lots of shots. He won’t be around next year, but impressed everyone with his hockey sense and devotion to the team, especially with his veteran presence and leadership. Small cost for a relatively high return.
Thomas Vanek
While everyone was under the impression that Vanek would return to his hometown Minnesota to join the Wild after a brief stint with the Habs, he proved to be very serviceable during his stay in Montreal. Acquired in exchange for prospect Sebastian Collberg and a 2nd-round draft pick, Vanek would put up 15 points in 18 regular season games and 10 points in 17 playoff games. Many criticized Vanek for his lack of “heart…, and most felt that he was not playing to the best of his abilities during the 2013-2014 playoffs. However, it was a trade that proved that high-end players can and are willing to play in Montreal.
Torrey Mitchell
Acquired in exchange for a 7th-round pick and Jack Nevins, Mitchell came to his hometown from Buffalo and played excellent hockey on the 4th line. He showed flashes of his offensive capabilities during the playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, and Bergevin has expressed his desire to keep Mitchell around.
Brian Flynn
Also acquired from Buffalo, a 5th-round pick was all it took to bring a right-handed 4th-line center to Montreal. Similarly to Mitchell, he played very decent hockey and even overtook Manny Malholtra’s job. I’m not sure he’ll be back with the team next season.
Jeff Petry
A 2nd-round pick and a 4th-round pick brought defenseman Jeff Petry over from the Edmonton Oilers. Bergevin was so impressed with Petry that he signed him to a 6-year deal worth $5.5M per season. This was Bergevin’s best trade acquisition, as Petry will help solidify a very decent defense corps for the Montreal Canadiens. Arguably, Alexei Emelin or Tom Gilbert will be traded in order to free up cap space…
Trades that freed up cap space
One can appreciate the following trades in that they got rid of players who no longer fit within the mold of the Montreal Canadiens, and helped clear up salary cap space for upcoming seasons:
Players that left Montreal: Josh Gorges, Peter Budaj, Travis Moen, and Rene Bourque.
Players that came to Montreal: Bryan Allen, Sergei Gonchar and Eric Tangradi. While Gonchar did the best he could despite his age, none of these three players have a spot reserved for them on next season’s roster.