CFN – I have to admit I’m totally impressed on Hab’s GM Marc Bergevin’s swap today of spare part Travis Moen for grizzled vet on D, Sergei Gonchar. He even got Dallas to pick up a reported 8% of Gonchar’s deal.
Montreal has cap space this season. They still do. The market for D men is hot and by taking Gonchar off the market it ups the price for Montreal who have a lot of options.
With Markov and Emelin in the fold adding Gonchar means a bit more Russian spoken in the back end. It also makes those Nail Yakupov rumors start to look a bit more real too.
It also shows fans and the NHL how serious Montreal is about this season. In this cap age every game and point count and you don’t have time to wait.
Montreal’s Powerplay has needed some extra juice and Gonchar is an experienced and proven quarterback who will provide depth and insurance. Dallas gets some cap space for this year and a good dressing room presence and reliable vet on the penalty kill in Moen who really had no role any longer in Montreal, and is spared the motion of being sent down on waivers as Rene Bourque just experienced this week.
With teams like the Rangers kicking Tomas Kaberle’s tires Gonchar looks like a steal. Ottawa still hasn’t recovered from his leaving the squad as he’s great on helping move the puck out of his own end.
What do you think Habs fans? Do you like this trade as much as I do? You can post your comments below.
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A good move. But it is still early. We shall see.
Just what I was thinking, Hugger. You beat me to it. We’ll have to wait to see if this deal pans out.