Montreal Canadiens Trade Rumors

Report: Sharks among frontrunners for Moen
February 6
CSN Bay Area
 
"Could Travis Moen be returning to the San Jose Sharks? According to a report in the Toronto Sun, the Sharks are among the frontrunners for the 29-year-old veteran left wing, who has nine goals and seven assists for 16 points with the Montreal Canadiens. Moen played 19 games for the Sharks in 2008-09, collecting three goals and two assists, when he was acquired from Anaheim along with Kent Huskins in exchange for Nick Bonino, Timo Pielmeier and a fourth round selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft on March 4. He was scoreless in six playoff games before leaving as a free agent that summer to sign with Montreal."
Gorges signs six-year contract
January 2
Montreal Gazette
 
"Now that's good news for a team that could use some. Departing with their policy of not negotiating during the course of the hockey season, the Canadiens have signed their steadiest defenceman to a new six-year contract with a reported annual salary cap hit of $3.9 million. Gorges, coming off knee surgery, signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract after contentious negotiations last summer. Had he not signed by July 1, Gorges would have become an unrestricted free agent. Consensus opinion, supported by Gorges' agent, is the Canadiens could have signed him for less money had they offered a long-term contract last summer. The team wanted to see how Gorges would rebound from his injury – a"
Patrick Roy favoured to be next Montreal Canadiens' head coach
December 21
Montreal Gazette
 
"According to online bookmaker Bovada, Patrick Roy is the favourite to be the new permanent head coach of the Montreal Canadiens. The Hall of Fame goaltender and current head coach of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Quebec Remparts has 2/1 odds of being the coach of the team next season. The Canadiens fired Jacques Martin on Saturday and replaced him on an interim basis with Randy Cunneyworth until the end of the season. Cunneyworth is a 15/1 longshot to keep the gig, according to Bovada. Roy said Sunday he'd listen if the Canadiens wanted to talk about the job. He turned down the Colorado Avalanche coaching job in 2008."
Roy: "I Would Listen If The Canadiens Called"
December 19
TSN.ca
 
"If an NHL team - namely the Montreal Canadiens - came calling regarding a vacant job, Patrick Roy certainly won't have his Stanley Cup rings plugged in his ears. The former Canadiens goaltender and Hall of Famer told reporters on Sunday that he would consider any proposal that's brought to his attention at the end of the season. "Once the end of the season arrives and if a team shows some interest in me - Colorado or Montreal for example - it's certain I would listen to see what kind of role I would have in the organization," Roy said at a media conference following a victory by his Quebec Remparts on Sunday. "So to respond to your question, yes - it is certain I would listen if the"
Canadiens fire Martin
December 17
TSN.ca
 
"Jacques Martin has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Montreal Canadiens. Randy Cunneyworth has been named interim head coach until the end of the season. The team has gotten out to a 13-12-7 start this season and currently sits last in the Northeast Division. Cunneyworth had been an assistant coach with the team and had previously served as head coach of the team's American Hockey League affiliate in Hamilton. In one season coaching the Bulldogs Cunneyworth led the team to a 44-27-2-7 record, good enough to claim the AHL North Division title."
Canes deal Kaberle to Montreal
December 10
Raleigh News & Observer
 
"The Carolina Hurricanes have traded defenseman Tomas Kaberle, and general manager Jim Rutherford said he made a mistake in signing him. The Canes on Friday sent Kaberle to the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Jaroslav Spacek. The move came about five months after Kaberle became Carolina's biggest offseason addition, accepting a three-year, $12.75 million free-agent contract. Kaberle, a longtime fixture in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup and a former NHL All-Star, was traded by the Leafs to the Boston Bruins last season and was a part of the Bruins' Stanley Cup championship run. Rutherford signed him in hopes of improving the Canes' struggling power play and to add a veteran presence to the"
Report: Kaberle dealt to Montreal for Spacek
December 9
NHL.com
 
"The Carolina Hurricanes have reportedly traded defenseman Tomas Kaberle to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman Jaroslav Spacek. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said last week that he was not happy with Kaberle's play and if he continued down his current path he wouldn't be with the club for much longer. Rutherford found a partner in Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier, who has acquired a player in Kaberle that has no goals, 9 assists and a minus-12 rating in 29 games."
Montreal Canadiens' Scott Gomez out with groin injury
November 25
Montreal Gazette
 
"Scott Gomez's campaign to regain a spot on one of the Canadiens' top lines has run into another roadblock. The veteran centre suffered a groin injury in the second period of Wednesday's 4-3 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh. Jacques Martin declined to offer any information about the injury, but did say Gomez would not play against the Philadelphia Flyers Friday afternoon (3 p.m., RDS, TSN-HABS; TSN Radio-800) and won't be available Saturday night when the Canadiens face Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bell Centre. Gomez slid down the depth chart after he was sidelined for nine games earlier this season with an upper-body injury."
Montreal Canadiens: Hal Gill admitted to hospital
November 18
Montreal Gazette
 
"Defenceman Hal Gill has been admitted to hospitalin Montreal for treatment of an undislosed virus. The Canadiens said Gill, who has missed the last three games, will not be available Saturday night when the Canadiens play the New York Rangers at the Bell Centre."
Report: Gill hospitalized with virus
November 17
NHL.com
 
"Montreal Canadiens defenseman Hal Gill has been hospitalized by a virus that has kept him out of action since Sunday, according to a report from Renaud Lavoie of RDS. Gill was already going to miss Thursday night's game against the Islanders in Long Island, but he will also miss Saturday night's home game against the New York Rangers, according to Lavoie."
Canadiens' Markov back on the ice
November 15
Montreal Gazette
 
"There were a couple of pleasant surprises at the Canadiens' morning skate on Monday. For starters, Andrei Markov joined his teammates for the first time since he suffered a knee injury more than a year ago. Markov not only went through a full workout, but he also stayed on the ice after the skate. While Markov making his return, Chris Campoli was on the other sheet of ice at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard and went through a series of exercises under the watchful eye of strength coach Pierre Allard. Campoli hasn't been on the ice since he suffered a leg injury in the season opener. Head coach Jacques Martin said it was too early to tell when either of the defencemen will be able to"
Montreal Canadiens' Scott Gomez nearing a return to action
November 8
Montreal Gazette
 
"Scott Gomez is a few strides closer to returning to the Canadiens' lineup and head coach Jacques Martin is looking at a real-life game of musical chairs. The Canadiens have four centre spots available and the return of Gomez means the Canadiens will have five centres. The four current centres will remain in the lineup when Gomez returns, but one will be asked to play on the wing. It won't be Tomas Plekanec. He has been the Canadiens' leading scorer the past two seasons and has proven that he is a top-line centre. And it won't be newcomer Petteri Nokelainen. The Finn is the Canadiens' most successful faceoff man and his size is a welcome addition to the fourth line. That leaves Gomez, Lars"
Canadiens sign Tinordi to three-year entry-level contract
November 3
Montreal Gazette
 
"Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier got a head start on his 2012 agenda Wednesday when he signed defence prospect Jarred Tinordi to a three-year entry-level contract. Terms were not disclosed but the deal, which kicks in next season, has a total value in the $3-million range and includes a signing bonus. "It seemed like the right time to get a deal done," Tinordi said by phone from London, Ont. "We started talking about a week ago and I'm happy to get a deal.""
Ligament damage in Max Pacioretty's wrist might not be good news
October 26
Montreal Gazette
 
"The Canadiens received some good news about Max Pacioretty's injured right wrist Tuesday. Or did they? While head coach Jacques Martin said the team would provide an update on Pacioretty's condition on Wednesday, word leaked out that Pacioretty suffered ligament damage but will not require surgery. This was generally regarded as good news, but the reality is that damaged ligaments can often pose more problems than a broken bone. Healing times for a broken bone are predictable, but there are more variables to ligament damage."
Is there a case for keeping Jacques Martin in Montreal?
October 25
Yahoo! Sports
 
""It's not like we're doing everything bad." — Tomas Plekanec(notes), Montreal Canadiens center, after the Habs' 2-1 loss to Florida. Well, no, but you're also not doing anything good, which is the problem right now. The Montreal Canadiens are off to their worst start in 70 years at 1-5-2, losing to the Florida Panthers, 2-1, on Monday night at Bell Centre. As we said last week: It's a complete mess. Now it's become a complete mess with anonymous accusations of favoritism and locker-room rats getting power-play time, which always bodes well for a struggling team. (The story in question has since been deleted from the site that reported it. Check Dave Stubbs' feed for more. Shoddy work by"
Pacioretty hurt as Habs remain winless at home
October 25
Montreal Gazette
 
"The skinny: There was no good news from the Bell Centre Monday night as the Florida Panthers beat the Canadiens 2-1. Montreal is not only winless in five games at home this season, but the Canadiens have lost yet another key player. Max Pacioretty left the game after the second period with what appeared to be a shoulder injury."
Montreal Canadiens' Michael Cammalleri might suit up against Pittburgh Penguins
October 20
Montreal Gazette
 
""Let the speculation begin." That was the word from Michael Cammalleri Wednesday after revealing that he would accompany his teammates to the Steel City for Thursday night's game against the Penguins (7 p.m., RDS, TSN-A, TSN Radio 990). "I don't know whether I'll be playing," said Cammalleri, who missed the past three games with a deep cut on his right knee. "If it was up to me, I would have played three games ago." Cammalleri practiced with the team Monday for the first time since the accident, skated on his own Tuesday and rejoined the team for Wednesday's practice before flying here."
Martin: Markov rehabbing but will not play in October
October 18
TSN.ca
 
"Montreal Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin says that the chance of Andrei Markov playing in October is, "out of the question" while the defenceman continues to rehab from knee surgery. Martin told reporters on Tuesday that Markov's rehab is, "on schedule" and will continue under the supervision of Dr. James Andrews, who Markov saw on Monday in Florida. Markov will be seen by Dr. Andrews again by the end of the week. Markov was unable to start the regular season while he continued to recover from ACL surgery on his right knee."
Montreal Canadiens see Moen return to ice
October 5
Montreal Gazette
 
"The Canadiens were a little healthier and a little tougher Tuesday as Travis Moen returned to the ice for his first practice since he suffered a lower body injury against Ottawa nine days earlier. "I feel better than I did yesterday," said Moen, who tested whatever ailed him on Monday when he skated with strength coach Pierre Allard."
Montreal Canadiens could be blowing major marketing opportunity
October 5
Montreal Gazette
 
"The Canadiens, who rarely miss a marketing opportunity, could be blowing a big one here. In the wake of Brendan Shanahan's decision to let Ryan Malone walk after his head shot on Chris Campoli, someone in Canadiens sales ought to have cranked up the Third World sweatshops to begin producing a new line of officially approved Paranoia Wear. Everyone who thinks the league is out to screw the Canadiens – and that includes a healthy (if not mentally sound) proportion of the team's fans – could be skipping down sidewalks – carefully avoiding the cracks – in CH-emblazoned tin foil tuques, garlic necklaces and steel Cups."
Montreal Canadiens' Scott Gomez looking to bounce back this season
September 14
Montreal Gazette
 
"Canadiens centreman Scott Gomez didn't easily forget a season that was entirely forgettable – the worst of his 11-year National Hockey League career. But at some point last spring, after considerable time spent clearing the fog and taking stock of what he did and mostly didn't do through his 80 regular-season games and seven in the playoffs, Gomez stopped looking back and started focusing his view forward. "It was never like: 'The season's over, yay, summer's here!' " Gomez said Tuesday night. "It wasn't dandy. It wasn't like: 'Well, I'm glad that's over.' I asked myself a lot of questions and I had to clear my mind. It wasn't a couple of days. I needed the time to think, to re-evaluate."
Canadiens Swiss prospect Alain Berger throws his weight around
September 14
Montreal Gazette
 
"Switzerland has a well deserved reputation for producing high quality watches, superb chocolate, discreet bankers and cheese with holes. Its downhill skiers make regular appearances at World Cup and Olympic events. And, until recently, the best tennis player on the planet was Roger Federer."
NHL policy change on substance abuse?
August 18
Toronto Sun
 
"The recent off-ice deaths of two NHL players could spark a change in how the league conducts its substance abuse and behavioural program. Commenting on the passing of New York Ranger Derek Boogaard and Winnipeg Jet Rick Rypien at the league's research and developmnt camp in Toronto, commissioner Gary Bettman told a wire service that he will soon approach the Players Association to study the current policy. Boogaard passed away in May after a mishap with alcohol and a painkiller drug. Rypien, who reportedly suffered from depression, died Monday and police will only say the circumstances were not suspicious. Both men had been in the program, which has helped many players with varied"
Canadiens sign Jeff Woywitka
August 15
TSN.ca
 
"The Montreal Canadiens signed defenceman Jeff Woywitka to a one-year, two-way contract on Monday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Last season, Woywitka recorded 11 points in 63 games with the Dallas Stars. He maintained a +5 plus/minus differential, the team's fifth best and served 24 penalty minutes. Woywitka added 72 shots on goal and blocked 97 shots."
Kostitsyn steamed at Habs coach
August 12
Toronto Sun
 
"Another Kostitsyn brother could be falling out of favour with the Montreal Canadiens. Or vice versa. "I do not have a good relationship with my coach (Jacques Martin)," Andrei Kostitsyn has told the Belarusian website Goals.by. The 26-year-old burst into prominence with 26 goals and 27 assists in 2007-08, but has production has slipped in the following three seasons. That decline, it seems, is Martin's fault. Kostitsyn complained of being pushed into a secondary role, with occasional duty on the fourth line. The right winger said he tried several times to discuss his issues with Martin, but was told the coach "did not care." Asked about his prospects for the coming season, Kostitsyn said:"
Montreal Canadiens' Andrei Kostitsyn has got to go
August 12
Montreal Gazette
 columnist Pat Hickey
"A few days ago, it appeared the Canadiens' lineup was set for the coming season. General manager Pierre Gauthier has 21 players under contract with a couple of open spots for the youngsters to fight for in training camp. He also has more than $5 million in cap money if he feels the youngsters aren't ready and he needs to add a piece or two. But the situation has changed and, if Gauthier isn't already making calls to trade Andrei Kostitsyn, he should be. Kostitsyn's position with the team became untenable after he sounded off in an interview with a hockey web site in his native Belarus. Kostitsyn expressed his frustration with Jacques Martin and said he wasn't happy with the way the coach"
Ducks land Carle from Habs
July 16
Montreal Gazette
 
"The Montreal Canadiens have acquired defenceman Mark Mitera from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for blue-liner Mathieu Carle. The 23-year-old Carle played 68 games with Hamilton of the American Hockey League last season, collecting 29 points. Mitera scored six goals and added 16 assists in 71 games with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch last season. Mitera is a former first-round pick. The Ducks selected him 19th overall at the 2006 NHL draft."
Canadiens ink Ryan White to one-year contract
July 13
TSN.ca
 
"The Montreal Canadiens signed centre Ryan White to a one-year contract. Terms were not disclosed. White finished his second season with the Habs. He had two goals and three assists in 27 games last season."
Habs sign forward Brian Willsie to a one-year contract
July 7
NHL.com
 
"Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced Thursday the signing of forward Brian Willsie to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2011-12 season. As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. In 2010-11, Willsie finished second in scoring with the Hershey Bears and 11th overall in the AHL with 68 points (30 goals, 38 assists) in 76 games. He maintained a +27 plus/minus differential, the team's second best and served 68 penalty minutes. He was the team leader, ranking fourth overall in the AHL with 14 powerplay goals. Willsie also appeared in one NHL game with the Capitals, collecting one assist."
Canadiens acquire F Blunden from Blue Jackets
July 7
TSN.ca
 
"The Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets made a minor-league swap on Thursday, with the Habs acquiring forward Michael Blunden from the Columbus Blue Jackets in return for forward Ryan Russell. Blunden, 24, played 37 games with the AHL Springfield Falcons in 2010-11, recording 21 points (12 goals, 9 assists) and serving 41 penalty minutes. Blunden also appeared in one NHL game with the Blue Jackets. Blunden suited up in a total of 51 career regular season games in the NHL with Chicago and Columbus, including a 40-game season with the Blue Jackets in 2009-10, registering four points and 59 penalty minutes."
Canadiens sign Peter Delmas to a 3-year contract
July 5
NHL.com
 
"Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the signing of goaltender Peter Delmas to a three-year, two-way contract (2011-12 to 2013-14). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Delmas, 21, played in two games with the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs in 2010-11, posting a 1-0-1 record, a 1.92 goals against average and a .933 save percentage. He spent most of the season with the Canadiens' development team in the ECHL, suiting up for 24 games with the Wheeling Nailers. He recorded 15 wins, 6 losses and 2 overtime losses, with a 2.03 goals against average and a .928 save percentage."
Canadiens sign Cole to four-year $18 million contract
July 1
TSN.ca
 
"The Montreal Canadiens have signed Erik Cole to a four-year contract worth $18 million. Cole has spent the majority of his career with the Carolina Hurricanes, the team that drafted him in the third round, 71st overall of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. The six-foot-two winger originally played for the Hurricanes from 2001-2008 before being dealt to the Edmonton Oilers where he spent less than one season before being shipped back to Carolina. Cole had his best season offensive season with 61 points in the 2006-2007 season. He was also a member of the Hurricanes' 2005-2006 Stanley Cup winning team, a season where he scored a career-high 30 goals."
Agent for Jagr to talk with Pens, Wings, Canadiens
June 30
NHL.com
 
"Jaromir Jagr reportedly has arrived in New York after a whirlwind travel day Wednesday while his agent, Petr Svoboda, is set to meet with Pittsburgh General Manager Ray Shero on Thursday morning, likely to discuss the contract offer the Penguins have on the table for the 39-year-old Czech superstar. The Penguins' offer reportedly is for one year and $2 million. "We are going to exchange some things," Svoboda told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "This is obviously a tough decision for Jaromir. His heart is in Pittsburgh." Svoboda told the newspaper that he also would speak with the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens on Thursday as both teams have interest in signing Jagr. Svoboda said"
Agent: Jagr decision to come today
June 30
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The agent for Jaromir Jagr said his client is in New York and said today he expects a decision about Jagr's NHL future by the end of today. Petr Svoboda said he was scheduled to speak with Penguins general manager Ray Shero shortly. This was around 9:20 a.m. "We are going to exchange some things," Svoboda said, adding that he would also speak with Detroit and Montreal about Jagr."
Blue Jackets trade pick to Montreal for negotiating rights to James Wisniewski
June 30
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson is on his way to shaking his risk-averse reputation. With Friday's start of NHL free agency drawing closer, and with the pool of skilled defensemen getting nervously shallow, Howson yesterday traded a conditional pick to the Montreal Canadiens for the negotiating rights to defenseman James Wisniewski. Wisniewski, who had a career-high 10 goals and 41 assists last season with the New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens, will cost the Blue Jackets a fifth-round pick if they sign him to a contract, or a seventh-round pick if they do not. If he's not signed by noon Friday, he'll be one of the most-sought-after free agents on the market. The Detroit"
Jagr on way to U.S., decision nears
June 29
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The agent for Jaromir Jagr said today that Jagr is en route to the United States and will inform of a decision on his NHL future late this afternoon. "He is flying to New York (from the Czech Republic) right now," agent Petr Svoboda said. "He is coming this afternoon and will tell us his answer then." Svoboda said he talked to Jagr last night about the Pens' offer, and that Detroit and Montreal are also known to have made offers. Jagr is not expected to arrive in the U.S. until at least 3:30 p.m. Svoboda said he expects to know Jagr's decision within an hour of his arrival."
Canadiens cut ties with Benoit Pouliot, Tom Pyatt and Alexandre Picard
June 28
Montreal Gazette
 
"It was no surprise that the Canadiens failed to give Benoit Pouliot a qualifying offer Monday. Pouliot, who was the fourth overall pick by the Minnesota Wild in the 2005 entry draft, was one of five Canadiens who were not qualified. The others are forward Tom Pyatt and defenceman Alexandre Picard and two forwards - Nigel Dawes and Dustin Boyd - who have signed contracts to play next season in the Kontinental Hockey League. All five players are now unrestricted free agents. The Canadiens had to qualify Pouliot at his 2010-11 salary of $1.35 million. As a free agent, the Canadiens can negotiate to sign him for less money, but that appears doubtful. Pouliot never lived up to his potential and"
Will anyone take Scott Gomez off Habs' hands?
June 27
Montreal Gazette
 
"Scott Gomez was in the untradeable category last week. But a sharp rise in the salary cap had led to speculation that the Montreal Canadiens' underachieving centre could be attractive to a team struggling to reach the new cap floor of $48.3 million. Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier is close-mouthed about any roster changes, although he has said that all options are open and a team's salary cap is fluid and can change quickly. Florida general manager Dale Tallon told TSN he felt like he was running Team Waste Management, with teams trying to dump players like Gomez on him. Florida, which is one six teams with a payroll under $48 million last season, did take Brian Campbell's annual"
Canadiens load up on defencemen at NHL draft
June 26
Montreal Gazette
 
"Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier belives you can never have too many defencemen. That philosophy was reflected in this year's National Hockey League entry draft. After picking Saint John Sea Dogs defenceman Nathan Beaulieu in the first round Friday, the Canadiens selected four other defencemen on Day 2 Saturday. "The second day is all about looking at players you can develop," Gauthier said. "The one common thread among the players we selected is that all have good hockey sense," The Canadiens didn't have a pick in the second round and Gauthier raised some eyebrows when he traded his third-round pick to Winnipeg for two fourth-round picks. "We felt there were a lot of good players"
Canadiens pick another defenceman
June 25
Montreal Gazette
 
"Going on the theory that you can never have too many defencemen, the Canadiens selected Nathan Beaulieu from the Saint John Sea Dogs with the 17th overall pick in the National Hockey League entry draft Friday. "He's a strong skater and a good puck-moving defenceman," general manager Pierre Gauthier said. Beaulieu, who is from Strathroy, Ont., said he was flattered to be compared to P. K. Subban even through he said he likens his game to that of Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty. "(Subban) could have been the rookie of the year and having a French-Canadian name, it's exciting to be going to the Canadiens," Beaulieu said. It should be noted that, despite the name, Beaulieu admits"
Canadiens know how to pick 'em
June 24
Montreal Gazette
 
"Which team has the best record of identifying potential National Hockey League talent at the entry draft? Fans might be surprised to learn the answer is the Canadiens. Montreal has drafted 29 current NHLers - players who appeared in at least 50 games last season, or have played more than 150 games total - although most of the players originally selected by the Canadiens are now plying their trade elsewhere. The Canadiens top Buffalo (27), the New York Islanders (26) and the Colorado Avalanche, whose 25 draftees date back to the team's former incarnation as the Quebec Nordiques. While there is a perception the Canadiens haven't done well at the draft table, the team's scouting staff has"
Canadiens know how to pick 'em
June 23
Montreal Gazette
 
"Which team has the best record of identifying potential National Hockey League talent at the entry draft? Fans might be surprised to learn the answer is the Canadiens. Montreal has drafted 29 current NHLers - players who appeared in at least 50 games last season, or have played more than 150 games total - although most of the players originally selected by the Canadiens are now plying their trade elsewhere. The Canadiens top Buffalo (27), the New York Islanders (26) and the Colorado Avalanche, whose 25 draftees date back to the team's former incarnation as the Quebec Nordiques. While there is a perception the Canadiens haven't done well at the draft table, the team's scouting staff has"
Report says Canadiens, Andrei Markov close to two-year deal
June 22
Montreal Gazette
 
"According to Tony Marinaro of the Team 990, the Canadiens will soon re-sign all-star defenceman Andrei Markov for two season. The deal is reportedly valued at $11.5 million. The Russian blue-liner has missed most of the last two seasons with various injuries, playing only 52 games."
Jagr's agent: 'Pittsburgh is in the loop'
June 21
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The agent for free agent right wing Jaromir Jagr said this morning there is a "really, really good chance" Jagr will play this season in the NHL. Petr Svoboda, Jagr's new agent, said he will talk again today with Penguins general manager Ray Shero about possibly signing a one-year deal with the Penguins. Jagr's legacy with the Penguins is a factor. "We talked a lot about that (Monday), just Jaromir and I speaking about his days with the Penguins," said Svoboda, speaking from the Czech Republic, who indicated the Penguins have expressed interest. "Playing again in Pittsburgh is obviously something that's on Jaromir's mind, but I wouldn't say it's the main factor. The main factor for him is"
Canadiens sign Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais, but work remains
June 21
Montreal Gazette
 
"Who's next? That's the question after the Canadiens signed forwards Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais to two-year contracts on Monday. The deals brought the number of signed players to 15, but general manager Pierre Gauthier still has major work to do on the defensive side. Andrei Markov, who is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and Josh Gorges, who is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, are still unsigned. Markov's agent, Don Meehan, said he and Gauthier are working on a deal for Markov and they will meet later this week at the NHL entry draft in Minnesota. The 32-year-old Markov is coming off a long-term deal that paid him an average of $5.75"
Pacioretty signs 2-year deal with Canadiens
June 20
NHL.com
 
"Montreal forward Max Pacioretty has signed a two-year contract to stay with the Canadiens through the 2012-13 season, the team announced Monday. The terms of the contract were not disclosed by the team, but TSN is reporting the full value of the contract at $3.25 million. Had he not signed, Pacioretty would have become a restricted free agent July 1. "Happy to announce I just signed a two-year deal with the Habs," Pacioretty wrote on his Twitter account Monday. "Really looking forward to getting this season started now." Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier called Pacioretty, "one of the most promising young players in our organization.""
Report: Nigel Dawes, Dustin Boyd leaving Canadiens for KHL
June 1
Montreal Gazette
 
"According to RDS, Dustin Boyd and Nigel Dawes will not return to the Canadiens organization next season, opting to play in Russia with the KHL. Both players have signed one-year deals with Barys Astana, in Kazakhstan."
Report: Hal Gill signs new contract with Canadiens
June 1
Montreal Gazette
 
"The Canadiens' defence appears to be shaping up for next season with a report that Hal Gill is close to signing a one-year contract. Renaud Lavoie of RDS is reporting that the 36-year-old Gill will pass up the opportunity to test free agency and will sign for $2.25 million, the same amount he has received in each of the past two seasons. The Canadiens are expected to retain unrestricted free agent Andrei Markov and restricted free agent Josh Gorges, and they will form the No. 1 pair, while Gill will continue to serve as a mentor and steadying influence on P.K. Subban."
Canadiens sign Russian defenceman Alexei Emelin
May 18
Montreal Gazette
 
"The third time proved lucky as the Canadiens finally convinced Russian defenceman Alexei Yemelin that his future is in the National Hockey League. Yemelin, who was drafted by the Canadiens in the third round of the 2004 NHL entry draft, has signed a one-year, two-way contract with Montreal. The deal, which includes a signing bonus, is worth about $984,000. The Canadiens are counting on Yemelin starting the season in Montreal, but the deal reportedly contains a clause that would allow the 25-year-old to return to the Kontinental Hockey League rather than play in the American Hockey League. Two previous attempts to sign Yemelin fell short. In 2007, the Canadiens negotiated a deal with agent"