Sep 11 Canadiens Announce New Center!

The Montreal Canadiens have announced the re-signing of Patrice Brisebois to a one year contract, and the acquisition of Robert Lang from the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2nd round pick in 2010.

Patrice Brisebois provides the kind of veteran leadership the Canadiens will need if they expect to make it deeper this year into the playoffs. He had 11 points, including 3 goals, in 43 games last season.

However, the big story is the trade for Robert Lang at center. Gainey was reported to have told Sundin that if he was interested in playing for the Habs, that he needed to make his decision soon. Gainey did not feel like he had a good chance of signing Sundin prior to those comments, since he had very little contact with the Swede. Probably the happiest person hearing this news is Saku Koivu, who will not be demoted to the 3rd line (yet). In Lang, the Habs get a 37 year old player who scored 21 goals and 54 points on a very young, but emerging team. He does fit Gainey's type of 3rd line player, since he takes the over for Brian Smolinski who had taken over from Radek Bonk. These are players that can play well defensively, but do provide offensive upside. Lang finished last season with a +9 in 76 games.

Tags: bob gainey \ Chicago Blackhaws \ Mats Sundin \ Montreal Canadiens \ Patrice Brisebois \ Robert Lang \ Saku Koivu