Aug 26 Gainey: Starting To Look At Plan B

According to a report on RDS, Bob Gainey has begun to look at alternatives from adding Mats Sundin to the Habs roster, alternatives that may include a trade with either the Flyers or the Blackhawks. Starting with Chicago, Habs Nation will have to immediate remove any hope of getting any of their youth. With Scotty Bowman helping guide this team, players like Kane, Towes and Sharp will remain firmly entrenched for years to come. Robert Lang seems the most logical choice. He was previously involved in trade rumors, is a solid center who was 3rd on the team in points and scored 21 goals while playing in 76 games. Chicago may be willing to part with Martin Havlat who had in injury plagued season in which he only played 35 games, but you have to think that any moves Gainey will make will be to add depth at center.

Which is why the trade talk with Philadelphia is so intriguing. The Habs could not land Daniel Brière as a free agent, and he was soundly booed every time he played in Montreal as a result. Is it possible that he would now play for Montreal?? You would have to that it unlikely, as would getting Mike Richards who was signed to a long term deal. Could it be to acquire the young Jeff Carter, or perhaps an upgrade on defense. The Canadiens do have room to acquire salary if Sundin does not decide to play for the Habs, so therefore can be the benefactors of some salary dumps prior to the start of the season.

Tags: bob gainey \ Chicago Blackhawks \ habs \ Mats Sundin \ Montreal Canadiens \ Philadelphia Flyers