Canadiens Trade Chris Higgins For Scott Gomez

RDS has learned that the Habs have obtained Scott Gomez from the New York Rangers for Christopher Higgins. Also going to NY in the trade is Ryan Mcdonagh, Pavel Valentenko and Doug Janik. Canadiens also obtain Tom Pyatt and Michael Busto. Source

Bob Mckenzie was right on, the Habs did get Gomez, but does that mean that its over for Lecavalier? or will this just be the beginning of more move to come? Some rumors says that this may not be the only trade that Bob Gainey is working on.

Mike Komisarek Going Free Agent

According to RDS, Mike Komisarek is going to test the free agent market this summer. Renaud Lavoie has learned that the Canadiens have put lots of effort to retain him, but Mike have decided he did not want to stay in Montreal. Source

There is also a rumor that the Boston Bruins are interested in signing Komisarek on July 1st, but I doubt it would happen. I just don't see him being friends with Lucic.

What Will Bob Gainey Do?

We are a little bit more than 24hrs before the free agent market begins and things have already started to move yesterday in the Montreal Canadiens organization with multiple offers to some pending free agents. Bob Gainey told the media that he is expecting or is still attempting to complete a trade before July 1st. That statement from Habs GM will only increase the rumors and speculations. So, what will Bob Gainey do?

It is known that Bob Gainey is looking for a big center to play on the Habs first line. The first name that comes to everyone's mind is of course Vincent Lecavalier. We all know that the Habs are definitely interested in him, but are the Lightnings ready to let him go? More specifically, is Len Barrie finally willing to let the trade go through and not veto the trade? Something tells me there is always hope for a trade between Tampa and Montreal and that door is not competely close. It should still be wide enough for Gainey to firmly believe that a trade could still be done. Or else how do you explain his actions? Only two official offers are on the table for 11 of his UFAs. If Bob Gainey doesn't think he has a serious chance in compeleting the deal, would you think he would risk the chance of losing Alex Tanguay and Saku Koivu? I don't think so.

And what if the deal for Vinny Lecavalier fails? Well, I am sure that he has a backup plan. That plan B would most likely include better players than Tanguay or Koivu. According to TSN's Bob Mckenzie, the Habs could be interested in Scott Gomez, Daniel Briere or Simon Gagne if Lecavalier's deal doesn't work out.

So what if no deals happen in the next 24 hrs? We go on the free agent market! The Canadiens have over $30 Million in available cap space, thats more than any other teams in the league. There are rumors from The Gazette that the Habs are very interested in the Sedin Twins. There is also Martin Havlat that could come to Montreal.

Bob Gainey has so many options available that we don't need to worry not being able to complete the roster for season 2009-10. The next few days could be very exciting for every Habs fan, so be prepared!!!

Alex Tanguay's Negociation Rights Could be Traded

Bob Gainey tells reporters that Alex Tanguay's negociation rights is on the market and could be traded. Source

No Offer to Saku Koivu Until July 1st

The Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu is in the same situation as Alex Tanguay and has received a call from Bob Gainey that they are unable to submit a serious offer to him until July 1st. Bob Gainey said that they are currently working to complete a transaction. Source

Habs Offer A Contract To Alex Kovalev

From CKAC, unrestricted free agent Alex Kovalev has received an official offer from the Montreal Canadiens today. It has been rumored that there was a verbal agreement that he will be back next season a few days before the draft. Source

Offers to Habs RFAs

RDS has learned that restricted free agents Chris Higgins, Guillaume Latendresse, Thomas Plekanec, Matt D'agostini, Gregory Stewart and Kyle Chipchura have all received an offer from the Montreal Canadiens. Source

No Offer To Tanguay Before July 1st

According to RDS, the Montreal Canadiens will not offer a contract to pending unrestricted free agent Alex Tanguay before July 1st. Alex Tanguay's agent has told RDS that Bob Gainey has informed them that his client will not receive an offer until July 1st. RDS have learned that many pending UFAs agents have also received the same call from Bob Gainey becaues he is working on getting Vincent Lecavalier to Montreal. Source

Hamilton Bulldogs Head Coach Is Guy Boucher

According to RDS, Guy Boucher will become the Hamilton Bulldogs new head coach and it will be announced today at noon. Source

Is Daniel Briere or Simon Gagne the Habs Plan B?

According to the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch, Bob Gainey might turn to Daniel Briere if he is unable to obtain Vincent Lecavalier. Sources tell Garrioch that the Flyers are also interested in trading Simon Gagne. Source