Countdown to TradeCentre: Canadiens Outlook
/Pierre LeBrun was on TSN on Thursday evening.
On the Montreal Canadiens, who have an injured Alexei Emelin:
“He's going to be gone more than a week. I know the Canadiens said they would re-evaluate him in a week. Let's face it. He's got a shoulder injury, so he's gone longer than that. But no matter how long it is with this guy, and he is a tough cookie, he'll be back in plenty of time for the playoffs. So at the end of the day, it's not like they're not going to have this guy when it matters most this season.
"They were already on the lookout for a defenceman. That has not changed. Does this add more urgency? Maybe a bit, but I don't think that much because at the end of the day the Habs are in first place. They're not fighting for their playoff lives. Yes, they want to trade for a defenceman. They also want to trade for a top-9 forward and between now and March 2, Marc Bergevin hopes to accomplish both."
Will they be able to add a little pop up front?
"You know, that's a major point of focus. The thing about the Canadiens though is they also view this stat: How many goals do you allow compared to how many you score and they're the No. 1 team defensively in the NHL. So they want to add a little more offence, a little more on the power play; but at the end of the day they'd rather make a hockey deal than pick up a rental, if they can."
Source: TSN/ Transcript: Nichols on Hockey
Related: Countdown to TradeCentre: Flames Outlook
Related: Countdown to TradeCentre: Canucks Outlook
Related: Countdown to TradeCentre: Jets Outlook
Related: Countdown to TradeCentre: Oilers Outlook