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Grading Montreal’s Moves From The Past Week

By Sebastian High

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 19: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Reilly (28) skates during the first period of the NHL game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Montreal Canadiens on february 19, 2019, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC(Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 19: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Reilly (28) skates during the first period of the NHL game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Montreal Canadiens on february 19, 2019, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC(Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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MONTREAL, QC – NOVEMBER 03: Montreal Canadiens right wing Andrew Shaw (65)  (Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC – NOVEMBER 03: Montreal Canadiens right wing Andrew Shaw (65)  (Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Andrew Shaw

Andrew Shaw was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks along with a seventh round draft pick in exchange for a second and a seventh round pick in 2020 and a third round pick in 2021. I love Shaw, he is gritty, beloved in the locker room and adds a scoring touch.

The move was primarily made to free up cap space for a move I will look at shortly. However it also freed up a roster spot for Nick Suzuki to step into this year or next season. Suzuki lit up the Ontario Hockey League, especially in the postseason and could be a force in Montreal within a year. Shaw had three years left on his deal which would have become an impediment eventually.

Bergevin also moved on from Shaw to capitalize on his high trade value following a career year. It’s always better to move on from a player a year too early, than a minute too late.

The main reason I’m alright with this deal is because Andrew Shaw may very well be one concussion away from being forced into retirement. The return was respectable and it took $3.9 million off the books.

Grade: B

Nicholas Deslauriers

Nicholas Deslauriers was traded to the Anaheim Ducks for a fourth round draft pick. I had a double take when I first saw this deal reported. I was, and am, astonished with the return we got for a player nearly out of the running to compete for a roster spot next season.

I am by no means trying to insult Big Nic, as he is excellent in his tough guy role. His fight against Boston last season completely changed the tide of the game and we ended up winning that encounter. That being said, he would have been a long shot to crack the Habs roster out of training camp, with Ryan Poehling, Suzuki and Nick Cousins passing him on the depth chart.

I am very much satisfied with the return.

Grade: A

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