This big mistake by the San Jose Sharks was undoubtedly the best deal of Bob Gainey’s infamous reign as GM for the Canadian. On February 25, 2007, Craig Rivet was traded to the Sharks with a fifth-round pick in 2008 for Josh Gorges and a first-round pick in 2007. Rivet was then traded to the Buffalo Sabers in June 2008 with a seventh-round pick against two second-round picks that didn’t yield Anywhere. The Gorges spent the next seven seasons with the Canadiens. Our first round pick would be Max Pacioretty, maybe not a great leader, but still CH’s most productive forward for a few lean years. Above all, he let Mark Bergevin buy Nick Suzuki, Thomas Tatar and a second ride.
Donald St. Pierre
Photo by Bernard Brault, Press Archives
Philippe Danault with the Canadians during the 2021 Summer Qualifiers
Is this the worst deal in history? Mostly not. But in 2016, when the Chicago Blackhawks pitted Dale Weisz and Thomas Fleischmann against Philippe Danault, it was a huge victory for the Canadian. Then, drafted by Alexander Romanov with a second-round pick, a few years later, he traded him for another player, the third overall pick in 2019, Kirby Dutch…
Vincent Laniel
Photo by DENIS COURVILLE, Press Archives
Brett Hull with the St. Louis Blues in 1991
In March 1988, the Calgary Flames traded Brett Hull and Steve Bozek to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for fullback Rob Ramage and goaltender Rick Wamsley. Adam Oates joined Hull later to form an exciting pairing with the Blues for years. All other players were traded or ended their careers within two years. Quite a steal at the NHL trade deadline.
Louis Leduc
Photo by David Boyle, Press Archives
Alex Kovalev with the Canadians in 2005
On March 2, 2004, the Canadiens acquired Alex Kovalev from the Rangers in exchange for Joseph Balig and a second round pick. As a result, Kovy became one of the most popular CH players in Montreal four years ago with 294 points in the regular season. Plug has 5 points in 13 games in New York. Nothing to add, I guess…
Patrick Boisvert
Photo by Bernard Brault, Press Archives
Thomas Plekanek
On February 25, 2018, Tomas Pelekanek transferred from the Canadiens to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for, among other things, a second-round pick. Plekanec had 6 big goals and 24 points before the trade. After being knocked out of the playoffs in the first round, Plekanec was back with CH the following season!
Pierre Sharon
In the first round three, the Washington Capitals paid for an aging Adam Oates.
Jan Eric Turin
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