Another year, and there will be another starting goalie in Montreal.  Mikka Kiprusoff was dealt to the Canadiens along with Rene Bourque for Paul Gaustad, Zach Kassian, Mark Dekanich, and a 1st rounder.

After spending a few weeks talking to FA goalies and making no progress, upper management decided to go another route and trade for a proven commodity that costs a lot less than those on the FA market.  One of the key things Kiprusoff has going for him is he is signed through next season so this will not be a one year rental.  Kiprusoff has a stellar NEFHL track record which includes 4 All Star games, a Jennings and a Vezina.  While he has declined a little over the years, he still has the experience this team needs as it tries to erase last seasons playoff collapse.

Along with Kiprusoff, Montreal brought in another strong 2 way winger in Rene Bourque who fits right in with the strong 2 way play of Matt Moulson, Shane Doan, and Mikael Samuelsson.  Rene was a very important piece of this trade and once he became availalbe, the talks between us and the Sharks picked back up and the trade was finalized quickly.  The 12 that will be used in the upcoming season now all seem to be here, and the savings we get on the G might allow us to bring in one more defenseman.  Management is discussing that right now.

Going the other way is Paul Gaustad who was involved in the first ever trade made by GM Munro after he took over in the summer of 2006.  He has been a great competitor and always was a team player.  This past season he didnt play as much as he would have liked, so we helped him out by sending him somewhere where he might get more ice time.  Prospects Zach Kassian and Mark Dekanich are 2 guys who might be ready for NEFHL play as early as next year and both have bright futures.  We wish these guys the best and hope they do well in San Jose.

With a few weeks to go before preseason starts, things are looking up in Montreal for the upcoming season.