In a Must-Win Year Bob Gainey Watches the Trade Deadline Parade, Once Again

Most of the Montreal Canadiens' direct rivals made a move to improve their team at this 2009 trade deadline.

The Boston Bruins have acquired Mark Recchi and pick from Tampa Bay for two prospects (Lashoff and Karsums), and Steve Montador from Anaheim for Petteri Nokaleinen.

The New Jersey Devils have acquired Nicklas Havelid from Atlanta for prospect Anssi Salmela.

The Florida Panthers have acquired Steve Eminger from Tampa Bay for youngster Noah Welch and a pick.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired Bill Guerin from the NYIslanders for a conditional draft pick, they also picked up Craig Adams off waivers from Chicago. A few days ago they acquired Chris Kunitz from Anaheim for Ryan Whitney.

The Buffalo Sabres have traded for Dominic Moore of Toronto in exchange for a second-round draft pick. They also acquired goalie Mikael Tellqvist from Phoenix for a fourth-rounder.

The Philadelphia Flyers have traded for super pest Daniel Carcillo from Phoenix for Scottie Upshall and a pick. They also acquired veteran defenseman Kyle McLaren from San Jose for a mid-round pick.

The Carolina Hurricanes have traded Justin Williams to the Los Angeles Kings for Patrick O'Sullivan; they then traded Patrick O'Sullivan to Edmonton for Erik Cole. The Habs killer is back in the East!

Finally, the New York Rangers have claimed Sean Avery on waivers from Dallas, have acquired Nik Antropov from Toronto for a second-round pick, and Derek Morris from Phoenix in exchange for Dmitri Kalinin, Nigel Dawes and Petr Prucha.

Gainey could not even get rid of Mathieu Dandenault who asked to be traded. The Canadiens could really have used a big forward, especially a centre for their playoff run (if they make it) and a gritty defenseman.

Don't forget that even though they won their last four games, the Canadiens allowed 167 shots (about 42 shots/game) during that span; without's Halak marvelous performances, the Habs would be sitting out of the playoffs at the moment.

As a Habs' fan, I am very disappointed once again in Bob Gainey...Are you?