Montreal Canadiens Move Steve Bégin to Dallas Stars

Already expected to be active before the deadline on Wednesday, the Montreal Canadiens made yet another move this afternoon.

Already acquiring Mathieu Schneider from Atlanta earlier this month, the Canadiens today traded forward Steve Bégin to the Dallas Stars for defenseman Doug Janik.

“Throughout his five seasons in the Montreal Canadiens’ jersey Steve Bégin has been a proud competitor who dedicated himself to the team," General Manager Bob Gainey said in a statement.

"As an organization, we are grateful to Steve for his play on the ice as well as his involvement in the Quebec community. We wish Steve the very best with the Dallas Stars."

In Bégin, the Stars get a quality third or fourth-line forward who can hit (fourth on the Canadiens this season with 119) and block shots. He has six goals and four assists in 42 games this season.

“Steve is a gritty, honest player with a very strong work ethic,” said Stars' Co-General Manager Les Jackson. “He’s good on the penalty kill and he is a competitor in every sense of the word. We think he’ll be a very good addition to our group as we continue to fight toward the playoffs.”

The 30 year-old found himself a healthy scratch on several occasions this season an ha been vocal with his displeasure of coach Guy Carbonneau's decision not to play him.

Making $1.6 million, Bégin will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Janik, 28, has played in 13 games for the Stars this year with one assist an two penalty minutes. Like Bégin, he will be also be an unrestricted free agent and is currently making $500K.

"Doug Janik, obtained by the Canadiens in return for Bégin, is a solid defenceman who brings 159 games of experience at the NHL level and who will add depth to our group of defencemen.”

For now, provided he clears waivers by noon Saturday, Janik will be assigned the Canaiens AHL affiliate in Hamilton.