On Thursday, the Habs announced the trading of
C Mikhail Grabovski to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Toronto’s 2010
2nd round and prospect defenceman Greg Pateryn. Pateryn was selected in the
draft last month in the 5th round, 128th overall. The team also announced
the signing of G Cedrick Desjardins to an NHL two-way deal, as well as adding
defenceman Alex Henry.
Grabovski, currently a restricted free agent and Montreal’s 5th round pick in
2004 (150th overall), was rumoured to be the player heading back to Toronto had
the Habs been able to successfully sign Mats Sundin before the July 1st
deadline. When healthy, he had his best season as a pro in 2007-08 in terms of
points per game, recording 9 points in 24 NHL games (3-6-9), a career high, as
well as 20 points in just 12 AHL games. Last season, Pateryn, 6’2 and 212 lbs,
played for the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets of the USHL, notching 3 goals and 24
assists in 60 games, to go along with 145 PIMS. He has committed to play for
Michigan in the NCAA next year.
In other news, the team announced the signing of goaltender Cedrick Desjardins,
who has been in the Canadiens system the past 2 years on an AHL deal. Also
added to the team was veteran defenceman Alex Henry. The 6’5, 220 lb
defenceman spent last season with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL, tallying 16
points (3-13-16) in all 80 games, plus 142 PIMS. He has some NHL
experience, suiting up for 175 NHL contests. This will be Henry’s 2nd
stint with the Bulldogs, as he played there from 1999-2002 when the Bulldogs
were Edmonton’s affiliate.