The Montreal Canadiens have traded the rights to defenceman James Wisniewski to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2012. This selection will become a fifth-rounder if Columbus manages to sign the Michigan-born blueliner.
Looking to fill the gap created by Andrei Markov’s prolonged absence, Wisniewski was acquired from the Islanders on December 28th. In return, Montreal sent a 2011 second round pick (compensation for not signing David Fischer) and a conditional 2012 fifth round draft pick to Long Island (those conditions were met). The blueliner proved to be an immediate boon to the back end, posting 30 points over 43 games in Montreal. He did, however, struggle toward the end of the season as he was goalless in the final 16 games of the season (including playoffs).
Yannick Weber was also re-signed on Wednesday. The Swiss-born player, who demonstrated visible signs of improvement this season, was given a 2-year, $1.7 million dollar deal. Often converted to a forward, Weber put up 11 points in 41 regular season games while also adding 2 goals in 3 playoff appearances.
Finally, according to various sources, Roman Hamrlik has refused the one-year contract offer tendered to him by the Canadiens. The 37 year old is reportedly looking for a 2 or 3 year deal.
Louis Moustakas is an editor at HabsWorld.net and works for the Coaching Association of Canada in Ottawa. He can be reached at l.moustakas@habsworld.net.