HabsWorld.net -- 

In a bit of a surprising move, the Habs picked up some veteran depth on trade deadline day, claiming rugged right winger Mike Brown off waivers from the San Jose Sharks.

Brown has played in 44 games this season with the Sharks, picking up a goal and two assists with a team high 63 PIMS while averaging just 7:13 per game. He also averages 2.7 hits per game, a mark that puts him #1 among his new teammates.

The 30 year old has been well travelled in his career, spending time with Vancouver, Anaheim, Toronto, Edmonton, and San Jose. He has a total of 34 points (18-16-34) in 393 career NHL games with 751 PIMS.

There are a few possible reasons for this acquisition. The team may want some extra toughness to insulate Michael McCarron, who is expected to be up the rest of the season. They may want to have a veteran as an extra forward, allowing a youngster to return to the AHL. Or, they have another trade on the horizon where they’re sending someone out without taking anyone back.

As Brown was claimed from San Jose, there’s a decent chance he could be in the lineup against his former team tonight as the Habs take on the Sharks.

Brown is a pending unrestricted free agent and has a full-season cap hit of $1.2 million. The Habs will be responsible for a little over $264,000 of that. He’s now the 48th player signed under the contract limit of 50.

Brown’s Stats: