Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Habs Trade Wisniewski's Rights to Columbus

BREAKING NEWS: As reported by multiple sources, notably Eklund but then confirmed by Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch, the Montreal Canadiens have traded the rights to pending UFA James Wisniewski to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 7th round pick in 2012. If Columbus signs him, the pick becomes a 5th rounder instead.

The Canadiens acquired Wisniewski from the New York Islanders back in December for a 2nd round pick in 2011 and 5th rounder in 2012 amidst injuries to the team's blueline and a sputtering powerplay. He caught fire with the Habs, scoring 30 points in 43 games, and helping to turn the team's season around while logging a team-high in minutes.

It appears Wisniewski's salary expectations were beyond what GM Pierre Gauthier was willing to commit to. That said, it is still not entirely impossible for Montreal to have an offer in should no deal be struck prior to noon on Friday.

Those with a dirty sense of humour may find funny the concept of Wisniewski being traded to a team nicknamed the BJs, given an on-ice act that towards Sean Avery that led to a Wisniewski suspension earlier last season while he was still an Islander. For those of short or selective memory, here's a clip:


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