News is coming fast and furious out of the seventh floor at the New Forum. After the Josh Gorges rumours, there was a rumbling about Daniel Brière, which was followed almost immediately by the news that he'd been traded to the Colorado Avalanche for P.A. Parenteau.
It seems like a win for the Canadiens, they get a younger player signed for a reasonable amount in return for a player who was a square peg on the roster last season, and who while he acted professionally, was ultimately unhappy with his role on the team.
What the Avalanche get in return is more questionable. They seem stacked at centre, especially if they retain Paul Stasny. The thought was that they were trying to shed salary, which they haven't done with this trade, the money is even on both sides. And they're not acquiring Mr. Brière to buy him out more cheaply, with his one year remaining compared to two for Mr. Parenteau, since the Avs have stated they will not buy him out.
The good thing about the trade for the Canadiens is that Mr. Parenteau is a right wing, and happy to play there. Gaston Therrien on RDS repeated all season long that Daniel Brière was signed with the understanding that he'd be on RW, but wasn't effective or happy there, he preferred playing centre. Which was fine to a point, it allowed the coaches options when injuries struck, and he was right-handed, the only centre other than Ryan White who could take draws on the right side, optimally, in the defensive zone.
We now have another right wing to play in our Top 6, to step in for Thomas Vanek, and don't have Daniel Brière somewhat miscast as as fourth-line centre. That role can now fall to Ryan White, Brandon Prust, even Gabriel Dumont. So a better allocation of personnel on hand.
Another factor to consider is that P.A. Parenteau is good friends with David Desharnais. They never played together, but are both former Chicoutimi Saguenéens, and met in alumni events. Maybe these two can spark up some magic like David has with Max.
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