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Montreal Canadiens set to retire Patrick Roy's number

The Montreal Canadiens are going to honor arguably the greatest goalie to have played the game by retiring his number and raising it to the rafters on Novemeber 22nd. Roy played for the Canadiens for 9 seasons and led them to two Stanley Cups, including one in his rookie season.

Roy's a firey guy who is known for both his temper and his phenominal play. He got in numerous fights while in goal and beat my Panthers in the 96 Stanley Cup Championship game.

He was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 1995 after then coach Mario Tremblay left him in goal while he and the team was being pepperred. Roy angrily told Tremblay, after finally being pulled, that he would never play for Montreal again.

This is being done as part of Montreal's 100th anniversary celebration, and also showing that the water is definitely under the bridge.

Robert Lang traded to Montreal for a 2nd

The Chicago Blackhawks have traded Center Robert Lang to the Montreal Canadiens for a snd round draft pick.

This should put an end to the possibility of Mats Sundin joing the Canadiens. Their GM says so, I guess we'll see.

Montreal also signed defenseman Patrice Brisebois.

I'm a little surprised that Chicago traded Lang, but they have a young team and are looking to move forward in that direction. They also gave Brian Campbell a big contract, so this could have something to do with cutting salary, especially since nothing was sent the other way.

Good pick up, though.

2 one year deals handed out

The Boston Bruins signed Stephane Yelle and the Detroit Red Wings re-signed the ageless wonder Chris Chelios. Both are one year deals and both add solid, veteran leadership to their teams.

Could see more of this, just in different jerseys

Wade Belak is now a Florida Panther and David Koci is now a member of their hated rival, the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Wade keep your sweater on man.

Florida-Toronto trade finalized

Yesterday, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded defenseman Bryan McCabe and a 4th round pick in the 2010 draft to the Florida Panthers for defenseman Mike Van Ryn. Both players had hand injuries last season, with McCabe missing 28 games due to a broken hand and Van Ryn playing in only 20 games due to a wrist injury. Both are 100%.

Van Ryn has been ripping pucks past Vokoun and Luongo at Incredible Ice in Coral Springs and had a successful wrist surgery, likely marking an end to his problems with the wrist. Toronto, though it's fans don't realize it, is getting a sound defenseman with a great wrist shot. Hopefully he'll do well there.

McCabe, who waived his no-movement-clause to come to Florida, is excited for the change in environment and to be a part of the Panthers.

Solid trade for the Panthers as they recoup the draft pick lost in the Kilger trade at last season's deadline and get the better defenseman. The Leafs, on the other hand, get rid of their whipping boy (unjustly so) McCabe, but lose yet another draft pick and take on yet another lesser player. I love Ryno and am sad that he's the one who was traded, but he's no McCabe. For the money they've gained in buyouts and trades this offseason (Tucker, Sundin, McCabe, Belak), they've lost in lesser players (Hagman, Finger, Mayers, Hollweg). Some rebuild!

http://panthers.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=380980

“I’m excited about coming here,” McCabe said. “There’s a great group of
young guys here and a good mix of talent.”

“Jacques was the ‘D’ coach (at the Olympics) so I got to spend some time
with him,” McCabe said. “Jacques went out of his way to bring me here and I’m
happy to be wanted. Jacques has done a great job (in Florida). He’s got good
young talent. And, obviously, the acquisitions this summer have been great.
“Bringing in Cory
Stillman, a guy with two Stanley Cups…guys like that are few and far
between. And the acquisitions of (Keith) Ballard and (Nick) Boynton is a big
upside. With myself added, and Jay
Bouwmeester, who is one of the best defensemen in the league, hands down, I
think we have one of the best defensive units out there. Plus you have an
All-Star goalie.”

Panther GM Jacques Martin described McCabe as a “big, strong, hard-hitting
defenseman who also possesses the ability to be a goal scorer and play on
special teams.”“He will be counted on to play an integral role on our defense
and to help bring future success to our franchise.”