The Nashville Predators and the Montreal Canadiens announced a somewhat significant trade this afternoon, with three pending free agents changing teams. Their new teams have a little under two days of exclusive negotiations to try and sign the pending UFA’s.
Nashville acquired forward Sergei Kostitsyn from the Canadiens, who is coming off several tumultous seasons with the Habs and looks to be closer to being separated from brother Andrei. After spending three seasons jumping between the Canadiens and the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL, Sergei was set to hit the open market as a free agent.
The return for Montreal is what is intriguing. Dustin Boyd, if signed, could be a definite boost for the Canadiens who played so well defensively in the playoffs. Yet it’s Ellis that is the focal point of this trade.
Dan Ellis, considered by many to be one the better and valuable goaltenders set to be a free agent, could be exactly what the Habs need in order to push Carey Price. While there’s certainly the possibility that Ellis was looking to be a starter, those jobs are few and far between this summer with a number of worthy goaltenders going on the market. He also has the perfect temperament to deal with the insanity that goes on in Montreal, and he won’t let the pressure get to him.
Dustin Boyd, if signed, could be a definite boost for the Canadiens who played so well defensively in the playoffs.