• Full Press Coverage
  • Full Press Wrestling
  • Full Press Radio Network
  • FullPressShop.com
  • Want to write for us?
  • Advertise With Us

Saturday, January 28, 2023
Full Press Hockey
  • NHL
    • Atlantic Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • Florida Panthers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • Metropolitan Division
      • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Central Division
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • Pacific Division
  • NHL Rumors
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Full Press NHL Pod
    • Full Press Hockey Weekly
    • Final Word On Hockey
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Full Press Islanders Podcast
    • Full Press Panthers Podcast
    • Full Press Kraken Podcast
    • Full Press Predators Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • Stack The Pucks
    • Sal and Cratty Pod
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • Mike Saves Hockey
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • Front Range Podcast
  • Full Press Coverage
    • Full Press Coverage
    • Full Press Wrestling
    • Full Press Bets
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Hockey
  • NHL
    • Atlantic Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • Florida Panthers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • Metropolitan Division
      • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Central Division
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • Pacific Division
  • NHL Rumors
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Full Press NHL Pod
    • Full Press Hockey Weekly
    • Final Word On Hockey
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Full Press Islanders Podcast
    • Full Press Panthers Podcast
    • Full Press Kraken Podcast
    • Full Press Predators Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • Stack The Pucks
    • Sal and Cratty Pod
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • Mike Saves Hockey
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • Front Range Podcast
  • Full Press Coverage
    • Full Press Coverage
    • Full Press Wrestling
    • Full Press Bets
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Hockey
No Result
View All Result
Home NHL Atlantic Division Montreal Canadiens

Quick Impressions Of The Montreal Canadiens Trade Deadline

A few simple thoughts...

Chris Wassel by Chris Wassel
April 15, 2021
in Atlantic Division, Montreal Canadiens, NHL, NHL Rumors, Opinion, Trade
0
882
SHARES
2.5k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone. Now, all these teams go out and play the game as they say. Montreal was in the crossfire yesterday because of what had been going on, the playoff bubble, etc. Marc Bergevin is no doubt on the hot seat. It is known. Acquiring Eric Staal did little to quell the fire that has been burning amongst the media and the fans. No quotes here…just an unadulterated and honest look.

So, what did Marc Bergevin do? Let’s take a peek at what Montreal did this trade deadline season. We spotlight three of his acquisitions.

  • Ep 45: Canucks, Islanders, and The Boston Bruins
    by Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2023 at 6:26 am

    In this episode, Jim and Chris discuss the latest with the Canucks, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM6209478499.mp3?updated=1674714703

Montreal Canadiens at the Trade Deadline

Erik Gustafsson acquired for a 2022 seventh-round pick

These are picks that are truly throw-aways. Montreal still needed some defensive depth. Now, is Gustafsson really anything more? Simply, no. Was Marc Bergevin trying to catch lightning in a bottle here? Hey, it had to be asked.

2018-19 saw Gustafsson enjoy “the outlier of outliers” of a season. He had 60 points in all. Since the now Montreal defenseman has not seen the 30 point mark. The defenseman has not averaged two shots a game since either.

Defensively, Gustafsson gets caught out of position a lot, does not play anywhere near 20 minutes a night, and will have to be sheltered some. This probably was not the “puck-moving defenseman” (PMD) fans had in mind.

Yes, prices were a bit all over the place this trade deadline. However, the notion of “do something” sometimes does mean to not do something. This arguably was one of those times. The sense is that Montreal needed another puck mover and a good penalty-killing defenseman. Gustafsson definitely is not an asset on the latter. Furthermore, Gustafsson makes too many mistakes with the puck. So, a throw-away pick for essentially a throw-away and hope for the best trade.

Jon Merrill acquired for Hayden Verbeek and a 2021 fifth-round pick

This will probably irk some Montreal Canadiens fans too but Merrill is not a bad player. He just is not all that good either. Verbeek is basically AHL fodder by the way and a pick this late is just throwing a bone at this juncture.

Merrill is, was, and always will be a sheltered defenseman. It is a term one hears often. Marc Bergevin acquired two over the weekend. Now, while the former Detroit, Vegas, and New Jersey blueliner can be helpful on the penalty kill, he is just helpful.

In tougher minutes, he does get a “deer in headlights” look. It has been characteristic throughout his career. This is especially true when one forces him to move the puck up the ice. The decision-making skill set has never been there. If the game is kept simple enough for Merrill, he is a third-pairing NHL defenseman and that is it. Anything above 18 minutes a night is typically not good for the defenseman, honestly.

That may sound cold but this is reality. He is adequate to slightly above average on the penalty kill and against bottom-six forwards at even strength. Oh and offensively, just forget about it with Merrill. Do not even look at those numbers.

Latest Canadiens News

  • NHL Rumors: Montreal Canadiens, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings
  • NHL Rumors: Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers
  • NHL Insights: Winnipeg Jets, Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks, and Montreal Canadiens
  • NHL Insights: Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders
  • NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens

Eric Staal for a 2021 third-round pick and 2021 fifth-round pick

This is one to keep the simplest. Staal did not cost all that much given what the 2021 NHL Draft class is this year. That is due to COVID. Any picks after the first round can be argued to be like the lottery. Staal was brought in as middle-six help from the center position.

The irony is that Staal has now played five games for the Montreal Canadiens. He has one point and that was the overtime game-winning goal in his debut against Edmonton. That’s it. Since then, Staal has been on the ice for six more goals than his team has scored with him on the ice. His ice time has gradually declined to that of a bottom-six player. Also, do not look at the possession numbers when it comes to team relative percentage. It’s hideous but too early to form an opinion yet.

The two games against Winnipeg revealed something that the Jets clearly exploited. Staal has lost a step or two. He was repeatedly beaten off the puck and often. The on-ice save percentage in Minnesota dipped below 90% and that was not completely an accident. At even strength, it is clear that the 36-year old is just not the player he once was. Everyone knows that.

The problem is that Staal is not even the middle-six player he once was in Minnesota. Montreal needed that and a player who could be a bit more dependable. Even the Staal from a season or two ago would have sufficed. One can argue thorough five games, Staal’s biggest contribution is winning a few extra faceoffs for Montreal and one well-timed play.

 

  • Full Press Hockey Weekly
  • Full Press NHL Pod
  • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
  • Final Word On Hockey
  • Fourth Line Hockey Podcast
  • Calder Farmstead Podcast

Full Press Hockey Weekly

  • Ep 42: Going Streaking, 84 Game Schedule, Ovechkin Watch, Holiday Fun
    by Full Press Coverage on December 22, 2022 at 5:50 pm

    In this episode, Jim and Chris talk notable point streaks in the NHL, the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52259493/1802450_1671664042693_restream.mp3
  • Ep 41: Alex Ovechkin, Playoff Expansion, and More
    by Full Press Coverage on December 15, 2022 at 2:27 am

    Jim and Chris are back to discuss Alex Ovechkin's 800th goal, potential […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52190539/1802450_1671058969808_restream.mp3
  • Ep 40: Borje Salming Passing; Kris Letang, Roope Hintz, Top 5 Teams
    by Full Press Coverage on December 2, 2022 at 12:45 am

    Jim Biringer and Chris Wassel are back for another edition of Full Press […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52072739/1802450_1669930479532_restream.mp3
  • Ep 39: The NHL Has A Problem
    by Full Press Coverage on November 10, 2022 at 12:30 pm

    Mike and Jim are back to discuss all the latest from around the NHL.

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/51849781/1802450_1668034860523_restream.mp3

Full Press NHL Pod

  • New Jersey Devils and NHL Talk
    by Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2023 at 8:00 am

    Jim is back once again joined by Vox NHL Analyst Bruce Zeman to discuss […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM5418342366.mp3?updated=1674745622
  • The Mess That Is The Vancouver Canucks
    by Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2023 at 8:00 am

    Jim is back once again joined by Chris Wassel as they break down the mess […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM6391701533.mp3?updated=1674476981

Big Bad Bruins Podcast

  • Ep 79: Bruins Are A Wagon, Pastrnak Contract, Krejci, Trade Deadline
    by Full Press Coverage on January 18, 2023 at 6:35 pm

    Ian and Chris evaluate the red-hot Bruins halfway through the season. In […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5566499798.mp3?updated=1674067453
  • Ep 78: Mitchell Miller Fiasco Reaction; What Do The Bruins Do Next?
    by Full Press Coverage on November 7, 2022 at 10:37 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Mitchell Miller signing fiasco and discuss what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3779964597.mp3?updated=1667860924

Final Word On Hockey

  • S4Ep17 - Road Warriors - Devils, Kraken, Bruins, and Golden Knights
    by Jim Biringer on January 24, 2023 at 7:00 am

    Jim is back for a fourth season of the Final Word of Hockey with NHL […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM4934014927.mp3?updated=1674573822
  • S4Ep16 - Consistency - Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers
    by Jim Biringer on January 16, 2023 at 1:00 pm

    Jim is back for a fourth season of the Final Word of Hockey with NHL […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM6634859835.mp3?updated=1673836870

Fourth Line Hockey Podcast

Calder Farmstead Podcast

  • Episode #125: Rockford Offseason Makeover Successes
    by Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 5:04 pm

    On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, Sean and Sarah discuss the news […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52485576/the_calder_farmstead_episode_125_final.mp3
  • Episode #124: Snubbed? What The Frk!
    by Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 4:40 am

    On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, Sean and Sarah break down the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52418812/the_calder_farmstead_epsiode_124_final.mp3





Tags: Eric StaalErik GustafssonJon MerrillMarc BergevinMontreal CanadiensNHL Trade Deadline
Previous Post

Cleveland Rolls Through Rochester in New York

Next Post

Stockton Drops Back to Back Games Against Belleville

Chris Wassel

Chris Wassel

Next Post

Stockton Drops Back to Back Games Against Belleville

A New Jersey Double Bagel Has Devils Sinking Toward Buffalo

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Latest Headlines

Eagles Dominated By Stars

Deadline Rumors: Atlantic Looking To Load Up At Deadline

New Jersey Devils and NHL Talk

Streaky Sabres Narrowing Gap In Playoff Race

An In-Depth Look at the Panthers Race For A Wild Card Spot

MacKinnon Hits 700 Career Points; Coach Sets Record


  • Full Press Islanders with Hunter Hywell - Friday, January 27th
    by Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 8:00 pm

    Previewing tonights opponent the Red Wings and emphasizing the importance of this weekends back to […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM4942271869.mp3?updated=1674845750
  • Full Press Kraken - Friday, January 27th
    by Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 7:00 pm

    Today we have a Beniers injury update, preview tonight’s game and hand out some hardware. Learn […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM7819965208.mp3?updated=1674845521
  • Renegades Of Puck Ep 709
    by Charlie Saunier on January 27, 2023 at 9:11 am

    Ep 709 The Renegades Of Puck Recap 6-4 W Vs Devils Preview Knights & Talk Preds Hockey ◍ […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM1410110200.mp3?updated=1674805779
  • Full Press Kraken - Thursday, January 26th
    by Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2023 at 7:00 pm

    Full Press Kraken - Thursday, January 26th Learn more about your ad choices. Visit […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM1930003298.mp3?updated=1674757985
  • Full Press Islanders with Hunter Hywell - Thursday, January 26th
    by Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2023 at 6:45 pm

    Talking about last nights loss in Ottawa and what the Isles have to do to stop the losing streak […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM8035657495.mp3?updated=1674758266
  • New Jersey Devils and NHL Talk
    by Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2023 at 8:00 am

    Jim is back once again joined by Vox NHL Analyst Bruce Zeman to discuss the New Jersey Devils. How […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM5418342366.mp3?updated=1674745622
  • Ep.13 Do The Panthers Still Have A Shot At The Playoffs?
    by Full Press Coverage on January 25, 2023 at 9:55 pm

    Today we take a look at the Panthers losses to the Rangers and Penguins and how those major losses […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM7932580192.mp3?updated=1674682882
  • Full Press Islanders with Hunter Hywell - Wednesday, January 25th
    by Full Press Coverage on January 25, 2023 at 8:00 pm

    Full Press Islanders with Hunter Hywell - Wednesday, January 25th Learn more about your ad choices. […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM6660159719.mp3?updated=1674229597
  • Full Press Kraken - Wednesday, January 25th
    by Full Press Coverage on January 25, 2023 at 7:32 pm

    Full Press Kraken - Wednesday, January 25th Learn more about your ad choices. Visit […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM9296457347.mp3?updated=1674674548
  • Renegades Of Puck Ep 708
    by Charlie Saunier on January 25, 2023 at 9:11 am

    Ep 708 The Renegades Of Puck Recap 2-1 W Vs Jets Preview Devils & Talk Preds Hockey ◍ […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM7667721981.mp3?updated=1674629377
  • 5.13.2
    by HW Radio on January 24, 2023 at 11:28 pm

    The second half of "The Provorov episode. This side of 5.13 we get to all the positive's that have […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52535355/309222363_44100_2_b289150d9c59f.mp3
  • Bruce There He Went - Jan. 24, 2023
    by Full Press Coverage on January 24, 2023 at 9:15 pm

    As was expected over the past few weeks, the Vancouver Canucks finally fired Head Coach Bruce […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/6F48GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2243935197.mp3?updated=1674594766
All Shows

  • Banner: Andy Reid’s Greatest Achievement Isn’t Measured By Victories
    by Clark Judge on January 28, 2023 at 4:44 pm

    If Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs win Sunday’s AFC championship game with Cincinnati, he […]

  • NFL 2022: Football Food For Thought (Conference Championships)
    by Russell S. Baxter on January 27, 2023 at 8:33 pm

    What a difference a season makes. This year, the top playoff seeds in both the AFC and NFC play […]

  • NFL 2022: Five Key Statistics for Conference Championships
    by Russell S. Baxter on January 27, 2023 at 8:30 pm

    It’s down to four teams for the two invitations to Super Bowl LVII. There’s a clash of powers […]

  • Chicago Bears: Who Stays And Who Goes? Wide Receivers
    by Carlos Nazario on January 27, 2023 at 6:10 pm

    We continue our series on which Chicago Bears players remain on the roster by looking at the wide […]

  • Chiefs Vs Bengals AFC Championship Game: Keys To Victory
    by Braden Holecek on January 27, 2023 at 5:17 pm

    Chiefs Vs Bengals AFC Championship Game: Keys To Victory. Entering Chiefs vs Bengals, we list keys […]

  • 1/6 - Damar Hamlin Update, Bills/Bengals, AFC Playoffs, Week 18 Picks
    by Full Press Coverage on January 6, 2023 at 3:11 pm

    Ian and John discuss the latest updates involving Damar Hamlin, the complicated AFC Playoff […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52370844/adv7945119121.mp3
  • Winter Classic: Bruins Rally To Beat Penguins At Fenway
    by Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:09 am

    Ian and John react to the Bruins win over the Penguins at the Winter Classic.

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52347699/winterclassic_1223.mp3
  • 1/3 - Bills/Bengals Postponed; Bruins Topple Penguins In Winter Classic
    by Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:05 am

    Ian and John discuss the awful health incident with Damar Hamlin and the postponement of Monday […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52347785/adv7113118835.mp3
  • 1/2 - Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Week 17, Bills/Bengals
    by Full Press Coverage on January 3, 2023 at 3:22 am

    Ian and John discuss Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers' big weekend, a wild Week 17, the Patriots, and […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52337981/adv3837765634.mp3
  • 12/30 - New Year's Eve, Luka Doncic, NBA Talk, Week 17 Preview and Picks
    by Full Press Coverage on January 1, 2023 at 2:29 am

    Ian and John discuss New Year's Eve, the Boston MBTA, Luka's triple double and the latest in the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52325064/adv6627435983.mp3
  • Aaron Rodgers, Packers Win Third Straight; Playoffs In Sight
    by Full Press Coverage on December 27, 2022 at 7:36 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Packers playoff hopes after three straight victories.

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52291951/packersrodgers.mp3
  • 12/27 - Nathaniel Hackett, Broncos Coaching Future, Packers And The Playoffs?
    by Full Press Coverage on December 27, 2022 at 7:33 pm

    On a Tuesday, Ian and John discuss the firing of Nathaniel Hackett, the Broncos and Russell […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52292267/adv3802163616.mp3
  • 12/26 - Week 16 Reaction; Brady/Bucs Rally, NFL News and Notes
    by Full Press Coverage on December 27, 2022 at 2:59 pm

    Ian and John are back after an eventful Christmas weekend in the NFL. They react to all the action […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/52289969/adv2670688794.mp3
Full Press Hockey

2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • NHL
  • NHL Rumors
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • NHL
    • Atlantic Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • Florida Panthers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • Metropolitan Division
      • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Central Division
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • Pacific Division
  • NHL Rumors
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Full Press NHL Pod
    • Full Press Hockey Weekly
    • Final Word On Hockey
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Full Press Islanders Podcast
    • Full Press Panthers Podcast
    • Full Press Kraken Podcast
    • Full Press Predators Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • Stack The Pucks
    • Sal and Cratty Pod
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • Mike Saves Hockey
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • Front Range Podcast
  • Full Press Coverage
    • Full Press Coverage
    • Full Press Wrestling
    • Full Press Bets
  • Shop

2020 Full Press Coverage