Canadiens preparing for changes?

Canadiens preparing for changes?
TheFourthPeriod.com

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/mtl090302.html

With the trade deadline inching closer and closer, some members of the Montreal Canadiens are preparing for the possibility of being dealt.

Canadiens tough-guy Georges Laraque told RDS that he expects some of his teammates to bring a few extra suitcases with them when they travel to Buffalo on Tuesday for a game against the Sabres on Wednesday, the day of the deadline.

"When I was in Phoenix two years ago, I brought extra luggage even when the Coyotes left for only a few days," Laraque said. "I knew that I was going to be traded at the deadline."

Laraque won't have to worry about a move this season, as he has a no-trade clause in his contract and said he doesn't plan on voiding it.

One player the Habs are expected to part with is Mathieu Dandenault, but the veteran defenseman is worried about his future.

"My gut feeling is a total blank right now," Dandenault, who has seen limited ice-time this season, told The Canadian Press. "Am I gone, am I not gone? I can't tell you.

"I'm feeling in limbo, that's what it is. Not knowing is a tough situation and the fact that I haven't played in the last two tells you some other stuff. It's weird. It's not fun, but it is what it is."

Canadiens GM Bob Gainey is reportedly searching for a top-six forward and speculation suggests he'll make another move after trading away center Steve Begin to Dallas and claiming forward Glen Metropolit off waivers from Philadelphia last week.

The Habs have been linked to Phoenix Coyotes center Olli Jokinen, Colorado Avalanche left wing Ryan Smyth, Edmonton Oilers left wing Erik Cole, New York Islanders captain Bill Guerin and St. Louis Blues center Keith Tkachuk.

"I am anxious to see what will arrive," Laraque said.

The Montreal Gazette reported over the weekend that Gainey is also looking for a top-end defenseman, despite already acquiring Mathieu Schneider in February.

Prior to landing Schneider, the Habs were in talks with the Florida Panthers about Jay Bouwmeester.

It will be interesiting in who they pick up. The habs definiitely need a impact forward more now than ever.

I personally would like to see Erik Cole to the habs, he's one of those guys who did the habs in the playoffs when he was apart of the hurricanes stanley cup run.