Significant Trades in Montreal Canadiens History
As the NHL’s trade deadline draws near, it’s worth reflecting on significant trades that have shaped the Montreal Canadiens over the years. A notable example is the deal that occurred nearly two decades ago on February 25, 2007, when former GM Bob Gainey sent defenseman Craig Rivet to the San Jose Sharks. In exchange, the Canadiens received a stay-at-home defenseman along with a first-round draft pick, which, unbeknownst to Gainey at the time, would lead to a key player in the franchise’s future.
The Rivet Trade
Rivet, known for his close friendship with then-captain Saku Koivu, had established himself as a solid contributor to the Canadiens’ defense. His last complete season with Montreal saw him achieve personal bests, scoring 7 goals and assisting on 27 others, amassing 34 points. This level of play was instrumental in convincing the Sharks to add a first-round pick to the trade package. At that moment, however, there was uncertainty about where that pick would land.
The postseason outcome that year favored the Sharks, who made the playoffs while the Canadiens did not, resulting in the 22nd overall pick in the draft. Gainey utilized that selection to choose Max Pacioretty, an American winger from the USHL, who tallied an impressive 63 points in just 60 games that season. Following the draft, Pacioretty had a successful year at the University of Michigan, scoring 39 points in 37 games, before transitioning to the AHL and making his NHL debut with Montreal shortly after.
Pacioretty’s Rise
Pacioretty’s potential blossomed during the 2011-12 NHL season, where he recorded 65 points in 79 games. Over the years, he became a consistent goal scorer for the Canadiens, netting at least 30 goals in five seasons and earning the title of team captain in September 2015. On the other hand, Rivet’s counterpart in the trade, Josh Gorges, also carved out a significant career in Montreal, featuring in 464 games and providing steady defense and leadership over eight seasons before he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in 2014.
Legacy of the Trade
The impact of the Rivet trade did not end there. When the Canadiens decided to part ways with Pacioretty, they struck a deal with the Vegas Golden Knights that netted them Tomas Tatar, Nick Suzuki, and a second-round pick for 2019. Although Gainey originally sought Cody Glass in that transaction, Suzuki has proved to be a tremendous asset. Four years later, Suzuki ascended to the captaincy of the Canadiens as the 31st in franchise history, and he showcased his talent on an international level during the Milano-Cortina Olympics, stepping in for an injured Sidney Crosby.
