Steadfast approach

Bob Gainey seems to be taking the steadfast approach, having told the press he does not plan on making any major moves for the moment. That's partly because the Canadiens don't have that much to offer in a trade, and would be forced to take on some extra salary if they did. It would only make sense for Gainey to take on extra salary if his team was making a push for the playoffs, which, at the moment, it is not.

Gainey announced that he was going with backup Cristobal Huet in nets tonight against Philadelphia, after two of the worst performances of José Theodore's career. Theodore is trying to keep his head above water, however. He said he is no stranger to adversity, and, while his recent play has been frustrating to him, he is confident that he can come back to form. We've been waiting all year, José.

Finally, reports are out that the Blackhawks are trying to rid themselves of their #1 centre, Tyler Arnason. The Canadiens were reportedly considering him before Claude Julien got fired, and if Chicago was willing to take Mike Ribeiro and all the baggage he comes with, the Habs would really benefit from swapping the two. Arnason is 26, making $1.2 million, and has 11 G and 23 A. Most importantly, though, he is +1, compared with Ribeiro's atrocious -14 +/- rating.