Plekanec on the move?

Update (3:45 P.M.): Sorry I didn't mention one or two other names that have been linked to the Canadiens. According to someone who just listened to CKAC, the Habs are very close to landing an experienced defenseman who has expressed interest in playing for the Habs. The listener and other posters mentioned three possibilities repeatedly: Eric Weinrich, who was originally acquired in the Jeff Hackett deal, Sean Hill, who was drafted by the Canadiens and claimed by the Mighty Ducks in the '93 expansion draft, and Chris Chelios, former Canadiens captain. Is Gainey going after these guys? Brendan Witt? Anyone at all? Names being thrown the other way are: Ribeiro, Zednik, Kostitsyn, Dandenault, Bonk, Souray, and, of course, Plekanec.

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From Eklund: A source of his wrote in saying that Tomas Plekanec had been taken off the bench by a trainer prior to yesterday's shootout loss in Philadelphia, and seemed confused, leading to speculation he was to be traded. However, no trade has been made as of yet, and I continue to doubt whether Bob Gainey will actually make a move. If he does, and is asked for a rookie in return, Plekanec would probably be the first one offered up - Perezhogin isn't all that desireable and moving Higgins would be a disaster for the Canadiens given the way he's been playing. But is it really worth it to give up a young, NHL-calibre prospect for what will likely be an extremely difficult playoff series against either New York, Carolina, or Ottawa? I'd rather stick with my guns, let the young players get some playoff experience, and hope for some lucky breaks.

Eklund also reports that the Canadiens are interested in Matthew Barnaby. This is starting to sound like the rumours that go around in Toronto, namely, everyone and everyone being linked to the team. We've heard about Tyler Arnason, Mark Bell, Marc Denis, David Aebischer, Todd Bertuzzi, Keith Tkachuk, John LeClair, Mark Recchi, Denis Gauthier, Derek Morris, Bryan Berard, Sergei Gonchar, even Brad Richards (who, by the way, will not be traded - Jay Feaster met with the Lightning and put those rumours to rest). This is going to be a much quieter trade deadline day than normal because of the new CBA, and, unless Gainey pulls off another surprise like he did with the Kovalev deal, don't expect much player movement in Montreal.

Finally, I have seen a lot of talk on discussion boards suggesting that the Habs use Michael Ryder as trade bait in order to lure a big-name player to the team. Let me say it loud and clear: Ryder will not be traded. Trading him could be one of the stupidest things a Canadiens GM has done since dealing Patrick Roy for Jocelyn Thibault. The Canadiens need more goals scored and they're not going to achieve that by trading away their top goal-scorer. Had Ryder been sent to Florida in the off-season with José Theodore for Roberto Luongo, I might not have been disappointed. But that deal didn't go through at least partially because Gainey recognizes what I've just said - trading Ryder is a purely dumb move to make.