Thoughts on the Theodore trade
It's at moments like these that you realize just how much the Canadiens are a part of our lives. José Theodore was the face of the Montreal franchise, through thick and thin, ups and downs. It's not often in this new, international NHL that a French-Canadian, Montreal-born player can be a poster boy for the Habs and withstand the pressure, yet Theodore did it for quite some time - this was Theodore's 10th season with the franchise. I guess what I'm getting at is that, while I have been wildly frustrated with his play this season, it's with a twinge of sadness that I wave goodbye to #60. Despite his inconsistency on the ice, Theodore represented Montreal well, and never shied from being an icon in this city, as so many Quebec NHLers have.
This trade confirms a lot about Bob Gainey that we had suspected but not known for sure. He's a doer, not a watcher. When Claude Julien wasn't motivating his team out of a slump, Gainey axed him. Same thing could be said for Theodore, although he gave him a little more time than Julien. There were lots of reasons for this trade - Aebischer's stats this season, Theodore's salary, the risk of having Theodore recovering from injury in the playoffs - but Gainey made this deal first and foremost because he capitalized on an opportunity to rid himself of a player who wasn't playing up to par.
José, thanks for being such a big part of Montreal and for facing the music when so many have blocked their ears. It was a rocky road, but with all said and done, you have contributed greatly to the turning around of this team. I wish you well in Denver.
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posted by d b @ 5:23 PM
1 comments
1 Comments:
Nice post. You've captured my thoughts on this trade.
As a Habs fan, I was shocked when I saw this trade, but not in the way I was when Roy was dealt. It's more a bittersweet feeling. Jose was the reason why the Habs made the playoffs and upset the hated Bruins in 2002 and 2004. But his poor play (based in large part on his equipment), off-ice family issues and that hefty salary were hurting the Habs, not helping.
Gainey is a very savvy GM and saw the opportunity to make his team better. This isn't the same as the Roy trade, even if Theodore regains his form in Colorado. Abby's stats the past two years are comparable to Jose's and Jose is four years removed from that big 2002 season.
If he is falling from grace as Steve Simmons suggests, this trade only makes Gainey and his staff look even smarter.
Still, thanks for everything, Jose.
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