December 17, 2006
Habs interested in Fedorov? TheFourthPeriod.com
The Montreal Canadiens are looking for help at the center position and could be eyeing Blue Jackets veteran Sergei Fedorov, reports the Ottawa Sun.
According to the paper, whispers out of Montreal last week suggest the Habs are looking at bringing in Fedorov to help the club push its way up the standings.
The Canadiens are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference and hold the league's fifth-best record (19-8-5, 43 points). The addition of a veteran, offensive-minded center could potentially boost the performance of wingers Alex Kovalev and Sergei Samsonov, which is what the Habs are hoping for if they acquire such a player.
While Columbus isn't actively shopping Fedorov, the Sun claims Jackets GM Doug MacLean would be willing to listen if the Habs really are serious about making a deal.
Fedorov's $6 million salary, however, could pose a problem. The Habs current payroll sits at $41 million and they would have to clear some money if they're going to bring in someone like Fedorov.
The Canadiens are trying to move defenseman Janne Niinimaa and his $2.4 million salary, while the Sun claims the Habs are also looking to deal center Radek Bonk ($2.3 million), however it's unlikely the team will trade one of the league's best defensive players.
Various reports have also hinted the Canadiens are also eyeing the likes of Vancouver's Brendan Morrison and Tampa Bay's Vaclav Prospal.
