The arrival of Bourque indicates the acknowledgment that the Habs are too small and too apprehensive up front, but the long-term and expensive contracts of players such as forwards Brian Gionta, Scott Gomez and Tomas Plekanec imply that there might not be any quick fixes available.
However, the Canadiens have dropped to 12th place in the Eastern Conference and are eight points out of the eighth and final playoff spot, hinting that they will be major sellers en route to the trade deadline.
Several top targets have been determined, as defenseman Hall Gill has seen his minutes dropped under new interim coach Randy Cunneyworth. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and his reputation as one of the top penalty killers in the league could generate some interest.
Fellow blueliner Chris Campoli could also be used in a package deal and sent out of Montreal.
Forwards Andrei Kostitsyn and Travis Moen are also to become unrestricted free agents in July and could be used as trade bait in GM Pierre Gauthier's negotiations.
Defenseman Yannick Weber could also be a good catch for clubs looking for help on the powerplay.
One thing is sure, if the Habs don't work hard to improve their 16-20-8 record in the coming weeks, Gauthier will continue to unload.
More Trade Deadline Info
List of Trades
| No-Trade/No-Movement Clauses
| Top 25 Available Players
| Team-by-Team Cap Info
