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June 24, 2007
TheFourthPeriod.com

The Montreal Canadiens were involved in several trade discussions in the days leading up to the draft, and while nothing materialized, talks are expected to move forward.

According to several reports, Canadiens GM Bob Gainey was looking for ways to improve his hockey club. He attempted to move up in the draft from the No.12 spot, speaking with the Columbus Blue Jackets about swapping picks, although the Habs appear to have selected the man they wanted all along.

"[Ryan McDonagh is] the guy we wanted all along and we were surprised that we had a chance to get him," Canadiens director of player personnel Trevor Timmins told the Montreal Gazette.

Other than the Blue Jackets, the Canadiens were also believed to be involved in several discussions with the likes of Anaheim, San Jose, Edmonton, Carolina and Los Angeles. The only trade that was agreed upon on during the draft had the Habs moving goalie Michael Leighton to the Hurricanes for a seventh-round drat pick.

The Habs are one of six teams believed to be very interested in Sharks center Patrick Marleau and negotiations are expected to continue.

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