Lapresse CPHL
R. Labbe reports that things are starting to pick up in the rumor mill surrounding the Habs. GM Goffie is yet to pull the trigger on an in season trade. This is quite the opposite of his long tenure in Pittsburgh, where patience was not a displayed attribute.
Often mentioned Mikko Rantanen looks to be settling in on a line with PLD. They are starting to click and it appears that Rantanen wants to stay in Montreal.
Pekka Rinne has been involved in recent talks and may be on the move. However a team has recently expressed interest in Mike Smith (6-0-1) and apparently made an intriguing proposal. With the shaky play of Juuse Saros who is the only long term answer in the net, the Habs appeared set to use 3 goalies this season. This should be an interesting situation to monitor.
The Habs have an abundance of depth on D. With Andy Greene, Ben Chiarot, Jonas Brodin and Oscar Klefbom solidifying themselves as a legit top 4, Cam Fowler and the emerging Filip Hronek have been the subject of trade talks. Fowler has been better as of late and is making a push to stay in the lineup.
Recently drafted Alexander Holtz has started the season on fire with 4 goals in his first 8 games. It appears he has caught the eye of some rival GMs and the Habs have received two firm offers on him over the last week or so. It doesn't appear that GM Goffie is looking at moving Holtz at this time.
Sitting at 10-4-1 the next 5 games should say a lot about what happens with this team.
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