Canadiens send Weise, Fleischmann to Hawks

Days before the NHL trade deadline, the Chicago Blackhawks have made another trade, preparing themselves for yet another long playoff run. The Montreal Canadiens have dealt veteran fowards Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann to the Blackhawks in return for former first round pick Phillip Danault and a 2018 second round pick.

Reigning from Victoriaville, Quebec, Phillip Danault was selected 26th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 draft. The 6 foot, 200 pound centerman played his first three pro season with the Blackhawks affiliate team, the Rockford Icehogs of the AHL. In early November, Danault was recalled by the Blackhawks where he got to play alongside Marian Hossa and captain Jonathan Toews on the 1st line. In 30 games this season, the 23 year-old amassed 1 goal and 4 assists.

Marc Bergevin following the deal: "Phillip Danault is a young and gifted player who will be part of our core group of young forwards for many years to come. I am very pleased to have him join our organization. As a member of the Blackhawks management group, I was instrumental in the selection of Phillip in the first round of the 2011 NHL Draft. Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann have both been good contributors to our team and I would like to wish them the best of luck with the Blackhawks' organization."



#15 Tomas Fleischmann and #22 Dale Weise now members of the Chicago Blackhawks - (Jean Yves Ahern/USA TODAY Sports)

Canadiens ink Paul Byron to 3-year extension

General manager Marc Bergevin has closed in on a deal with pending UFA forward Paul Byron for the next three seasons, on Tuesday evening. The deal is reported to be at $3.5M, carrying an annual cap hit of $1.6M, per Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.

Marc Bergevin on the extension of Paul Byron:  "We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Paul Byron. "A fast-skating and versatile forward Paul has been an important addition to our team. He can contribute on the offensive side while being responsible defensively. Furthermore, he demonstrates an exemplary attitude and the qualities of a true professional. We’re proud to have him among our group of forwards for the next three seasons."

In 40 games this season, the Ottawa native has recorded 8 goals (3 of whom have been short-handed) and 3 assists for a total of 11 points. The Montreal Canadiens claimed Byron off waivers from the Calgary Flames on October 6th, 2015.

#41 Paul Byron - (Photograph by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Why it wouldn't make sense for Montreal to make the playoffs

The same team that went 9-0-0 to start the season now faces desperation for a playoff spot in the standings. The Montreal Canadiens were 20-4-3 in their first 27 games of the season, leading the Atlantic division by 9 points. Fast forward 27 more games and the Canadiens currently sit in 5th place in the Atlantic division, 12th in the Eastern Conference and 22nd in the league. Since December 3rd, Montreal has gone 6-20-1, giving them the worst record in the league. A lot of the blame has been on Michel Therrien and the coaching staff, as well as the general manager Marc Bergevin. How can you not blame Therrien for this mess? For the past 3 years he has been incapable of setting consistent line-ups and has developed the younger players poorly. Not to mention this disastrous stretch goes to show you how great Carey Price is when he is healthy.

Another factor that plays a role in this equation is the lack of leadership and heart coming from the players. Captain Max Pacioretty hasn't showed up when his team needed him the most. He hasn't picked up the load nor taken his game to the next level in order to lead by example. Losing Price to injury for the most part of the season has hurt them as his leadership and skill is missing in the locker room and on the ice. The Canadiens have become a fragile hockey team and have lost their confidence and swagger. Crushing the Edmonton Oilers 5 to 1 Saturday afternoon may have brought the players spirits back, but a playoff birth is useless at this point in time.