Gomez Traded to Canadiens, Higgins to Rangers
Bob Gainey Makes a Trade Ahead of Free Agent Frenzy
Jun 30, 2009
When the puck drops on the 2009-10 season, Scott Gomez and Christopher Higgins will do as they had been for the last two and four years, respectively: pull a sweater decorated in red, white and blue over their head and take to the ice to represent an Original Six team. The only difference, however, will be the club they represent, as Gomez and Higgins headlined a seven-player swap between the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens on the eve of free agency.
Joining Gomez from the Rangers’ side are prospects Tom Pyatt (F) and Michael Busto (D). New York, meanwhile, adds a trio of defensemen in 2007 first round pick Ryan McDonagh (12th overall), Pavel Valentenko (currently in Russia), and impending free agent Doug Janik.
The 29-year-old arrives in Montreal with a hefty cap hit – $7.357 million for the next five years, to be exact – and disappointing statistics in 2008-09; it was the first time in six years that he failed to reach or surpass the 60-point mark. In a city where the fans don’t hesitate to voice their displeasure at the first wrong move, no matter how minute, it would seem the pressure is on. But that’s just fine for Gomez.
“Pressure, that’s always something that I’ve loved. It’s good; it’s nice to go somewhere and play somewhere that everyone craves it,” he said from his native Alaska, where he was enjoying an offseason fishing trip. “There’s always pressure when you play for a Mr. [Lou] Lamoriello, and in New York. Obviously nothing compares to Montreal, but you learn from those situations.”
One area he definitely is hoping the pressure will pay off is on the scoresheet.
“You bet I was embarrassed about last year, what happened, the way I played. But, the day you stop looking into that, you might as well not play. I’ve got a lot to prove and that’s just the way I’ve always been,” admitted Gomez.
And with plenty to prove, he couldn’t be happier to do it in Montreal.
“I’m really excited. I mean, you’re going to the mecca of hockey and you’ve got to be excited about that.”
Christopher Higgins Returns Closer to Home
A die-hard Habs fan all his life, the news was perhaps a little tough on Higgins. At the same time, though, the 26-year-old admits he’s already quite fond of his new team.
“If there was one team I wanted to play for besides Montreal it would be the Rangers. To play in front of my family and friends - a lot of my family lives in the city - is a dream come true for me,” revealed the Smithtown, NY native, about an hour’s drive into Long Island, via conference call.
Higgins’ name had been tossed around seemingly endlessly in trade rumors over the last few years and there was speculation that the constant talk had perhaps derailed the winger on the ice. Not helping matters was the injury bug, one that bit hard during the 2008-09 season. As he prepares for a new season with a new team, he’s looking forward to contributing to head coach John Tortorella’s aggressive, offensive system.
“I like to be moving my feet the whole time I am out there for my shift,” noted Higgins. “I pride myself on my work ethic. I think when I am working my hardest that’s when I am playing my best. I hope to bring that energy and that type of work ethic to each shift every night.”
Viewed as a goal scorer by Rangers General Manager Glen Sather, he knows the expectations won’t be any lower on Broadway.
“The scrutiny is unparalleled. I have yet to play for another organization, but from what I've been told, there's nothing close to the pressure you face in Montreal. I guess a second would be the Garden faithful. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
The End of Saku Koivu in Montreal?
Before the trade, the Canadiens’ roster comprised of captain Saku Koivu, Tomas Plekanec, Maxim Lapierre and Glen Metropolit down the middle, with Kyle Chipchura trying to break through as well. The acquisition of Gomez, combined with Gainey’s admission that he would not be offering Koivu a contract before July 1st, likely spells the end of the veteran pivot’s tenure in Montreal.
So, where will he go? There have long been rumors that he’d join his brother Mikko in Minnesota. Over the years, there had also been talk that maybe he and good friend Teemu Selanne would like to play together in the NHL. If not those two, one would have to think that at 34 going on 35 in November he’d eye a contender that might be interested in his services.
The answer will be revealed as soon as he’s eligible to put pen to paper after July 1 at noon.
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