Montreal, QC -- As the Montreal Canadiens continue their attempts to bolster their roster, they've completed their third significant trade of the off-season.
After acquiring center Daymond Langkow from Phoenix and denfeseman Tom Poti from the New York Rangers, the Canadiens got together with the St. Louis Blues and completed their biggest trade in recent memory.
The Canadiens traded star rookie Michael Ryder, offensive-minded defenseman Andrei Markov, goaltending prospect Yann Danis and a 6th round draft pick in this year's draft to the Blues.
In exchange, the Habs acquired All-Star Pavol Demitra, stellar blueliner Barret Jackman and tough-winger Jamal Mayers.
"We're very excited about this trade" said Habs GM Dave Pagnotta. "Bringing in Pavol gives us a dynamite first line and allows our team to have two strong offensive units up front.
Jackman speaks for himself! He's great in his own zone. He shuts down the oppositions top scorers and he'll be a key asset to our club. Mayers provides us with a physical and strong winger whom we'll plan to use on our fourth line.
This team has dramatically improved our hockey team."
Demitra, 29, was shocked to hear of the news, but sounded pleased to be a member of the Canadiens.
"It obviously came as a surprise to me, Demitra said from his home in the Czech Republic. "I'm going to miss St. Louis, but Montreal is moving in a great direction. I'm glad to be a part of this storied franchise."
Habs shopping first-rounder
The Canadiens are believed to be shopping their first-round pick in this year's entry-draft. Several teams are believed to have interest in the pick, and a source close to the team claims a deal could be made early this week.
Montreal is also supposedly shopping the likes of Yanic Perreault, Pierre Dagenais, Craig Rivet and Stephane Quintal, while rumors began to swirl late Sunday that talented youngster Mike Ribeiro could also be on the trade-block.