Montreal, QC (CP) -- Rumors had run wild all weekend over a potential trade involving one of the best young goaltenders in the game.
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jose Theodore has been the center of trade speculation the past two days, and all inquiries as to whether or not he had been traded were put to a rest late Monday.
In a six-player blockbuster, the Canadiens shipped away goalie Mathieu Garon, forwards Yanic Perreault and Andreas Dackell, and prospect Ron Hainsey to the New York Islanders in exchange for stellar defenseman Kenny Jonsson, back-up netminder Garth Snow and a second-round draft pick in 2005.
"This was a huge deal for us," Habs GM Dave Pagnotta said. "We brought in one of the best all-around defensemen in the game, and that's made us a better team.
"At the same time, though, we dealt away two stable forwards, a very solid prospect and one of the best young goalies out there to make it happen. Kenny didn't come cheap, but we feel he's well worth it."
Jonsson, 30, has four-years left on his current contract. He is expect to join Sheldon Souray on the team's top defensive pairing.
"This allows us the advantage of putting together three well-rounded defensive units," said head coach Claude Julien. "It's an exciting day for our hockey club."
With Garon gone, the chances of the Canadiens dealing another top, French Canadian goalie are unlikely.
"Jose's not going anywhere," Pagnotta said. "It's as simple as that."