(MONTREAL, QC) -- It's been widely speculated for the past 24 hours that the Montreal Canadiens were on the verge of making a big change to their roster.
Today, the Canadiens confirmed in a late press conference that they have in deed shaken up their organization after completing a significant trade with the Calgary Flames.
Veterans Richard Zednik and Kenny Jonsson, both of whom were spotted earlier today in head coach Claude Julien's dressing room with general manager Dave Pagnotta, have been dealt to the Flames.
Coming to La Belle Provance is young stud winger Alexander Frolov and defensive defenseman Stephane Robidas. Draft picks were also exchanged.
"This was a big move for us on a number of levels," Pagnotta said. "This trade provides us with a young, offensive minded left-winger in Frolov, but at the same time sends a message to the rest of our boys that nobody is safe.
"We were off to a solid start and then things started to head south, and that's unacceptable. We hope this deal proves a point and allows our team to regain form."
The deal came as a bit of a shocker to everyone, as this was the first mention of any possible move coming out of Montreal. Nevertheless, the deal appears to have opened the eyes of everyone.
"Well, I can tell you that it was pretty surprised about the trade," said Canadiens star Mike Modano, who sits second in the league with 30 points. "Nobody expected anything, and when Zeds and Kenny were called off the ice during the morning skate, we didn't think anything of it.
"The deal really does hit home. We haven't played our best of late and we need to turn the heat on."
While the deal does shake up the team's scoring game, it puts a bit of a damper on their offensive production from the blueline.
"Yes, losing a guy like Kenny, with his talents, will be tough to replace, but Dave's the boss and we have to roll with the punches," Julien said. "We needed to help ourselves in the defensive zone, and we've done that with Robidas. Good teams find ways to win, and I think we are moving in the right direction."
It is believed that the Canadiens may not be done, as they may be in the market for an offensive blueliner, but the Habs refused to comment.