The Canadiens are in the market for a big No.2 center, reports the Montreal Gazette, which could lead to the departure of Mike Ribeiro.

With Saku Koivu locked up for three more seasons (read signing), the Habs have Radek Bonk and rookie Tomas Plekanec capable of playing up the middle, leaving Ribeiro available for trade.

Ribeiro has been enjoying some success playing on a like with Alexei Kovalev and Alexander Perezhogin, however the Gazette suggests that's merely a ploy to showcase him to other trade.

It has been speculated that the Canadiens are eyeing the likes of Florida's Olli Jokinen, Tampa Bay's Brad Richards and Chicago's Mark Bell.

Source: TheFourthPeriod.com

My opinion is that Ribeiro is a talented player, but he has to get stronger physically. He got hit easily, and he's getting slow for the new NHL. I love him, and I hope he will adjust quickly to convince the Habs administration not to trade him.

GSA

I don't think the Habs will go for Jokinen; he's a free agent this summer and I doubt they'll get Jokie for Ribeiro; the Habs will need to give up more.

As for Richards, there have been numerous rumours as the Richards for Theodore. We'll see.


Leafer