The Montreal Canadiens have made their fair share of regrettable trades throughout their history. Here are 13 of the worst trades made by the team:
– *13. Scott Gomez*: The Canadiens acquired Gomez from the New York Rangers in 2009, taking on his hefty contract. While Gomez was a competent playmaker, his salary became a constant hindrance to the team’s ability to improve.¹
– *12. Mike Ribeiro*: In 2006, the Canadiens traded Ribeiro to the Dallas Stars for Janne Niinimaa. Ribeiro went on to have several successful seasons with the Stars, while Niinimaa’s time in Montreal was underwhelming.
– *11. Stephane Richer*: The Canadiens traded Richer to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1998, along with Darcy Tucker and David Wilkie. While Richer’s career was on the decline, Tucker went on to have a successful career with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
– *10. Gordon “Red” Berenson*: In 1966, the Canadiens traded Berenson to the New York Rangers for Ted Taylor and Garry Peters. Berenson went on to have a successful 17-year career in the NHL, playing for the Rangers, St. Louis Blues, and Detroit Red Wings.
– *9. Jyrki Lumme*: The Canadiens traded Lumme to the Vancouver Canucks in 1990 for a second-round pick. Lumme went on to have a successful nine-year career with the Canucks, playing in the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals.
– *8. Vincent Damphousse*: In 1999, the Canadiens traded Damphousse to the San Jose Sharks for draft picks. Damphousse went on to play five more successful seasons in the NHL, while the picks the Canadiens received did not pan out.
– *7. Danny Grant*: The Canadiens traded Grant to the Minnesota North Stars in 1968, along with Claude Larose and future considerations. Grant went on to have a successful six-year career with the North Stars, winning the Calder Trophy in 1969.
