Habs trade for Robert Lang; sign Brisebois

From TSN (Hat tip to reader Bryan):

The Montreal Canadiens have acquired forward Robert Lang from the Chicago Blackhawks, in return for a second-round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft (acquired from Toronto along with Greg Pateryn, in return for Mikhaïl Grabovski, July 3, 2008).

Lang played 76 games with the Blackhawks in 2007-08, recording 54 points (21 goals, 33 assists), posting a plus-9 rating while serving 50 penalty minutes. It was the 8th consecutive season in his NHL career with 50 points or more.

As for Brisebois:

The Canadiens also announced the signing of defenceman Patrice Brisebois to a one-year contract. As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Brisebois, rejoined the Canadiens as a free agent on August 3, 2007.  During the 2007-08 season, he registered 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) and 26 penalty minutes in 43 games with the Canadiens, averaging 16:49 minutes of ice time per game.

Read the entire article here.

Let’s focus on Lang, as the Brisebois move was no real surprise.  The Lang rumors had been around for a little while so it isn’t completely shocking to read that the Habs finally pulled the trigger.  While the veteran Czech forward has lost a step, he is still crafty with the puck and can produce solid offensive totals.  In fact, last year he produced 54 points and was a plus player for the young Blackhawks.  Good move by the Habs who are clearly looking at taking the next step this season.  As for Chicago, the team is loaded with young talent and netting a 2nd round pick is a pretty good return for the veteran Lang.  Good trade for both sides.