Montreal Canadiens Acquire P.A. Parenteau For Daniel Briere

The Montreal Canadiens announced that they have acquired P.A. Parenteau and a 2015 5th round pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Daniel Briere.

Parenteau has a $4 million cap hit and is signed for two more years. Briere has one year left at $4 million.

Parenteau had 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points in 55 games for the Avalanche. Briere struggled to find a role with the Canadiens but it is clear that the Canadiens are continually looking to upgrade in scoring. Briere had 13 goals and 12 assists.

The Canadiens, it’s no surprise, are set at center which is Briere’s best position. Parenteau adds depth to the wing, especially if the Canadiens aren’t able to bring back Brian Gionta. It gives the Canadiens and Marc Bergevin more leeway.

Parenteau has had above average possession numbers compared to his team for the last three seasons and last year’s playoffs. He always hovered around 50% Corsi (except for the playoffs where he was at 43.9). He had been +3.7%, +1.7%, +3.5% and +3.8% Corsi Relative in 2011-12 (with the Islanders) and in 2012-13, 2013-14 and the 2013-14 playoffs.

In seven playoff games, he had a goal and two assists including two assists in Colorado’s Game 7 loss.

Parenteau will likely play with either Tomas Plekanec or Lars Eller in an offensive role. There is no way to look at this trade other than with positives for the Canadiens. No, they don’t lose on salary but they get a player who fits in a lot better to their team, get bigger and someone who can possibly play in their top two lines without a problem.

He also helps a power play that struggled mightily at the end of last season as he can slot in on the wing.

All in all, there’s not much not to like. Also, as has been noted all of Marc Bergevin’s acquisitions last Summer are now gone: Briere, George Parros, Douglas Murray are all no longer with the team.