By Dale Lamontagne, Lead Correspondent, Bulldogs Hockey Report
MILTON, ON. — The Montreal Canadiens have traded forward Louis Leblanc to the Anaheim Ducks for a conditional fifth round pick in 2015.
“After three seasons with the Canadiens organization we felt that moving forward the best option for Louis and our organization was to give him the opportunity to pursue his career with another team,” said GM Marc Bergevin in the teams press release.
“Throughout his entire stay with our organization Louis showed great professionalism and a constant desire to improve. We thank him for his contribution and wish him success for the continuation of his career.”
This deal makes very little sense to me. Why? Well because although Leblanc has had a difficult time cracking the Habs line up, and staying consistent with the Hamilton Bulldogs, he is still a main piece to the core group of players there. Yes, he has fallen as a prospect, but he could have definitely been a useful a player in Hamilton. I originally thought Montreal would offer him a one-year deal so he could prove himself, but I guess they had other plans.
The soon to be Restricted Free Agent, spent most of the season with the Bulldogs, where he scored 28 points in 17 games.
If Leblanc plays 15 games with the Ducks, the Habs will receive the 5th round pick in 2015.
