Moore For a 2nd: A Limp Half-Step in the Wrong Direction…BUT…

Pierre Gauthier’s first trade as GM of the Habs: The Habs 2nd round pick in 2011 for Florida C/RW Dominic Moore.

PG has gone on record a number of times now, saying the priority this year is for the Habs to make the playoffs. So I can’t say I’m surprised by this move. Though it would probably be best for the franchise, PG doesn’t want to unload salary and stock up on prospects. So let’s not expect that.

***let’s not get too excited***

A lot of people don’t like this deal because:

* The Habs give away a future high-ish pick for an aging journeyman who will see limited ice time.

* Moore is a UFA at season’s end and will likely not return to the Habs.

* Considering Moore was picked up on WAIVERS last year, a 2nd rounder seems high (even though “everyone” is saying 2011 is a weak draft).

Here is what people are saying Moore brings to the table:

* Good faceoff skills, can relieve Pleks on the PK, smart positioning and decent skater. An upgrade on Maxwell.

I agree that in some critical situations, Moore might be of benefit. I also agree that a 2nd round pick seems a little high for this guy. But here is one reason why this deal MIGHT JUST WORK:

* It allows Max Pacioretty to stay down in the minors and develop with Guy Boucher.

Face it. Coach Jacques either doesn’t have the time or the ability to take our young forwards by the hand. Coach is many things: fair, protective of his players, cagey with the goaltenders, a believer in hard work. But one thing he hasn’t done well this year is TEACH. The young forwards who started this season with the Habs have slumped BIG TIME. And I remain convinced that the only reason AK-46 broke out is because Pleks kept encouraging him. Gui was traded. SK-74 is only now showing signs of life. Laps has sucked. Dags has sucked. Chipchura sucked. MaxPac has sucked.

The young ‘uns who have performed well on occasion (Pouliot, Pyatt, White, Desharnais) did not start the year with the Habs. They were traded for or CALLED UP.

So barring another trade or even more injuries (plus AK-46, Benny, and Cammi are all coming back soon), MaxPac, who was downright lost in the big leagues, gets to stay in Hamilton with the Guru. MaxPac has loads of potential, he is only 21, and has yet to have a full season in the AHL. I say the longer he stays down there, to learn and develop his skills away from the pressure, the better he will be in the future.

Would you trade a future 2nd rounder if it meant Max Pacioretty could unleash his true potential next year?

I definitely would.

And IMHO, that’s the real reason why this trade might work out in the end.

***Tune in on Tuesday for our final Habs Podcast before the Olympics***