The first "name" guy to be traded ahead of the deadline is Atlanta defenseman Mathieu Schneider, who was sent, along with a 2009 conditional draft pick, to Montreal for the Habs' second-round pick in 2009 and third-round pick in 2010.
Schneider's time in Hotlanta was miserable to say the least. Acquired to theoretically provide an offensive and veteran presence for Atlanta's blueline, Schneider notched just 15 points (four goals) in 44 games and has been woeful defensively.
The 39-year-old gets a fresh start in an old place, as Montreal was where he started his career, which includes winning the 1993 Stanley Cup.
Montreal had been looking for a second offensive defenseman to complement Andrei Markov and Schneider could be a good fit. He is no longer "the guy" on the power play but will play more of a supporting role, which might suit him better.
The Thrashers get probably what they wanted when they picked up Schneider in the first place, a draft pick they can use to stock their system, and it's possible Schneider may have taught some of their young blueliners like Ron Hainsey and Toby Enstrom a thing or two about the game.
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being "major blockbuster," I'd say this trade is a 2.5. Schneider's best days are behind him, and he's a free agent after this season, but I think he can still contribute on a team where he is not counted on for significant production like in Atlanta.
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