Post by habsgm on Aug 31, 2011 7:52:23 GMT -5
MONTREAL -- "It's always been a dream, you know. To play for the Montreal Canadiens. It's such a great hockey market, the fans are so passionate...growing up in Quebec, this was the team I used to cheer for. I've always wanted to be a Montreal Canadien, and I'm enjoying every day that I get to put this uniform on."
Danny Briere was unsure where he was going to land after a disappointing season last year with the Carolina Hurricanes. Often placed in the middle of trade talks, the (then) thirty four year old forward always hoped that the Montreal Canadiens were interested in his services.
At the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, after already acquiring star forward Thomas Vanek in a deal with the Cup Champion Washington Capitals, the Canadiens added one final piece to their powerful top line. They added the first line center they had wanted since the trade of Tomas Plekanec. In exchange for a first rounder and Andrew Cogliano, Briere was sent packing to his home team.
Briere has responded miraculously. On a team six points out of the playoffs, Daniel Briere has accumulated a league leading 67 points in 59 games, including 30 goals which place him atop the standings in that category. Earning his full 6.5 million dollars, Briere shows no signs of slowing down his production.
"I really want to make the playoffs. This market loves it's hockey more than almost any other market in the league. Making the playoffs here is a big deal." Briere said, while eating a plate of a French Canadian classic, poutine. "We have a great team, we just had a bad start to the season. We've been playing some great hockey down the stretch, hopefully we can continue it."
In what has been an MVP-calibre season for Briere, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves six points back of division rival Buffalo for the eight seed in the Eastern Conference.
Danny Briere was unsure where he was going to land after a disappointing season last year with the Carolina Hurricanes. Often placed in the middle of trade talks, the (then) thirty four year old forward always hoped that the Montreal Canadiens were interested in his services.
At the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, after already acquiring star forward Thomas Vanek in a deal with the Cup Champion Washington Capitals, the Canadiens added one final piece to their powerful top line. They added the first line center they had wanted since the trade of Tomas Plekanec. In exchange for a first rounder and Andrew Cogliano, Briere was sent packing to his home team.
Briere has responded miraculously. On a team six points out of the playoffs, Daniel Briere has accumulated a league leading 67 points in 59 games, including 30 goals which place him atop the standings in that category. Earning his full 6.5 million dollars, Briere shows no signs of slowing down his production.
"I really want to make the playoffs. This market loves it's hockey more than almost any other market in the league. Making the playoffs here is a big deal." Briere said, while eating a plate of a French Canadian classic, poutine. "We have a great team, we just had a bad start to the season. We've been playing some great hockey down the stretch, hopefully we can continue it."
In what has been an MVP-calibre season for Briere, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves six points back of division rival Buffalo for the eight seed in the Eastern Conference.