Canadiens add Smolinski

MONTREAL-- After falling short in the Briere and Smyth cases, there was no way the Canadiens were going to fall short for a third time.

Bob Gainey didn't, as he signed UFA center Bryan Smolinski to a 1-year contract, worth US$2 million, with a no-trade clause.

Smolinski's role is undetermined as of yet, as he may be the team's 2nd or 3rd line center.

It all depends if the Canadiens sign another center, more like if they sign Alexei Yashin.

This signing pushes Tomas Plekanec and his impressive 06/07 season aside. To get the playing he desires, he might even play the wing in 07/08.

This signing creates plenty of questions, who will surely be answered over the next week.

Smolinski had a good o6/07 as he totaled 18 goals and 44 points in 82 games with both the Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks.

The 35-year old adds one main quality profoundly needed over the last past few seasons at the center's position: SIZE.

Smolinski has a big frame at 6'1" and 208 pounds.

The 14-year NHL veteran will be playing for his 8th NHL team, having scored 266 goals and 360 assists in 992 career games, with his 7 previous clubs.

Both Smolinski, and new acquiree Roman Hamrlik will, "hopefully", be playing their respective 1000th games in the NHL as Montreal Canadiens.