Canadiens acquire Schneider

The Atlanta Thrashers have traded defenseman Mathieu Schneider to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a second round draft pick in the 2009 and a third round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. In addition to Schneider, the Canadiens will receive a conditional draft pick from the Thrashers. The draft pick is conditional on how far the Habs go in the playoffs. If Montreal loses in the first round or doesn't make the playoffs, the Canadiens get a third-round pick from Atlanta. If Montreal wins one rounds, it becomes a fourth round pick. If Montreal wins two rounds or more, it becomes a fifth-round pick. Brochu's take: GM Bob Gainey shows that he won't wait till the deadline to shake up his team (and his team needs a BIG shakeup). The acquisition of Schneider greatly improves their powerplay.