Forget Age, Injuries; Schneider Addition a Boon for Ailing Habs
February 16, 2009, by Homme De Sept-Iles
Complain about old folks, misguided nostalgia, not enough gas in the tank, declining ability, large price tag and plain as pain desperation all you want but the addition of 39-year old defenceman Mathieu Schneider will still be a relevant plus for the reeling Montreal Canadiens.
The Canadiens pulled the trigger on an unexpected deal today sending two draft picks to the Atlanta Thrashers for the former Canadien.
“We were looking for a defenseman who could contribute offensively,” stated Montreal general manager Bob Gainey. “Mathieu, an experienced player with a lot of offensive upside, will bring depth to our core group of defensemen and will be an asset on our power play.”
Schneider’s numbers have dwindled from 12 goals and 27 assists with the Anaheim Ducks last season to four goals and 11 assists with Atlanta.
Still, the smooth-passing defenceman brings a wealth of experience and joins Patrice Brisebois as one of only two remaining Canadien players who won the team’s last Stanley Cup in 1993.»
Schneider has played with six other teams including four successful seasons with Detroit from 02-03 to 06-07. Detroit won 204 (51.0) in that period while Schneider notched 48 goals and 116 in that time.
Critics point to Schneider’s age and durability. Those same critics were proved wrong with Brisebois’ recent 07-08 return to the club. Though Brisebois was perceived as too old and too brittle, the veteran blue-liner has settled well into a role rotating on either of the second or third defensive unit.
Expect Schneider to do the same. And expect an improved power-play.
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