Canadiens Pick Up Simpson from Chicago

[Thrillhouse]

MONTREAL - Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced Thursday the acquisition of defenseman Todd Simpson from the Chicago Blackhawks in return for a sixth round draft pick in 2006.

In 45 games this season, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Simpson has collected three assists and 116 penalty minutes. His plus/minus rating is at minus-2.

The 32-year-old is completing his 10th season in the National Hockey League. Signed by the Blackhawks as a free agent on August 23, 2005, Simpson started his NHL career in 1995-1996 with the Calgary Flames, where he spent four seasons and held the title of team captain from 1997 until 1999.

The North Vancouver native also played for the Florida Panthers (1999-2001), Phoenix Coyotes (2001-2003), Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2003-04) and Ottawa Senators (2004).

In 574 career games, Simpson has scored 14 goals and collected 63 assists for a total of 77 points. His career plus/minus rating is at plus-13 and he has totaled 1343 penalty minutes. He enjoyed his most productive season in 2001-02 with the Coyotes, when he had two goals, 13 assists, a plus/minus rating of plus-20 and 152 penalty minutes.

[Flyers2001]

Whats Downey there for?

[Fearless]

Originally Posted by Flyers2001

Whats Downey there for?

thats what i was just going to say, dude hasn't even fought once.

[Guinea Fowl]

Good pickup by the habs! Means some more depth on D and they can keep benching Mark Streit...or it could also mean another D is on his way out...either way right now I'm glad they picked him up.

[bengino]

Originally Posted by Flyers2001

Whats Downey there for?

while Downey isn't dropping them, i gotta say he isn't really playing half bad, he's acting pretty much like what i expected, a guy that will play hard, even though he won't produce much.

as for Simpson, i think that while it is a decent pick-up, it does also set the table for more trades on the way, though nothing very major... Mike Ribeiro or Richard Zednik could be going west.

[ProbieRules]

excellent move by the Habs...He will definately step right in and make an immediate impact on this team. Solid tough
D-man, who is a good leader as well.

[Kikuchiyo]

Could this mean, that Souray is sent packing, before 3pm? If not, the Habs defence looks pretty solid now. Although they're not enforcers by any means, both Simpson and Souray will stick up for their teammates too.

[HordiBrusk29]

It's never a bad thing to have a guy like Simpson on your team. Former captain, good leader, and is always consistant in what he'll bring night in and night out. Good pick up for the Habs.

[Podollan]

Anyway now how long Aitken have a Contract at the habs?
Is it possible that a team can get him ?

[canuck2]

Now we have two lousy fighters in Downey and Simpson. Not pleased at all although Simpson is a character guy.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by canuck2

Now we have two lousy fighters in Downey and Simpson. Not pleased at all although Simpson is a character guy.

Simpson isn't a "lousy fighter" regardless of what you want to believe. Yes he's had an off year in the fighting department this season but as a whole he's been a solid scrapper for his entire career. Very underrated.

[canuck2]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

Simpson isn't a "lousy fighter" regardless of what you want to believe. Yes he's had an off year in the fighting department this season but as a whole he's been a solid scrapper for his entire career. Very underrated.

Yes he has had a decent career. But he is getting older and I dont think the fighting skills will get any better.

[Humpzilla]

Originally Posted by canuck2

Now we have two lousy fighters in Downey and Simpson. Not pleased at all although Simpson is a character guy.

If i were you, i'd be happy that I have one "lousy" fighter on my team, rather than no lousy fighters, which has been the case for Montreal for more than most of the season...

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by canuck2

Yes he has had a decent career. But he is getting older and I dont think the fighting skills will get any better.

They probably won't. But at the same time he is capable of holding his own against most guys and he'll add more grit and experience for the Habs. So I don't see what there is to complain about...

[Blouin]

Good solid pick up by Habs. They get a D man who can still hit and fight