Gainey says thank you's, Pierre Page GM in NHL again, wastes no time.

The shocking news in Habs-land is that one of the NHL's former GM's that nobody knew was still even alive, is back from Europe to take the reigns of the Montreal club.

Pierre Page, former Nordique's GM that traded Lindros to the Flyers in what would become an integral trade that landed the club the Stanley Cup after they had moved to Denver, has been head coach and director of EC Red Bull Salzburg of the Erste Bank Hockey League. The same team that faced the LA Kings and lost 7-6 back in September of 2007.

The personnel change had already been made official a week earlier but the press conference was not started until earlier today. Sitting side by side with Page, Gainey thanked the fans, Boivin, Gillette, personnel and players for his time with the franchise and through his time of need after Laura Gainey had passed away in a tragic sea voyage.

Wasting little time, Page had informed Plekanec, Bergeron and Mara that their contracts would be be renewed, at the same time, Page had also informed Halak that he will find him a new home in which he can be the starting goalie, ensuring that there will be no "goalie controversy" in Montreal. Page stressed that for Price to succeed and keep his confidence, he must know that the team is with him for every loss and win and will not be in jeopardy of losing his spot to another goalie.
The cleaning continued as oft injured pugilist, Georges Laraque was bought out of his remaining year which would have paid him 1.5 million.

The lack of a second line center prompted Page to sign Marc Savard, relegating Gomez to second line duties, to an nine year contract that will pay Savard 5 million per season. Although the contract was reviewed by league officials as the contract ties Savard to the team until he becomes 41, was approved later in the day. The signing marks what will most likely be the only possible signing the Habs are able to make as their RFA's have rounded out the roster and there is virtually no room for any more signings.

The expected starting line up this coming November:

Gionta-Savard-Cammalleri
AKostityn-Gomez-Latendresse
Pacioretty-Lapierre-SKostitsyn
D'Agostini-Metropolit-Moen

Markov-Hamrlik
O'Byrne-Gorges
Gill-Spacek

Price
Sanford