Picture from jamd.com

From TSN.ca

The Atlanta Thrashers have traded defenceman Mathieu Schneider to his former team, the Montreal Canadiens.

In exchange, the Thrashers receive a second round draft pick in 2009 and a third round selection in 2010. In addition to Schneider, Montreal receives a conditional pick at this year’s draft.

“We were looking for a defenceman who could contribute offensively,” explained general manager Bob Gainey in a media release. “Mathieu, an experienced player with a lot of offensive upside, will bring depth to our core group of defencemen and will be an asset on our power play.”

Schneider previously played for the Canadiens from the 1989-90 season until 1995, winning a Stanley Cup with the team in 1993. He was traded to the Islanders in 1995.

This season, the New York native has 4 goals and 11 assists in 44 games.

The 39 year-old was selected in the third round (44th overall) of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. A well-traveled veteran, Schneider has had stints with the Canadiens, Islanders, Maple Leafs, Rangers, Kings, Red Wings, Ducks and Thrashers.

Big Brother:

Thanks Bob. this is the first step I asked yesterday. Schneider is a powerplay specialist and could do very well in Montreal with Markov as his setup man. But this is only a small step. You still need to do more than that… either talking to your player or your coaching staff.

But this trade involving only draft picks could easily be the first step towards another trade. Now we are looking at two extra defencemen plus Dandenault who plays forward. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of them leave soon and some forwards too with Tanguay and Latendresse coming back not too far from trade deadline.