9 seconds into OT

Michael Chaput tries to wrap the puck around Florida Panthers netminder James Reimer. Credit: James Mahoney In many ways, Michael Chaput’s tenure with the Montreal Canadiens was quite an enigma. In one way, it can be seen as a surprising success story, as Chaput went from being a no name bulk free agent AHL signing for the team, to a regular contributor on their 4 th line for a quarter of a season. In another way, though, it can be seen as a team randomly calling up an AHL player who’s play wasn’t very deserving of a call up. Either way, the tenure was short lived, as the Ile Blizzard native was traded to the Arizona Coyotes at the trade deadline in exchange for Jordan Weal. With 1 year left on his contract, Chaput is most likely set for the AHL, where he will provide depth offense. However, Chaput’s time in Montreal does bring up an interesting discussion point, one that could potentially benefit many future AHL players. Simply put, What makes a good 4 th line?

Alex Galchenyuk with the Phoenix Coyotes. Credit: NHL.com Well, the discussion can finally be closed. The Montreal Canadiens win the Alex Galchenyuk trade. After much speculation as to his future with the team, on June 15 th of last year, the Habs traded the former 3 rd overall pick to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Max Domi. At the time, the trade was criticized heavily by fans as Galchenyuk had just come off a 30-goal season with the team, while Domi had just 18 goals over the past 2 seasons. It was thought that the Coyotes got a young future star Center in exchange for a struggling, 3 rd line 23-year-old. Instead, the roles reversed. Domi went on to record a career high 72 points, becoming the offensive leader for the Canadiens, while Galchenyuk recorded just 41 points, being demoted to the 4 th line at one point. By then, fans were already celebrating a victory, but now, It’s definitive. Canadiens win, for once. For the Coyotes, in exchange