Montreal's offensive problems solved?
According to Helsingin Sanomat (the main newspaper in Finland), the Montreal Canadiens are in serious contract talks with Lukko forward Janis Sprukts. The article goes on to say that Ryder would head to Florida in order to obtain Sprukts’ rights.
Since Michael Ryder’s production has decreased, the Canadiens have needed someone to fill the roll of first line winger. Sprukts, was named the Rochester American’s MVP in the AHL last season. Janis’ rights are held by the Panthers, but the article goes on to say that Gainey and Jacques Martin have seriously discussed a deal that would see Janis’ rights go to Montreal along with a conditional draft pick for Michael Ryder. This is why Ryder has been a healthy scratch for the last few games because the Canadiens do not want to risk an injury that would jeapordize the deal while they are discussing a deal with Sprukts.
Last Year, while with the Americans, Sprukts played in 58 games scoring 18 goals and adding 41 assists for a total of 59 points.
The reason Janis is not in the NHL right now, is because he wanted a guaranteed contract and Jacques Martin was not willing to give him one. Sprukts who speaks fluently in finnish met Saku Koivu last year at a charity event in Finland. They kept in contact and it is that Koivu, who got Sprukts the contract in Finland, suggested to Gainey that the canadiens look into acquiring Sprukts who is 6’3 and 235 lbs.