Defenceman Mathieu Schneider has helped lead a Montreal power-play unit that's converted eight goals on 19 chances in his first four games with the team. Defenceman Mathieu Schneider has helped lead a Montreal power-play unit that's converted eight goals on 19 chances in his first four games with the team. (Graham Hughes/Canadian Press)

There is never a dull moment when discussion turns to the Montreal Canadiens — a team looking to make more changes as the NHL's trade deadline nears.

Whether he's dealing with an enigmatic veteran, or concerned over other players recently linked to a man arrested in an organized crime investigation, general manager Bob Gainey has little time to catch his breath.

With their options closing and a post-season appearance still in doubt, the Canadiens are definitely on the buyer's side of the hockey market in preparation for Wednesday's deadline.

For his part, Gainey has already attempted to smooth over some of the team's problem areas. Looking to bolster a stagnant power play, Gainey acquired veteran defenceman Mathieu Schneider on Feb. 16 from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for the Canadiens' 2009 second-round pick and a third-round selection in 2010.

"We were looking for a defenceman who could contribute offensively," said Gainey. "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."

While Gainey was criticized after surrendering two picks for a 39-year-old blue-liner scheduled for unrestricted free agency at the end of the season, the move is paying dividends thus far.

Montreal, which boasted the No. 1 power play last season, was mired near the bottom of the NHL rankings before Schneider arrived. Teamed with defensive partner Andrei Markov, Schneider has been part of a unit that's converted eight power-play goals on 19 chances in his first four games.

Gainey also added depth to the blue-line by adding Dallas defenceman Doug Janik, and shipped disgruntled checking winger Steve Begin — a healthy scratch the last five games — to Texas.

Front-line issues

Shifting his focus toward Wednesday, Gainey must address an undersized front line if the Canadiens are to make any noise — provided they make it — in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Following an impressive 11-2-1 run between Dec. 18 to Jan. 17, the Habs looked like world-beaters. But a stretch including two separate four-game losing streaks has Montreal in danger of slipping out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.

The problem was magnified when winger Robert Lang, one of the clubs' leading scorers, had his season end after an Achilles tendon injury in early February. Then there's the matter of moody forward Alexei Kovalev, who was ordered to skip the last two contests of a recent six-game road trip due to his uninspired play.

Kovalev returned to notch a goal and two assists in a win over the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 21, allowing Montreal to snap a three-game losing skid. There has been speculation that Gainey is shopping the Russian native, but the chances are Kovalev will stay with the Canadiens.

Still, upgrading the forward units remains the top priority for Montreal.

During last season's trade deadline, Gainey failed in his attempt to land Marian Hossa, who helped guide the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Stanley Cup final.

This year, Montreal has been continually rumoured as the place of destination for Tampa Bay Lightning star Vincent Lecavalier.

Fans hoping to see the Quebec native don the red, white and blue should keep dreaming. Lightning GM Brian Lawton adamantly stated that he has no intention of trading his best player.

However, Gainey does have some cap space and ammunition — the club has 10 unrestricted free agents on the roster — to pull off a deal that should net a top-six forward.

"That would be a place that if we come across a player like that in the next few days, we would be looking to add," he said during a conference call. "This was a year for us, with the maturity of some of our younger players, to really be a buyer rather than a seller."

A possible candidate could be unrestricted free agent and Colorado Avalanche winger Ian Laperriere. If Laperriere can't come to terms on a contract with the Avalanche by Wednesday, Gainey would be wise to consider this gritty winger who would add toughness to a perceived soft team.

Other notable players reportedly on the move are Phoenix centre Ollie Jokinen, Toronto's Nik Antropov and St. Louis forward Keith Tkachuk.

Canadiens enforcer Georges Laraque may also find his way out of Montreal. Recently denying he wanted to be dealt, Laraque has been used sparingly this season because of lower back and groin problems.

As for their goaltending, don't look for the Canadiens to add a veteran netminder. Despite Carey Price's struggles (2-8-1 since the all-star break), Gainey said he will stay with the combination of his second-year goalie and the surging Jaroslav Halak.