Bob Gainey’s controversial trades in 2006, notably the departure of José Théodore and the trade of Mike Ribeiro to Dallas for Janne Niinimaa, are scrutinized. Théodore criticized the Ribeiro trade, highlighting Ribeiro’s subsequent success, and lamented the Canadiens’ failure to retain talent. Both players thrived socially in Montreal, known as the “three amigos” with Pierre Dagenais. Théodore concluded that Gainey’s vision for the team clashed with their style, resulting in regrettable trades that lacked strategic merit.
Examining the Controversial Trades of Bob Gainey
While many may point fingers at Réjean Houle for arguably executing the most disastrous trade in Canadiens history, the spotlight for making two significant errors in a mere six-and-a-half months falls on Bob Gainey. After the controversial departure of José Théodore in March 2006, Gainey made another shocking move by trading Mike Ribeiro to the Dallas Stars for Janne Niinimaa on September 30 of that same year.
Théodore’s Perspective on Ribeiro’s Trade
“That was a terrible trade,” was the straightforward assessment from Théodore during a recent phone conversation. He emphasized the success Ribeiro enjoyed following the trade, stating, “He was a natural. He outperformed many players who were known for their rigorous training.” Ribeiro’s time with the Stars was marked by remarkable achievements, including seasons where he racked up 83, 78, and 71 points. In fact, he never scored fewer than 59 points in a full season, despite a setback in which he only played 66 games, finishing with 53 points.
Théodore reflected on the Canadiens’ search for strong center players while Ribeiro thrived alongside elite forwards in Dallas. “Mike was a talented player. There was no justification for trading him for Niinimaa,” he expressed, still feeling the sting of that decision nearly two decades later.
Good Riddance
In a mere six months, Gainey dismissed both his top goalie and a center who had the potential to become one of the team’s most prolific scorers. In return, he acquired two players who barely made an impact in Montreal. The reasoning? “Our style of play and our camaraderie didn’t align with what Bob envisioned for the team,” Théodore explained candidly. “I think he believed, ‘First, we’ll get rid of José. Then, it will be Mike.’” This theory has been revisited multiple times since those days.
During their tenure with the Canadiens, Ribeiro and Théodore were known for their vibrant social lives. “In Montreal, I broke my curfew with Mike twice, and both times I wasn’t in goal the following day,” he noted. “We enjoyed going out, but it wasn’t as wild as people imagined.”
The Legacy of the “Three Amigos”
Théodore also brought up the infamous trio known as the “three amigos,” referring to himself, Ribeiro, and Pierre Dagenais. This nickname stemmed from their close friendship and shared penchant for nightlife. “I played with Pierre for just a season and a half out of ten in the organization. It wasn’t a long-lasting situation,” he pointed out. “When Pierre left, things became more predictable, and then it was my turn and Mike’s.”
“Bob had a vision for his leadership, and Mike and I didn’t fit that mold, which is completely fine,” Théodore concluded. However, what remains troubling is the lack of returns from such pivotal trades, prompted by a desire to uphold the franchise’s image rather than making strategic decisions.