Advertisement

Edmonton Oilers acquire Desharnais from Habs ahead of NHL trade deadline

Click to play video: 'Desharnais skates in first practice with Oilers since trade'
Desharnais skates in first practice with Oilers since trade
WATCH ABOVE: The Edmonton Oilers made a deal with the Montreal Canadiens to get David Desharnais ahead of the NHL's trade deadline and on Thursday, he took part in his first practice with the team. Kevin Karius has more – Mar 2, 2017

Less than 24 hours before the NHL’s trade deadline, the Edmonton Oilers sent defenceman Brandon Davidson to the Montreal Canadiens for veteran forward David Desharnais.

The Oilers were playing against the St. Louis Blues when the team tweeted it had acquired the centre who has played 453 NHL games.

The 30-year-old Desharnais, a smaller centre at 5’7″ and 170 pounds, has scored just 10 points in 31 games with the Habs this season but also sports a plus five rating.

“I would like to thank David for all his years as a Montreal Canadien. He developed and matured within our organization providing valuable services. We wish him the utmost success with the continuation of his career,” said Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin.

READ MORE: Edmonton Oilers GM says he won’t ‘mortgage’ future for playoff run

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Brandon Davidson, right, is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of an NHL hockey game Monday, March 30, 2015, in Denver.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Brandon Davidson, right, is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of an NHL hockey game Monday, March 30, 2015, in Denver. AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Davidson, a 25-year-old Lethbridge native, has battled injuries this season. He has just one point in 28 games with the Oilers this season.

Story continues below advertisement

The Oilers have not played an NHL playoff game since 2005-2006 when they made an improbable run to the Stanley Cup finals.

The NHL’s trade deadline is on Wednesday at 1 p.m. MT.

-With files from The Canadian Press.

Sponsored content

AdChoices