Minor trade reaps big rewards

Shai Reef, Montreal

On Nov. 23, 2009, the Habs and Wild swapped young, slumping talents.

At first I regarded this as a minor transaction, yet Benoit Pouliot and Guillaume Latendresse began lighting the lamp like never before. As a Hab, Latendresse registered a sad two goals while Pouliot struggled the same way in Minnesota.

Since the trade, both young guns have been on fire. Pouliot has 23 points in 32 games (with an injury), while Latendresse scored 25 times and added 10 helpers for 35 points in 48 games with the Wild.

Not bad for a minor deal, eh?