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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Canadiens Trade Turgeon For Muller

Associated Press

Star centers Kirk Muller and Pierre Turgeon changed teams in a five-player NHL trade Wednesday when the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders made late, desperate bids to reach the playoffs.

The Canadiens sent Muller, their captain, along with defenseman Mathieu Schneider and minor-league center Craig Darby to the Islanders for Turgeon and defenseman Vladimir Malakhov.

“We wouldn’t have made the trade if we didn’t think we had a good chance of making the playoffs,” said Canadiens general manager Serge Savard, moving two days before the NHL trading deadline. “We needed a better power play.”

Jets coach calls it quits

John Paddock, his team out of contention for a NHL playoff spot, quit as coach of the Winnipeg Jets. He was replaced on an interim basis by assistant Terry Simpson.

Paddock will remain as general manager, and said he was leaving his spot behind the bench to concentrate on his other duties.

McLean nets contract extension

Goaltender Kirk McLean signed a five-year contract extension with the Vancouer Canucks.

Financial details were not revealed. But McLean, 28, said the deal, which includes this season, puts him in the top echelon of NHL goalies.