Guillaume Latendresse hasn’t ruled out a return to the Montreal Canadiens
The hockey experts have been known to say that when certain players are traded, they often experience some better results with their new teams. For a perfect example of that, all you have
to do is look at forward Guillaume Latendresse’s points totals from last season.
Drafted 45th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2005, the 6ft 2in 230lb power forward made the team as a 19-year-old rookie in 2006-07. He played in 80 games that season, scoring 16
goals and 13 assists for 29 points. This proved to be a disappointment, as Latendresse had had a productive training camp and pre-season.
The native of Ste-Catherine, Quebec continued to languish on the Habs’ roster for three more seasons. Eventually, the team’s management lost their faith in him, as he had been massively
underachieving. This eventually resulted in Latendresse being traded to the Minnesota Wild on 23 November 2009. In return for Latendresse, the Canadiens received left-winger Benoît Pouliot.
Being traded to Minnesota worked wonders for Latendresse’s offensive output, as he racked up 27 goals and 40 points that season, both career highs. The Wild have high expectations for
the right-winger this season, and they hope that he will continue his torrid pace.
During the offseason, Latendresse signed a $5 million contract that will keep him in Minnesota for two more years. Once that contract expires, Latendresse will be free to test the waters
of the free-agent market. Free agents can sign with any team that is interested in their services, and Latendresse hasn’t ruled out a return to the team that originally drafted him.
Latendresse added that rejoining the team at a slightly more advanced age would be better for him, as he would have gained more experience by then.
“You're more mature, more experienced, you've lived other things, met other people along the road,” said Latendresse.
Regarding free agency, Latendresse acknowledged that it is highly unpredictable, but he has more important things to focus on right now in Minnesota.
“I played in Montreal for four years, so I know what it’s like,” he said. “So maybe OK, but right now my head is really in Minnesota. If I can make a living there all my life I'd like
to be there for sure.”
Latendresse, who was the first National Hockey League player to don the number 84, has been enjoying his time with the Wild this far. He was placed on a line with Martin Havlat shortly
after his arrival, and also saw some time on the power play.
“I got good ice time and I capitalized on it,” Latendresse said. 'When I got there, they put me in a situation where I could succeed, and it went well.”
Like any player playing for a new team, Latendresse felt that he was appreciated by the Wild much more than when he played for Montreal. “It's fun to be in an organization where you feel
appreciated."
While playing for the Habs, Latendresse was initially embraced by the team’s passionate fan base, but when they saw that he wasn’t producing, the booing began. Those who play with the
Habs are always under constant pressure, be it from the coaching staff, the media, and even the fans. Latendresse was no exception to this rule.
“Each player handles it differently,” said Latendresse. “At a certain point you say, 'I'm mentally strong, I can handle it,' but you have days where get up and don't feel so strong and
then it gets you.”
Latendresse will definitely be under far less pressure this season in Minnesota, and he has high hopes for the team this season, especially if forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard returns from
his concussion.
“If Pierre-Marc can come back, I think we'll have a pretty good line-up and good depth,” Latendresse said. “I think we can be a big surprise.”
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