Dandenault signs with Montreal

TSN reports that Mathieu Dandenault has left Detroit after a 9-year career here and signed with the Canadians, a four-year, $7 million deal. Dandenault's ability to play both forward and defenseman made him both a highly versatile player and a valuable commodity in today's NHL. His good speed makes him even more desirable for teams looking fill out their rosters. The Habs needed another defenseman after not picking up their option on Patrice Brisebois and so signing a player like Dandenault was a good move by them. Particularly since they stole him right from underneath the Mighty Big Buck Red Wings' nose. (This is not what I wanted to see after a long day at work. Ugh.) I have to say I am very disappointed that Ken Holland did not find a way to keep Dandenault in Detroit. Kenny's done a great job over the years keeping the team stocked with talent but he blew it by letting this one go. Dandenault is not a powerhouse scorer or bruising defenseman but he has experience and is steady enough to throw some money at. The Wings definitely had a need for him, with their defense as weak as its likely to be. They should have been able to play drum up some loyalty from the guy, you'd think. They did draft him afterall and give him paychecks for nine years, not to mention the opportunity to play on three Stanley Cup teams. I'm wondering just how hard Holland went after him, if at all. It's hard for me to imagine he'd just bolt like that. Ah well. The Wings are even slower now that Dandy's gone and aren't going to be getting any faster if Holland doesn't get some guys off the market. I know he's not sitting idle in his office but I'd like to hear about something getting done in Detroit, rather than having to read about all the other teams that are making moves. Signing Steve Yzerman to a one-year contract is not enough, Ken. And losing Mathieu Dandenault to Montreal is unacceptable. Let's get on the ball (or stick, to use one of my dad's phrases), please? That doesn't mean sign Chris Chelios. It means sign Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. Then get a top-four defenseman, a starting goaltender and a 20-30 goal scorer. I know it's just the end of the third day of free agency but time's a wastin'! Update (7:00 PM ET): According to Sportsnet.ca's Free Agency tracker, Mathieu Schneider has signed a two-year deal with the Wings. As far as I know, no one else is reporting this so I'm inclined to disbelieve it for now. If it's true, then my anger against Ken Holland, for his apparent inaction, is assuaged.