This is how NHL trades work: One GM trades his problem to another GM for the problem he has, then both General Managers hope that the change of scenery will be good for the underachieving player that they have just acquired. The blueprint for both Benoit Pouliot and Guillaume Latendresse is easy to read and understand.

First, Guillaume Latendresse who has known all of his professional career that he needs to play like Tomas Holmstrom: get in front of the net, be a pest, stand there, and don't move. When in the corner, deliver the big hit with a big frame and then win the puck. When carrying the puck up the ice, give it to someone else with skills to do that. It's an easy blueprint, but Latendresse simply could not do it. It was never in his character. I listened to him for almost a half decade tell me that he knew he had to play like Holmstrom, then the same night, he would get into the offensive zone and head straight for behind the net. He just didn't have Holmstrom in him. He wanted to. He knew it was the game plan. He just couldn't bring himself to stand and stay in front of the net. The cross-checks hurt too much. The sacrifice was too great. It was frustrating to watch him fail to reach the goals he had set out so clearly for himself. I hope he learns how to find his inner-Holmstrom, but I can't really see how the next four years will be different than the last four years.

That brings us to Benoit Pouliot. The upside for this player is enormous, but can he find his better self? Here's the background: 4th overall in 2005 out of Sudbury. 23 years old now and this year in 14 games played, he has only two goals and two assists. Many nights he can't crack an average to bad Minnesota line-up.

So why the upside for Pouliot? He's an excellent skater and at 6 foot 3 inches and 195 pounds, he has the potential to be the big strong force up the middle that the Habs have been lacking for at least a decade. If this kid can find the form that made him the fourth pick overall, then the Habs have something great in this deal.

However, keep in mind, Chuck Fletcher, the GM in Minnesota, didn't trade this kid because he saw any of that potential. The word is that Pouliot is a floater who just doesn't get how to work hard, and in the Wild camp, that's a ticket out of town. It's surprising really, that he lasted as long as he did.

I like the deal.

A trade like this is all about what could one day be, not about what is now. Now is lousy for both players. However, the future is brighter for Pouliot. He could live up to his billing as the fourth pick overall. If he does, the Habs will have finally solved that no size down the middle problem that has plagued them for so very long.

If both players don't find their better selves, then this deal won't mean much down the line. Latendresse will get his 10 goals and frustrate his coach, and Pouliot will remain confused when he can't seem to arrive anywhere with that great skating stride.