Defenceman Francis Bouillon  was one of the eleven players Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey considered expendable when he trashed the 2008-09 Canadiens last June.

Bouillon, after a summer of anxiety and a brief unfruitful flirtation with the New York Rangers, was  finally  forced to accept a 750-thousand dollar one-year deal with Nashville the day before the season started.  It was a major step back from the 1.875 million he made the previous year in Montreal. 

Bouillon turned out to be a bargain.  He led all Nashville defencemen at plus-5 with his usual modest 3 goals and 8 assists.   The team this week rewarded him with a two year 2.7 million dollar contract, effectively doubling last year’s paycheck. 

Many of Gainey’s decisions last June centred on curing a dysfunctional dressing room.  It was not the case with the popular Bouillon.  Nobody ever questioned his heart and dedication to the team which far outstripped his 5’8″ size.  But he was also at the end of a three year contract and Gainey felt he had to add size and/or  playmaking ability to his defence, which he did in signing Jaroslav Spacek, Hal Gill and Paul Mara.