Tucker isn't necessarily such a bad idea. Worrying about him taking stupid penalties and becoming Sideshow Bob is needless worrying, as far as I can see. While he acts in such a way in Toronto, remember that he's playing under Pat Quinn who is captain of all those who whine. Gainey wouldn't allow any of that crap for a moment.
On ther other hand, I just can't see the Habs picking up Tucker at this point. The idea isn't specifically to help this years' edition of the team make the playoffs, but more to gather the necessary components for the kids to grow with starting after the CBA and after many of the present contracts come due. What role could Tucker fill in the near future?
He could play on the wing on the second line, something he's been somewhat successful with in Toronto. The question here is how close some of the kids are to making the jump. Of course you can't fill your lineup with kids, but the issue remains that if you put in Tucker - someone you expect to be there for at least a couple of years, is he going to take that spot from a rookie that needs the time in the NHL.
The third line is probably more suitable, and since a team should like to have experience on their checking line, it might be more interesting to have him there. I'm not sure I'd like him centreing the line, but I think he'd be fine on the wing. I'm sure having Bulis in between Tucker and Hossa might interest more than a few fans. It gives Hossa a nice place to develop and makes that line a more intense line than we currently have now.
I'd say Tucker is the prototypical 4th liner, but unfortunately his salary is disproportionate to that reality. I just couldn't see Gainey spending that much on someone who's going to play approximately 10 minutes a game - particularly on a developping team.
As for Montreal and Toronto not being trading partners, well it's a legitimate concern. But in today's climate in the NHL, I have a feeling that if a team really *really* wants to get rid of a player and covets someone else, this is the year to make those changes since, with the impending CBA, everything might be thrown into the wind.
ACF.