In his post-season press conference, Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin confirmed the departure of 3 players: forward Manny Malhotra, defensemen Mike Weaver and Sergei Gonchar will not be back with the Habs next season.
Sergei Gonchar, while a surprising asset at 40 years old, was also not an unexpected cut. A healthy scratch throughout the playoffs, he was traded for the the goal-less Travis Moen in November, and it was wide conjecture that he would not return after the season.