Northeast: Credit Dandenault with forward thinking

[Habsfan84]

After being drafted 49th overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Mathieu Dandenault, then a forward, exploded for 107 points the following season with Sherbrooke in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
But a career as a high-scoring forward wasn’t to be.
In 1995-96, Dandenault got his shot at the NHL, playing 34 games up front for Scotty Bowman and the Red Wings. He moved to defense in 1996-97, then back to forward before finally settling in on the blue line in the 1998-99 season.
Over the last eight seasons, Dandenault has established himself as “a dependable defenseman with good offensive upside and a good skater,” in the words of one scout.
But in strange twist of fate, Dandenault once again is skating as a forward for the Montreal Canadiens.
“There were really two ways of looking at it,” Dandenault said. “I could ask for a trade and probably play defense anywhere I ended up or I could do what I’m doing and help this team. I figured why not switch? I had done it before in my career and it was my natural position. I just wanted to help any way I can and if this would help the team, then I was happy to do it.”
Heading into tonight’s game with the Islanders, Dandenault has only five points in 20 games, but he feels at home again playing wing and is enjoying doing the little things needed to succeed as a forward in the League.
“I had no problem being in the right position at first because I’ve done this before,” Dandenault said. “But it’s a different game now with the rules and there’s the little things, some of which were there before and some that weren’t, that you have to get used to again and really focus on. Making the right play or move at the right time, getting shots and creating chances for yourself and your linemates. Stuff like that.

”You always have to forecheck, and now with more space open, utilize whatever speed you have. So I’m doing my best to always do those things and also be aware of any little things I may have to adapt to. Hey, I have more goals than I had all last season, so I must be doing something right.”
The Canadiens are off to a fast start and many are crediting the chemistry in the dressing room and the players’ willingness to sacrifice for one another. Dandenault’s acceptance of this move was a perfect example of that.
“He accepted it right away when we first came to him about switching and it made it much easier on us as coaches,” coach Guy Carbonneau said. “That’s what we’re looking for in our players, for them to sacrifice for each other and the success of the team.”
As Carbonneau pointed out, Dandenault’s previous experience and versatility made him a perfect candidate and also makes him a very valuable asset to have on the roster.
“In a cap situation, it makes him that much more valuable and it’s been huge that he’s doing this for us,” Carbonneau said.
“For me, it was really never an issue when they asked me to do this,” Dandenault said. “I just remained positive, and as they say, things have a funny way of working out when you do that. I wanted to stay here, and if it meant switching positions, then I had no problem with that. I’m from this area, my family is here and I love playing for these fans and this city.”