Center Scott Gomez of Anchorage has been the subject of trade rumors countless times in his hockey career -- today, they came true.

The New York Rangers shipped Gomez, the best and most decorated hockey player in Alaska history, to the Montreal Canadiens in a seven-player deal that essentially gives the Canadiens a jump on the free-agent market -- NHL free agents can sign beginning Wednesday.

Gomez is 2007 was signed as a free agent by the Rangers after seven seasons, and two Stanley Cups, with the New Jersey Devils. The Rangers signed him to a 7-year, $51.5-million deal.

Gomez last season earned 16-42--58 totals in 70 games.

Just 29, Gomez already has played 10 pro seasons -- seven with Jersey, two with New York and one with the Alaska Aces during the NHL lockout in 2004-05.

New York was a pressure cooker with intense media coverage and a passionate fan base, but no place in hockey is more pressure packed than Montreal, the most storied franchise in the sport.

"From the frying pan to a microwave, is what that is,'' said Scotty's father, Carlos.

We'll try to get up with Scotty today and get his reaction for a story in Wednesday's edition of the dead-trees ADN. At the moment, Carlos said, his son is fishing on the Russian River.