By Bruce Garrioch

The Canadiens are looking for help at centre and could be eyeing veteran Sergei Fedorov.

Some whispers out of Montreal last week had the Habs looking at bringing in Fedorov to help the club try to stay in the playoff race.

Since Christopher Higgins went down with a sprained left ankle on Nov. 4, the club has lacked offensive production at the No. 2-centre spot.

Higgins, who returned to the lineup last night against Pittsburgh, had eight goals and 13 points in 13 games before being sidelined.

Adding some depth for a playoff push is never a bad idea — if you can afford it.

The Jackets aren’t shopping Fedorov and his $6-million (all terms US) contract, but the talk is president/GM Doug MacLean would be willing to listen if the Habs really are serious about making a deal.

The issue with every trade made in the NHL today is money.

The Habs current payroll sits at $41 million and they would have to clear some money off the books if they’re going to bring in a guy like Fedorov.

The talk is the Habs are willing to move D Janne Niinimaa ($2.4 million), whom they acquired from Dallas for former No. 2 centre Mike Ribeiro, and C Radek Bonk ($2.3 million) because they haven’t been pleased with the performance of either player.

Should Montreal land Fedorov, he might make a good fit on a line with fellow Russians Alexei Kovalev and Sergei Samsonov. But the Blue Jackets aren’t expected to bite unless the Habs make it worth their while.