The AHL blockbuster deal that sent Albany veterans Pascal Rheaume and Ray Schultz to the San Antonio Rampage for the still-young-enough Brad Ference last month perked up what has been a mostly quiet AHL trading post.

As much as the AHL is rightfully seen as a stepping stone to bigger and brighter lights, it also has plenty of quality individuals who quietly serve as the league’s caretakers and are to quick to speak up when it comes under fire.

Seemingly insignificant on the second day of the NHL free-agency period, the signing of veteran AHL’er Peter Vandermeer by the Montreal Canadiens may prove to be one of the team’s most important acquisitions.