By JD Lagrange – The Montreal Canadiens are stirring up discussions among fans regarding their pursuit of game-changing free agents. Supported by the team’s VP of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton, GM Kent Hughes’ willingness to strike the right deal at the right price adds fuel to the speculation. As the offseason looms, attention turns to potential unrestricted free agents and trade targets. While some names stand out, others are dismissed due to various factors. Yet, amidst the conjecture, one thing remains certain: the Canadiens are poised to make strategic moves aimed at propelling them towards a future filled with success and rejuvenated fan enthusiasm.
A while ago, prior to trade deadline, we looked at some long-shots potential trade targets. Let’s now turn our focus on more impactful players, through free agency and trades.
PENDING UFAs
There’s a lot of chatter among fans about whether the Canadiens should pursue a game-changing free agent. VP of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton addressed this directly, stating they’d pull the trigger if the right player at the right price emerged. Whether you agree or not, those were his words.
Given this stance, I’ve taken the initiative to spotlight some potential impactful unrestricted free agents this upcoming summer. While there may be others worth considering, I’ve narrowed it down to four:
- Sam Reinhart (FLA) – 28 years old, Right Wing
- Jake Guentzel (CAR) – 29 years old, Left Wing
- Elias Lindholm (VAN) – 29 years old, Center/Right Wing
- Anthony Duclair (TBL) – 28 years old, Left Wing
Now, I’ve intentionally excluded two notable pending UFAs:
- Steven Stamkos: It’s hard to envision him leaving Tampa Bay.
- Jonathan Marchessault: Why pursue another undersized forward, especially with Cole Caufield already in the top-6? Additionally, at 33, turning 34 in December, he might not be the ideal fit.
TRADE(S)
I prefer this option, and whenever Canadiens’ GM Kent Hughes fields the question, his answer remains consistent. He’s keen on seizing the chance to acquire a young, high-caliber player via trade, provided it doesn’t compromise the team’s long-term vision. It’s akin to the moves for Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook in recent NHL Drafts. The Canadiens certainly possess the assets, be it draft picks or promising young prospects, to make such a move.
Once again, I’ve sifted through the teams and compiled a reasonably realistic list of young, impactful players who might be available via trade. Just for fun, I’ve ranked them by age:
- Dawson Mercer (NJD) – Center, 22 years old
- Alexander Holtz (NJD) – Right Wing, 22 years old
- Arthur Kaliyev (LAK) – Right Wing, 22 years old
- Kaapo Kakko (NYR) – Right Wing, 23 years old
- Trevor Zegras (ANA) – Center, 23 years old
- Gabriel Vilardi (WPG) – Center, 24 years old
- Martin Necas (CAR) – Center/Right Wing, 25 years old
- Travis Konecny (PHI) – Right Wing, 27 years old
OUT OF LEFT FIELD
I understand that this suggestion might not be a crowd-pleaser, but I’m throwing it out there anyway. After all, when has the prevailing sentiment ever held me back from voicing my thoughts, right?
Picture this scenario: What if the Canadiens, after conducting thorough research, entertained the idea of a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets, with the stipulation that they retain half of Patrik Laine’s salary?
Here’s the breakdown on Laine:
- Patrik Laine (CBJ) – Right Wing, 26 years old
- Currently enrolled in the NHLPA Player Assistance Program
- Contract valued at $8.7 million, expiring in 2025-26
- Stands at an imposing 6 feet 5 inches, weighing 215 lbs
- Drafted 2nd overall in 2016, just behind Auston Matthews
Laine’s talent is undeniable. If the Canadiens could get him at $4.35 million per season for the remaining two years of his contract, it could be a very worthwhile move. However, his injury history raises a valid concern, warranting a thorough medical evaluation before any decisions are made.
CONCLUSION
Despite lingering doubts among fans, the Montreal Canadiens are unwavering in their resolve. As they look ahead to the next season, their primary objective is crystal clear: to shift the focus towards winning more hockey games and instill a winning mentality within their youthful roster.
In their quest for success, the organization is prepared to expedite the rebuild process, albeit with a cautious eye on the future and a keen emphasis on acquiring players within the optimal age range. Armed with a treasure trove of quality picks and assets amassed over three challenging seasons, the Canadiens possess the necessary tools to realize their aspirations.
However, the stakes are undeniably high. Anything short of a spirited bid for a playoffs berth next season will undoubtedly fall short of management’s lofty expectations. With the honeymoon phase now firmly in the rearview mirror, the Canadiens brace themselves for the more arduous phase of their journey, where the scrutiny of fans will be more vocal, and the challenges more formidable than ever before.
I’m in the group that has no interest in signing big ticket free agents at this juncture of the rebuild. The type of term and money those guys want just doesn’t fit for us at this point. I feel we can get the exact players we need with respect to age (and contract) through trades. And speaking of trades, I’ve always been a fan of Laine, so at the right price (contract and assets required to spend), I’d be willing to listen. My concern would be the player assistance issue. If it’s a mental health type of thing, the scrutiny and pressure cooker from media/fans in Montreal, is probably not the best scenario for him to be successful. He’d probably become the new Drouin and the new whipping boy, and I wouldn’t want that for him. If his issue is substance abuse related (which obviously has some mental health connections), I’d be more willing to take a chance on him being able to overcome those. So, as long as we’re not giving up too much to get him, I’d be willing to try the experiment. Worst case is that it’s a total failure and we trade him after 1 year with 50% retained on our end. Perhaps someone would be willing to take their shot on him at 75% his original contract for 1 year.
No to all of the UFA’s you mentioned and possibly yes to Holtz or necas. That’s it.
You left out someone who we should target. Bradley nadeau.