In this series, Heavy Sports is looking at what every NHL team has done over the offseason. Next up is the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens had a successful season this past year as they returned to the postseason. They went on a deep playoff run as they advanced to the eastern conference finals. Their campaign came to an end in round three as they were eliminated by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. They are hoping to remain in the hunt next season in what projects to be a competitive Atlantic division picture once again.
Who are Montreal’s Additions?
Key additions: Brett Berard, Sammy Blais, Hunter McKown, Samuel Poulin, Maksymilian Szuber, Reily Walsh
The Canadiens have not yet made any major additions this summer, although they have been in the market for another top-six forward. They are a team to watch as one that could still make a splash by the time next season rolls around. To be fair, they have been busy in terms of getting key extensions done with their core players of the future. Star forward Ivan Demidov received a long-term eight year $73 million extension. Goaltender Jakub Dobes was extended for three years at over $16 million. Lastly, forward Kirby Dach was extended for one year at $3.6 million. The team has a couple more RFA’s to take care of with Zach Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj in need of new deals.
Who are Montreal’s Subtractions?
Key subtractions: Brendan Gallagher, Patrik Laine, Joshua Roy, Joe Veleno
Montreal has said goodbye to a few notable pieces. The most prevalent is Brendan Gallagher; he was dealt to the Vancouver Canucks. Gallagher had spent his entire 14 year career with the Canadiens to this point. Depth forward Joshua Roy is also on the move, having been traded to the Utah Mammoth. Joe Veleno signed with the New York Rangers. Lastly, Patrik Laine has not received an extension as he hits the UFA market. Laine missed the majority of last season due to injury and was never able to assert himself in Montreal.
It will be interesting to see if general manager Kent Hughes has anything left up his sleeve before the offseason has concluded. The defense looks set with Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson forming a much improved blueline. Dobes and Jacob Fowler have emerged as a solid young duo in net. It would appear that this team could use another elite forward towards the top of the lineup that can feature on the second line. The Canadiens first line is among the best in the league with the trio of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky leading the way. There is a clear hole in the team’s top six after this. A second line center that can play with Demidov should be a target for this club. If this team wants to take that next step in becoming a true Stanley Cup contender, they cannot rely on one line on offense to get the job done.
All transactions are available via Puck Pedia.
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