Yesterday, we talked about the three files on which Marc Bergevin was working to improve his center line (and his team). Two files are known, those of Jack Eichel and Tyler Bozak. The third file, which was more nebulous than the other two, could be about Christian Dvorak. According to Elliotte Friedman's information gathering, the Montreal Canadiens would work hard to acquire the center, as well as two or three other teams.
Friedman indicated that the Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks were interested in adding the services of the Arizona Coyotes center. Dvorak has been in on the market for some time now, and has achieved a consistency that is very appealing to a manager. Since joining the league, he has adapted very well to this level, scoring 15, 15, 2 (in 20 games), 18 and 17 goals respectively.
He is the type of player designed for the needs of the Red-White-Blue. A 25-year-old center who can accumulate 40 or even 50 points per campaign. This 2nd round pick (58th) in the 2014 NHL Draft Entry has averaged 18 minutes 24 in 2021, including 2 minutes 51 on the power play and 1 minute 56 on the penalty kill. Add to that lineup of stats his 45 blocked shots and 52.1% efficiency percentage at faceoff circles.
Isn't it the perfect player the Habs needs? A player who does well defensively, can bring more offense than Danault and is three years younger. For $4.45 million through 2025, he has less of an impact (on cap) than Danault will have with the Los Angeles Kings and is still effective with his stick, while possessing more up-side offensively. But, what would Dvorak cost? Certainly cheaper than Eichel!
In short, if Jesperi Kotkaniemi is not involved in a deal involving Dvorak, he would find the perfect teacher to help him develop and work on some weaknesses, right?
