Analyst Suggests Big Contract Offer to Matt Duchene Instead of Sacrificing Canadiens' Top Prospects
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Among the medium-term goals of the Montreal Canadiens organization is finding a second-line center to support Nick Suzuki.
Moreover, Kent Hughes has often mentioned in the media that he's been working hard to address this issue, and several experts expect the Canadiens' general manager to be active this summer on the trade market.
However, some rumors are circulating that Hughes might be willing to sacrifice quality prospects to acquire an established young center.
As reported by the site HABSolumentFan, the site's columnist, Marco Normandin, who recently became the co-host of the PoolCast podcast, stated that he would prefer to offer a big contract to Matt Duchene rather than overpay in a trade to fill the second-line center position on the Montreal Canadiens.
A contract for Matt Duchene with Kent Hughes and the Habs?
Here's the quote in question:
"I don't like the idea of overpaying in a trade to get the team's second-line center.
We would definitely have to sacrifice at least a top prospect and a first-round pick to get a player who fits our needs.
Personally, my pick would be Matt Duchene.
He's already truly wanted to come to Montreal before and he would be the perfect transition for what we need.
I'd be willing to overpay and offer him a 3-year contract at $8 or $9 million per year to sign him.
I don't care.
He's 34 now and the third year might be one year too many, but I'd still be willing to do it if it means we don't have to sacrifice prospects or picks.
Plus, he's a family man and deeply religious, with no reputation for partying in bars.
He would be the best possible mentor to play with Ivan Demidov next season."
- Marco Normandin
We would definitely have to sacrifice at least a top prospect and a first-round pick to get a player who fits our needs.
Personally, my pick would be Matt Duchene.
He's already truly wanted to come to Montreal before and he would be the perfect transition for what we need.
I'd be willing to overpay and offer him a 3-year contract at $8 or $9 million per year to sign him.
I don't care.
He's 34 now and the third year might be one year too many, but I'd still be willing to do it if it means we don't have to sacrifice prospects or picks.
Plus, he's a family man and deeply religious, with no reputation for partying in bars.
He would be the best possible mentor to play with Ivan Demidov next season."
- Marco Normandin
In fact, a recent proposal has been put forward suggesting that Kent Hughes would be willing to sacrifice Michael Hage, Logan Mailloux, and one of his first-round picks in the upcoming draft to acquire the much-coveted second-line center in Montreal.
| POLL | ||
MARS 28 | 1014 ANSWERS Analyst Suggests Big Contract Offer to Matt Duchene Instead of Sacrificing Canadiens' Top Prospects Would you like to see Kent Hughes sign Matt Duchene as a free agent instead of acquiring a second-line center through a trade? | ||
| Yes | 402 | 39.6 % |
| No, we make a trade! | 289 | 28.5 % |
| We sign a different free agent instead of him | 323 | 31.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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