Canadiens linked to two veteran forwards who could complement their young team
Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Image
The Montreal Canadiens were, to say the least, spared from injuries at the start of the season. However, that has just changed as several players will now be out for a long time.
In addition to Patrik Laine and Kaiden Guhle, the Habs have lost the services of Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.
This is without counting the players still in the lineup, such as Nick Suzuki and Jayden Struble, who clearly aren't fully healthy.
Kent Hughes will soon have to address this issue and replace these players. If not through recalls from Laval, the GM will have no choice but to make a move.
On that topic, insider Renaud Lavoie recently mentioned that the Habs may be getting close to a trade. Hughes is reportedly working very hard to improve his team.
"I think we may not be far from a trade."
- Renaud Lavoie
- Renaud Lavoie
Discussions between Kent Hughes and Barry Trotz for Steven Stamkos
According to Jeff Marek, it appears that the player targeted by Kent Hughes is none other than Steven Stamkos.
The analyst states that the Canadiens are among the teams, along with the Vancouver Canucks, interested in the veteran forward.
Regarding Steven Stamkos: "Make no mistake about it, Vancouver is part of that conversation, as is Montreal, as are a number of teams." - Jeff Marek
Even if his salary is scary - $8M until the end of the 2027-2028 season - Stamkos can still help an NHL team.
His 53 points last season, in one of the worst years of his career, clearly prove that. This season, he has recorded 4 goals and 1 assist in 21 games.
The Predators sit dead last in the NHL, and Barry Trotz could move big veteran contracts earlier than the trade deadline.
The lack of offensive production is an issue throughout the entire roster, not just for the 35-year-old veteran.
It could be interesting to see how being reunited with his former teammate, Martin St-Louis, might spark Stamkos. We know very well that the current Canadiens head coach is capable of reviving struggling players.
But before trading for Stamkos, Kent Hughes would certainly ask Barry Trotz to retain part of his salary.
Another veteran center emerges as a target for the Canadiens
Another option Kent Hughes could consider from Nashville is veteran centre Ryan O'Reilly. He currently ranks second on the Predators with 13 points in 21 games.
A left-shot centre, O'Reilly would help address one of the Canadiens' weaknesses down the middle while bringing the kind of veteran experience that could benefit the youngest team in the league.
He also carries a cap hit of just $4.5 million per season, with a contract that expires next summer. In other words, his deal involves very little long-term risk compared to many other NHL veterans.
Realistically, O'Reilly could cost a second-round pick and a B-level prospect such as Roy, Beck, or Mesar.
It will be interesting to see what Kent Hughes' next move will be, stay tuned.
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NOVEMBRE 24 | 701 ANSWERS Canadiens linked to two veteran forwards who could complement their young team If you had to pick one to fit the current Canadiens roster, who would it be? | ||
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