In response, management is considering strengthening the roster with a defenseman and a solid forward to support the lines.
However, options remain limited, as the current market is not particularly favorable to the Canadiens.
According to Elliotte Friedman, Montreal needs to handle this transitional period with caution to avoid sacrificing young talent in a hasty trade.
The analyst also highlights the challenges Montreal faces in attracting talent: due to taxes and media pressure, the city is not seen as an ideal destination for many players.
However, Friedman believes that General Manager Kent Hughes has adopted a smart strategy by focusing on high draft picks, which could eventually turn the team into a more appealing destination for free agents.
For now, Hughes is prioritizing patience and careful resource management. He appears to understand the risk of trading a promising player to secure a temporary boost.
Meanwhile, fans hope that this strategy will ultimately pay off, allowing the Canadiens to rebuild sustainably while staying competitive in an uncertain season.
The good news is that I don't believe Kent Hughes is the type to make a «panic trade.» He seems very rational and committed to his longer-term plan.
POLL | ||
What would be your new ideal trade target for the Montreal Canadiens? | ||
Mikael Granlund | 148 | 13.7 % |
Simon Nemec | 405 | 37.6 % |
Jake Walman | 30 | 2.8 % |
Trevor Zegras or other | 495 | 45.9 % |
List of polls |