Development: Three Montreal Canadiens players reportedly played their last game in Montreal, including one who has just arrived in town

In their recent press conference, the duo Kent Hughes/Jeff Gorton stated that they want to raise expectations for the upcoming season.

To move on to this new phase of rebuilding, it's likely that the team's lineup will change this summer, as passengers will presumably no longer be allowed on board.

According to a report by Eric Engels from Sportsnet, two players considered dead weight by fans may leave this summer. These are Mike Hoffman and Joel Armia.

Although Engels does not believe the Canadiens will buy out Hoffman's contract, he does think that he could be traded, even if his $4.5 million salary would make it difficult.



Another player who could be leaving is newcomer Denis Gurianov. Engels would not be surprised to see him head to the KHL this summer. His qualifying offer of $2.9 million is too high to match when considering his performance, or lack thereof, in a game.


If Kent Hughes manages to offload Hoffman, Gurianov, and even Armia, he would create space in the lineup for three young forwards. Rem Pitlick, Sean Farrell, Michael Pezzetta, Jesse Ylönen, Emil Heineman, Riley Kidney, Joshua Roy, Owen Beck, and the Canadiens' 1st pick in 2023 (among the top-7) will all be in the running for these available spots. Unless Hughes reserves one for Pierre-Luc Dubois.

On this matter, Engels is ambivalent about a trade this summer to acquire the Quebec native. He believes the Canadiens could do it, but doesn't see the need if the price is too high. This will be what tips Hughes on whether to trade now or take the risk of waiting a bit!


We are already looking forward to the Cup being awarded so we can see what the Canadiens' off-season has in store for us!