3 Canadian Teams To Do Business With – Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have done a lot of hard work this offseason, but Kent Hughes is rarely done when free agency hits. Some of his best moves have come when other organizations are under pressure, either due to salary issues or changing competitive times. With several NHL teams facing tough decisions, Montreal may once again use the market. Here are three organizations the Canadiens should keep a close eye on in the coming weeks.

Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars are once again in a difficult salary situation. After signing Jason Robertson to a new contract, the Stars now find themselves with about $1.3 million in cap space and will need to clear cap space before opening night. That’s exactly the kind of situation Hughes has shown he likes to exploit.

Dallas may not be looking to trade a star player, but they could be forced to move valuable NHL veterans simply because they have no other option. Those are usually the types of acquisitions that come at a discounted price.

Radek Faksa could be one such option. The veteran center brings size, physicality and penalty-killing ability, making him a reliable bottom-six player. While Montreal has solid depth down the middle, adding another experienced defense isn’t a bad thing if the price is right.

Sam Steel is another interesting alternative. He can play both center and wing, providing flexibility throughout the system and can fit well into a fourth line role while providing offense. Then there’s veteran defensive end Tyler Myers. The Canadiens have been looking to add more size on the blue line for the past few seasons, and Myers certainly checks that box. Although he is no longer the player he was earlier in his career, his experience and reach can still help strengthen the bottom pairing.

The Vancouver Canucks

Unlike Dallas, the Vancouver Canucks situation is not driven by the salary cap but the direction of the franchise. The Canucks are in an important rebuilding phase, and several veterans have already been mentioned in trade rumors. Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk and Filip Hronek have all seen their names in recent months.

While those players will garner attention throughout the league, it’s hard to see Montreal making a big push for any of them.

The Pettersson cap hit is certainly not attractive and the return may not be pleasant. Hronek will also round out the Canadiens’ already talented frontcourt, and DeBrusk may not be the type of addition Hughes prioritizes.

However, whenever a team begins to trade older players, opportunities often arise elsewhere on the roster. Young NHL players who have fallen down the depth chart, first-round picks who need a fresh start or reliable role players can suddenly be found at very reasonable prices.

Those second steps are often where Hughes has found success during his tenure. Acquiring a player before his value explodes has become one of Montreal’s strengths, and Vancouver could present another opportunity to do just that. If the Canucks really start to reshape their roster, the Canadiens should definitely pay attention.

Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks also deserve a closer look. At first glance, Anaheim still has about $9 million in cap space, but that amount will decrease significantly if restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier signs his next contract.

The situation became more complicated after the Ducks matched Leo Carlsson’s five-year contract from the Philadelphia Flyers worth $18 million per year. That deal significantly changes Anaheim’s financial picture and could force the organization to move more salary elsewhere on the roster.

This is where Montreal can enter the conversation. The Ducks have put together one of the deepest teams in the league in young forwards and defensemen. Not everyone will have room to play significant minutes, and salary cap issues could ultimately force Anaheim to make some tough decisions.

The Canadiens are in a position to take advantage if a talented young player is available at the right price. Montreal also has the cap flexibility to hold contracts that other teams can’t, giving Hughes another option if Anaheim needs to clear money quickly.

Patience Can Pay Again

The Canadiens don’t need to force another big move before the season starts. Their roster has been greatly improved, and the organization remains committed to building with patience instead of despair. However, that doesn’t mean Hughes should stop looking for opportunities. Those are exactly the types of situations that general managers seem to help. If history is any indication, don’t be surprised if Hughes gets another deal before training camp opens.