Montreal Canadiens’ Free-Agent Moves

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

When Montreal Canadiens’ general manager, Marc Bergevin, called a press conference, it was clear that the deals were over for the Habs. At least for this week. After all, it’s probable that he would abstain from talking to the press if there were still moves he was going to make waiting in the wings.

So, how did the Habs fare this free-agent frenzy?

Let’s look at the players they signed:

• Zack Kassian (plus a 5th-round pick): traded for Brandon Prust.
• George “Bud” Holloway
• Mark Barberio
• Joel Hanley

The biggest news of the day was the trade. I wrote about it here.

Kassian held a conference call after the day had calmed down, and here are some of the things he said:

"I couldn’t be happier. Original 6 team, best fans in the league. Coming in playing in front of that home crowd was always a pleasure. It was an emotional day. My mom was very excited and Montreal is my dad’s favorite team. It was a pretty special feeling. I consider myself lucky to be a Canadien"

Asked about the type of player he would like to be, he replied:

"Big body, skates well, physical, but I can also put the puck in the net when I’m on my game. I can bring all those elements. I feel I can help Montreal if I bring that consistency."

Consistency is a word often used where Kassian is concerned; many feel his inconsistency is a problem.

I still believe he can rise to the occasion here in Montreal. Put on the right team, with the right linemates, one year older and more mature, he has the potential to break out the way Dale Weise did when he was brought to Montreal from the Canucks.

Other concerns about Kassian revolved around his injury; he had a back injury that sidelined him. But he isn’t concerned:

Asked whether he sees himself as a Top 6 forward, his answer was thoughtful:

"Montreal is a good, deep team. Anywhere I can fit in and help the team win, I’m more than happy to do so. I don’t look at it as Top 6 or Bottom 6; if you look at the teams that are winning nowadays, they have four lines that all play. Anywhere the coach wants me, I’ll thrive in that role and try to make the team better."

He admits that maturity is a factor that he lacked but that he’s up for the challenge and ready to prove himself in Montreal and is excited “for a fresh start and become the player I can be.”

There will be consternation about this trade until the season begins, and even afterward. Many were attached to Brandon Prust – for good reasons. Prust is all heart. But I believe we must give Kassian a chance to prove himself and we may be in for a pleasant surprise.

Asked about the above photo that he tweeted, one journalist teasing that this jersey clearly doesn’t look like a new one, Kassian said he got it from a friend who came over as soon as the trade was announced. “It felt good putting it on.”

I think his attitude is the right one, and I believe that can be converted to performance on the ice.

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