Montreal Canadiens: Pursuing Vadim Shipachyov

With the recent developments involving Vegas and Vadim Shipachyov, would it make sense for the Montreal Canadiens to take a flyer on the center?

This whole Vadim Shipachyov situation is getting messier each day. The 30-year-old failed to report to the Chicago Wolves after being send down for the second time this season and has since been suspended. According to an article released by Sportsnet, contract termination or a trade could be a future end to this mess. If it does end up being a trade, perhaps the Montreal Canadiens may get involved.

The Habs were linked to Shipachyov last summer when teams were lining up to sign him. However, Marc Bergevin decided to pass despite the clear offensive upside in the KHL. Montreal instead signed 26-year-old Jakub Jerabek who has been having a good rookie season with the Laval Rocket so far.

The French Connection

Two things automatically link the Montreal Canadiens to a possible deal for Shipachyov: his position and his cap hit. Despite Jonathan Drouin‘s emergence and Phillip Danault‘s recent performance against the New York Rangers, the Habs still aren’t a deep team down the middle. Additionally, they could afford his $4.5 million cap hit for the next two years. Just for a bonus, he has something in common with Drouin since he was suspended from his team for not reporting to the AHL as well (always leave room for comedy).

At the same time, those same reasons for a deal to be made could also be used against it. Yes Shipachyov plays center but according to George McPhee and Gerrard Gallant, he isn’t a good one. The offence is there and he can make a pretty play with the puck. His play on both ends of the ice was what moved him from a guaranteed top six forward to a circumstantial call up.

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We’ve seen how the Montreal Canadiens handle their centers. If you’re not playing on both ends of the ice, you’re not playing there. His cap hit could cut into funds used for other things down the line even though the Habs can afford it. For example Danault’s extension or room for a big piece to be added.

If Bergevin and the rest of management feel like they could get something out of him, I’m sure the price wouldn’t be high. Vegas doesn’t have much leverage here and may have to retain some salary to make a trade work. It helps that it’s only a two-year deal. Anyway you look at it, a possible $2.75 million AAV looks better than $4.5 million.

Shipachyov could very well be dealt for a pick which the Golden Knights should gladly appreciate. Despite the success they’ve been having as of late, their still an expansion team and the long-term goal has to be more important than what is going on right now.

Whether it’s a trade or termination, Shipachyov’s days in Vegas (well mostly Chicago) are over. It’ll be interesting to see where he ends up.

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Do you think the Montreal Canadiens will make a move on Shipachyov? If not, where does he end up? Let us now your thoughts down below.