Montreal Canadiens: P.A. Parenteau feels John Tavares signs in Montreal
Former Montreal Canadiens winger P.A. Parenteau shared his thoughts on the John Tavares situation including his belief that he signs with the Habs.
Pursuing John Tavares in free agency is most likely one of the climaxes of the Montreal Canadiens offseason strategy. It’s not every day when a player of his calibre hits the open market. The last time it happened was with Steven Stamkos, and he eventually decided to extend with his current team. However, you can’t fault him for doing that seeing where the Tampa Bay Lightning were in their build and where they currently are now.
The New York Islanders have some solid forward pieces, especially Mathew Barzal, but that may not be enough to keep Tavares around. Garth Snow also didn’t do himself any favours by not making enough moves to strengthen the Islanders so they could properly push for a playoff spot. Winning the draft lottery may have changed things, but it’s safe to say that there’s a greater chance the 27-year-old tests free agency.
Habs fans around the world are crossing their fingers that Montreal ends up being his destination. The Montreal Canadiens could pay the ticket and have pieces in place that make a quick turnaround possible. Having former Team Canada teammates, Shea Weber and Carey Price in the fold helps as well.
But besides the fanbase, who thinks Tavares signs with the Habs? Well, his former teammate P.A. Parenteau does.
The former Habs winger appeared on 98.5 FM in Montreal yesterday and shared his thoughts on the Tavares conundrum. After revealing that he was officially retiring from professional hockey, Parenteau expressed his feelings that if the coveted centre is available, he will land in Montreal.
I took a little challenge with my father a few weeks ago and I told him it would be Montreal for my destination. But I do not have a scoop there! (Translated).
This is obviously his opinion as Parenteau has never given the signs of being an undercover NHL insider. His belief most likely ties into the points many have brought up in the past (e.g. money, teammates, etc.). If Tavares does end up signing in Montreal, it’ll be a little funny that a former linemate of his made the call.
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