Montreal Canadiens: Free Agent Frenzy begins!
By Omar L
It’s one of the craziest offseason dates with Free Agent Frenzy hours away from opening, and the Montreal Canadiens can choose to take part or sit back.
Today is the day when some teams make quality additions while other make quality mistakes. As of noon ET, unrestricted free agents will be free to sign a contract with whatever team they choose to start the next leg of their careers. The Montreal Canadiens are in a unique spot where they have the income to sign a few players, but could also choose to stand pat and watch the chaos unfold.
Paul Stastny – who many believed to be a plan B option for the Habs – looks to be returning to Winnipeg. He and the Jets have expressed mutual interest in extending things there, but the magnitude of the eventual contract as an issue. However, Marc Bergevin extended an aiding hand to Kevin Chevaldayoff by taking on Steve Mason‘s contract.
Even if the 32-year-old hit the open market, it probably wouldn’t be a good long-term fit for the Canadiens.
There’s a chance Tomas Plekanec gets a victory lap with Montreal as well. The 35-year-old made it clear that the Habs were his priority, but it’ll be interesting to see whether a new deal takes place. Plekanec is also two games away from 1000 in the NHL, and he’d definitely like to do that in a Montreal Canadiens uniform.
Calvin de Haan seems to be the top option as far as defencemen go. The contract could be scary, especially if a bidding war takes place, but the Habs would benefit from having a name like him on the blueline. There’s also Xavier Ouellet who was recently bought out by Detroit and looking to rejuvenate his career.
Again Bergevin and co. could choose to sit pretty and not do anything. They have enough organizationally to ice a roster and trades are still a possibility. But hopefully the Habs are careful if they do choose to go shopping.
In Case You Missed It
Analyzing possible UFA targets in free agency
An in-depth look at nine UFAs the Montreal Canadiens could choose to sign on the open market.
Montreal Canadiens acquire Joel Armia, Steve Mason from Winnipeg Jets
Bergevin put that cap space to good work allowing him to acquire Joel Armia, Steve Mason, and two draft picks.
Montreal Canadiens place Steve Mason on waivers for a buyout
Mason’s time in the Habs organization didn’t last too long as he was placed on unconditional waivers.
Next: Nine Possibilities in Free Agency
Morning Links
Domi arrives in Montreal (NHL)
Max Domi is in town and already making an impact on the community
Canadiens top prospects trying to stay cool during Montreal heat wave (Gazette)
The show must go on at development camp despite the heat and some of the Montreal Canadiens prospects shared their experience with playing in high temperatures.
Can the Canadiens fill their hole on left defence through free agency? (The Athletic)