Montreal Canadiens: Three possible trades after a Matt Duchene signing
By Omar L
With Free Agency getting closer, the Montreal Canadiens have identified Matt Duchene as a prime target, but changes will be needed to make it all fit.
A few things have changed in the last week or so when it comes to the Montreal Canadiens and free agency. More players have been linked to the organization as potential options, both RFA and UFA alike. The Habs have had meetings with Wayne Simmonds and Keith Kinkaid while Anders Lee and Mitch Marner are possible additions, as well as Corey Perry who is in need of rejuvenation. But of course, the strongest linkage is and will continue to be with Matt Duchene.
The Montreal Canadiens met with Duchene earlier in the week before he went to over to Nashville. Are the odds in the Habs favour to get the centre signed? The battle between Montreal and Nashville in the Duchene Derby has been well covered, and it’ll be interesting to see if Marc Bergevin can pull out a win here.
There are certain things that have still swayed others from being committed to the ‘Duchene to Montreal’ narrative. One of which is how he fits, not so much roster-wise, but as far as the team’s salary cap situation goes.
Duchene is likely the number one (or 1a) centre on the Montreal Canadiens when he signs. He likely pushes Max Domi back to the wing where the two can create a ridiculous amount of magic together. However, you can’t take what Domi did for the 2018-19 season for granted.
He shattered his career totals established with the Arizona Coyotes and proved he can handle the grind of playing down the middle with how dangerous he was at 5v5. His faceoffs need a bit of work, but he’s earned the trust of Claude Julien to play centre.