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Montreal Canadiens Need To Fill Void Left By Andrew Shaw

By Ken MacMillan

OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 18: Ryan Dzingel #18 of the Ottawa Senators battles for position against Andrew Shaw #65 the Montreal Canadiens prior to a face-off at Canadian Tire Centre on March 18, 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 18: Ryan Dzingel #18 of the Ottawa Senators battles for position against Andrew Shaw #65 the Montreal Canadiens prior to a face-off at Canadian Tire Centre on March 18, 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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COLUMBUS, OH – MAY 2: Ryan Dzingel #19 (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – MAY 2: Ryan Dzingel #19 (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The Shaw trade and signing of Chiarot leaves the Canadiens with about $8 million in cap space. Could they use this to bring in a free agent? If so, are there any free agents left on July 8th that would upgrade the team?

Well, Ryan Dzingel is still on the market and could be a solid fit at the right price. He is a versatile forward who can play any position but is best suited on right wing.

He split last season with the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets, scoring 26 goals and 56 points. He wasn’t given a huge role with the Blue Jackets and was actually a healthy scratch for a game in the playoffs. But, can you really fault a guy for not immediately winning over John Tortorella? I mean, Tortorella is the guy who benched Roberto Luongo at the Heritage Classic because he just had to go with Eddie Lack in net.

I think we can cut Dzingel a little slack for not meshing with Tortorella and focus on what he does do well on the ice. What he does is put up points, play up and down the lineup when needed, fill a role in every situation and play a solid, gritty style. This pretty much makes him the perfect replacement for Shaw.

If not Dzingel, Bergevin could be undeterred by the Sebastian Aho offer sheet not working out and try to pry Patrik Laine out of the Winnipeg Jets. Laine has shown the ability to be one of the best goal scorers in the league, but Winnipeg may find it tough to fit everyone in under the salary cap.

light. Related Story. Habs Should Try To Pry Laine Away From Jets

The problem with that is the process. As a restricted free agent, Laine is free to negotiate a contract with the Canadiens if he wishes. However, if he signs it, the Jets have a week to match the offer and he would remain in Manitoba. If they do not match it, the Habs have to send compensation to the Jets, likely in the form of two first round picks, a second rounder and a third.

There is no question, Laine would be the best player to fill the role. The question is whether he would even sign an offer sheet, or if the Canadiens can perhaps work a trade for the Finnish sniper. The cost would be heavy, but the reward would be greater as well.

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