The summer months have come and gone, and Marc Bergevin failed to make a big move. The question is, will he make a late acquisition for the Montreal Canadiens, and if so, who will it be?
As is the case every summer, the Montreal Canadiens were involved in dozens of rumours, most of which seem silly retrospectively if they didn’t already at the time. From the possibility of signing Erik Karlsson to potentially trading Max Domi, the media (some more credible sources than others) came up with some crazy rumours.
While there were the usual fantastical rumours, Marc Bergevin did pursue some big names. It is no secret that the Habs were high on Matt Duchene, and as we all know, the Sebastian Aho offer sheet failed, but it was an attempt (weak as it was) nonetheless.
Of course, since the Canadiens failed to land any big fish, they did sign a handful of free agents. Ben Chiarot will be a solid penalty killer while playing bottom-four minutes. Nick Cousins will likely be a depth producer on the fourth line adding grit. Keith Kinkaid has to be an improvement on Antti Niemi, and Phil Varone and Riley Barber will rack up points in Laval.
Like most Habs fans, I found the offseason haul (Caufield aside) disappointing. I mean no slight to any of the acquired players as I am sure they will thrive within the confinement of their roles, but Montreal is still on the brink of playoff contention; the same position they were in for the majority of last season.