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Montreal Canadiens Could Strike Waiver Wire Gold Again

By Ken MacMillan

MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 2: Vancouver Canucks Left Wing Sven Baertschi (47) passing the puck during the Vancouver Canucks versus the Montreal Canadiens game on November 2, 2016, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 2: Vancouver Canucks Left Wing Sven Baertschi (47) passing the puck during the Vancouver Canucks versus the Montreal Canadiens game on November 2, 2016, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Montreal Canadiens are still in the final stages of completing their roster for opening night. Could they add more depth by claiming a player off waivers? They have done it before with Paul Byron and should do it again today.

The Montreal Canadiens, like any team in the National Hockey League, are always looking for ways to improve their roster. General manager Marc Bergevin is constantly working the phones to try and make deals with other teams to fill holes on his own team.

The most common ways for a team to improve their lineup is to draft talented players. sign free agents when they are available in the summer and also making trades before the trade deadline in the winter. However, you can also claim players on waivers when they are available and though great players rarely hit the waiver wire. the Montreal Canadiens have scoured these lists in the past and found some diamonds in the rough.

Four years ago, Paul Byron was put on waivers by the Calgary Flames at the beginning of the season. The Habs took a chance on him, knowing he was a smart winger who is among the fastest players in the league. Since then, Byron has turned into a 20 goal threat who can kill penalties and earned a four year contract extension with a $3.4 million cap hit.

Last season, the Habs were keeping a close eye on the waiver wire once again. They clearly identified Brett Kulak as a target, but were hesitant, as teams are only allowed to have 50 players under contract at any time.

So, when Kulak passed through waivers, the Habs made a call and worked out a deal, sending Rinat Valiev and Matt Taormina to the Flames in exchange for Kulak. The 25 year old defenceman started the season with the Laval Rocket, but quickly earned a promotion and was soon playing in the top four with Jeff Petry, forming an excellent second pairing.

Could the Canadiens find another gem on the waiver wire? Well, there are several interesting players that are on waivers right now and could be claimed before 12:00 PM Eastern time today. Let’s take a look at three players that could fit with the Habs.

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