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Montreal Canadiens: Five Defencemen The Habs Could Target in Free Agency

By Ken MacMillan

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 27: Torey Krug. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 27: Torey Krug. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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MONTREAL, QC – JANUARY 13: Travis Hamonic #24 against the Montreal Canadiens. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC – JANUARY 13: Travis Hamonic #24 against the Montreal Canadiens. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

5. Travis Hamonic

Well, if it is a defensive defenceman the Habs desire, they could do a lot worse than sign Travis Hamonic. The hulking right defenceman has never been a big point producer, but he has always been a top four option for his team and is usually the first guy over the boards when his team is killing a penalty.

The Manitoba native was second on the Calgary Flames in ice time this season, averaging 21:12 per game. He barely stepped on the ice while the Flames had a power play but was among the most frequently used penalty killers in the league. The Habs could use some help on the defensive side of the puck and especially on the penalty kill. Hamonic would fill that role perfectly.

While slotting Hamonic into the Habs lineup isn’t a perfect fit since he plays the right side and Shea Weber and Jeff Petry already patrol that side of the ice, he would add some needed veteran defensive structure in front of Price.

The 6’2″ and 205 pounder, would bring a nasty, physical edge to the roster as well. Hitting isn’t the most important aspect of a hockey team, but the Canadiens could definitely stand to add a few players who are not easy to play against.

Of course, you could also argue that Cale Fleury plays the exact same style and Hamonic would block him from having a chance to play next season. Hamonic may be a more trusted, well-rounded player at this point in his career, but he will be 30 this summer so how much longer is he going to be better than Fleury? Or Noah Juulsen for that matter?

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