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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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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 03: Andy Greene #4 against the Montreal Canadiens. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 03: Andy Greene #4 against the Montreal Canadiens. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

4. Andy Greene

Andy Greene would fill a similar role to Hamonic, except he plays the left side of the ice. That actually makes him a much better fit for the Habs right now. Plus, he is much older at 37, so he would be willing to take a one year deal, while Hamonic may be looking to cash in longer term.

Greene has played most of his career with the New Jersey Devils. He debuted with the Devils in the 2006-07 season and was there until the trade deadline a few months ago. The Devils shipped the veteran to the division rival Islanders for a depth prospects and a second round pick. The fact he fetched a second rounder shows he still has plenty of value.

Greene is a stay-at-home defensive defenceman. While the Habs may be set on the left side with the arrival of Alexander Romanov, and Ben Chiarot, Victor Mete and Brett Kulak in town, one more veteran presence would not hurt. Maybe Romanov and Mete take a step ahead next year and Greene becomes expendable. Well, if he is on a one year contract that pays him $3 million or so, it is not that big of a deal to have him as the 7th defender for a while, or have to trade him away.

If Mete or Romanov aren’t ready for a top-four role and Kulak struggles again next season, Greene would be a perfect fit alongside Jeff Petry on the second pairing. The Habs have plenty of other young prospects coming on left defence, but Jordan Harris, Mattias Norlinder, Otto Leskinen and Jayden Struble aren’t ready for NHL duty just yet.

That is why a 37 year old is actually a good fit on a short term deal. He can be a stopgap that allows Romanov to develop in the AHL for a year if necessary. He can allow Mete to play third pairing minutes for a year if needed. He can provide steady, defensive play in front of Price that is desperately needed and help the team’s penalty kill.

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