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Montreal Canadiens: 4 Potential UFA Targets To Watch While We Wait For Third Round

By Ken MacMillan

Jun 2, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Brandon Saad Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 2, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Brandon Saad Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 26, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; Casey Cizikas Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; Casey Cizikas Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports /

Casey Cizikas

The Canadiens have some tough decisions to make this offseason and one of the most difficult will be what to do with Phillip Danault? They already targeted centre as a position to upgrade when they acquired Eric Staal at this year’s trade deadline, so if Staal and Danault walk, the team will need a reliable depth centre.

Even if Danault comes back, adding a player like Cizikas isn’t a bad idea.

The Islanders 30 year old centre has been the pivot on one of the best fourth lines in the league for the past several years. He has a nice mix of speed, smarts, and a dash of offence. With young centres Nick Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkaniemi at the top of the depth chart, it makes sense to have reliable veterans behind them.

Cizikas has been a top penalty killer for one of the best defensive teams in the league for the past few seasons and wins well over 50% of his face-offs which is a nice bonus considering that hasn’t been an area of strength for the Canadiens.

Cizikas would fit in very well on a fourth line with Paul Byron and Arthur Lehkonen.

Other UFAs to watch for the Islanders: Kyle Palmieri, Travis Zajac, Andy Greene.

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