Since free agency started, the Montreal Canadiens have brought in five new players to represent the city of Montreal in next near’s back-to-normal Atlantic Division.
With Phillip Danault signing a six-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings, Corey Perry signing a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and with the possibility of losing Tomas Tatar, GM Marc Bergevin signed Mike Hoffman, Cédric Paquette, and Mathieu Perreault to fill in these voids.
There was, however, an even bigger void to fill on the blueline, and that is captain Shea Weber’s spot on the right for defence, for which Bergevin brought in David Savard. He also signed Chris Wideman to a one-year contract, to possibly take Weber’s spot on the powerplay.
However, there is still nothing certain regarding Weber. He could go to LTIR for the season and maybe come back in a year or even two, or he could retire and never wear the CH again. I sure am hoping we will get to see him play again, but his health is more important, and steps were taken to make sure the right side of defence won’t be lacking with Weber gone for the moment.
Here are my ratings for these two signings meant to replace him, that is, for the moment being. Who knows what else Bergevin plans on doing?