Canadiens: Ben Chiarot Open To Return To Montreal

As you all probably know by now, the Montreal Canadiens finally traded Ben Chiarot to the Florida Panthers.

The Canadiens lose one of their good ones. This is a player who loved playing in Montreal and gave it his all every game. A leader on and off the ice and even surprisingly evolved in some assets of the game even he wasn’t aware of progressing in.

Ben Chiarot will always be known as a hard hitting, intelligent defender who can log in big minutes. What surprised many was his ability to quarterback the offense, specifically on the power play. He hasn’t put up big offensive numbers, but the results were still good enough to allow special teams coach Alex Burrows to use him aplenty.

With Chiarot slated to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, he will likely get a decent raise from his current $3.5 million salary. Anything in the 4 million range would be a steal for a player of his caliber but don’t bet against teams offering him upwards to $6 million per season, considering he will be turning 31 this May.

One team that might potentially sign him are none other than his former team, the Montreal Canadiens. In an interview with Eric Engels he has shown willingness to return to La Belle Province.

"EE: What impression have Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes left on you in a short time?BC: Probably just how open they are. With my situation, they’ve been completely transparent with what’s going on and, as an older guy, I’ve really appreciated that. I think they have a good idea of where they want to take this team, and they seem like two pretty organized individuals. Nothing but great things to say. They’ve been great with me.EE: If they come calling in the summer, will you pick up the phone?BC: Absolutely! I’ve loved my time in Montreal. Nothing but good things to say about the team and the city. It’s been everything I thought it would be. With all the highs and lows that come with being in a market like this, it fits my personality and I love it. I’d come back here in a heartbeat."

Also on Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield:

"EE: Let’s talk about some of the players you’re leaving behind here. What do you think the future holds for Nick Suzuki?BC: I think it’s completely up to him. He’s as talented as anyone in the NHL and mature beyond his 22 years. I see him being a leader here for a long time; being a top player and obviously the face of the franchise here. I see a passing of the torch from Shea and Carey to Nick. That’s how I see it going, and I can’t think of someone better suited for it considering how mature he is and how he handles himself. On the ice and off the ice, I think he’ll be great with the media and the people around the city. Montreal’s got a good one with him.EE: Sounds like you’re saying he should be the next captain…BC: In my mind, he’ll be the captain.EE: What about Cole Caufield’s future?BC: Similar to Nick, obviously a great guy. Great guy in the room. Obviously, he’s extremely talented. I see those two being a pretty dynamic duo here for a long time. I think their style of play also suits playing here in that they love to play and love to put on a show. I think people here have a lot to look forward to with those two guys steering the ship going forward."

What do you think? Will Ben Chiarot come back to the Canadiens this summer or will the team move on in a different direction? Comment below!