Montreal Canadiens: Three Players Who Have Far Exceeded Expectations This Season
Rem Pitlick
The Montreal Canadiens were busy claiming players off waivers this season to fill gaps in the roster.
Sam Montembeault was claimed off waivers and has played 33 games in goal this season. Kale Clague was picked up off waivers and has played a depth role on the blue line.
Rem Pitlick was also grabbed off the waiver wire and he has turned into an intriguing offensive piece for the Habs. The 25 year old couldn’t quite hang on to his roster spot with the Minnesota Wild, but has scored 22 points in 36 games for the Canadiens since joining the organization in January.
#Gophers All-American alum Rem Pitlick factors into all three goals last night for #GoHabsGo (🚨🍎🍎) and now has 24 points in his rookie season.
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) March 10, 2022
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When a player is claimed off waivers, the expectations are set quite low. I mean, a team literally just gave up on the player and lost them for absolutely nothing in return.
Though the acquisition cost was nothing for the Canadiens, they have received a lot of value out of Rem Pitlick. Recently, he has been playing on the top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. It remains to be seen if he sticks there long term, but he certainly earned the promotion by playing way better than anyone expected when he arrived.