Montreal Canadiens: Five Players That Need To Go

Apr 27, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Greg McKegg (14) and Montreal Canadiens center Mike Hoffman (68) fight for the puck during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Greg McKegg (14) and Montreal Canadiens center Mike Hoffman (68) fight for the puck during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Paul Byron- Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Paul Byron- Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Not going to lie, I was going to put Joel Armia on this list but it might take another season or two to even envision the possibility to trading him. Instead, i’m reluctantly putting Paul Byron in his place as a player that needs to go.

I don’t dislike Paul Byron. At all. This is the greatest waiver pickup in Habs history and his contribution to the Canadiens has been stellar. If there was ever a player that never got criticized for his work ethic, it’s Paul Byron.

That being said however, Byron’s fragile body is starting to catch up to him. Since 2018 Byron has only suited up for 158 games.

Unfortunately, it’s also a matter of finances that tips the scales on whether to keep him or letting him go. He has two years left on his current contract with a $3.4 million cap hit.

Due to his leadership and being a hard worker, a team like the Ottawa Senators might call and give him the chance to finish his career in his home town.

We all love Byron, but at this point anyone else on the Canadiens’ roster can do his job at a fraction of the cost.