Montreal Canadiens Free Agents: Who Stays and Who Goes?
Restricted Free Agents That Will Stay
Alexander Romanov is an RFA in need of a new contract and he will obviously get one. The top four defender could even sign a lengthy contract extension this offseason to stick around for a while. The 22 year old looks to be a fixture on the Habs back end and I could see him signing a six year contract with a $4 million cap hit.
Cayden Primeau should be the undisputed starting goaltender for the Laval Rocket next season and will definitely re-sign with the organization this offseason. Expect him to sign a two-year, two-way contract to keep him in Laval for a couple seasons.
Rem Pitlick was another waiver wire pickup by the Canadiens and he played great, even being promoted to the top line for a while. He had 26 points in 46 games with the Habs and is likely to sign a one or two year deal with a cap hit around $2 million.
Samuel Montembeault should also be back but it really depends on Carey Price’s status. If Price is out, the Habs need to sign Montembeault and let him play plenty during their “transition” year. Transition meaning they will lose a lot and try to get the first overall pick again. Even if Price thinks he will be back, it would be wise to sign Montembeault to a one year contract at $900,000 as an insurance policy.
Corey Schueneman made his NHL debut this season at 26 years old. He played well and should stick around next season to keep the young prospects in the minor leagues for the season. With just 24 games of NHL experience, Schueneman would come in at about $850,000 on a single year deal.
Michael Pezzetta was one of the few pleasant surprises on the Canadiens this season. He wasn’t expected to get anywhere near the NHL roster but he scored 11 points in 51 games. His hard work and dedication deserve a one year extension with a $800,000 cap hit.
Joel Teasdale has battled injuries throughout his pro career, but he plays a hard nosed style and brings an aggressive forecheck and some scoring touch to the Laval Rocket lineup. The 23 year old finished the season with 28 points in 44 games, finishing hot after a slow start. He deserves another contract and should get a couple years on a two-way deal.
Josh Brook had another injury plagued season. He played only six games this past season with the Rocket and another six in the ECHL with the Trois-Rivieres Lions. He did score six points in seven ECHL playoff games, giving just enough hope he can bounce back next season. He should get a one-year contract and compete with the youngster for minutes on the right side of the Rocket blue line.
Nate Schnarr arrived at the trade deadline for Andrew Hammond, and though he had just ten points in 20 games for the Rocket, he is just 23 and should take a roster spot from one of the pending UFA centres in the organization.