Montreal Canadiens Free Agents: Who Stays and Who Goes?

Unrestricted Free Agents That Will Stay

Chris Wideman developed into the Habs poor play quarterback later in the season and though he was a third pairing guy all year, he has plenty of value. He developed a bit of chemistry with sniper Cole Caufield on the man advantage and was able to get the puck to the young goal scorer with consistency. He was fifth on the team in scoring in the final 27 games of the season, even though he only dressed for 22 of them, and he put up 16 points in that time. A one year contract with a $1.75 million cap hit would be ideal.

Laurent Dauphin played well for the Habs when called upon and had 11 goals and 16 points in 18 games for the Laval Rocket. Bringing him back to be a veteran leader for the Rocket would be wise.

Alex Belzile can fill a similar role for the Rocket. He is not really a prospect anymore at 30 years old but he had 22 points in 32 games for Laval. While the Rocket will have an influx of defencemen next season, they will be lighter up front with young players so they could use a few steady veterans.

Jean-Sebastien Dea would fit that bill as well. He had 26 goals and 52 points for the Rocket and is from Laval. He could play a leadership role and bring plenty of offence again next season.

Louis Belpedio has been a rock on the blue line for the Rocket this season. He plays the right side where the team could have Justin Barron and Josh Brook, but a 26 year old Belpedio would be a great veteran to have paired with a rookie pro like Guhle or Norlinder next season.