The Montreal Canadiens are historically not the primary destination for star free agents. Whether it is the tax situation, or the weather, many players just want to be elsewhere more than Montreal all winter long.
So, the Vegas Golden Knights, or New York Rangers, or Florida Panthers are more attractive destinations than Montreal for one reason or another. This doesn’t mean it is impossible for the Habs to sign a free agent, but it usually means they have to pay a little extra.
The Canadiens have hit some home runs on the free agent market over the years. Tyler Toffoli was a tremendous signing, but that was a complicated Covid offseason that left fewer buyers than there usually would be on an open market.
The Habs also brought in Mike Cammalleri and Brian Gionta as free agents many years ago and they helped the team make an immediate run to the Eastern Conference Final. They were good signings, but no one would consider them elite-level player and it still cost a significant amount of cap space to bring them in.
The Canadiens will not be spending significant cap space on anyone this offseason. They just don’t have the right pieces in place yet to go spending huge money on a 30 year old who will require a long term commitment.
Not to mention, the Canadiens don’t have the required cap space to land a marquee free agent anyway. So, this free agent season might be kind of dull for Canadiens fans. But that doesn’t mean it will be in future years.
Once the Canadiens are a little closer to contending, the team will be more actively seeking help on the free agent market. So, be patient Habs fans. Today is not our day to celebrate a big signing but that day is coming.
Let the Los Angeles Kings and Seattle Kraken have their day in the sun today. The Canadiens are just biding their time before making a big splash in the future.
Who, you might ask will they sign in coming years? Let’s take a look at the top three players the Habs will be looking to sign in free agency in the near future.