The Montreal Canadiens head into tonight’s NHL Draft with the 5th overall pick. They are reportedly getting plenty of offers for that pick, but we will have to wait and see if they keep it and select a young prospect or trade it away.
We do know they already made one trade involving a first round pick at this year’s NHL Draft. They dealt the 31st overall pick, as well as the 37th pick, to the Colorado Avalanche for Alex Newhook. They could dangle the 5th overall pick to move back and add a couple of later picks in the first round.
Having added Newhook, as well as having already re-signed Sean Monahan, the Canadiens suddenly have a lot of centers on the roster. Nick Suzuki is their top pivot, but Kirby Dach, Monahan, Newhook, Christian Dvorak and Jake Evans can all play in the middle as well.
There are many who believe last year’s second round pick, Owen Beck, is ready to make a push at next year’s training camp as well. That is a lot of depth down the middle, though we can’t really count on Beck just yet.
With so many options to play center next season, it is possible the Canadiens could deal from a position of strength and move one of them. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet was on his 32 Thoughts podcast earlier today and mentioned Dvorak is a player who may not really have a role with the team any more and could be on the way out.
Friedman on 32TP: “We should mention with Montreal, Christian Dvorak, it would seem that there isn’t a role for him there now they got so many centres, so I think that’s another name worth keeping an eye on”
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 28, 2023
His exact quote was that it is “worth keeping an eye on” so that does not mean anything is imminent. But Friedman is also the most connected insider in the business so when he mentions a name it is rarely just him tossing out ideas. He hears more than anyone around the hockey world so this is a player that could be dealt.
The problem for the Canadiens, who traded away first and second round picks for Dvorak just two years ago, are not likely to get nearly as much back for him. He has two more years left on his contract with a manageable cap hit of $4.45 million, but he hasn’t played great in his stint in Montreal.
Dvorak scored ten goals and 28 points in 64 games last season. In his first season with the Canadiens he scored eleven goals and 33 points in 56 games. He plays a decent two-way game, but just didn’t put up enough points to expect a first and second round pick in return.
He is 27 years old and has played on the most injury prone team in NHL history in his two seasons in Montreal. It is possible there is a team out there that thinks he can provide more offense in a more stable role and with better linemates.
Even if that team is found, like maybe the Boston Bruins or Winnipeg Jets decide they desperately need a center or the Chicago Blackhawks want a veteran to play behind Connor Bedard, they aren’t likely to offer up a very enticing package for him.
It is definitely worth keeping an eye on, and makes sense for the Canadiens to try and move him, but don’t expect him to go for a first round pick tonight.
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