Montreal Canadiens: Five Bold Predictions For 2023-24 Season

Casey DeSmith and Package Net First-Round Pick and Prospect

The Casey DeSmith acquisition was weird from the get-go, and unless Hughes has pulled the sheet over our eyes, and tried to fool us, DeSmith is the odd man out for the Habs goaltending carousel. With Samuel Montembeault and Jake Allen poised to hold both the starter and backup role, there’s no space for him in the NHL, and the American Hockey League is out of the question.

It’s likely that Hughes has been working the phones, and fielding different offers, but hasn’t found a buyer yet. One thing that stands out about him, though, is his patience and ability to pull off great deals. Dealing DeSmith out of the organization will happen, and I think the stall could be the inner workings of a package that could earn a first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and a prospect back.

He may have to consider retaining salary, and throwing in a prospect could make this prediction feasible.  I hope in my heart that Hughes can pull off another masterclass move when he moves DeSmith.

Adding future assets would fit right in with the game plan that has seen a roster overhaul. The return is big, but the Habs have the assets to swing such a deal, maybe something like DeSmith, 30% salary retention and Jayden Struble, Jordan Harris or Riley Kidney.

These are merely predictions, the creative juices start to flow during this time of year. If you are a hockey fan, and they don’t, then check your pulse. The Canadiens are an exciting young team, and they are coming up the right way, with some big pieces already on the roster, some of which could prove these predictions right.

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