July 1st marks the start of NHL Free Agency, and with the Montreal Canadiens reaching the Eastern Conference Final this past season, they will look to reinforce their roster to become legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. There are reports that the Canadiens are looking to be active this offseason, but whether it is from free agency or through trade, we will have to wait and see. However, one thing is certain: Montreal’s Stanley Cup window is officially open, and they are looking to capitalize on it. This year’s free agency class is not stacked with big names, but there are a couple that could be enticing to the Canadiens.
Patrick Kane
The Canadiens are in need of another top-six winger, and while Patrick Kane is no longer an elite-level player at 37 years old, he could still be a valuable player for Montreal. Since leaving the Chicago Blackhawks, Kane has dealt with injuries, undergoing hip resurfacing surgery following his season with the New York Rangers. He spent the last three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, and while he never played more than 72 games, he was still productive. In 189 games with the Red Wings, Kane had 57 goals and 106 assists. He likely will not reach the 30-40’s in goals that we saw him hit during his prime, but adding a player like Kane would add another dynamic player to the team’s lineup. Kane has already played for three Original Six teams, which could make Montreal an exciting option for the three-time Stanley Cup champion.
A.J. Greer
Not as big a name as Kane, but the Canadiens could use some added size and grit in their bottom-six, and A.J. Greer could be a low-cost option for them. Greer set career-highs this season for an injury-riddled Florida Panthers team, scoring 17 goals and adding 15 assists in 78 games. Greer is coming off a two-year deal that paid him 850,000 per season, but after the season he had, he could be looking for a pay raise. The Canadiens likely hope Florian Xhekaj can step in to replace Brendan Gallagher in the team’s lineup, but could bring in Greer if the money is right. One thing that is in Montreal’s favour is that Greer’s agent, Philippe Lecavalier, is the brother of the Canadiens’ special advisor of hockey operations and former Tampa Bay Lightning player Vincent.
Andrei Kuzmenko
The one-time 39-goal scorer, Andrei Kuzmenko, could be an interesting name for the Canadiens. Kuzmenko burst onto the scene in his first season after coming over from the KHL, but has since struggled to rediscover that form. He has struggled to stay in the lineup, having dealt with multiple injuries. The most games he’s played since his first season are 52 this season, before having his season come to an end due to a torn meniscus in his knee. Prior to his injury, Kuzmenko managed 13 goals and 12 assists. He is coming off a one-year deal that paid him $4.3 million, but coming off yet another injury, the Canadiens could potentially get him on a one-year prove-it contract, making him a low-risk, high-reward type of signing.
Add us as a preferred source on Google