This free agency was expected to be a historic one with some of the players who had their contract ending after the 2025-26 season. Unfortunately, that hasn't ended up being the reality, as almost all of them have new contracts, either signing with their original teams or being moved in trades this offseason.
The lack of impact players, combined with a rising salary cap, could limit what free agents the Montreal Canadiens are able to sign. Even though the salary cap made a big jump year over year, the Canadiens have only $14.23 million and have several restricted free agents who need new contracts.
It might be tough for the Canadiens, but it doesn't mean they won't try, and when looking at the unrestricted free agents, these three could make sense.
Mason Marchment
Mason Marchment is one of the top forwards available in free agency, which highlights the weakness of this class. It is not because Marchment is a bad player, but he isn't an elite player either, and in any other free agency, he would be a great answer for what the Canadiens need.
Unfortunately, he is going to be highly sought after, and his asking price will likely be driven up because of it. The question is whether or not it will go so high that the Canadiens won't be able to sign him.
If that doesn't end up happening, the Canadiens should be interested, as he is the big forward that they need. He is 6'5" and spent last season between the Seattle Kraken and Columbus Blue Jackets after the Kraken traded him during the season. Marchment started the season very slowly with only 13 points in 29 games, but had 32 points in 39 games in Columbus.
Marchment would be a perfect fit on the Canadiens' second line opposite Ivan Demidov. The question is how much competition Montreal will face in signing the forward?
Boone Jenner
The second line really should be the focus for Kent Hughes, and they really need a center, but unfortunately, there aren't many that will be able to fill that need. For the Canadiens, they also don't necessarily need someone long-term, as Michael Hage is likely going to make the jump to the NHL by the end of the 2026-27 season.
Boone Jenner is a player who could bridge that time until Hage is ready, but it would also be surprising to see him leave the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he has played his entire 13-year career. If he does decide to leave, the Canadiens would love for him to be the center on the second line, as he is still excellent in the faceoff circle.
Claude Giroux
Another center who is in a similar category to Jenner is Claude Giroux. The 38-year-old has played the last four seasons with the Ottawa Senators and, even at this point in his career, is still averaging over 18 minutes of ice time per game.
Even though the production may not be the same as it was earlier in his career, he has averaged just under 50 points per season the past two years. He is also exceptional in the faceoff circle, even better than Jenner in this area, with a faceoff win percentage just under 60% during his time in Ottawa.
The Canadiens might be able to convince him to sign a one-year deal, and he probably would be the best option right now in free agency to address center.
A rising salary cap and the lack of top-tier free agents is probably going to make it very hard for the Montreal Canadiens to make an impact. However, any of these three would be an upgrade to the roster.
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