About one week into free agency, most of the top free agents have new contracts, but there could still be some value out there for the Montreal Canadiens. They didn't add much this offseason outside of a few players who likely will spend most of the season in Laval.
Even though the Canadiens would like some balance on their blueline with another right-handed defenseman, the focus should be on adding a forward. More specifically, they should look to add a middle-six forward who can help with scoring.
Among the players still available as an unrestricted free agent, these are three that could be a fit for the Montreal Canadiens.
Anthony Mantha
At this point, it is a little surprising that Anthony Mantha is still out there and available after a career season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, with 33 goals and 31 assists. In a weak free agent class, Mantha was one of the best players available.
It is unclear why he is still available, and it could be a wide range of reasons, from his contract demands being too high to teams being worried about his injury history. He was healthy all last season and played in 81 games, but it was only the second time he had 80 or more regular-season games.
If the Canadiens can add Mantha on a two or three-year deal with an AAV around $3.5-$4 million, it is a move that makes a lot of sense as a potential answer for left wing on the second line.
Vladimir Tarasenko
If the Canadiens are looking to add a veteran on a one-year deal, then forward Vladimir Tarasenko makes a lot of sense for them. He will be turning 35 years old this season, but is coming off a productive season with the Minnesota Wild, having scored 23 goals and added 24 assists.
The Canadiens have such a deep prospect pool that they don't necessarily need a long-term answer, and they certainly don't want to block prospects from making the jump when they are ready. Some players who could be ready as early as 2027-28 would be Alexander Zharovsky or their most recent first-round pick, Gleb Pugachyov.
It is also worth noting that Tarasenko changed agents right before free agency and is now being represented by Dan Milstein. The Canadiens know the agent well, as he represents both the prospects mentioned earlier, but also Ivan Demidov and Alexandre Texier.
Eeli Tolvanen
At this point of free agency, almost every player is going to have some question marks, and the Canadiens have to decide which players are worth taking a risk on. Eeli Tolvanen is one of the players they should consider, as he has shown to be rather durable, with 75 or more games played in four of his eight seasons.
Tolvanen is not the biggest forward, but he is not afraid to make a hit as he has had 175 or more hits in each of those seasons, including a career-best of 237 in 2024-25. The concern with Tolvanen is that he is not going to be a high-volume point producer, but has had 35 or more points in each of the past three seasons.
He might not be their answer for their second line, but he could be a good fit on the third line with Alexandre Texier and Alex Newhook competing for the spot on the second line.
The Montreal Canadiens have been quiet in free agency but adding any of these three players could provide a nice boost for the roster going into next season.
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