The Montreal Canadiens had plenty of people talking when rumors started circulating that they were looking for a top-four right-shot defenseman. It was a welcome sight that the front office was trying to find a way to make the team better, regardless of whether you agreed that a top-four defenseman was needed. Now that the Canadiens are back in the mix for a playoff spot, the search to upgrade their blue line makes much more sense. So now, what can we make of Elliotte Friedman's claim that they're also trying to find a gritty forward to add to their bottom six?
Elliotte Friedman on the Habs:
— Habs Fanatics (@habsfanaticss) October 27, 2024
“They’re looking around for a forward, particularly someone with an edge…They’re also telling teams that they won’t do anything that interferes with the long-term planning of their roster after this season.” pic.twitter.com/RbKEgEvRCk
Friedman reported it on his Saturday Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada. The Canadiens wanted to add a forward with an edge, which they feel is missing in their bottom six. However, they don't want to interfere with the future of their roster. The report makes it seem like the Canadiens only wish to add players this season who have one year remaining on their contract or can fit in for the future. Plenty of players could fit that bill, but is it worth doing?
The Canadiens have a fair share of players in their bottom six who could play with an edge. Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher are two players who come to mind as being a fit for this role. It would feel redundant to bring in a winger with the same skill set, as only one spot remains once the newcomer, Gallagher, and Anderson take their place in the lineup. The move would likely push out a player like Emil Heineman or Oliver Kapanen.
It would also end Michael Pezzetta's tenure, which wouldn't be a massive loss. However, Canadiens fans may feel it makes more sense to keep Pezzetta around instead of bringing in a new face. Friedman also mentioned on his 32 Thoughts podcast that the Canadiens would need to move a player out to make this acquisition work. As we've mentioned countless times, Christian Dvorak is the most manageable departure.
Bringing in a gritty forward seems too redundant for the current roster. Adding a defenseman to manage some of those deficiencies would make sense, but they may want to avoid adding another forward to this group. If they think the group is getting stale, they should bring a player from Laval instead. Kent Hughes hasn't swung and missed many times, but this might be one of his more puzzling moves as general manager.