Are the Montreal Canadiens going to finish off their offensive rebuild this offseason by adding Rutger McGroarty to the list with Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage? Filip Mesar is reportedly part of the package going the other way for McGroarty, including Justin Barron or Jordan Harris and a draft pick. McGroarty has 91 points in 75 games with the University of Michigan over two seasons, and it seems like he's ready to make the jump to the NHL. However, the Winnipeg Jets don't have a spot for him, bringing trade rumors.
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Mesar had 52 points in 45 games with the Kitchener Rangers last season but also played three games with Laval over two seasons. He has one assist in those three games. Mesar may not have the same offensive upside as McGroarty, which makes this a good deal, but would the Canadiens be overpaying by adding Harris or Barron and a pick?
The Canadiens can afford to trade a defenseman if it means getting a forward with a high upside. They already hit two home runs this offseason with Demidov and Hage, as addressing their lack of offensive depth was their biggest concern. Mesar's situation is interesting, so the Habs could have concerns that he will go back to Europe or not end up being as much of a factor as they expected.
The price to acquire McGroarty is lofty, but I think the Habs must do it. Entering the 2024-25 season with McGroarty, Demidov, and Hage in the prospect pool with all their high-level defensemen and Jacob Fowler coming in net would give them the No. 1 group in the league. The Canadiens' potential would be through the roof, and considering McGroarty and Demidov are almost ready to make the jump, the rebuild would get a much-needed acceleration.