What’s the deal with Christian Dvorak?

The Montreal Canadiens haven't come out of the gates the way they hoped, and there are a handful of players that haven't contributed to helping them out of it.

One of the biggest culprits of the poor play has been Christian Dvorak, who has essentially done nothing to move the needle offensively. But what's more is that he hasn't really been engaged physically either, and at some point, he should be held accountable for it. Oliver Kapanen could be playing those minutes, and with his drive to play more minutes and be a contributor, Dvorak moving out of the way would be ideal.

Certainly, it's hard to just scratch a guy who has been an effective presence on the roster in years past, but something has to give. Dvorak isn't doing much to help the team, while others are champing at the bit to be in his position. Owen Beck, while not ready yet to play in the National Hockey League, has been playing solid for the Laval Rocket, and would give anything to play a steady role with the Habs.

It's hard to disagree with former Montreal Canadien Maxim Lapierre, who called Dvorak's recent play against the Seattle Kraken. Montreal needed more from the entire team, but in an 8-2 loss, it was even more apparent that zero shots and hits from Dvorak wasn't a great stat line. The Habs need more from their entire team, but when a player is skating around the whole game, it doesn't encourage the fanbase or management much.

Kent Hughes magic incoming?

It may require retaining salary and/or including a b-level prospect to do, but trading Dvorak to open a spot for a younger and cheaper option might be what is required. Dvorak's underwhelming play doesn't exactly fit in with what the Canadiens are trying to do. With an increase in goal production being exactly what the team needs, guys not following through stunts production.

Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has proven adept at swinging deals that leave both sides satisfied. This could be another scenario, where the organization needs Hughes to make use of his negotiating expertise to get rid of Dvorak and receive something to help the team. Dvorak is likely most suited as a fourth-line centre, and if he plays that role, he should be an effective presence for a potential suitor.

There is no indication that any move will be made, but I would have to think that healthy scratching Dvorak, while he still makes $4.45 million this season doesn't make a lot of sense. Another thing that will work in the Habs' favour is the fact that this is the final year of Dvorak's lucrative six-year 26.7 million dollar contract. Retaining for one season for a little sweetener, might not be such a bad idea.

And then the Habs can promote a young centre, who can develop in the bottom-six, so they are insulated a little bit.