If the Montreal Canadiens are indeed aiming for a playoff spot next season, they have a whole summer ahead of them.
Maybe it was still 28th-place for the Canadian this season, but the progress has been notable; giving chief executive Kent Hughes the necessary data he needs to make big changes.
The rebuild is certainly not over, but, after three top-10 drafts and two summers of asset accumulation, it appears the Canadiens have taken another step in their rebuild.
It’s important not to repeat the mistakes of division rivals like the Ottawa Senators, who jumped at the first glimpse of success and sacrificed their prime assets only to ultimately fail to qualify for the playoffs. last seven successive seasons.
If the goal is to improve, here are the biggest areas of concern as you approach June 2024 NHL Draft:
Another trade during draft time?
Over the past two seasons, the Montreal Canadiens have been aggressive in the draft, not only in selecting young talent, but also in acquiring them via trade.
THE Kirby Dach And Alex Newhook acquisitions played a significant role in the early stages of Kent Hughes’ rebuilding plans.
However, it appears the Canadiens must be close to making a move like the Vancouver Canucks did in 2019 to acquire star forward JT Miller.
Miller may have only finished as an elite player over the past two seasons, but adding an elite player via trade who has grown with the team’s core is l one of the main reasons why the Vancouver Canucks sit in first in the Pacific division.
But who fits this kind of description?
Trevor Zegras, Martin Necas and maybe even Jordan Kyrou could be interesting targets for the Montreal Canadiens, as the Ducks, Hurricanes and Blues appear poised to make big moves this summer.
Trevor Zegras…
What. An access card. pic.twitter.com/bfI6Be6KIG
– NHL (@NHL) April 13, 2024
Canadiens have draft capital, including Winnipeg’s 1stst-a round draft and a boatload of prospects, to make for an attractive package, along with the cap space needed to put their salaries under the cap.
Is this the summer of monster trading?
It would be more shocking if the Canadiens didn’t make a move, but maybe it could be a small move for a very talented youngster like Cole Perfetti, Kent Johnson or Alex Holtz who could be the gamble to take.
Needless to say, the Canadiens will be looking to score this summer.
Which defender will be traded?
The Montreal Canadiens have a glut of left-handed defensemen, which Kent Hughes admitted will help them business-wise.
But who will the Canadiens look to move?
It’s easy to add names like Jordan Harris or Jayden Struble into the mix, and they have value, but perhaps a higher value piece will be needed for a big trade.
Names like Logan Mailloux, Adam Engstrom or Justin Barron would likely have more value in a trade right now, given their size and offensive ability.
But we should not rule out the possibility that the Canadian calls upon David Savard, who attracted the interest of a few interested teams at the trade deadline, such as the New York Islanders.
Early playoff exits could increase the pool of candidates interested in his services, and with a rising salary cap, there could be a better fit to acquire additional assets to help the club in future trades.
Power play goal for Logan Mailloux, his 12th goal of the year.
Lead 1-0 from the start in Laval! pic.twitter.com/LpjbXVqOfE
–Scott Matla (@scottmatla) March 9, 2024
Will the Canadiens draft a forward?
Kent Hughes mentioned that if the best player available is a defenseman, they would consider trading up or down in order on June 28.
Then, last week, he apparently didn’t rule out the possibility of signing a right-handed defenseman, after pointing out how the team was made up of left-handed defensemen.
This seemingly opens the door to potentially selecting top defenders Artyom Levshunov or Zayne Parekh, if he were available, because either one would instantly become the Canadiens’ brightest defensive hope. And, as was said in a previous article, if one of these right-handed defensemen is available, which is more likely Parekh, the Canadian will have to think long and hard.
That being said, the priority seems to be looking to the future, with players like Cayden LindstromIvan Demidov, Tij Iginla, Cole Eiserman, Konsta Helenius and Berkly Catton top the list.
However, the fact that the Canadiens opened the door to moving the pick was not only a message to fans, but also to rival general managers.
Sources close to this year’s draft expect there to be a series of defensemen selected in the order of 2nd in the general classification up to sixth or seventh place in the general classification.
With the draft boasting five potential first-pairing defensemen in the top 10, the Canadiens could take advantage of their rival’s strong defense desire or join in on the fun themselves.
But if the Canadiens draft a defenseman with their first pick, we should expect another trade for a forward who would give Montreal’s current roster a boost in the short and long term.
The possibilities are limitless.
attach your belt
There are still just under two months until the 2024 NHL Draft, but the stage is set for an exciting summer for Canadiens fans.
With Kent Hughes looking set to help his young side take the next step, the decisions made this summer could be their most influential yet.
But, as always with this current edition of the Montreal Canadiens management team: expect the unexpected.
