#5: Will Smith, C/RW, USNTDP
#17: Axel Sandin-Pellika, D, AIK
#37: Hunter Brzustewicz, Kitchener
Smith is a highly touted centre and winger who could possibly go second or third if not for Fantilli/Michkov/Carlson. He is committed to Boston college for next season. Expect him to join Montreal in 2024.
Sandin-Pellikka is signed to a three year extension in Sweden. Not sure if he can get out of that (or would want to in order to go play junior or AHL in NA).
Quinnipiac won the National Championship against Minnesota last night. Québécois goalie Yaniv Perets who has been linked to Montreal (not just because of Quebec) would be a fantastic signing for Kent Hughes. The Canadiens would have an interesting battle for the crease with Primeau, Dobes and now Perets under contract and Dichow and Vrbetic battling for a contract as their rights expire. It would give Montreal goaltending depth, giving Cayden Primeau a reality check and some competition to guard his place as the organization’s top goaltending prospect.
Likely roster moves:
The least surprising roster move from Montreal is the resigning of Caufield. Any amount under $9 million would be acceptable. I would go out on a limb and say that he doesn’t sign for 8 years, but a 2 or 3 year bridge deal to claim his bag when it’s over. At the end of the day, I expect him to sign for around $8.25 million.
Hoffman is bought out after no trade interest appears, saving Montreal a pretty penny ($2 million saved over two years with a $1.16 million cap hit for two years).
Armia faces his final chance to prove himself as consistent. If he does not, he is a cap dump or buyout candidate. The latter would be my choice as Hughes had said he’s not giving up picks in the rebuild unless it’s for an impact player.
Slafkovsky is assigned to Laval to begin the season. There is less pressure, a fun, young Laval team is emerging, and he can focus on developing.
Farrell starts the year in Laval in order to lower expectations and let him continue his development at his own pace.
One thing I don’t want to see:
A Dubois trade this off-season that makes us more competitive next year. We have a lot of CENTRE prospects in the system that want to prove they deserve to stay. I’m not keen on trading away anyone named Beck, Kidney, Mesar just yet. Those players have a combined 1 professional game together. I’d like to see what they can do in their D+2 or first AHL season before passing judgement and shipping them off. Dubois has a few red flags, including drawing comparisons to Drouin. I would also want to see what he can do next season, especially in the playoffs (with Winnipeg or another team) before selling the farm.
This team is once again basement-bound, however that is how a team properly rebuilds. Should Dubois be a part of that rebuild, it will not come as giving up assets to acquire him. In terms of signing, I would be happy to pay between what Calgary gave Nazem Kadri and what San Jose gave Tomas Hertl (~$8 million).
I'm more or less okay with this (other than lines perhaps), except for Caufield. He doesn't deserve more than Suzuki unless/until he proves he can produce just as well without him.
It's fine if he can't as long as he works with Suzuki, but you can't argue for that kind of contract if your production is tied to another player.
ok most of what you wrote i agree with like waiting on dubois.. But a couple of things are off montreal is not going to be a bottom ten team next year unless they get hit with the injury bug again.. as we would have finish 11 or 12 this year if we had a healthy lineup... math says chances are we dont lead the league in injuries next year.. And with the improvement of all our rookies from this year plus better health we will struggle to make bottom 10 ... if everything goes well i can see them challenging for a playoff spot but finishes just out of it like ott or buff this year. everything goes well mean monty continues to play like a starter and stays healthy. Caufileld plays at least 75 games and gets 35+ goals and Dach gets 60 points ... All doable
The other thing i disagree with is caufield getting motr money than Suzuki... if he wants that he will have to sign a bridge deal and stay healthy and produce to his potential before we give him that kind of contract...Remember he is a great sniper but he is 5'7" and this means he will get hurt alot..And that lowers your pay grade. Plus he is not a center not the captain and not the leader that suzuki is so he gets paid less for sure.. But if he wants to sign for 3.5 mil for two years and bet that he can produce a 40 goal season then that is fine and he might get over 8 mil but the 4mil lost for two season mean he would have been better off taking 7.6 for 8 years rather than going the bridge route..
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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