Team: 2024-25 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: May 11, 2024

Published: May 11, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Habs target 4 things this offseason.

A Superstar

The simple truth most Habs fans are hiding behind is that the Leafs have 3 superstar forwards where the Habs maybe have 1 (I think they do in Slaf, though it remains to be seen). The Habs should target Mitch Marner. Everyone is saying all the things you will undoubtedly be able to read in the comments. "He's too soft." "He doesn't have what it takes to win in the playoffs". "All skill, no heart". "All about the money". I swear these are all the same comments we heard about Panarin over the past 2 seasons. This year however, it's a completely different story. Everyone who "knew" the Ranger will "never win with Panarin" is now talking about how they always knew he had this in him. Quite simply: I want that for Marner, but with the Habs. Panarin & Marner are perfect comparables and should also inform his extension numbers.

A sure thing

There are no sure things with young players. Only veterans can give that to a team. I believe the Habs need to go after defensively responsible veteran forward with NHL size. I would personally target Chandler Stephenson. At 6'0 & 209lbs he plays an excellent 2-way game and will become both a responsible top 6 option for a few years as well as our best penalty killer. Not sure how badly I need to defend this, but we miss Danault and here's a new Danault, let's not make the same mistake twice and begrudge him an extra 1M/season.

A project

This one is controversial, but I would take a run at Kaapo Kakko as redemption project. He needs a fresh start and while the trade may cost a premium, the player will not be expensive to sign.

A prospect

Depending on who's available at 5OA, we pick Lindstrom or Iginla. Probably Iginla which could be the surprise of the draft.

This should give the Habs an incredible boost in scoring and especially defense as Marner, Stephenson, and Kakko are all excellent defensively. Hopefully this translates to being "in the mix" for the playoffs.

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