Since the Montreal Canadiens improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, things have not been smooth sailing for the franchise. An argument can be made this has been the first rebuild accepted by the fanbase in the history of the team, but Habs fans (like myself), are done with consistent losing. Over the second half of the 2023-24 campaign, the team and its young players specifically Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, and Nick Suzuki continued to get better individually and began to develop chemistry as a trio once the calendar turned to 2024.
Going into 2024-25, the expectation should be to compete for a playoff spot in the late portions of the season. With that in mind, here are a few moves I would like to see General Manager Kent Hughes make that can help the team try to squeeze into the post-season next year while also continuing to build the long-term future of the franchise.
At 5th Overall Secure One Of; Ivan Demidov, Cayden Lindstrom, or Tij Iginla:
The Canadiens have one of the best young bluelines in the NHL for the foreseeable future, that is not debatable. With a group that will be led by Lane Hutson, David Reinbacher, and Arber Xhekaj, I am confident that this could be the backbone of a Stanley Cup Contender when it is time to compete. With the D-core in place, it is time to address the forward group and add more high-end talent that will surround Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky likely beginning in the 2025-2026 season.
With the fifth pick, Montreal will have a chance to bring in a dynamic forward who can help anchor that second line when it is time to seriously compete.
In an ideal world for me, Cayden Lindstrom would be the selection. The team needs to add depth down the middle, and the 6'3 center would be an ideal fit with the franchise.
If Lindstrom is off the board at five, I would take one of the premier goal scorers in this year's class in either Demidov or Iginla. I would be confident in whoever Hughes felt comfortable taking at this spot but my hunch is that he would prefer Iginla over Demidov.
Whichever way he goes, as long as Kent Hughes selects a talented forward with their first pick, it would be a great start to the summer.
Take a Chance on Kaapo Kakko:
Based on reports coming out of New York, all signs are pointing to a split this off-season between the Rangers and former second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko.
It is no secret that Kakko has struggled in New York since he entered the league, and it probably would be beneficial for him to find a fresh start on a team that isn't looking for him to contribute to a Stanley Cup contender next season.
Montreal President Jeff Gorton is the one who drafted Kakko in 2019 when he was with the Rangers so there is a strong connection between the player and the Habs front office. With this past history with Gorton, Montreal could be an ideal fit landing spot for Kakko should the Rangers decide to move on.
Perhaps Montreal could offer players such as; Joel Armia, or Jordan Harris with a second-round pick as a sweetener who could help the Rangers get over the hump next season as they look to win the Stanley Cup in 2025.
Sign a Veteran Goalie Who Could Mentor & Split Time With Montembeault:
I like Samuel Montembeault, but I do not want him to be my starter next season without any competition in the crease.
Cayden Primeau is not a good enough netminder to be the Habs full-time backup, and future franchise netminder Jacob Fowler is not going to be in the NHL next year.
Montreal should look into bringing in a veteran goalie who can split time with Montembeault, who can keep him fresh for a potential playoff race late in the year while also mentoring the young netminder.
Here are some options that have caught my eye:
Laurent Brossoit
Anthony Stolarz
Casey DeSmith
Bring Back Tyler Toffoli:
Tyler Toffoli's previous stint in Montreal was short, but man was it sweet. Toffoli became a fan favourite as he was a key contributor to the team's Stanley Cup Final run in 2021.
As the team began to struggle the next season, Toffoli was traded to Calgary in February of 2022 as the Habs were looking to drop in the standings to secure better draft odds, while the Flames had Stanley Cup aspirations.
As Montreal starts to begin the process of going into a season with expectations to be at the very least, competing for a playoff spot in the East, Toffoli could be a welcomed addition to the team once again.
I would be comfortable offering Toffoli a 3-year 16.5 million dollar deal (AAV 5.5 Mil) that would bring the reliable goal scorer back to Quebec for a second stint with the organization.
Lock Up Juraj Slafkovsky Long-Term:
I am all in on Juraj Slafkovsky. After struggling with play and health throughout the first-and-a-half of his pro career, Slafkovsky began to show flashes that he could be the elite power forward the Habs envisioned when they took him first overall in 2022. His confidence improved a ton over the back half of the season and it showed in his play as Slafkovsky recorded 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in the last 50 games of the season and will look to continue on that play going into the last year of his entry deal when the puck drops in October.
Slafkovsky may opt to bet on himself and wait to sign a deal when the contract expires after next season, but I would do everything possible to try to get him signed long-term before next season starts as it would eliminate all distractions for Slaf going into the third year of his pro career.
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