Many were expecting the Habs to make an addition on the left side of their back end. Not as many figured that Ben Chiarot would be the one brought in. Having had time to ponder the three-year contract he received, our writers offer up their thoughts on the move.

The Habs weren’t overly active at the start of free agency but they made two moves of note on the opening day. One was the Sebastian Aho offer sheet while the other was signing Keith Kinkaid. Our writers offer up their thoughts on GM Marc Bergevin’s early activity.

The Habs added some more depth on Friday, announcing the signing of centre Nick Cousins to a one-year, one-way contract worth $1 million. Meanwhile, three of Montreal’s restricted free agents filed for arbitration.

Upgrading the left side of the defence was a key item on Marc Bergevin’s to-do list this summer. He took a step towards doing so with the signing of Ben Chiarot to a three-year, $10.5 million contract.

Before the opening of free agency, the Habs made a pair of trades as Andrew Shaw and Nicolas Deslauriers were dealt to Chicago and Anaheim respectively. Our writers have pondered the moves and offer up their opinions on the swap.

While it should come as no surprise, the Hurricanes put an end to any suspense when they announced on Tuesday that they will match the five-year, $42.27 million offer sheet that the Habs tendered to Sebastian Aho.

It has been a while since we’ve seen an offer sheet but the Habs have changed this. They announced that Sebastian Aho has signed a five-year, $42.27 million offer sheet. Carolina has seven days to match.

Before the draft, Marc Bergevin indicated that they’d be taking a look at free agency for backup goaltenders. He found someone he liked as the Habs have signed Keith Kinkaid to a one-year, $1.75 million contract.