The last three years, the Habs have shied away from picking defencemen in the top-50 at the draft. Understandably, that has left the depth at that position quite underwhelming. There are several blueliners who could be strong options for Montreal with the 26th pick on Friday. One of those is Jacob Larsson.
With the draft and free agency fast approaching, there is a looming deadline that teams must be mindful of, the one for qualifying offers. Who do the Habs have to qualify and how much must the offers be?
If there’s one forward position that doesn’t have many questions heading into the summer for the Habs, it’s the right wing. The same, however, can’t be said for their prospect base at that position.
For the second time in three days, the Habs announced a re-signing in the hours leading up to puck drop in the Stanley Cup Final. This time, it’s Torrey Mitchell receiving a new three year contract through the 2017-18 season, foregoing free agency in the process. The deal carries a cap hit of $1.2 million.
The logjam at centre for the Montreal Canadiens is well known and many expect something to be done about it this offseason. What’s the situation down the middle like for the rest of the organization though?
On Saturday afternoon, the Habs locked up another part of their blueline, signing Nathan Beaulieu to a two year contract. Although financial terms were not disclosed, Beaulieu’s deal will reportedly carry a cap hit of $1 million per season.
The Habs have not been known to take too many risky picks in the first round over the years but with the team picking at the back yet again, the time may be right to make a ‘home run swing’. One of the players who fits the description of a potential boom or bust selection is forward Thomas Novak.
We all know the top end of Montreal’s depth chart on the left wing is strong due to the emergence of Max Pacioretty as a high quality front liner. Beyond him though, how does that position stack up in the rest of the organization?
With the emergence of Nathan Beaulieu and the long-term signing of Jeff Petry, the defence situation for the Habs is looking good. Can the same be said for the rest of the organization? Our depth series continues with a look at the blueline.
Josiah Didier will be suiting up for St. John’s in 2015-16 as the IceCaps signed him to a one year AHL contract. The 22 year old blueliner finished up his four year college career this past season.