Assessing the Depth: Centre
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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?
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.
We’re now less than a month away from the draft and free agency. Marc Bergevin and his staff will be assessing their situation to determine their wish lists and as always, we also like to assess their depth at this time of the year. We start with the goalies.
Earlier this week, the Habs signed Jeff Petry to a six year, $33 million contract. Having had some time to ponder the deal, our writers weigh in with their thoughts on the deal, including whether or not Montreal overpaid.
It turns out that Jeff Petry wasn’t just a rental acquisition after all as on Tuesday, the Habs announced that they have signed the 27 year old blueliner to a six year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed but it is being reported that his cap hit will be $5.5 million on a front loaded contract.
The Memorial Cup has come to an end on a winning note for one Montreal prospect as Michael McCarron’s Oshawa Generals took home the trophy. Here’s a look back at the tournament from a Canadiens perspective.