The Habs ultimately didn’t move their second first-round pick for win-now help last month as many expected. Instead, they took Michael Hage with the 21st selection. Here are some thoughts on Montreal’s newest centre prospect.
The Habs have been very quiet so far in free agency with their lone pickup being someone who many think is heading for Laval. While most big names are off the board, there are a handful of forwards left who could fit a minor role in Montreal.
Last month, the Habs got what many thought was their best-case scenario with Ivan Demidov falling to them with the fifth pick. After shying away from that type of player a year ago, they didn’t this time around. Here are some thoughts on Montreal’s newest top prospect.
The Habs wasted little time getting a max-term extension done for Juraj Slafkovsky, signing him to an eight-year, $60.8 million deal on the first day he was eligible to sign. Was that the right move for the Habs or too much risk? Our writers offer up their thoughts.
When news broke on Monday that Alex Burrows wouldn’t be back behind the bench in Montreal next season but would remain with the organization, some were wondering what his next role would be. It turns out it will be in player development as the Habs announced that he and Lauri Korpikoski have been added to that department.
Monday was the first day that players entering the final year of their contracts became extension-eligible. The Habs wasted little time getting a new deal done with Juraj Slafkovsky, inking the winger to an eight-year contract extension.
While the Habs haven’t been too busy as expected at the start of free agency, Laval has been quite busy. The team has announced the signings of seven players to one-year, one-way AHL agreements.
Montreal’s first signing in free agency is one that was of the depth variety. Multiple reports indicate that the Canadiens have signed winger Alex Barre-Boulet to a one-year, one-way contract worth the league minimum salary of $775,000.
The Habs now have a vacancy behind the bench to try to fill as Alex Burrows will not return as an assistant coach on Martin St. Louis’ staff next season.
Sunday afternoon was the deadline for teams to submit qualifying offers to their restricted free agents. Montreal had six of them but only elected to tender two of those players.