Before free agency got underway, the Habs were able to retain Joel Armia on a four-year, $13.6M contract. Was that the right move to make or too much for what he brings? Our writers offer up their thoughts.

Sean Burke’s time as Montreal’s goaltending coach was short-lived as the Canadiens announced on Friday that Eric Raymond has been appointed as their new goalie coach.

The Habs made their biggest splash of the opening of free agency with their sixth signing of the day, signing winger Mike Hoffman on a three-year, $13.5M contract.

The Habs have added to their back end, announcing the signing of David Savard to a four-year contract.  The deal will carry a cap hit of $3.5 million.

On top of adding Chris Wideman and David Savard, the Habs have added some right-shot depth in the minors, agreeing to terms with Louis Belpedio on a one-year, two-way contract.

On top of adding to their NHL roster, the opening of free agency also allows the Habs to try to bolster Laval’s group.  They’ve done just that, agreeing to terms with Jean-Sebastien Dea on a one-year, two-way contract.

The Habs have added some grit to their bottom six as they announced the signing of veteran forward Cedric Paquette to a one-year deal worth $950,000.

As expected, the Habs have indeed signed veteran defenceman Chris Wideman. He receives a one-year, one-way contract at the league minimum of $750,000.

The Habs took care of one of their pending unrestricted free agents on Tuesday, announcing the re-signing of Joel Armia to a four-year contract.  The deal carries a cap hit of $3.4 million.

July 28th is typically not an important date on the NHL calendar but it represents the start of free agency.  With the frenzy about to begin, here’s a look at some of the notable forwards set to hit the open market.