The Montreal Canadiens might not be done making moves before the 2019-20 NHL season starts. Here’s a look at who they might be interested in.
The Montreal Canadiens started this summer off with a bang, signing Sebastian Aho to an offer sheet. Unfortunately, they made it way too easy to match and the Carolina Hurricanes probably had to hold back their laughter while they accepted it. Since then, the Canadiens have been relatively quiet, as the only notable move they’ve made is signing Ben Chariot.
However, there’s a decent chance the Habs might not be done adding pieces. With over $7 million of cap space (after sending Karl Alzner and Dale Weise to the AHL), the Canadiens could certainly afford to add someone.
Head coach Claude Julien added some gasoline to the trade rumor flames when asked about his expectations for the season.
Claude Julien was asked today about his expectations for this season. “I think we have until Sept. 9 for our official golf tournament and by then we’ll have more clarity on what to expect because there’s still some things we’re discussing," he said. Draw you own conclusions...
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) August 29, 2019
This suggests the Canadiens are still looking to upgrade their team. Most of the major free agents have signed. Though Jake Gardiner would be a nice addition to the Canadiens, the Chariot signing makes that a pipe dream at best.
Here’s a look at three players the Habs should explore adding before the season starts.
3. Jesse Puljujarvi
The Edmonton Oilers and Jesse Puljujarvi are having one heck of an ugly falling out. Puljujarvi would rather play in Finland than play for the Oilers. That’s pretty telling. Leon Draisaitl‘s comments about Puljujarvi suggest it might not even be plausible for Puljujarvi to return.
Currently, the Oilers are holding out hope someone will give them a nice return for him. However, that’s likely not going to happen because teams know the Oilers don’t have much leverage in this situation.
Depending on how much lower the asking price for the fourth-overall pick of the 2016 draft gets, the Canadiens might want to get involved. They need more skilled wings and Puljujarvi is still very young at just 21 years old.