Canadiens Depth Chart: Second-Line Center Role Still Open

Montreal Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes addressed the media just over two hours after NHL free agency officially began on July 1st. This early press conference itself conveyed a message: significant moves had already been made.

Having secured trades for Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc, and added third-string goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen and forward depth in Samuel Blais through cost-effective signings, Hughes indicated he felt the most impactful free agency opportunities relevant to the team were largely addressed early on.

However, Hughes wasn`t done working the phones and has remained active since. He intends to complete at least one more trade before the upcoming season commences, although he acknowledged this objective might not be fully realized.

Reflecting on the process, Hughes stated about a week prior, “The reality is, building a perfect team isn`t something we`ll accomplish over a single summer. As we move forward, we recognize there are other things we`d like to achieve. I just don`t envision us getting everything done simultaneously.”

Despite this measured approach, it`s still anticipated that the Canadiens` roster will undergo some further modifications between now and the start of the season. The team still needs to fill certain positions, manage the salary cap situation, and there is sufficient time available to finalize these adjustments.

Projected Depth Chart

Remaining Offseason Priorities

Finding a Second-Line Center

You might have noted the asterisk beside Kirby Dach`s name in the depth chart projection. His inclusion there reflects a hope – perhaps against prevailing sentiment – that he could potentially still fill this crucial role, even following two consecutive seasons prematurely ended by significant knee surgeries.

However, the team understands this is just a possibility, and the Canadiens` preference is to acquire a more certain option to play between promising wingers Bolduc and Demidov.