On the opening day of the free-agent market, excitement is running high for many NHL fans who want to see their team get their hands on some good players.
On the Montreal Canadiens’ side, however, don’t expect much action.
Indeed, if you’re expecting the CH to steal the show on the free agent market, well, you’re likely to be disappointed.
But that doesn’t mean Kent Hughes and his team will be sleeping on the gas.
We should see a few deep signings for the CH’s club-école, the Laval Rocket.
Don’t expect much from the #CH today on the free-agent market. The club upstairs is pretty full already!
We should have a few signings for @RocketLaval though, including a veteran defenseman to back up the youngsters. #Habs
– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin (@MOBeaudoin1) July 1, 2023
Why shouldn’t we expect any signings for Montreal?
Well, because there are already far too many players fighting for a spot with the big club.
Suzuki
Caufield
Dach
Slafkovsky
Newhook
Anderson
Gallagher
Dvorak
Monahan
Hoffman
Armia
Evans
RHP
Pezzetta
Pitlick
Ylönen
Farrell
HeinemanMatheson
Guhle
Savard
Harris
Edmundson
Xhekaj
Kovacevic
Barron
WidemanYep, not many spots! #CH #Habs #Canadiens https://t.co/GMUC39Kdfn
– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin (@MOBeaudoin1) July 1, 2023
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Getting back to Laval, there are currently a few players on the market who could be of interest to the Tricolore.
One of these is Quebec forward Daniel Walcott.
I’ll be keeping a close eye on Laval’s personnel movements tomorrow. It’s likely to be more active than in Montreal. It’s been whispered in my ear that the team would like to sign Daniel Walcott, who has been a real poison against the Rocket for the past 6 years.
– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) June 30, 2023
In fact, according to Rocket game describer Anthony Marcotte, the CH would love to sign the 29-year-old forward for their club-school.
Long story short, Walcott is a Quebec left winger drafted in the fifth round (140th overall) in 2014 by the New York Rangers.
However, Walcott played just one game with the Rangers’ club-school, the Hartford Wolf Pack, before joining the Syracuse Crunch, club-school of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Walcott has been with the Crunch in the AHL since the 2015-2016 season.
He’s made a name for himself as a tough-as-nails pest, racking up nearly 500 penalty minutes (482 to be precise) in eight seasons with the Crunch.
If Anthony Marcotte is to be believed, he’s becoming a particular nuisance against the Laval Rocket, the CH’s training club.
In short, he’d be a great signing for the Laval Rocket, who will never be short of players like Walcott to defend the organization’s top prospects.
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Walcott wouldn’t be the only player who could be signed as a reinforcement for the Rocket.
Indeed, we can expect to see the CH sign a right-handed defenseman for the club-school.
I don’t expect much action from the Habs when the autonomous player market opens, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they got their hands on a veteran right-handed defenseman to play in Laval, a guy like Connor Carrick or Dylan McIlrath.
– Marc Antoine Godin (@MAGodin) June 30, 2023
The two names brought forward by Marc-Antoine Godin are Connor Carrick and Dylan McIlarth.
Carrick, 29, has been rolling between the NHL and the AHL since the start of his career. He has 242 games of NHL experience, and could be a nice addition to the organization’s depth.
McIlarth, 31, is more of an AHL defenseman with only 72 career NHL games.
He would definitely be a signing for the Rocket.
In short, we can expect some action today from the CH, but small-scale action, given that these will be more additions for the Laval Rocket.
Finally, there’s news about Anthony Richard.
He has reportedly received a two-part contract offer from the CH, whereas Richard would like a one-part contract.
The Quebecer will explore the free-agent market today, but he hasn’t ruled out a return to Montreal/Laval.
As for Anthony Richard, I’m told that the #CH has offered him a 2-part contract, whereas he would like a 1-part one.
He’ll be exploring the market and looking at offers, but wouldn’t completely rule out a return to the #Canadiens. Stay tuned! https://t.co/AnSJ5RPos9
– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin (@MOBeaudoin1) July 1, 2023
In Burst
– Very cool.
Connor Bedard was happy to exchange a few texts with his idol after being drafted! pic.twitter.com/MN8yloVNT0
– RDS (@RDSca) July 1, 2023
– Great signing in Detroit.
UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed forward Klim Kostin to a two-year contract with an AAV of $2,000,000. pic.twitter.com/EAb7zhV56D
– Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 1, 2023
– New Jersey will be looking for a goaltender on the free-agent market.
Despite some interest in Hellebuyck, it’s more likely the Devils target a UFA depth goalie to play 30-35 games. Goaltending isn’t a weakness in New Jersey, they’re happy to run with what they have or add a bit of depth.
– Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2023
– To be continued on the Bruins’ side.
Getting vibes that 2-3 higher profile UFAs eager to be with Bruins.
If mutual interest there, could make Sweeney consider swapping out a roster player he intended to keep. Add UFA, gain draft pick(s).
– Kevin Paul Dupont (@GlobeKPD) July 1, 2023
– The Senators will try to add a goalie to their roster.
If they don’t trade for one #Sens will be in the market for a goalie today. Korpisalo, Andersen, Jarry are names to watch. @TSNHockey https://t.co/snVmQyauBH
– Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) July 1, 2023