The Montreal Canadiens have to feel good about their future.
The Canadiens returned to the postseason after a three-year hiatus, but fell to the Washington Capitals in round one in five games. While it was a disappointing ending to an otherwise exciting season, headlined by Lane Hutson winning the Calder, Montreal should enter this offseason excited about its young core.
The Canadiens are also stockpiled with draft picks, and while it is going to be difficult to acquire that 2C they so desperately covet, there are other options out there.
Here is what Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic had to say:
“Montreal, armed with the No. 16 and No. 17 picks Friday night, is trying to find a partner who would be interested in a picks/prospects package. But the Canadiens aren’t going to force it. If the price to attain a top-six difference maker is out of their comfort zone and hurts their long-term planning, they’re willing to stay patient, whether that means an in-season trade or even next summer.”
Montreal might be better off keeping those picks, bolstering their farm, and adding depth around Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Hutson. However, should the front office look for an immediate upgrade, it could target Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson.
The 25-year-old has one year left on his $7.75 million deal and will become a restricted free agent after next season. Sacrificing one, even two first-rounders, for a potential rental would be unwise. But if the Canadiens could somehow lock up Robertson, it may be worth their time.
While he is not the best skater or most physical playoff forward, Robertson has had a tremendous three-year stretch with 46 goals and 109 points in 2022-23, 29 goals and 80 points in 2023-24, and 35 goals and 80 points in 2024-25.
Robertson might be too pricey for their liking, but players like him do not grow on trees.
