However, as the Habs general manager mentioned a few weeks ago, we shouldn't expect the team to use the free agent market to improve its fortunes quickly since the team is rebuilding.
If the Habs were able to trade Jeff Petry this summer, they would have to find a short-term replacement for him and as Christian Matte of Marqueur.com reports, there could be a few inexpensive options for Kent Hughes on the free agent market.
Informant Marco D'Amico, who tracks the Habs for Montreal Hockey Now, offered up three defensemen who could prove to be three good acquisitions for the Habs that wouldn't cost the earth.
We're talking about backs Anton Stralman, Jan Rutta and Justin Braun. Without being exceptional defensemen, these three players could bring some depth to the defense and if Petry were to leave the Habs this summer, David Savard and Joel Edmundson would be the only experienced defensemen with the team.
D'Amico also floated the idea that Chris Wideman could return to the Habs next year, as he did a great job for the team last year with 27 points in 64 games.
Do you like the idea of bringing one of these three defensemen back to the Habs next season?
The #gohabsgo will be looking to add some experience on the blueline should Jeff Petry eventually be traded.
My latest from @MTLhockeynow on who Kent Hughes could target as a stopgap on defense to allow prospects to develop.
Spoiler: Not Kris Letanghttps://t.co/IxRzKAEZpE- Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) May 19, 2022
POLL | ||
MAI 28 | 84 ANSWERS 3 good and affordable acquisitions for Hughes and the Canadiens this summer Which D-man would you sign this upcoming summer? | ||
Anton Stralman | 18 | 21.4 % |
Jan Rutta | 27 | 32.1 % |
Justin Braun | 39 | 46.4 % |
List of polls |