A source suggests that Hughes and the Canadiens may be close to acquiring young Gabriel Vilardi, who could be put on waivers
We've been talking about it for a few weeks, but it's important and it's possibly about to pay off.
By virtue of their overall position last season, the Montreal Canadiens have a significant advantage over other teams by having the first overall pick in the waiver pickup.
Basically, if a very interesting surprise player is placed on waivers, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will be able to immediately claim him and add him to their roster, as they have the first say in claiming a player.
With training camps soon to end across the National Hockey League, the various executives are about to make some heartbreaking decisions and cut some very interesting names.
As reported by our colleagues at Fanadiens.com, according to multiple sources, Los Angeles Kings forward Gabriel Vilardi will be subject to being waived by the Los Angeles Kings, in the coming days.
- Patrick Lortie
One of the only reasons he hasn't been established in the NHL yet is because of injuries and the Los Angeles Kings' incredible depth on offense, including Kopitar, Danault, Byfield, Turcotte and company.
Vilardi, 23, is making $825,000 this season. He had a very solid 38 points and 15 goals in 39 games in the AHL last season. In his National Hockey League career, Vilardi has 18 goals and 37 points in 89 games.
When he was drafted 11th overall in 2017, ahead of Nick Suzuki, many saw him as a future number one center at 6-foot-3.
He's been slow to develop due to injuries and probably won't become a number one center, but he still has a lot of potential.
Vilardi had the value of a Suzuki on the trade market a little over two years ago. So if we can get a chance to claim him for free, it could be a steal.
Darren Dreger (TSN) made that clear. A big surprise name will be placed on waivers soon. Was he talking about Vilardi? To be continued!
Imagine replacing a Hoffman or a Dadonov, by a Vilardi! A big young center already developed, with a great potential and already ready to contribute in the NHL. It would be perfect for the CH's plan!
Lortie is a "freelance hockey journalist and informant".
| POLL | ||
Which one do you think would be the most interesting to have in the CH lineup? | ||
| Vilardi | 157 | 60.9 % |
| Hoffman | 22 | 8.5 % |
| Dadonov | 42 | 16.3 % |
| Armia | 37 | 14.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
