A surprise veteran Montreal Canadiens forward to be placed on waivers?

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Jeff Drouin
October 4, 2022 (11:18)

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The Montreal Canadiens recently confirmed some great news, announcing that Sean Monahan will finally be healthy and 100% ready to start the season.

He looked great last night in his return to action.

On the other hand, this creates a happy problem for the Montreal Canadiens' management, who will have to make some heartbreaking decisions, because there are really too many forwards.

Too many forwards with NHL contracts will probably soon claim a victim, according to Simon Gagné.

There will have to be room for players or we will have to make room and maybe put players on waivers. At the same time, the Montreal Canadiens have to live with a salary cap. It's going to be a battle and players will have to prove what they can do, including Jonathan Drouin."

On "La Poche Bleue le midi", Gagné adds this:

"When a center goes to play on the wing, it takes an adjustment. I look at Jonathan Drouin who is going to play left wing, I'm sure he's happy to play with good players. But for me, Jonathan Drouin has always been a natural center. At the same time, as a hockey player, you want to get ice time. You don't want to play center on the third or fourth line." - Simon Gagné

*Transcribed by TVA Sports

Suzuki, Gallagher, Monahan, Drouin, Anderson, Dadonov, Hoffman, Dvorak, Armia, Dach, Evans, Pitlick, Slafkovsky, Caufield and Pezzetta... Plus maybe a surprise like Emil Heineman? That's way too much, especially since Jeff Gorton mentioned that they won't hesitate to make room for youngsters who have earned their place (like Heineman).

It seems inevitable. In a few days, a surprise CH forward will be placed on waivers, and we're really looking forward to seeing what happens next.

It could also be a trade, but it will be difficult because teams are much more in "cut players" mode than "acquire players" right now.

Will Michael Pezzetta be on the block soon? Will it be Mike Hoffman, Jonathan Drouin or Joel Armia? Two or three names on this list?

We'll know soon enough. Which one (or ones) will be your choice?