The Montreal Canadiens have the opportunity to add a Finnish center to their ranks
The Minnesota Wild placed center Victor Rask and his $4 million contract on waivers Tuesday afternoon.
If he goes unclaimed, he will be sent to the AHL.
Rask, 28, is currently in the final year of his contract, so he will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
If there is one word that could describe Rask since his arrival in Minnesota, it's "disappointing".
In acquiring him in 2018-2019, the Wild had high hopes for him. He simply hasn't lived up to expectations, putting up just 49 points in 141 games with the Wild since the trade. The team did give away scorer Nino Niederreiter in return for the Finn.
Rask could definitely help another team. After all, he has some interesting assets, as he is good in both directions on the ice. He could fit very well in a third center role in a team that lacks depth at that position.
Could the Habs get involved? Montreal's roster is currently full of COVID-19 positives and a considerable list of injured players. It could definitely take away responsibilities from Nick Suzuki and Christian Dvorak in the short term, especially down low.
What may make teams reluctant to claim him is obviously his $4 million salary. However, he will become an UFA this summer, so he would be a low risk bet. In the Habs' current situation, what does the team risk by trying him?
