This move surprised many, and it's quite strange to see the Habs heading West with only 12 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 2 healthy goaltenders.
However, there may be a logical explanation.
As we mentioned yesterday, Adam Boqvist is currently available for free on NHL waivers.
Could this explain the move?
Was Harvey-Pinard sent down to Laval to make room for Boqvist in the lineup?
We will get the answer in the next few minutes, around 2:00 PM, but this theory is gaining a lot of traction right now, so be aware of it.
At 24 years old, Boqvist is a right-handed defenseman standing 6 feet tall and weighing 191 pounds.
Drafted just one spot after Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks and often compared to him, Boqvist is still trying to showcase his full potential, because yes, he has a lot of it and remains highly talented.
If he breaks out, he could become a major steal on the NHL waiver wire.
Considering that Kaiden Guhle is out long-term and that Boqvist is available for free (with an annual salary of $775,000), I absolutely believe that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton should give him a chance in Montreal.
Adam Boqvist has produced at nearly a 40-point pace per season for three years so far (over five NHL seasons).
A story to follow in the next few minutes.
POLL | ||
JANVIER 31 | 1455 ANSWERS Kent Hughes and the Canadiens Could Claim Adam Boqvist in the Next Few Minutes with Guhle Out Long-Term Do you think the Canadiens will claim Adam Boqvist now that Guhle's injured long term? | ||
Yes | 656 | 45.1 % |
No | 799 | 54.9 % |
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