The Canadiens Missed Out on Acquiring a Star Player for Free, and a Journalist Calls Them Out
A few days ago, the Florida Panthers announced a contract extension for Carter Verhaeghe.
An eight-year deal, with a total value of 56 million dollars.
The 29-year-old forward has become a key player for the Panthers since his arrival in 2020 with a modest two-year contract.
This contract extension rewards his exceptional performances, including two consecutive 70-point seasons and a Stanley Cup.
His journey is reminiscent of Jonathan Marchessault, another player who left the Tampa Bay Lightning before thriving elsewhere.
Did the Montreal Canadiens miss out on Carter Verhaeghe?
Anthony Marcotte, an analyst for BPM Sports, pointed out that the Montreal Canadiens may have missed an opportunity with Verhaeghe when he was already showing clear potential.
Today, with 289 points in 340 games in Panthers colors, Verhaeghe stands out as one of the team's biggest steals over the last decade.
For Montreal fans, Verhaeghe's success might leave a bitter taste, but the acquisitions of players like Tyler Toffoli and Corey Perry that year still strengthened the Habs.
Carter Verhaeghe, 29 years old, is a 6-foot-2, 185-pound forward from Toronto. He was a third-round pick by the Maple Leafs in 2013, and he has accumulated 249 points in 334 career NHL games.
He has spent his entire career in Florida (playing for the Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning).
Notably, he was an important piece in the Panthers' Stanley Cup victory last June.
The newly signed forward collected 72 points in 76 games last season, along with 21 points in 24 playoff games.
It's a solid acquisition and a great signing for Bill Zito's squad.
«Carter Verhaeghe becomes a free agent.
Steady progression in the AHL, and an important supporting role in the Lightning's run.
I like him a lot and wouldn't hesitate to make him an offer.»
What a journey so far!
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