But what if the solution still lies in the free agent market? What if the solution is free?
Without realizing it, as training camps are quickly approaching, some interesting names are still available as free agents.
If ever Kent Hughes wanted to take a chance on one of them, it wouldn't cost him anything in terms of assets to trade.
It would only cost him a one-year contract (at a low price).
This is taken from a list published on the TVA Sports website.
Here are the 5 options in question.
We are talking about a Stanley Cup champion who played with a certain Martin St-Louis with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He amassed 63 points over the past two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks.
We are talking about a player who played in the top 6 of the Boston Bruins last season and who collected 38 points in 71 games with David Pastrnak's team. He is excellent on the power play.
You are well acquainted with the former captain of the Montreal Canadiens, who hopes to overcome his injuries to return to his performance level. He still loves Montreal and could be an incredible guide for the young players, at a very low price. He collected 23 points in 47 games in 2023-24.
He was one of the best offensive defensemen in the world not so long ago and could certainly bring great returns if he regains his form from two or three years ago.
Over the past few seasons, he has collected 5 points in 14 games, 9 points in 17 games, 24 points in 50 games, and 47 points in 74 games. He also has a 67-point season to his name.
Finally, they included the Finnish goalie on the list simply because he is really good and probably doesn't deserve to be unemployed at this point in the offseason.
Do you like this list they put together? Who would you sign if you were in Kent Hughes' shoes with the Montreal Canadiens?
Source: Journal de Montréal
Dix joueurs autonomes sans compensation sans contrat
Credit: Rumeursdetransaction
Cinq joueurs toujours libres qui pourraient devenir des aubaines
POLL | ||
Which one would you sign first? | ||
Tyler Johnson | 124 | 17.8 % |
Max Pacioretty | 131 | 18.8 % |
James Van Riemsdyk or John Klingberg | 74 | 10.6 % |
None of the answers | 366 | 52.7 % |
List of polls |