Adding a RHD and a power forward, and Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj could be traded this offseason
Stu Cowen of the Montreal Gazette: (mailbag) To make a long run in the playoffs, the Montreal Canadiens will need to get bigger and harder to play against. Adding a big, right-handed defenseman and a big power forward that can play in the top-six would go a long way. GM Kent Hughes will likely be looking to add those this offseason.
Don’t think that Patrik Laine will play another game for the Montreal Canadiens this season. He hasn’t played a game since having core muscle surgery back in October. The 27-year-old pending UFA will get a fresh start somewhere next season. He didn’t fit well with Martin St. Louis’ fast-paced style.
With prospects David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom looking ready to make the jump next season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if both Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj were traded this offseason. Struble has a year left at $1.4 million, and Xhekaj is a pending RFA.
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The Philadelphia Flyers and Trevor Zegras continue to grind away at it
Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman, on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast – Coaching Change in Vegas episode, on the Philadelphia Flyers and pending RFA forward Trevor Zegras.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
“And you know, I’m watching Zegras score in overtime, and you know, I’m looking at this, and I think the Flyers and Zegras have started talking. I don’t know how close they are, but I, I think they’ve definitely been talking.
And, you know, I think, I watched Zegras score, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, this price isn’t going to go down.’ I know it’s three-on-three overtime, and it doesn’t always mix in very well, but he’s been a really good player for them. And the fit has been excellent. They’ve been good for him, and he’s been good for them.
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And I think they’re working away at it, and I do think it’ll get done. I don’t, I don’t think there’s a question it’s going to get done. But I, I still think the two sides are grinding away at each other here.”
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