Are the Canadiens looking to add Bryan Rust?
Jim Biringer of NHLRumors.com and Full Press Hockey joined the Green Zone with Justin Blackwell and Scott Roblin, filling in for Jamie Nye, and was asked about the Montreal Canadiens and their connection to Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust.
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
NHL Rumors: Montreal Canadiens Have the Assets to Be Aggressive
Host: “Any truth to the rumors that the Canadiens are eyeing a trade with Pittsburgh for Bryan Rust?”
Jim Biringer: “His name’s been out there. He would be an excellent fit for the Montreal Canadiens. His name’s been out there for the last couple of years, along with Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins. I know the Penguins want to get back to the playoffs, but he would be an excellent piece.
He’s been linked to Montreal again. What they would have to give up, probably one of their picks, and one of their young prospects that they have tons of. And it would be a great fit for their top line or second line, because they need that one extra piece, like a Bryan Rust, to put them over the top, as you saw against Carolina in the Eastern Conference Final.”
NHLRumors.com Note: The Montreal Canadiens will remain patient as they explore all options. They are in great shape when it comes to their salary cap. We know they tried on Kirill Marchenko and were told no by Columbus. Montreal wants to add another top-six forward or center in order to make another deep run in the playoffs. But they have the assets to make this move.
What will happen with Kirby Dach in Montreal?
Jim Biringer was asked about Kirby Dach‘s filing for arbitration and whether the relationship with the Canadiens is damaged.
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
NHL Rumors: Montreal Canadiens Looking to Improve but Won’t Rush a Move
Host: “We’re speaking with Jim Biringer. We are talking some hockey on this beautiful summer day in Saskatchewan, and Jim, let’s go back to the Habs for a moment. Because you mentioned Kirby Dach, and an interesting scenario playing out with him and his arbitration case. Has that relationship deteriorated some with everything that’s going on?”
Jim Biringer: “No, I don’t think so. I think this is just a play for them to just keep negotiating a salary that works for them. Again, his qualifying offer is around $4 million. They tagged it. Now they’re going to go to arbitration again.
I think they view Kirby Dach as part of the team, but again, when you listen to Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes talk, it’s more about, okay, he’s been injured. There have been a lot of injuries. We really haven’t seen what he can do, but he showed himself this year. Him and Jake Evans that line, they started to put things together in the playoffs. I think they want to see what he can do on another prove-it deal.
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Again, how they get there, they have time before the hearing to continue to negotiate, and I think that was the whole point of just filing for arbitration. Let’s just keep this going, keep the relationship going, because again, if you get to these meetings, things are going to be said. Feelings are going to be hurt, and the biggest example is Jeremy Swayman in Boston. You open yourself up to criticism that you really haven’t heard from the organization before.
Montreal, the way they handle their business, they’ll be okay. I think Dach probably gets a one-year deal, see what they can do, and move on from there. I think they view him as a piece of this team moving forward. However, if you look at it, if they can make another big move, maybe he’s part of that package.”
NHLRumors.com Note: The Montreal Canadiens took a chance on Kirby Dach, trading for him at the 2022 NHL Draft. Dach has faced injury issues in Montreal. He played well for Montreal this season despite his Game 2 blunder in Round 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning; his line performed well after that. Again, given what Montreal wants to do moving forward, is he a trade piece to acquire something bigger?
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