Canadiens have the space to sign Gardiner
@Prospects_Watch: Darren Dreger on TSN 1050: “I believe the Montreal Canadiens are still keenly interested in Jake Gardiner…Marc Bergevin has tons of cap space to make it work.”
Aho-Point’s agent “too tired” for another offer sheet
L.A. Lariviere: “What’s all the talk about Brayden Point being possibly signed to an offer sheet by #Habs? His agent (same as Aho’s) told us he’s “too tired” to go that route again after what just happened and shot down idea. Bergevin tried with Aho – as speculated – for 1 reason : Canes owner.”
Free agent and trade options for the Canadiens
Sean Gordon of The Athletic: (written before the Ben Chiarot signing) The Montreal Canadiens could use a left-handed defenseman and Jake Gardiner should be at the top for their list.
Gardiner doesn’t need to be handed a big deal. He has dealt with some back issues. He isn’t a No. 1 guy, but would be a top-pairing guy with the Canadiens. With the market soft on him, the Canadiens could take advantage.
Ben Hutton could be a buy-low option.
A spot on right wing opened up after trading Andrew Shaw. Nick Suzuki could be given the spot or they could take a run at Justin Williams or Micheal Ferland. After that, the free agent market doesn’t contain much.
The Vegas Golden Knights may be looking to move restricted free agent Nikita Gusev. They could revisit Jason Zucker talks with the Minnesota Minnesota Wild. The Pittsburgh Penguins could be looking to move some salary – maybe Bryan Rust. Winnipeg Jets Nikolaj Ehlers could be available but there isn’t really fit unless the Jets are wanting picks and/or prospects.
Philadelphia Flyers have left-handed defenseman that might interest the Canadiens – Shayne Gostisbehre. Would a top-nine forward and an ‘A’ prospect interest the Flyers?
Would the Canadiens have an interest in Calgary Flames defenseman T.J. Brodie and/or forward Michael Frolik? Both are believed to be available.