Could The Montreal Canadiens Be Interested In Ryan O'Reilly?

Now that the NHL roster freeze has been lifted, will Habs GM Marc Bergevin continue to improve his roster prior to the trade deadline? The team currently sits third in the Atlantic division with a record of 22-11-2 for 46 points, only two points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning with two games in hand.

Montreal currently has a surplus of defensemen, with veterans Mike Weaver and Bryan Allen being on the outside looking in following the emergence of youngster Nathan Beaulieu. It would make sense for Bergevin to trade a rearguard to get some scoring punch in the team's top nine ahead of the playoffs.

One player who is reportedly on the trade market is Colorado Avalanche forward Ryan O'Reilly, who has two years remaining to his contract at $6 million/year. The Avs are looking for an established defenseman in return. 

O'Reilly being offered around the league for a good D-man. Florida and Winnipeg. Pondering, Toronto and Montreal too
— Adrian Dater (@adater) December 28, 2014

In 35 games, O'Reilly, the 23-year-old forward has 6 goals and 14 assists for 20 points to go along with a -11 rating on a very disappointing Colorado squad. O'Reilly, who can both play wing and center, had a much better campaign in 2013-14, potting 28 goals and 36 assists for 64 points in 80 games.

A solid two-way forward who is known for his discipline and respect on the ice only collected 14 penalty minutes over the past three seasons (144 games). He would certainly help the Canadiens in that area as the team is known to take too many penalties.

The Avalanche and the Canadiens have been trade partners in the past when the teams swapped two problems before the season with Daniel Briere going to Colorado and P-A Parenteau coming to Montreal.

Who would you give to the Avs in order to land Ryan O'Reilly via trade?
Lars Eller? Alexei Emelin? Jarred Tinordi? Sven Adrighetto?

With both teams being near the cap maximum, the deal would need to work financially.

*******************

Follow me on Twitter @FredPoulin98

Read More

Top UFA Forwards To Target For The Montreal Canadiens

With the NHL Entry Draft about on week away and free agency looming, let's have a look at some potential free agent targets for the Montreal Canadiens. With trade-deadline acquisition Thomas Vanek slated to test the market on July 1st, the Canadiens could really use help on their top-six up front. While the team has a plethora of bottom-six forwards in the likes of Travis Moen, Brandon Prust, Michael Bournival, Rene Bourque, Daniel Briere, Dale Weise as well as impending RFAs Lars Eller and Ryan White who are more than likely to come back, Montreal could use another winger to play on the team's second line with Alex Galchenyuk and Tomas Plekanec.

So, unless Habs GM Marc Bergevin moves a center like Plekanec and David Desharnais, the Canadiens are more than likely to add a talented winger via free agency.

Potential free agents targets:

Jussi Jokinen, 31, Pittsburgh Penguins. After being acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes at the trade deadline last season, Jokinen had his second best offensive season during which he recorded 21 goals and 36 assists for 57 points in 81 games to go along with 18 PIM and a good +12 rating, Playing mostly with Evgeni Malkin and James Neal on the Penguins' second line, Jokinen can play all three forward positions and he is sound defensively. Jokinen, who made $3 million/year for the last three years, will certainly be looking for a pay raise of at least $4M annually on the open market and there will be plenty of suitors for his services. With seven seasons of at least 40 points during his underrated career, Jokinen makes for a solid second-line player who can move up and down the line-up with ease.

(Salary in 2013-14: $3,000,000)

Radim Vrbata, 33, Phoenix Coyotes. Playing in the middle of the desert where hockey is an afterthought certainly did not help Vrbata make a name for himself in the NHL. This season, the right winger scored 20 goals and 31 assists for 51 points in 80 games to go along with 22 PIM and a disappointing -6 rating. Vrbata Vrbata, who scored 20+ goals four times during his career, has had problems producing out of Phoenix where he played for the last five campaigns. Vrbata who was left off the Czech roster for the 2014 Sochi Olympics is very familiar with Tomas Plekanec, which could be a good fit. Expect the 33-year-old forward to command a similar salary and if the Coyotes can't afford his services, he is more than likely to get it somewhere else, and that might very be well in Montreal.

(Salary in 2013-14: $3,000,000)

Matt Moulson, 30, Minnesota Wild. Traded twice this season, Moulson finished the year with the Wild, after playing for both the New York Islanders and the Buffalo Sabres. Overall, Moulson quietly enjoyed a solid campaign despite playing for some lowly teams, recording 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 points in 75 games to go with 34 PIM and a +2 plus/minus differential. While the 6'1'', 205-lb left winger is not overly physical, his size would be welcomed on the Habs. The problem with Moulson is whether he can produce offensively without his close friend John Tavares... Moulson was a healthy scratch with Minnesota during the playoffs because of his lacklustre play.

(Salary in 2013-14: $3,900,000)

Milan Michalek, 29, Ottawa Senators. After a disappointing season with the Ottawa Senators, Michalek needs a change and, as a result, he is slated to hit free agency on July 1st. After potting 60 points with the Senators in 2011-12, his offensive production has declined. In 82 games with Ottawa this season, the Czech winger notched 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 points with a putrid -25 rating. The smooth skating Michalek has five 20+ goal seasons under his belt and he is eager to turn the page and move on. Michalek trains in Montreal during the summer and his wife Karen is from the area. Familiar with the media pressure, Michalek would be a good fit in Michael Therrien's as he is an adept penalty killer and boasts a great wrist shot.

(Salary in 2013-14: $6,000,000)

Ryan Callahan, 29, Tampa Bay Lightning. Acquired from the New York Rangers in exchange for veteran Martin St. Louis, the gritty Callahan scored 17 goals and added 19 assists for only 36 points and a +1 differential in 65 games between Tampa Bay and New York. A great leader and two-way player, Callahan has only recorded one 50-point season throughout his career and he is not known for his offensive attributes. More of a checker than a scorer, Callahan might very well be the next David Clarkson on this year's free agent market. A team will overpay for his services and I sincerely hope it won't be the Canadiens.

(Salary in 2013-14: $4,825,000)

Alex Hemsky, 30, Ottawa Senators. Maybe the most talented player listed here, but also the most inconsistent, Hemsky can fly on the ice and he possesses electrifying skills. A typical Band-Aid boy, Hemsky usually misses his fair share of games every year. Last season, between Edmonton and Ottawa, the right winger 13 goals and 30 assists for 43 points with a -15 plus/minus rating in 75 games. Hemsky has not hit the 50-point plateau since the 2008-09 season when he potted 66 points in 72 games for the Oilers. The Habs need size and grit on the wing, not one of the softest players in the entire NHL. Pass.

(Salary in 2013-14: $5,500,000)

Other players such as Paul Stastny and Jarome Iginla could also become UFA targets, but they are more than likely staying with their respective teams.

Who would be your choice to replace Thomas Vanek's offensive production?

No Foolin' Fred Poulin

Read More

Montreal Canadiens Rumors Round-up

Now that the Stanley Cup final is over and that the Los Angeles Kings have been crowned, it is time to turn our attention to the 2014 NHL Entry Draft that is now only ten days away and to Julys 1st, which marks the beginning of free agency.

For those Habs fans who missed it, Montreal traded their former 1st round pick Louis Leblanc to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a conditional 5th round pick on Saturday. Leblanc, who was an impending UFA, struggled again in the AHL this season, potting only 13 goals and 15 assists for 28 points in 70 contests under the "tutelage" of Sylvain Lefebvre. The organization should have allowed Leblanc to finish his degree at Harvard instead of asking him to play in QMJHL for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. As NBC analyst Pierre McGuire said on TSN 690: "Pulling Louis Leblanc out of Harvard after one year was ridiculous."

Douglas Murray's agent, Anton Thun, confirmed to Richard Labbé of La Presse what we all knew: Crankshaft will not be back with the organization next season after playing only 53 games this season. He recorded two points and posted a mediocre -12 plus/minus differential. Murray participated in only three games during the playoffs. The 34-year-old defenseman was only efficient on the penalty kill this season, being a liability at even strength. It might be the end of Murray's career...

According to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports and JT Utah of 25Stanley.com, the Canadiens are close to announce a contract extension with RFA Dale Weise, a pact that would pay him $2M over the next two years ($1 million AAV). Weise was acquired mid-season from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for defenseman Raphael Diaz, who ended up playing in the Stanley Cup final with the New York Rangers. After scoring six goals and ten assists for 16 points in 61 regular season games, the 25-year-old Weise scored three goals and added four assists for seven points in 16 games on the Habs' run to the Eastern Conference final. Weise brought speed, size and energy to the Canadiens' fourth line and is already a fan favorite. (UPDATE: the deal is now official.)

According to TSN Bob McKenzie, Andrei Markov's agent, Sergei Berezin, is seeking a three-year contract worth $18 million for his client.

Last I heard, and it is a fluid situation subject to change, Andrei Markov was asking MTL for a 3-year deal worth $6M per year. #TSN
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 16, 2014

Coming off a solid season during which he recorded 7 goals and 36 assists for 43 points in 81 games, the 35-year-old veteran who played his entire career in Montreal is looking for his last big pay-day in the NHL. While the Russian General mentioned that he wants to end his career with the Bleu Blanc Rouge, his demands might prove to be too much for Marc Bergevin and he might elect to let him walk on July 1st. Markov earned $5.75 million a year after signing a three-year pact worth $17.25 million prior to the 2011-12 season.

As for shot-blocking specialist, Mike Weaver, it has been reported that their is a mutual interest in brining back the right-handed defenseman who proved to be the steal of the trade deadline, acquired for a 5th round pick from the Florida Panthers. Weaver was a force to reckon with on the penalty kill and a shot-blocking machine throughout the series. He would make for a cheap veteran presence on the third pairing and he could mentor youngsters Nathan Beaulieu and Jarred Tinordi. Weaver earned $1.1 million last season and will be looking to sign a two-year deal in the same salary range.

Finally, the Canadiens have yet to start negotiating with all-star defenseman P.K. Subban, which is expected to break the bank after signing a two-year bridge contract worth $5.75 million before the 2012-13 season. Subban, who recorded 10 goals and 43 assists for 53 points in 82 games, will more than likely earn at least $8 million annually over eight years (the maximum number of years allowed under the last CBA).

Which players should the Habs re-sign or let go?

Read More

Top UFA Defensemen To Target For The Montreal Canadiens

With the NHL playoffs coming to an end soon and free agency looming, it is time to have a closer look at some potential free agent targets for the Montreal Canadiens. One area where the Habs could use help is on the blue line, and especially a right handed defenseman who can move the puck and play on the second pairing. The team has a glut of left-handed defensemen (Gorges, Emelin, Beaulieu, Tinordi, Drewiske and most likely Markov), but lacks depth on the right side.

With veterans Douglas Murray and Francis Bouillon not returning next season and the possibility that GM Marc Bergevin is unable to re-sign rearguard Andrei Markov to a multi-year contract, the team will need to find help in the blue line if it wants to repeat this year's feat of reaching the Eastern Conference final.

Potential free agents targets:

Matt Niskanen, 27, Pittsburgh Penguins. After his best offensive season during which he recorded 10 goals and 36 assists for 46 points in 81 games to go along with 51 PIM and a solid +33 rating, Niskanen will be the most coveted defenseman on the market if he can't reach an agreement with the Penguins before July 1st (which is unlikely). Niskanen is expected to command a five-year contract of at least $5.5 to $6M annually on the open market and there will be plenty of suitors for his services. The puck-moving blue liner rebounded nicely this season after a difficult campaign during the lock-out shortened season where he only notched 4 goals and 10 assists for 14 points in 40 games. Should Marc Bergevin be unable to re-sign Markov, Niskanen becomes the number one option on the back end to replace him, but there will be plenty of teams interested in his services, most notably the Detroit Red Wings, the Philadelphia Flyers and the Washington Capitals.

(Salary in 2013-14: $2,500,000)

Dan Boyle, 37, New York Islanders. Recently acquired from the San Jose Sharks for a draft pick by New York Islanders' GM Garth Snow, Boyle is highly unlikely to sign with his new team as he has expressed his wish to finish his career with a contender. This season, the Ottawa native scored 12 goals and 24 assists for 36 points in 75 games to go along with 32 PIM and a disappointing -8 rating. Boyle, who is looking for a two-year deal, will also be sought-after by many teams who are looking for a veteran presence on the blue line. The Toronto Maple Leafs are rumored to be very interested in his services. Boyle could also go back to Florida where he both played for the Panthers and the Lightning. His wife Amber is also a native of Florida so it could play into his decision.

(Salary in 2013-14: $6,666,666)

Tom Gilbert, 31, Florida Panthers. Signed to one-year deal worth peanuts by the Panthers prior to last season, Gilbert quietly enjoyed a solid campaign under the sun. The right-handed defenseman recorded 3 goals and 25 assists for 28 points in 73 games to go with 18 PIM and a +5 plus/minus differential. While the 6'3'', 205-lb defenseman is not overly physical, his size would be welcomed on the Habs blue line, especially if the organization doesn't re-sign veteran UFA Mike Weaver, who is also a righty.

(Salary in 2013-14: $900,000)

Anton Stralman, 27, New York Rangers. Currently playing for the Stanley Cup finals against the Los Angeles Kings, Stralman has been a revelation this spring. In 81 games with the Blueshirts this season, the Swede notched 1 goal and 12 assists for 13 points with a +9 rating. The smooth skating Stralman is currently playing in the Rangers' top-4 alongside Marc Staal to the tune of almost 20 minutes per game and he would be a great fit beside Andrei Markov on the Canadien' second pairing. A great skater and a solid defensive player, Stralman would make a great depth signing for the Canadiens should the Rags let him go due to salary cap issues.

(Salary in 2013-14: $1,800,000)

Stephane Robidas, 37, Anaheim Ducks. Acquired from the Dallas Stars for a draft pick at the trade deadline, the veteran defenseman was plagued by injuries all season. Robidas, who suffered a broken right leg on November 29th, only dressed for 38 games, scoring 5 goals and adding 5 assists for 10 points and a +10 differential. A steady rearguard throughout his career, the former Habs defenseman broke the same leg again in the first round of the playoffs, but he was able to avoid surgery and should be ready for the beginning of the 2014-15 season. Robidas might be willing to accept a salary cut to finish his career with the team that drafted him way back in 1995. Robidas could be paired with a youngster like Nathan Beaulieu on the team's third pairing while playing on the second power play unit and kill some penalties.

(Salary in 2013-14: $2,850,000)

Derek Morris, 35, Phoenix Coyotes. After spending the last five seasons in the desert where people don't care about hockey, it would be a complete change of scenery for the bruising defenseman. The veteran notched 5 goals and 12 assists for 17 points with a -2 differential and 41 PIM in 2013-14. The Albertan will certainly not be back with the cash-strapped Coyotes even though he resides in the area all-year long. The rugged blue liner would bring sandpaper to the Habs defensive corps as he plays with an edge and brings a lot of character to the table.

(Salary in 2013-14: $2,750,000)

Who would be your choice to fill the glaring hole on the Habs blue line in the offseason?

No Foolin' Fred Poulin

Read More