Montreal Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin has already stated that his UFA priorities are to sign Defenceman Jeff Petry and Center Torrey Mitchell before July 1st. In what is considered to be a weak Summer for Unrestricted Free Agents, which other players might catch Bergevin’s eye?
If Petry and the Habs are unable to come to terms, don’t be surprised if Cody Franson becomes Bergevin’s consolation prize on defence. Last Summer it was well documented that had Josh Gorges agreed to waive his no trade clause to go to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Canadiens would have received Franson from the Leafs. Franson and Petry play a very similar style, both being able to blend physicality with speed while contributing offensively. Should Petry decide to test free agency, I expect Bergevin to circle back to Franson July 1st. For the Canadiens to continue their upward progress they need a true # 3 defenceman. At 6’5… and 213 pounds, Franson and Emelin would make an imposing 2nd pairing on defence.
The Canadiens holes on the top 6 and need for additional scoring are very obvious. A true number 1 centreman is much desired, especially if Alex Galchenyuk takes the long winding road to fulfil that role. I would be surprised if Bergevin were to mortgage the future via trade to obtain the likes of an Eric Staal or Joe Thornton. With no #1 centers available in this Summer’s market, I imagine that Bergevin will take a look at the wingers to see if the top 6 can be improved. While the free agency pickings are slim this year, there are a few strong big wingers who might be able to find a home with the Habs. Perhaps the most interesting UFA forward is Washington’s Joel Ward. While Ward can be seen as a late bloomer, he found a nice fit playing in Washington’s top six these past couple of seasons collecting 43 goals and 73 points. Over the last 3 years Ward has a shooting percentage average of 15.7. Most impressively, he is a proven playoff performer with 9 points in 13 playoff games this year and career wise 35 points in 53 games. This is where the Canadiens need him the most. The Habs already have four regular season 20+ goal scorers in their top 6. Ward could be the missing piece to puzzle and his playoff experience is just what the doctor ordered.
Another interesting UFA option could be forward Chris Stewart, most recently of the Minnesota Wild. At 6’2… and 231 pounds, Stewart is a true power forward that has bounced around and found himself playing for his 4th team before his 28th birthday. Consistency and injuries have dogged Stewart in the past. However, after being traded to the Wild from the purgatory of the Buffalo Sabres, Stewart scored 11 points in 20 games. With Stewart the reward might just outweigh the risk. In the past the Boston Bruins have been rumoured to be interested in Stewart through trade and could very well be on their free agency shopping list. I imagine most Habs fans would much rather have him in the Bleu-Blanc et Rouge than in a Bruins uniform…
The last UFA suggestion that might be a good fit is Drew Stafford. Another big forward at 6’2… and 214 pounds, Stafford also found a new lease on life when traded from the Sabres to the Winnipeg Jets. Stafford has had three 20+ goal seasons but the last one was in 2011-2012. This year in 50 games with the Sabres, Stafford scored 9 goals and 15 assists while with the Jets in just 26 games he scored another 9 goals and 10 assists as well contributing 2 points in 4 playoff games. In a non-toxic environment Stafford seemed to thrive. Like Stewart, Stafford has been inconsistent, especially these last few seasons. However, Stewart or Stafford would certainly be an upgrade over P.A. Parenteau. The only comparable Canadiens prospect is Michael McCarron who has made remarkable strides this past season in the OHL and thus far been among the top forwards playing in the Memorial Cup. McCarron should not be rushed though and the likes of a Stewart or Stafford on a 3 year contract could help bridge the gap until he is ready for the big leagues.
While there are not too many enticing NHL free agents this off-season, the Habs and Marc Bergevin will still have the opportunity to improve the club. The market for the desirables will be competitive and the key will be not to overpay or overextend. The priority has to be on shoring up the defence by signing Petry or Franson. If Bergevin is able to sign a power forward to a reasonable contract, it would be a definite upgrade to the Habs top 6. Otherwise the 2016 UFA class is much deeper and can’t come soon enough as it has the likes of Anze Kopitar, Ryan O’Reilly, Ryan Kesler, David Backes and Eric Staal on the list - and those are just some of the centers...
Follow me on Twitter! Follow @Jenbcutler