Despite the Habs hot start, there are still rumours which indicate the Habs are still in the hunt for a number two center. Obviously, these rumours do have some merit as the Habs were linked to several players in the offseason, but with the Canadiens recent play and teams realizing what is working and what is not, some players have become available. The following is a list of a few notable players the Habs could target.
Steven Stamkos, C, Nashville Predators
He is in the second year of a 4 year deal which pays him 8 million annually. His production took a nose dive last year and this year seems to be even worse. Nashville as a whole have had struggles scoring goals, but one can’t deny that Stamkos is on the decline. There has been talk that moving Stamkos is an option, so do the Habs take a chance?
No, too much term and at 35, he just does not fit the Kent Huges plan. Montreal has a lot of goal scorers and Laine is coming back to the lineup at one point. Definitely stay away.
Ryan O’Reilly, C, Nashville Predators
I’ve talked about him before, but I really love this player. He can play in all situations and is a leader. He is in the third year of a deal which pays him 4.5 million annually. He’s been fairly consistent during his whole career scoring between 55-60 points, and so far that looks like what he is on pace for with 13 points so far. Furthermore, he constantly wins draws and is a left hand shot, which is something the Habs need. So should they do it?
I say yes, but with the idea that it does not solve the need for a second line centre per say. O’Reilly comes in to add depth and be another piece in the team's overall structure. Essentially winning draws, putting up points and playing good defensive hockey much like a Christian Dvorak. Also, I don’t think the Habs would need to give up too much in order to acquire him.
Nazem Kadri C, Calgary Flames
I already spoke about this in a previous article. Too old with too much term, but would definitely have a positive impact on the team. Calgary ownership does not want to move him so this is not happening.
Artemi Panarin LW, New York Rangers
Ek posted a rumour previously that said the Habs were involved in talks to possibly bring him over to Montreal. This would give the Canadiens an outstanding offense. He’s in the final year of a seven year contract with a cap hit of 11.7 million so, unless he re-signs, this would be a short term stop. Also, he’s 34 so it does not exactly fit with keeping Montreal young, but he still provides a lot of offensive punch. The price to acquire him would be something I think the Habs could do, but should they?
This is a tough one…if he does not re-sigh, what’s the point? Unless they truly think they can go for the Cup this year. Also, the incident with the Rangers team employee may not be a character trait Kent Hughes wants to take on given how well the team is bonding. If he is willing to re-sign, I can see the point of giving up some assets, but not if it's just a rental.
I’m on the fence for this one.
Out of all the players I have on the list, I would go for O’Reilly. I see him more as a good vet to have when the Habs are a serious contender for the Cup, so theft would need to resign him in two years. With the emergence of Kapanen along with Demidov, the second line centre question seems to be less of an issue, and the Canadiens have a lot of young talent coming up, one of them Michael Hage.
What do you all think?