Ideas for replacing chiarot internally

Équipe: 2020-21 Canadiens de Montréal

Date de création initiale: 15 mars 2021

Publié: 15 mars 2021

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Should MTL pursue a trade to try and replace Chiarot or do we have the internal depth? It doesn't help that MTL had a need for another top 4 D before the injury, however ironically the injury could be the opportunity needed for someone within the organization to step into a top 4 role.

Just based off of previous chemistry, there are some options:

Option 1: Romanov
Romanov, he has been the best player on the 3rd pair all season, so logically he is the obvious choice to play a top 4 role. This could leave the 3rd pair weak however, so there are a couple other options.

Option 2: Mete
Mete has worked really well with Weber in the past, he was even playing on the teams top pair Juliens best season here. He can skate real well, and although he is often outmatched size wise he is an underrated defenseman. Weber and Mete are perfect compliments to each other.

Option 3: Kulak
Kulak has had great success whenever he plays with Petry, he looks like a top 4 defenseman. This would slot Edmundson with Weber, who is a pretty similar player to Chiarot maybe even better in some ways.

I personally like the Mete option, because if it works out it would give MTL the best depth as having Romanov on the 3rd pair is re -assuring... I feel like Mete does not work with Romanov or Kulak. I also think Mete is a better defenseman than any of the AHL call ups at this point, although Fluery and Brook would also make sense and could deserve an opportunity.