Little different variation. Within reason?

Équipe: 2018-19 Canadiens de Montréal

Date de création initiale: 27 janv. 2018

Publié: 27 janv. 2018

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Hamhuis: UFA signing. Can split shifts with Mete to shelter him and manage his minutes as necessary. I gave him some term as incentive, and it's a manageable number.

Stastny: We need at least one legitimate top 6 center. Do what it takes within reason to sign him. This is a contract I believe would be sufficient, but more can be offered.

Pacioretty, Byron, Benn: No rush to move any, we can keep them around and make those decisions next season, to see if the adjustments improve performance.
Unless we fail to land a center in UFA. In which case, we would be forced to move Pacioretty for something more immediate.

Lines can be adjusted, but I've arranged them in a way where we spread our depth in order to provide some support from the bottom 9, while we are experimenting with a top line that will need some time to develop, if they are going to work at all. They may need some sheltering.
Scherbak and McCarron can both be given opportunities on all 3 lines with two responsible linemates.

Players not mentioned can be re-signed for depth, but I feel this is the best use of players and puts everyone in a position to succeed.

Trading Alzner remains a consideration, but I don't see it happening without another opportunity next season. There were a lot of performance issues early, and he has looked better at times, of late. Best we can do for now is hope he performs better.

I'm not counting on any additional players making the jump, but they will get their feet wet during the season and should give us a better perspective when players start coming up for renewals.