With the NHL Entry Draft on the horizon, it’s easy to forget that the NHL free agent market also opens in less than a week. This year’s crop of NHL Free agents is one of the deepest and most impressive in recent memory. The Canadiens are finally in a position to potentially add some free agents to their lineup as they look to turn the page in their rebuild. This article outlines five free agents who the Canadiens may target. It’s a mixture of players who are likely targets and who would also fit the Canadiens future plans. Let’s look at five free agents that could become Montreal Canadiens during the NHL free agent frenzy.
Potential Canadiens Free Agent Targets
Tyler Toffoli
Tyler Toffoli is a name that is very familiar to Canadiens fans. He was a big part of their Stanley Cup finalist team in 2021 but was traded to the Calgary Flames two years ago. Toffoli fit in seamlessly with the Canadiens group and was beloved by the fanbase in Montreal. Toffoli also claimed to love his time in Montreal as well.
While he is now 32, Toffoli is still a productive top-six option. He is one year removed from a 73-point campaign with the Flames and managed 55 points this past season split with the Devils and Jets. On a short-term deal of 2-3 years, this could make a ton of sense for the Canadiens as Toffoli is a familiar face that adds some scoring to a Canadiens team looking to take the next step.
Sam Reinhart
Sam Reinhart may be the most coveted of all the NHL free agents this offseason. Reinhart put up a career-high 94 points including 57 goals. He was also a key contributor on the Panthers Cup-winning team, scoring the eventual cup-winning goal. Reinhart is due for a big pay increase and may have priced himself out of Montreal with his play. This is especially true when you consider the Canadiens have seemingly set an internal cap with nobody making more than captain Nick Suzuki who sits just under 8 million.
Players like Sam Reinhart don’t hit the market often and while the Canadiens shouldn’t overpay for him, Getting him on a mid to long-term deal in the 9 million range would be an absolute win for the Canadiens. A signing like that of Reinhart would signify the end of the rebuild for the Canadiens.
Jake DeBrusk
Jake DeBrusk is probably the biggest surprise on this list. The 27-year-old has spent his entire career with the rival Bruins. He isn’t anywhere near the game-breaking talent that Reinhart is, but he adds to the team in other ways. DerBusk adds some grit and size to a middle-six that desperately needs it.
DeBrusk’s career high is 50 points and 27 goals, these aren’t eye-popping numbers but they are ideal for a middle-six scorer. DeBrusk should come at a relatively cheap contract and he fits the age range the Canadiens are looking for. Despite his Boston roots, DeBrusk is a player that the Canadiens should take a look at.
Sean Monahan
When Sean Monahan was traded to the Winnipeg Jets midway through the year, many Canadiens fans were disappointed. Monahan provided some much-needed scoring depth and was well-liked in Montreal by fans and teammates. However, there was always a belief that Monahan could return in the offseason.
While Monahan will get a pay raise from the 2 million dollars he made last year, he won’t command a lucrative contract. Much like Debrusk he is a good option to add some depth to the middle-six for relatively cheap. Monahan is a bit older at 29 years old and does have an injury history going against him. However, on a short-term deal with a relatively low AAV, bringing back Monahan would be a solid move for the Canadiens.
Steven Stamkos
Back in 2016, prime Steven Stamkos was only a couple of days away from being the most coveted free agent of the past decade. However, he ultimately signed a max-term deal to remain in Tampa where he went on to win two Stanley Cup rings. Fast forward to 2024 and we find ourselves in a similar scenario.
Stamkos is unlikely to sign in Montreal but he would be the type of elite talent the Canadiens haven’t had in decades. At 34 years old he’s coming off another 40-goal campaign. After two Stanley Cups and coming off a massive deal, it’s possible that Stamkos would be willing to take a chance and come to a Canadian market. While highly unlikely, if the Canadiens can get Stamkos locked in for 3-4 years in the 9 million range, he could help usher the Canadiens into the next era, and they should pay the price to get him.
All of these NHL-free agents could be huge additions to the Montreal Canadiens. However, there’s no guarantee that they add any of these guys. This is, however, one of the best classes in recent memory and there are many other targets for the Canadiens. Whatever happens, this offseason is sure to be an exciting one that will shape the future of the Canadiens drastically.
Main Photo: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports
