Two players that would be welcomed back in Montreal
Both are competing as members of the Winnipeg Jets in the playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche. They may need some persuasion to return to Montreal, but it would be a pleasant reunion.
Though the Montreal Canadiens have had to part ways with key veterans to improve the current squad, there is reason to assume they might be willing to return.
Kent Hughes has done an excellent job making the most of each of his moves. He has also guaranteed that the athlete who moves on joins an organization that is a perfect fit. Because of his skilled work and gentlemanly demeanor, he has maintained close contacts.
If the Canadiens believe they can make a strong push for the playoffs next season, they may consider bringing back some familiar faces. With the Habs’ top six being somewhat young, adding an experienced veteran to balance things out could be a wise decision. Similarly, if Kirby Dach struggles down the middle, having a centerman to help him with faceoffs might be a prudent decision.
If the Habs wanted to beef up their offense with a few of recognized figures, there’s reason to believe the concept isn’t too outlandish. Both players are now competing in the playoffs, so by July, they will have more experience. And while the Habs have some aging veterans on their roster, the importance of depth and a strong offense may drive certain guys down the depth chart or off the team.
With Joel Armia’s improved play towards the end of the season, he could garner some trade interest once the offseason begins. Should he be moved out for a draft pick or prospect, that would free up a spot on the wing. The ideal move would be to promote from within, but bringing in a player with experience would stiffen the competition and give the younger players more time to develop.
Tyler Toffoli is the first person that springs to mind; in Montreal, Toffoli was a fixture in the locker room and the ideal mentor for Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. He brings not only experience, but also familiarity and the ability to score at the right time. He isn’t the fastest skater, but in a middle-six role, he would improve the Habs’ forward core.
Toffoli is in the final season of his current contract, so he will be free to sign wherever he wants after the season. Because Winnipeg is currently a contender, it is reasonable to expect him to re-sign with the team. However, I would not be surprised if Hughes offered the unrestricted free agent any form of.
Sean Monahan, is perhaps the least likely of the two, simply because the Canadiens have Suzuki, Dach, Christian Dvorak and Jake Evans. But, I think if the Habs receive calls for Dvorak, which isn’t highly likely, they should move on from him. Monahan, as we all know is a significant upgrade on Dvorak, and he is the type of player that fits wherever he is lined up and makes his linemates better.
Monahan is also in the final year of his current deal, which was for one year; which the Habs signed him to. An unrestricted free agent once the season ends, Monahan will be looking for a new deal and if the expectations are for the Habs to be competitive in 2024-2025, Monahan would be a wise addition. He could slot right in on Dach’s wing, which would render the Habs one top-six forward away from having their top two lines well-balanced.
Both players would fit seamlessly into the culture that the Canadiens have formed, and they are known for their clutch, smart play styles.
