The Montreal Canadiens continue looking to add even after landing Phillip Danault in a trade with the LA Kings. The Habs see themselves as contenders and want to make a deep playoff run this season.
That situation could mean splurging on a proven veteran scorer to bolster their current crop of young guns. That situation has prompted one notable insider to put his thinking cap on.
In a December 26 piece in The Athletic, insider Chris Johnston explored the idea of the Canadiens landing former Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Marchessault.
Marchessault is currently with the Nashville Predators. Unfortunately for Marchessault and the Preds, things aren’t going overly well. Despite an apparent turnaround, Nashville isn’t really close to the playoffs.
As such, the club could be willing to jettison Marchessault and his extortionate cap hit if there was a taker. That taker could be the Canadiens. The club needs scoring, particularly with injuries ravaging the club.
Johnston noted:
“This is a move that would certainly sit well with Marchessault, which is important given the fact he’s got that NMC in his contract. The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner would bring some experience to the NHL’s youngest roster and should be able to add offensive pop to the Habs’ top-six forward group.”
There’s reason to believe that Marchessault would easily waive his no-movement clause (NMC) to join the Canadiens. However, Johnston points out that may be easier said than done.
Canadiens Would Need to Clear Major Obstacle to Land Marchessault
Johnston added this insight into the roadblock the Canadiens would face in a trade for Marchessault:
“Facilitating a trade for Marchessault would necessitate some money going out the door, with Patrik Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit the most obvious candidate to go.”
Could the Predators take the remaining months of Patrik Laine’s contract just to get rid of the final three years or Marchessault’s contract? In general terms, it seems like it would be a fair deal for the Predators.
If the Canadiens drop Laine’s cap hit, they’ll have plenty of room to add Marchessault. Meanwhile, the Predators would have the cap space to take on Laine’s contract, should he return to the ice. That situation seems unlikely, however. That’s why the Predators may just move Laine to LTIR, making his cap hit a wash.
Marchessault Would be a Hit in Montreal
Johnston concluded his thoughts on Marchessault being a popular piece for the Canadiens by stating:
“The Quebec native would be a popular addition for the fanbase.”
Indeed, landing another Quebec native would sit very well with Canadiens fans. That’s why this deal, if it happens, makes sense for all sides. Marchessault was an unfortunate swing-and-miss for the Predators.
But if he could get a fresh start in Montreal, the homecoming of sorts would go a long way towards rejuvenating his career. The Canadiens need all the help they can get, especially with their young core still somewhat green.
Adding a proven veteran winner could be one of the pieces the Habs need to get over the top in this year’s postseason run.
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