The NHL Entry Draft is approaching and will begin a series of events that fill the NHL offseason. For the Montreal Canadiens, it marks the start of an important summer that could define the rebuild General Manager (GM) Kent Hughes has been guiding the team for the past two years. While fans have endured the process, for the most part, that doesn't mean they will stay that way.
Related: Montreal Canadiens' Offseason Focus Should Be on Trades Not UFAs
Because of this, Montreal is entering a period where expectations shift from the development of individual players to the performance of the entire team. Essentially, they will want to see a team fight for a place in the playoffs, not just fighting and competing in any one game. There will also be expectations on management to make the right decisions to help the team immediately but also add the missing pieces to their ultimate goal of being a contender.
Expectation #1: Draft Terms
The Canadiens' prospect pool lacks elite hitting talent. Because of this, Hughes is expected to score a goal going forward. Macklin Celebrini will go first, and the San Jose Sharks won't entertain calls on that pick again. There is concern that Hughes will go full-back instead of forward, which is a real concern. If all of the top players are off the board, he might choose Zev Buium or Artyom Levshunov, but the organization's need for scoring makes drafting a need and drafting a best player available (BPA) the same. Who will be available to the Canadiens in the fifth place that fits that description?
The first name that comes to mind is Ivan Demidov. He has all the tools to become a star when he makes the transition to North America. He has great vision, a great shot, an NHL size frame to build on and a solid defensive game.
There are fears that Demidov will no longer be on the board when Montreal picks five. However, with so many high-quality defenders available, there will be several frontrunners to choose from when Hughes took to the podium in Las Vegas to make his selection.
Another pitcher who fits the description is Cayden Lindstrom. At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, he's already an imposing figure. He also has a strong body and plays with an edge. But he's more than just a “big man,” he has above-average skating ability, the ability to make plays in tight spaces, and a high level of hockey intelligence. If he slips to the fifth spot, it could be because of his injury history, especially his back injury, that will make teams worried enough to look elsewhere. But his unique combination of skills and size could be difficult for Hughes to pass up.
The other roster also features Beckett Sennecke, and even Berkley Catton, but the player with the size and scoring ability Montreal desires is Tij Iginla. The son of Hockey Hall of Famer Jerome Iginla has a special shot, making him one of the best scorers available in this draft class.
In addition, he has intangibles that the Canadiens love. Work ethic, desire to compete, ability to fight boards and slot. There is a hint of the “old school” style of an edge defender, and while he looks a lot like his father, Tij's game is based more on speed, and playing at high speed. The youngster also has an August birthday, making him one of the youngest draft-eligible players this summer.
Expectation #2: Make a Splash
Montreal needs to “splash,” not to generate interest in the team but to make a bold move that will help them fill a core role long-term. Expectations need to be lowered. Hughes may have to “overpay” on any contract to add that much-needed offensive lineman this summer, but the organization has the assets to make it happen.
There has been talk that Hughes is very interested in Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas. That would be a major clash with the plans, as the 25-year-old striker is poised to hit his prime. He brings speed, offensive ability and a proven ability to play up-tempo to complement the Habs' core team.
Another possibility is that Hughes will follow the American forward who plays in the NCAA, Rutger McGroarty. The 20-year-old from the University of Michigan appears to have been put on the market by the Winnipeg Jets. Hughes holds the Jets' 2024 first-round pick that can be returned to them. He also has several NHL-ready defensemen who could help in any package deal. The pieces are there. He's not as loud as Necas can be, but he'll handle the team's needs.
Finally, Eric Engels of Sportsnet's bold prediction will qualify as a big splash: trade for another top 10 draft pick. It's been decades since Montreal held two picks in the top 10, and this year's crop could provide two key pieces for Montreal, pieces that could be under team control for eight years, perfectly in time for any contention window. Hughes plans to be.
Expectation #3: Mentors
Montreal's rebuild is underway, but it needs more time to bake before any unrestricted free agent (UFA) splash is approved. This is why this summer's UFA window should only be used to fill vacancies or temporary needs. The best use of team space is for a small, long-term commercial market. There has been speculation that Steven Stamkos will prove that he did not work for free. While he could be an immediate asset in Montreal, spending big on a 34-year-old center might not be the best way to use the salary cap space Hughes has been trying to accumulate. The summer of 2025 may be the best time to hit free agency.
We'll likely look back on the summer of 2024 as a pivotal moment in the Canadiens' rebuild. They are at a point where decisions about what to do are unclear. How Hughes attacks the summer will also give fans and the media tons to talk about.
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