3 Canadiens Bold Offseason Predictions – Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have had a slow offseason so far, with one young free agent signing and locking up one of their top players, Juraj Slafkovsky, long term; since it was crickets. General manager (GM) Kent Hughes predicted before the draft that they wanted to make a few moves but nothing that would hurt the long-term goal or block the way forward. Summer isn't over yet, and there's still plenty of time to get moving. There are also a few trade rumors involving players who could help the top six, but nothing has materialized.

As the off-season gets boring, let's add some excitement by making some bold predictions about what could happen between now and the start of the 2024-25 season.

1. Canadiens Will Trade Josh Anderson

When Josh Anderson first came to the Canadiens, the team hoped he would be the power forward they were looking for. After scoring 27 goals and 47 points for the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2018-19, Anderson suffered a shoulder injury and missed most of the following season. GM Marc Bergevin then took a gamble and signed Anderson after his injury to a seven-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $5.5 million. It proved to be a good deal for a dynamic young player with the ability to score 30 goals.

In his first season with the Habs, he consistently struggled with injuries but scored 17 goals in 52 games; he followed that up with a 19-goal campaign in 69 games in 2021-22. Things were going well. In 2022-23, Anderson scored 21 goals but still struggled with consistency and, once again injured, played 69 games.

Last season was a disaster for Anderson; he stayed fit but didn't get anything going and seemed to drag whatever line he was on. He had the worst season of his career, scoring nine goals and 20 points; Whether it's an injury that's holding him back or a loss of confidence, it's hard to know why he's struggling so much.

If he can stay healthy again this season, he could be back to another 20-goal campaign. With few teams close to the cap floor, Anderson's $5.5 million contract could be attractive, especially if Hughes can convince other GMs that last season was a fluke and Anderson can be a reliable power forward.

2. The Canadiens will try to sign Mitch Marner

Everyone expects the Canadiens to trade Patrick Laine, Rutgar McGoarty, Trevor Zegras, or Martin Necas; at least, they are higher players than the rumors going to Montreal. The Habs have assets that could help them acquire top-level talent, with plenty of young top-four defensemen, a strong scoring position, and seven picks in the first three rounds of the 2025 Draft.

They also have the space to take a bad contract if that's what it takes to get the player they want. The Toronto Maple Leafs have a player who can put up points and provide offense; however, because of his performance in the finals, the fans are starting to tire of him, even though he is the main reason they are in the playoffs. Canadians need a case; The Maple Leafs need to clear cap space.

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Yes, I'm talking about Mitch Marner. He has 639 points in 576 career games, and only his first two seasons were under a point per game (P/G). Marner is the type of offensive player the Canadiens could use in their top six. He is only 26 years old and still in his prime. However, there are problems.

His contract is only for next season, and he will want to be paid a lot of money for his youth. He now has a $10.9 million AAV, which could rise to $11.5 – $12 million if he becomes a free agent. At some point, Montreal will need to exceed their $8 million cap hit, and Marner is the player they can do for him. Regarding the playoffs, the Canadiens have built a good team that doesn't have to be the one to take them far. As a wise GM once said, you have players that get you to the playoffs and players that get you. (Yes, it's the same GM who signed Anderson for $5.5 million).

3. Canadiens Trade Carey Price

This prediction may not be as bold as people think. Carey Price has two seasons left on his contract, with an AAV of $10.5 million. It would be easy for Montreal to remove his salary and have that $10.5 million as part of their cap to deal with any cap issues or signing players. Having his own agreement on long-damaged reserves complicates matters with its rules and restrictions, and the GM must be careful when and how they are used. Price will never play hockey again, and holding on to that AAV until the end would be a mismanagement of Hughes' cap.

Several teams are close to the cap floor right now, such as the San Jose Sharks, Calgary Flames and, ironically, the Detroit Red Wings, which are just over $60 million, and all three teams are under $70 million in cap space. time for this article. The Canadiens could move Price's contract for a middling draft pick and help one of these teams advance for at least the next two seasons. The Habs then benefit from having real money and not needing to use LTIR. Montreal could also move Price to a team over the cap and could use LTIR for free, like the Washington Capitals.

If any of these predictions come true, it would be a miracle, especially the first two. With Anderson's performance and cap hit, I don't see teams wanting to get him, and Marner is rich in Hughes blood. The only realistic move here is the Price trade, which is probably the best move for next season. Hopefully something will happen soon, and we'll have something to talk about and write about. Until then, enjoy the offseason.