The Canadiens’ Free Agency Checklist: 3 Positions to Address

Free agency may not offer many star players this summer, yet it remains an opportunity for the Montreal Canadiens to address important roster needs without sacrificing valuable assets in a trade. Rather than chasing the biggest names available, the Canadiens should focus on complementing their young core. Here are the three positions Montreal should prioritize in free agency.

A Big, Reliable Defenceman

The Canadiens have no shortage of offensive talent on the blue line. Lane Hutson has already established himself as one of the NHL’s most dynamic young defencemen, while Noah Dobson brings another high-end offensive presence capable of playing big minutes in all situations.

What Montreal still lacks is a dependable, physical defenceman who can handle difficult defensive assignments and allow Hutson to play to his strengths. Hutson doesn’t need another offensive-minded partner, he needs someone who can win battles along the boards, clear the crease, kill penalties, and provide stability in the defensive zone.

Arber Xhekaj certainly brings physicality and toughness, but he is probably best suited for a third-pairing role where his game can flourish without being asked to play against the opposition’s best forwards every night. Adding a shutdown defenceman should be one of the Canadiens’ top priorities in free agency. Someone capable of playing twenty minutes a night while taking on difficult defensive responsibilities would make life much easier for both Hutson and the coaching staff.

Jacob Trouba immediately comes to mind as an ideal candidate. His physical style, leadership, penalty-killing ability, and experience would give Montreal exactly the type of presence they’ve been missing on the back end. He wouldn’t be expected to produce offense, his job would simply be to make defending easier for everyone around him.

A Veteran Goaltender

This need depends entirely on what happens with Samuel Montembeault. If the Canadiens decide to move Montembeault this summer, the organization cannot rely solely on two young goaltenders entering the season. Jacob Fowler remains one of the organization’s brightest prospects, while Jakub Dobes has shown he is ready to lead the team, but expecting two inexperienced goalies to carry the load would be asking a lot.

Instead, Montreal should look for another veteran similar to Kaapo Kahkonen last season. The goal wouldn’t be to find a long-term starter or spend significant money in free agency. Instead, the Canadiens simply need someone with NHL experience who can compete for a roster spot, provide insurance, and mentor the younger goaltenders.

If it ends up being Dobes and Fowler out of training camp, that veteran could easily report to the Laval Rocket and give the Rocket another dependable option while remaining available for call-ups throughout the season. Injuries happen every year, and having experienced depth in goal is something every successful organization values.

Should Montembeault remain with the Canadiens, this becomes less of a priority. However, if Hughes decides to trade him, bringing in another experienced goaltender quickly becomes almost mandatory.

A Big Forward

Finding top-six scoring in free agency won’t be easy this summer. Most of the elite offensive players have already signed long-term contracts or are expected to remain with their current clubs. That doesn’t mean Montreal can’t improve its forward group.

The Canadiens could still use another big, physical winger capable of adding size, forechecking ability, and secondary offense. Following the departures of Joe Veleno and Brendan Gallagher, there is room for another veteran who can play on the bottom-six while still contributing offensively.

A player like Mason Marchment would make plenty of sense. Marchment brings exactly the kind of game that translates well to playoff hockey. He uses his size effectively, wins puck battles, creates space for skilled linemates, and isn’t afraid to play in the dirty areas around the net. While he naturally fits in a bottom-six role, he has also shown throughout his career that he can move into the top six when injuries occur or when a heavier lineup is needed. That versatility would be valuable for Martin St. Louis, giving him another option depending on the matchup.

The Canadiens don’t need to make a blockbuster signing this summer. Their core is already in place, and the organization’s future remains incredibly bright. Instead, Kent Hughes should focus on filling the remaining holes with smart, complementary additions.