Tracking the Canadiens’ Departed Free Agents

The Montreal Canadiens did not lose many key pieces in free agency this summer, a reflection of how much of the team’s core is already under contract for the coming years. Still, a handful of players who finished last season with the organization have moved on, while one notable name remains available on the open market. Some departures were expected, while others simply became victims of the Canadiens’ growing depth chart. Here’s a look at where those players ended up, and what could be next for those still searching for a new opportunity.

Patrik Laine

The biggest name among Montreal’s free agents remains Patrik Laine. At the time of writing, the former second overall pick is still unsigned despite possessing one of the most dangerous shots in hockey. Laine’s time in Montreal was not successful. Injuries once again interrupted his season, and consistency remained an issue, but there were still flashes of the elite goal scorer who has surpassed the 40-goal mark in the NHL. Players with that kind of scoring pedigree rarely stay unemployed forever.

The question is no longer whether Laine can score goals, everyone knows he can. The question is whether a team is willing to take a chance on him given his recent injury history and inconsistent production. Because of that, the most likely outcome appears to be a one-year “prove-it” contract worth relatively little money.

For a team looking to add offensive upside without making a long-term commitment, Laine represents a very low-risk gamble. If he returns to form, he could become one of the best bargain signings of the summer. If not, the team can simply move on after one season. Several teams looking for additional scoring depth could make sense as potential destinations before training camps begin.

Joe Veleno

Joe Veleno didn’t need to wait long before finding his next contract, signing a one-year deal worth $1.2 million with the New York Rangers. His role likely won’t change much from what Canadiens fans saw in Montreal. Veleno projects as a fourth-line center who can also move to the wing when needed. His speed, penalty-killing ability and responsible defensive game continue to make him an appealing depth option for NHL clubs.

The Rangers are looking to improve the bottom of their lineup, and Veleno will have every opportunity to earn a regular roster spot during training camp. Nothing will be handed to him, but that’s been the story throughout most of his NHL career.

For Montreal, allowing Veleno to walk made plenty of sense. With younger forwards pushing for NHL opportunities and several prospects ready to compete for depth roles, the Canadiens simply had other priorities. Veleno now gets a fresh start with an Original Six franchise hoping to bounce back next season.

Depth Players Also Find New Organizations

While they weren’t headline names, Marc Del Gaizo and Samuel Blais also found new opportunities after leaving the Canadiens organization. Blais signed a two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators organization. The veteran forward brings physicality, experience and versatility, making him the type of player every organization likes to have available. Whether he spends most of the year in Ottawa or with the Belleville Senators in the AHL, he’ll provide reliable depth and leadership while remaining available if injuries strike at the NHL level.

Del Gaizo also signed a two-way deal, joining the Rangers organization alongside Veleno. The defenseman gives New York additional organizational depth on the blue line and should play significant minutes in the AHL while remaining a call-up option throughout the season.

Neither signing is expected to dramatically change either NHL roster, but these are exactly the types of moves organizations make every summer. Injuries are inevitable over an 82-game season, and having experienced players who can step into the lineup without missing a beat is extremely valuable.

For the Canadiens, moving on from these depth pieces also creates more opportunities for younger players within the organization. Prospects with the Laval Rocket will now have additional ice time and a clearer path toward earning NHL opportunities if they continue their development.

The Canadiens’ free-agent departures this summer were relatively modest, which reflects the stability Kent Hughes has built throughout the organization. Veleno, Blais and Del Gaizo have all found new homes where they’ll compete for depth roles, while Laine remains the biggest name still searching for his next contract. Montreal, meanwhile, moves forward with a younger roster and even more opportunities available for the next wave of prospects to establish themselves at the NHL level.