The Montreal Canadiens like what they have on hand, but general manager Kent Hughes would still like to improve his roster before the start of the season.
This is what a well-connected source in the Eastern Association reportedly told journalist Marco D’Amico of the website RG.org.
According to the same source, the Canadiens have made it known to teams that they are not looking to stand still and that they will only make a transaction to significantly improve at one position. And it is the defense, above all, that is being monitored.
Even though the CH could still benefit from reinforcements in attack to become competitive, it is mainly the blue line that seems to worry the staff. Jeff Gorton’s comments at the golf tournament in Laval-sur-le-lac were in this direction.
On the right side of the defense, in particular, there are several question marks. Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher and Justin Barron remain young. David Savard is the only veteran right-hander, and his contract expires at the end of next season.
Left-hander Kaiden Guhle has been used on the right in the past, but the youngster is on the sidelines now, having undergone surgery to have his appendix removed. His condition will be re-evaluated in a few days.
If the young right-handers in the team’s organization don’t prove themselves in training camp, the urgency to find reinforcements on the right side of the defense could increase on Hughes’ side.
Over the past two seasons, the Canadiens finished 28th in the NHL in goals allowed and finished dead last in that department in 2021-22. It’s a situation that’s clearly bothering the team’s management as they look to take a step forward in their rebuild.
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