The general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes, faces a major challenge: finding a top-4 caliber right-handed defenseman to stabilize a defensive brigade in full reconstruction.
The gaps at this position have been glaring this season, and as the team looks to take a step forward in its development, the urgency to fill this void is palpable.
With limited options and a competitive market, Hughes will have to balance aggression and caution to make the right choice. Here is an overview of potential candidates who could meet the Canadian’s needs.
There are many candidates available on the transaction market according to Sportsnet. The station is targeting three right-handed defenders in particular for the CH.
1. Rasmus Ristolainen (Flyers de Philadelphie)
Age: 29 years old
Contract: $5.1 million until 2026-2027
Imposing defender, specialist in checking and defensive play. Ristolainen is not a big offensive contributor, but his toughness and ability to kill penalties make him a player sought after by teams looking for defensive stability.
Ristolainen could interest the Canadian for his physique and his experience. However, his high contract could be a drag unless Philadelphia agrees to withhold part of his salary.
2. Rasmus Andersson (Calgary Flames)
Age: 27 years old
Contract: $4.55 million until 2025-2026
Andersson is one of the most complete defensemen in the NHL. With an average playing time of over 24 minutes per game, he is both a defensive pillar and an offensive contributor for the Flames.
While Andersson isn’t immediately available, a dip in Calgary’s performance could be a game-changer between now and the trade deadline.
If he becomes available, the Flames will demand a high price, but his impact on the ice would justify such an investment.
3. Alexandre Carrier (Predators de Nashville)
Age: 27 years old
Contract: $3.75 million until 2025-2026
Surely the most realistic and affordable option for Kent Hughes.
Carrier is a versatile defender, excellent on the penalty kill and among the Predators’ best shot blockers. He plays a key role in their defensive squad with over 20 minutes of ice time per game.
Carrier represents an affordable option for the Canadian, both financially and strategically. His ability to excel in critical (defensive) situations would make him a valuable addition, especially if Nashville continues to sink in the standings.
And there is no need to remember that he is from Quebec. This would be a treat for fans and “Quebec nationalist” journalists.
Young talents like Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher represent the future of Montreal’s defense, but they are not yet ready to take on leading roles.
The Canadian needs a defender capable of alleviating this pressure and guiding these young players in their development.
With a young and promising roster, the addition of an experienced right-handed defenseman could accelerate the team’s progress while solidifying a critical area of the lineup.
The trade market offers Kent Hughes a rare chance to fill a key hole in the Canadiens’ lineup.
Whether by betting on a veteran like Ristolainen, by targeting a complete player like Andersson or by opting for an affordable (and Quebecois) solution with Carrier, Hughes will have to act and quickly.
Acquiring a quality right-handed defenseman could transform the Canadiens into a more competitive team this season.
This would be a strong signal that reconstruction is progressing and that Montreal is ready to return to success.
The time has come for Hughes to take action. And his best chance is definitely Alex Carrier.
Not only because he is still signed for two additional seasons and peanuts ($3.75 million).
His versatility, both on the penalty kill and in defensive coverage, makes him a reliable and consistent player.
Although he is not a major offensive contributor (1 goal and 6 points in 23 games this season), he is effective in neutralizing opposing attacks, blocking shots and stabilizing a defense.
During the previous season, when Nashville performed better, Carrier maintained a record of 20 points in 73 games with a positive differential in terms of goals for (50.60%).
For the Predators, Carrier was used in a variety of situations, including alongside Roman Josi on the top defensive pairing. This experience gives him a certain maturity, which would be valuable in mentoring the Canadiens’ young defenders.
In a market like Montreal, where fans value local players, the arrival of a Quebecer like Carrier would be well received.
Beyond his performances on the ice, his presence would add an important cultural and emotional dimension, strengthening the bond between the team and its fans at a critical moment in the rebuilding.
The fact that Nashville is at the bottom of the hole will help a transaction between the CH and the Predators.
Carrier’s limited offensive production this season and the Predators’ overall poor performance could influence his perceived value.
This could work in Montreal’s favor, but Nashville could also decide to wait until his performance improves before putting him on the market to maximize their return.
With David Savard at the end of his contract who will be traded, getting Carrier is a no-brainer.
A Quebecer who is leaving…a Quebecer who is arriving…perfect all the way…
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