It is not uncommon for professional hockey teams to reinvent themselves on occasion and this is just as true when discussing the Montreal Canadiens. While this club boasts plenty of veterans, it has also focused on recruiting younger players. Similar to the strategies embraced by developers of online casino games, variety is the spice of life. It is worth noting that the Break Away Deluxe game is becoming very popular among those who love both hockey and casino games.
The only potential here is that youth and experience do not always enjoy a hand-in-hand relationship. This is why many analysts feel that General Manager Kent Hughes could very well be eyeing a number of veteran free agents in order to provide the Canadiens with a more stable team core. What names could soon be donning the Montreal jersey once again? Let’s take a look at a handful of interesting prospects.
Alex Belzile
Forward Alex Belzile is no stranger to Montreal hockey. This 31-year-old forward has already made a strong impression and some feel that his mentoring skills will be vital for the younger generation. One of his main strengths involves the fact that he is interested in much more than playing the game. Belzile is also keen on team development and presenting himself as a role model. These very same traits would undoubtedly benefit the Canadiens and help to provide a sense of cohesion that might otherwise be lacking.
Paul Byron
This seasoned Montreal player retired in 2023 (to be made official after July1st) and considering that he is 34 years old, no one can blame him. However, just because he is no longer on the ice does not suggest that his career is over. Some have speculated that he may soon take on a more developmental role with the team. After all, he has plenty to teach the younger generation and many players already respect his passion for the sport. It will be interesting to see what influence he could have upon the Canadiens in the near future.
Jonathan Drouin
The verdict is still out on Jonathan Drouin. Some fans feel that his performance was lackluster in recent times. However, it should also be pointed out that he improved as the 2022 season progressed. Might GM Kent Hughes choose to include Drouin on the roster once again? Many online articles have already questioned such and whether or not it would benefit the team as a whole. Either way, there is little doubt that Drouin would be interested in a potential return to Montreal.
Sean Monahan
This final free agent is likewise up for grabs. Although his 2022 season was plagued with (somewhat avoidable) injuries, it seems that he has learned much from past mistakes. This NHL centreman already influenced fellow teammates including Kirby Dach and Nick Suzuki. So, it is not unreasonable to assume that he represents an interesting prospect to consider.
While the Montreal Canadiens are indeed a young team, there is still plenty of room to include veterans within the upcoming roster. The names mentioned above boast a significant amount of experience and there is little doubt that they will be able to positively contribute to the team as a whole.