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ON • Canada • 2017 Years Old • Male

Montreal so far...

Posted 11:44 PM ET | Comments 6
So far so good. I'm sort of surprised to be saying that.

Free agency began with the Canadiens in desperate need of defence. Bergevin, with the first day winding down has actually done well in addressing it. The additions of Karl Alzner and Joe Morrow help shore up a very depleted D corp. While neither are superstars; they were very needed. With Markov remaining unsigned, Emelin lost to Vegas, Nathan Beaulieu traded to Buffalo and Nesterov unqualified, the holes had to be filled and he did admirably in a weak UFA crop.

Karl Alzner isn't going to blow you away offensively. His highest point production to date has been a pair of 21 pt seasons from 2014-2016 where he netted 5 and 4 goals respectively each year. Like I said not, he's not gonna blow you away. However he will chip in the occasional offense and it's not wrong to think he could put up 30 pts+ in the right scenario. I like him on the PK more than the PP but who's to say he can't do both.

Offensive potential aside his real addition is in the shutdown role he brings to a enlarging Montreal D Corp. The projected starting six actually all come in over 6"0. Alzner at 6"3 is looking to be a healthy addition on the back end that has the bodies already of Shea Weber and Jordie Benn. The addition allows Montreal to better handle larger forwarded teams this season which always has been a weakness for them. It will be a big change from years past where skill was the emphasis over size, but a welcome one I'm sure with the fans. Montreal has always struggled to make the net a difficult place for players and Alnzer helps make it a little bit more difficult. The cap and the term aren't unreasonable either, so I count this as a win for the Habs and Bergevin.

The second addition was something more of a depth signing. However it comes with a bit of upside. Montreal's second signing was peripheral Nhler Joe Morrow. Morrow has yet to establish himself fully in the NHL but he has displayed elements of what's needed. He has shown good offensive instinct in his limited games and can contribute effectively when called upon. However he is prone to errors when pressured and can make the occasional gaffe.

It's obviously hoped that he can hone his game a bit and round out the 3rd pairing as a depth option. His offense if further developed could even give a potential option to the 2nd PP. So he comes with those as pluses. As well with only being on a one year if he doesn't work out they are not on the hook. The signing works for the Habs as it gives them a valid depth signing without sacrificing any assets.

Overall I think Bergevin has done well in addressing the needs of the back end. While up front still needs to be worked out, it is good to see that he took initiative in solving his D problems. The Radulov, Galchenyuk and Markov sagas will determine how well he does in the rest of the off-season, but he's off to a good start.
Filed Under:   Montreal   Defence   Alzner   Morrow   Offense  
July 2, 2017 4:30 PM ET | Delete
Price has been signed
July 2, 2017 4:55 PM ET | Delete
I've seen. I'm less then thrilled with the term and cap.
July 3, 2017 1:35 PM ET | Delete
why
July 4, 2017 12:25 PM ET | Delete
The cap hit might prevent them from signing Shane Doan though.
July 4, 2017 6:35 PM ET | Delete
Its too long and too much to commit to a goalie. I love him but I would have preferred 9.5 @ 8 years. Or if it had to be 10.5 mil, only for 6 years. Though I get why it was done.
July 4, 2017 6:36 PM ET | Delete
Lol Doan I don't think would ever come to Montreal. He may be Price's cousin but no one comes to Montreal.
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