During the All-Star Break, the Montreal Canadiens initiated their first significant transaction in preparation for the NHL trade deadline by sending center Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a first-round draft pick and a conditional third-round pick in 2024. This trade has created a substantial gap at the center position for Montreal, necessitating them to address this void for the remainder of the season through internal adjustments.
The Canadiens’ center position is lacking due to injuries
Before trading for Monahan, the Canadiens faced a shortage at center due to season-ending injuries suffered by Kirby Dach and Christian Dvorak. Dach got hurt in the second game of the season, while Dvorak was sidelined just after Christmas. The team only had three centers due to Alex Newhook’s extended absence.
Nick Suzuki, Jake Evans, and Monahan assumed the responsibilities, with Mitchell Stephens called up from the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL) to help out. With Monahan gone, the Canadiens now rely on Suzuki and Evans as the team’s main NHL-caliber centers.
Newhook is expected to return soon. Despite being more proficient as a winger, he has experience playing at center in the NHL and can provide support in the top six if necessary. Nevertheless, the team needs to make a decision on whether to promote players from Laval, which may harm the Rocket’s chances of making the playoffs, though the NHL team takes priority. Even though the Canadiens are unlikely to reach the playoffs and may see a decline in standings, it’s crucial to ensure that the best players in the organization are on the ice.
Canadiens Summon Laval Players to Address Center Vacancy
Montreal brought up Lucas Condotta from the Rocket to ensure they had four proper centers. Condotta joined the team before the All-Star Break, played in two games, and recorded a point. Additionally, the Habs inked a deal with Brendon Gignac, the top scorer from Laval, to participate in Montreal. Gignac, originally picked by the New Jersey Devils in 2016, had been under an AHL contract with Laval for the 2021-22 season and has shown consistent improvement in his gameplay over the past three years.
The Canadiens recognized his performance by offering him a two-way contract worth $400,000, and he is set to make his debut with Montreal this week, having previously played one NHL game with the Devils in 2018-19.
Montreal will rely on their bottom-two centers for the remainder of the season, despite their limited four games of NHL experience. While this situation is not ideal, the team will work with the existing roster. There are other players in Laval with more NHL exposure, such as Mitchell Stephens and Lias Andersson, and it would not be surprising if either or both of them are called up to the Habs if Gignac and Condotta do not meet expectations.
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