Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens entered this season hoping to at least be in the mix for a playoff berth. However, they were at the bottom of the overall standings with just four wins in 15 games before their 7-5 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Monday.
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes was reportedly calling around for experienced depth in late October. TSN’s Darren Dreger last Thursday reiterated Hughes has no appetite to mortgage the club’s future for a quick fix.
Pat Hickey of The Montreal Gazette weighed in on the trade speculation swirling around the Canadiens. He noted the recent reports claim Hughes is in the market for a right-shot defenseman and a physical forward.
According to Hickey, some observers have suggested Trent Frederic of the Boston Bruins would fill that forward need for the Canadiens. ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported last week that the versatile 26-year-old is slated to become a UFA next summer and is garnering interest from some teams.
Hickey also pointed out some in Montreal are clamoring for the Habs to acquire Trevor Zegras. The 23-year-old Anaheim Ducks forward was linked to the Canadiens in last season’s rumor mill and is off to a slow start this season.
It’s doubtful either player will land in Montreal. Hickey doesn’t see the Bruins trading Frederic to their long-time division rival. They might not be moving him at all. RG.org’s James Murphy cited a source claiming they’re not shopping Frederic.
As for Zegras, Hickey observed that he’s not defensively responsible and does poorly in the faceoff circle.
Hickey believes the Canadiens should focus on acquiring a reliable starting goaltender. He pointed out that their current tandem of Samuel Montembeault and Cayden Primeau can’t be faulted for the sloppy defense in front of them, but neither netminder has proven capable of stealing some games.
One thing the Canadiens don’t seem to have in mind is a coaching change.
Over the weekend, BPM Sports’ Georges Laraque claimed Hughes and coach Martin St-Louis were spotted in Toronto meeting with former NHL coach Gerard Gallant. However, TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reported no one from the Canadiens met with Gallant in Toronto or anywhere else.
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Related: Are The Canadiens Actually Making Any Progress Under Martin St-Louis?