Denis Gurianov could stay with the Canadiens

Denis Gurianov didn’t have an incredible end to the season with the Canadiens. However, he could be back with the team next season with a new contract in his pocket.

That’s what former The Athletic reporter Marc-Antoine Godin reports.

As previously reported, Gurianov is not expected to receive a qualifying offer, as he is currently a compensated free agent. By not receiving a qualifying offer from Kent Hughes, he becomes an uncompensated free agent.

According to Godin, the Habs could offer Gurianov a new contract, but that will depend on what happens at the draft. Hughes has probably planned some transactions for the next few days. If nothing works out, Gurianov could become a cushion for the team.

Gurianov joined the Habs in a trade on February 26 for Evgenii Dadonov. Since his arrival, he has played 26 games, collecting 8 points, including 5 goals.

In fact, the reason for this attempt is that the $2.9 million qualifying offer would be too expensive for the CH. That’s understandable. A player with so few points shouldn’t be offered a deal worth nearly $3 million.

This is where Kent Hughes’ tactics could come into play. Gurianov hasn’t been bad, but he hasn’t lived up to expectations. So he could offer him a smaller contract via the autonomous player market.

The problem here is that Gurianov can accept an offer from any team if he’s an uncompensated free agent.

Let’s be honest, if Gurianov is offered more, let him go somewhere else. He’s an easily replaceable player, who’s mainly used to fill a hole in the Tricolore lineup until the youngsters are ready.

There are going to be plenty of other players of his calibre on the free-agent market. In my opinion, the Habs could try their luck with someone else, and it wouldn’t hurt, especially since Gurianov doesn’t really seem to want to play in Montreal. He lacked heart throughout the end of the season.

In gusto

– Ivan Barbashev in Montreal would be interesting.

– The Alliance winning abroad is great!

– The Raptors’ first pick.

– Quebecers were in the spotlight this year.