Denis Gurianov: a number of teams are in the running for his services

Unsurprisingly, the Canadian decided not to offer Denis Gurianov a qualifying offer.

At $2.9 million, it was the right decision. The Habs couldn’t destroy their salary balance by offering him such an amount, since his inconsistency didn’t justify such a contract.

What we do know, however, is that the Habs were not closed to the idea of doing what they did with Rem Pitlick: not offering him a qualifying offer, but bringing him back at a lower price.

And what David Pagnotta learned yesterday is that there is a market for the player. In fact, he could sign today.

Of course, one wonders if these are just NHL teams. After all, there’s clearly a world out there where he goes back to playing in the KHL, let’s face it.

Personally, that’s the scenario I’ve been believing in for a few weeks now.

But whether it’s teams from the KHL, the NHL or both leagues, you have to wonder if the Habs are still on the list of teams that could sign him.

Two things make me think the answer is no.

First, the fact that he’s obviously outbid (to a point, obviously), which doesn’t help the Habs. Let’s not forget that, for accounting reasons, Kent Hughes does not want to place Carey Price on the long-term injured list for the off-season.

What’s more, with the arrival of Lias Andersson, the Habs have their “project” of the year, in my opinion. And with the number of forwards in town, why add a Gurianov?

In my eyes, if the Habs want to add a forward, it’s going to have to go through Laval at this point. I don’t expect to see another CH signing from the club for forwards.

But that remains to be seen.

Gossip

– Rookie camp continues. It ends tomorrow with an intra-squad game at 11 a.m.

– In the short term, the CH’s recent pick is in Russia to stay.

– Jonathan Sirois stands out from the crowd. [BPM Sports]

– Will the Toffoli put down roots in New Jersey?

Packing life 🏒 pic.twitter.com/QRYuvZJT2S

– Cat (Belanger) Toffoli (@catbtoffoli) July 3, 2023