Robert Thomas or Mason McTavish as an acquisition for the Habs: suggestions from David Ettedgui

It’s quite incredible what the Habs are accomplishing right now. The team is holding on to the last playoff spot without having a real second center.

But this situation can’t last and Kent Hughes won’t be idle this summer. While he has already publicly laid out his plan, there are plenty of candidates to fill this key position and there are two different visions that Hughes will consider.

The Habs could make a big splash by going after an established player who fits with the team’s average age, or opt for a short-term option while waiting for the arrival of Michael Hage, for example. The first option would be more costly in terms of assets than the second, but ultimately, good candidates are possible in both scenarios.

David Ettedgui presented a list of players that the Habs could target this summer.

David’s shopping list for the Habs this summer! What would be your choice for the vacant 2nd center spot in Montreal? #ch #habs @GeorgesLaraque @stephgonzz @EttedguiDavid pic.twitter.com/r9o3GyfyL6

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Ettedgui’s list includes Mason McTavish, Robert Thomas, Martin Necas, and Matthew Barzal.

Honestly, the only name that seems accessible is Barzal.

McTavish is too important to Anaheim for the Ducks to decide to trade him. He hasn’t yet lived up to all the expectations placed on him, but I doubt the California team will give up on him already.

Necas has just arrived in Colorado and is excellent with Nathan MacKinnon. The playoffs will be a good test, but let’s say it’s off to a good start.

Thomas is a key player for the Blues. St. Louis would be crazy to let him go.

Barzal could be a good option, of course, but is he the best? Time will tell, but I’d also like to see the Habs try their luck with Jordan Kyrou. The 26-year-old Blues player fits perfectly with what the Habs are looking for.

He’s a talented center who can do everything on the ice. He has 320 points in 403 games and is constantly improving. It would cost a lot to get him, but the fit would be so good that it would be worth overpaying slightly to get him from St. Louis.

Overtime

– It’s not a lack of talent in hisassistantp with Justnote1 – the time class steps **.