Jonathan Marchessault in Montreal, Patrik Laine on his departure: a theory by Chris Johnston

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Jonathan Marchessault in Montreal, Patrik Laine on his departure: a theory by Chris Johnston
Credit: Getty Images

Is the Canadiens done shopping?

We know that the club, which has added several pieces to its organization in recent weeks, is still looking for help. In particular, a #2 center is in the club's sights.

But could Kent Hughes go after a big player who isn't necessarily a center?

That's what we're wondering, since in a piece for The Athletic, Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun (informants who are aware of the scope they have) had fun linking certain players to certain Bettman Circuit organizations.

And when it came time to find a team for Jonathan Marchessault, LeBrun mentioned the Maple Leafs… and Johnston mentioned the Montreal Canadiens, a young team heading in the right direction.

(Credit: Hockey DB)

Are the Canadiens still interested in the man who was on the club's radar in the summer of 2024, when he was a free agent? Has the Montreal club cooled off due to his performance in Nashville?

Because, on the contrary, they may also be thinking that Marchessault has a track record as a guy who's more than capable of producing in the playoffs…

In recent weeks, the rumor mill was buzzing that the Québécois was ready to say yes to a deal that could land him on a winning team.

Does the pressure of Montreal, the cold of winter and all those elements tempt him? Who knows. Johnston doesn't seem to think there'd be a problem there.

But of course, as we've already mentioned, the Habs would have to be willing to go out and get him, management would have to like his contract, the Preds' asking price would have to be reasonable… and it would have to work on the payroll.

But on that subject, Johnston (who was talking about the Québécois' $5.5 million-a-year contract for another three and a half years) had this to say.

In order to welcome Jonathan Marchessault, we'd have to get some money out the door. Patrik Laine is the most obvious candidate to leave. – Chris Johnston

Of course, this would be mainly to swing salaries, not because the Preds want to relaunch Laine. Barry Trotz wouldn't let his player go just for Laine.

But let's just say it's a file to keep an eye on, and it's interesting that Patrik Laine (who is still injured and whose return to action is not imminent) is in the conversation.


in Overtime

– It starts today.

– “Hutson and Demidov vs. the bunch” on Christmas Day: elite.

– Nice photo.

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