“If I were Kent Hughes, Will Cuylle would be my #1 target.”

Marc-Olivier Cook
“If I were Kent Hughes, Will Cuylle would be my #1 target.”
Credit: Getty Images

The Canadiens did not acquire Kiefer Sherwood.

Instead, the rugged forward was traded to the San Jose Sharks yesterday. The Habs were interested in him because Sherwood's style of play fits Montreal's current needs.

We know, after all, that Kent Hughes would like to get his hands on a forward who can shuffle and who also has a certain offensive touch. That's why we've heard Blake Coleman's name mentioned a few times in recent weeks.

But there's another guy who Eric Engels thinks the Canadiens might be interested in: Will Cuylle.

The journalist told Tony Marinaro that Cuylle would be his #1 target if he were in Kent Hughes' shoes, because the Rangers player has what it takes to help the Habs right now.

And it's true, in a way.

Cuylle, at 23, has already proven himself in the National League.

We're talking about a guy who scored 20 goals (45 points) in his second full NHL season, we're talking about a guy who can play on the top-9 of any club in the league… and we're mostly talking about a guy who can shuffle on the ice.

The kid has 175 body checks so far this season. And he finished last season with 20 goals and 45 points… but also with 301 checks.

Players like him aren't a dime a dozen in the NHL.

(Credit: Screenshot / Hockey Reference)

What's even more interesting is when you consider the situation of the New York Rangers.

The club wants to make a “retool” and there are guys who will be available in the Big Apple. Cuylle is young… but at the right price (which will probably be high), maybe Chris Drury can be tempted.

Cuylle earns $3.9 million per season and his contract expires in the summer of 2027. He's not making an astronomical salary for what he brings to the table, and going after him wouldn't hurt the Canadiens' books either.

Eric Engels' idea isn't crazy.


Overtime

– I like it.

– Hey, boy.

– Good question.

– Yikes.

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