3 Remaining Free Agents the Canadiens Need to Target

He isn’t expected to play top-four minutes or quarterback a power play, but that’s not what Montreal would be asking of him. The Canadiens already have enough puck movers in Hutson, Dobson and Mike Matheson. What they need is a reliable defender who can win battles along the boards, clear the front of the net and make life difficult for opposing forwards.

Adding Stanley would also give Martin St. Louis another penalty-killing option while making the Canadiens noticeably tougher to play against. If the price remains reasonable on a short-term contract, this could be a smart depth addition.

Pavol Regenda 

Not every free-agent signing has to make headlines. Sometimes the best additions are inexpensive depth players who can help the organization both in Montreal and Laval with the Rocket, and Pavol Regenda fits that description perfectly.

The 6-foot-3 Slovak winger spent most of last season in the San Jose Sharks organization, appearing in 24 NHL games where he scored nine goals and added one assist. While his NHL sample size remains relatively small, Regenda has consistently proven he can produce offensively.

He would likely cost close to the league minimum, making him a low-risk signing with legitimate upside. If he earns a roster spot out of training camp, Regenda could provide energy on the fourth line while offering valuable depth whenever injuries arise. If not, he would become a valuable veteran presence for the Laval Rocket, helping maintain one of the strongest farm systems in the NHL.

The Canadiens know how important organizational depth can be over the course of an 82-game season. Players inevitably get injured, and having NHL-caliber options waiting in Laval is never a bad thing. Regenda fits that mold perfectly while also bringing size and physicality that align with Montreal’s identity.

Michael Bunting 

If the Canadiens decide they still want another proven NHL forward, Michael Bunting may be one of the most intriguing names still available. Bunting has shown throughout his career that he can play in several different roles. During his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he proved capable of producing alongside elite talent, posting back-to-back 20-goal seasons while playing on a top line. More recently, he has settled into more of a middle-six role, bringing energy, grit and secondary scoring.

That versatility is exactly what could make him attractive to Montreal. The Canadiens already have their core offensive pieces in Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov, but adding another experienced winger would provide Martin St. Louis with additional lineup flexibility.

Bunting isn’t a superstar, but he competes hard, isn’t afraid to get under opponents’ skin and can contribute offensively. On a one-year contract, he would represent virtually no long-term risk while giving Montreal another reliable option capable of moving throughout the lineup depending on injuries or performance.

Short-term deals are exactly the type of contracts Hughes has preferred during the rebuild. They maintain flexibility while allowing younger prospects to continue developing without being blocked for years.

Free agency may no longer dominate the headlines, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t value left on the market. With cap space still available and a roster that continues to evolve, don’t be surprised if Hughes makes another move before training camp begins. Patience has been one of his greatest strengths as general manager, and once again, waiting could allow the Canadiens to find quality additions without sacrificing their long-term plan.