The Montreal Canadiens are said to be in the market for a goalie with Jake Allen out and Carey Price working his way back.
You can also add “puck moving defenseman” to the list, thanks to Elliotte Friedman’s 32 Thoughts Blog.
NHL Rumors: Habs looking for a defenseman
With Carey Price still not ready to return, GM Marc Bergevin could be scouring the market for another goaltender. Allen’s injury may have the Habs looking to make a bigger move than just a temporary replacement.
Joonas Korpisalo was recently linked to Montreal prior to Price’s return. Another potential goaltender that would likely cost less is 25 year-old Alexandar Georgiev with the Rangers. He has struggled recently, but it could be due to a lack of playing time.
On the blue-line, the mere mention of Samuel Girard in Colorado sent the Montreal media into a frenzy.
Philippe Boucher of TVA Sports noted that Girard is a player the Habs should try and acquire
“I would look towards Colorado (Girard). This is something that would greatly interest me if I were the general manager of [the Habs],” he said.
Pierre LeBrun recently noted that Girard is not available.
With Friedman’s info, Montreal is more than likely making calls for defenders that can transport the puck out of their own zone. Considering Cole Caufield is still in the minors, could he be used as a trade chip for one?
If the Habs want to go big, they should look to John Klingberg of the Dallas Stars. He is a pending UFA and the two sides are far apart on a new contract.
Filip Forsberg talks in early stages
The Nashville Predators and Filip Forsberg are in the final year of a six-year contract agreed to in 2016-17. That deal was for $6M AAV against the cap and his next one is expected to be higher.
Forsberg, 27, scored 32 points in 39 games last season. This season, he has 7 points in 9 games and is currently week-to-week with an upper-body injury.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported on NHL Network that the two sides have begun talks. Albeit in the very early stages.
No numbers or offers have been exchanged to this point, but that is expected to take place at some point in the near future.
The Fourth Period
Forsberg is rumored to be looking for an 8 year deal at around $8 million per season. It is uncertain of the Nashville Predators can accommodate that with Ryan Johansson and Matt Duchene’s big contracts on the books.
Olympic participation
The Ottawa Senators shut down this week, postponing three games. This raised genuine concerns over the NHL’s participation in the Olympics.
Apparently, it’s going to take a little more than one team forced to halt operations for a week to stop the Olympic train.
“It’s more a good faith negotiation discussion between the NHL and NHLPA and making a decision in that moment ahead of the January 10th opt-out for the NHL and NHLPA to get out of the Olympics,” Pierre LeBrun explained. “One thing to keep in mind is in the meantime both sides continue to plan for the Olympics. They had another preparation call on Monday between the NHL and NHLPA ahead of Beijing.”
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