If Joel Armia really did sign for two years and $2.5 M per year, the Habs must take advantage of it

According to Seravalli’s article, Joel Armia’s next contract would be around two years at $2.5 million per year.

At this price, the Habs shouldn’t miss this opportunity to add depth to the forward line.

On the other hand, as I mentioned earlier, there could be congestion up front, especially if the Habs go after a second-line forward (whether by trade or through free agents).

Just for fun, I’ve taken the time to draw up a portrait of the possible Habs lineups for 2025-26. I didn’t include Christian Dvorak (who I don’t see returning to the club), nor Patrik Laine, who must be traded or bought out for the good of the team.

Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkovsky

Ivan Demidov – ??? – Kirby Dach

Alex Newhook – Jake Evans – Emil Heineman

Josh Anderson – Florian Xhekaj – Brendan Gallagher

Extras: Michael Pezzetta

As you can see, I put Florian Xhekaj at the center of the 4th line, because he has a perfect profile for a fourth line and his rookie season in the AHL was incredible.

But even if he wasn’t, there isn’t really room for Armia, unless you put Evans at the center of the 4th line and Newhook at the center of the 3rd.

The bottom-6 would then look like this:

Emil Heineman – Alex Newhook – Josh Anderson

Brendan Gallagher – Jake Evans – Joel Armia

So, there’s room to maneuver at this level, but it would mean that Arber’s little brother wouldn’t make the team.

We know that the Habs need more sturdiness, and Xhekaj could very well come in and spoil the party.

But I’d rather keep a guy like Armia on the fourth line.

And if the Habs decide not to go for a 2nd line forward, that would leave room for Armia AND Florian Xhekaj, if Newhook is the 2nd line forward.

And I don’t think fans would appreciate Kent Hughes staying put at this level, because the need is there and the club needs to secure a playoff spot.

In short, the Hughes-Gorton duo will have their work cut out for them this summer.

Overtime

– Montreal’s Devon Levi and Habs prospect Jacob Fowler lead the AHL playoff charge in goals-against average.

– All signs point to Ken Holland as the next GM of the Los Angeles Kings.

– A real comedian, that Tom Wilson.

– Now that’s impressive.

– Could the Avalanche be on the verge of a decline? With no first-round picks until 2027 and virtually no quality prospects, it’s shaping up that way. [HabsolumentFans]