'We can expect at least two additions to the Canadiens’ attack.'

Why? Because it’s not just in physics where the phrase nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed is valid.

The Habs lost the services of Emil Heineman in the Noah Dobson deal.

Michael Pezzetta should test the free agent market (and sign with Toronto ?).

Christian Dvorak could break the bank (elsewhere) today.

And all indications are that Joel Armia will also test his value on the trade market.

In short, right now, the Canadiens’ forward lineup looks like this:

Caufield – Suzuki – Slafkovsky
Laine – Newhook – Demidov
Roy – Evans – Dach
Gallagher – Kapanen – Anderson
Beck

No, Luke Tuch, Jared Davidson, Florian Xhekaj, Lucas Condotta and Sean Farrell aren’t among the top 13 forwards in the Montreal line-up yet. They’re not ready (and may never be).

We all agree that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton need to replace at least two guys in the projected offensive line-up above. Maybe even three or four, given the uncertainty surrounding Kirby Dach’s health… as well as the uncertainty surrounding Patrik Laine .

In short, Kent Hughes will have no choice but to add forwards to his squad, and sooner rather than later. So you can see why I say we can expect at least two new forwards in the very near future.

The $1,000 question: who’s coming?
Many are dreaming of Jordan Kyrou, but his no-trade clause – which came into effect last night – has dampened their ardor.

David Ettedgui tells us to look to the Kraken.

Mike Matheson could be sacrificed in order to get his hands on a top-six forward.

Anthony Beauvillier’s name refuses to die in Montreal.

Mikael Granlund is too small.

And both Brock Boeser and Nik Ehlers are too expensive for the Habs.

Help wanted in Laval
Kent Hughes, Jeff Gorton and John Sedgwick aren’t the only Canadiens on the drawing board. The Rocket will also need help.

Pascal Vincent’s team achieved great things in 2024-25, but lost in the Calder Cup semi-finals. Much like its Montreal big brother, the Rocket lacked the grit and experience to go all the way.

The problem in Laval is that several experienced players have seen their contracts expire in recent days: Alex Barré-Boulet, Xavier Simoneau, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, Gustav Lindstrom, Brandon Gignac, Noel Hoefenmayer, Cayden Primeau, Connor Hughes and so on..

We’ll have to replace them, then improve the team if we want to go a long way next spring. Yes, the Rocket is all about developing youngsters, but you’ll still need good veterans – and muscle – to allow your youngsters to blossom as they should.

Many are expecting a quiet day at the Canadiens today; I’m not one of them. On the contrary, I believe that Montreal management will be announcing several acquisitions or signings by the time I go to bed.

He who lives will see, as the saying goes.

overtime

– Mitch Marner (93) and Noah Dobson change numbers.

– Things are hopping in Toronto.

– Big contract coming to Carolina?

– Small contract in Florida.

– Cody Ceci in Los Angeles?