Kent Hughes could have the opportunity to acquire a former fourth overall pick for free

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David St-Jean
August 15, 2023 (8:12 PM)

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Montreal Canadiens' General Manager, Kent Hughes, seems to have a well-defined strategy to continue the rebuilding process initiated by the organization. Indeed, the GM aims to further develop the young prospects drafted by the management, while also attempting to acquire players who have not yet reached their full potential, giving them a second chance.

This was notably the case with the trades involving Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, as well as the signing of Swedish forward Lias Andersson. Although the sample size is relatively small for now, the gamble of acquiring the third overall pick in 2019 paid off well last season. Kirby Dach showed very promising signs in 2022-2023, and there is no doubt he will have a significant impact for many years if he continues his progression.

So, the question arises: Could the Canadiens try to make another bold move before the start of the season?

A young forward well-known to Montreal fans is currently available, and Kent Hughes could potentially take advantage of this opportunity. Indeed, 25-year-old Finn Jesse Puljujarvi is still without a contract for the upcoming season. Linked to the Canadiens on multiple occasions in the past, the GM could offer him a PTO (Professional Tryout) as the training camp approaches.

After all, the risk would be virtually non-existent. If Puljujarvi manages to perform excellently during the preseason camp and impresses the management, Hughes could offer him a one-season contract. In the worst case scenario, if the former Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers player is unable to seize his chance, the Canadiens could simply release him from his professional tryout.

Although he hasn't been able to become a top-tier NHL forward, Puljujarvi possesses a great deal of talent. Additionally, the offensive playing style advocated by Martin St. Louis could potentially help him reach his full potential. The coach of the Habs is known for excelling with the organization's young players, and the Finnish forward might benefit from a change of scenery to revive his career.

Selected fourth overall in 2016, after a certain Pierre-Luc Dubois, Jesse Puljujarvi has still managed to gather 51 goals and 63 assists (114 points) in the NHL. Personally, I believe an invitation to the camp would be an excellent idea. Recognizing that this might be his last opportunity, the forward will have everything to prove in order to secure a spot in the Canadiens' roster.

Source: Habs & LNH