NHL Waivers: A First Montreal Canadiens Player has Just Been Targeted

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Julien Trekker
July 17, 2023 (9:58)

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Normally, in a healthy roster, we have 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders.

The Montreal Canadiens are currently in a tough situation. If no trades occur during the summer, the team will have a significant surplus of forwards in its lineup, as 15 players will be competing for the twelve available spots next fall.

Therefore, there will possibly be two forwards who will have to pack their bags and change teams, either with another NHL team or by being sent down to the AHL.

Among them, only two names are exempt from waivers to join the Rocket, namely Juraj Slafkovsky and Rafaël Harvey-Pinard.

Although a stint in Laval for Slafkovsky wouldn't hurt him, it is unlikely that the organization will decide to send him there, and RHP does not deserve to go back there under any circumstances.

This would mean that the club will most likely have to place two names on waivers before the start of the next season in order to free up space in the roster.

The most plausible candidates are Rem Pitlick and a beloved fan favorite, Michael Pezzetta.

While Pitlick had a rather limited role in Montreal last year, Pezzetta remained with the big club throughout the season.

Although he signed a two-season contract this summer, the CH's number 55 is at risk of being greatly impacted by the team's congestion, and it seems increasingly difficult to find him a role and a spot in a healthy lineup.

Let's remember that last year, he had to wait almost a month and a half of activity before securing a regular spot in the Canadiens' lineup, at a time when numerous injuries had accumulated.

Would he have played regularly if there had been fewer injuries last year? The answer is probably no.

Do you think Pezz will be placed on waivers?

Credits: Rumeursdetransaction.com