Nicolas Deslauriers back with the Canadiens? Kent Hughes possibly has a golden opportunity to bring him back

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Elias Edmonson
September 6, 2023 (2:43 PM)

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For the past few years, tough guys have been increasingly scarce in the NHL as teams prefer to acquire energy players who can perform important defensive duties within their fourth line.

However, we notice a new trend in the NHL this summer. Indeed, many fighters have signed contracts with teams from the Atlantic division, thus putting Arber Xhekaj in a somewhat difficult situation.

Many Montreal experts wanted the young defenseman of the habs to reduce the frequency with which he dropped the gloves in view of the 2023-2024 season, but players such as Milan Lucic (Boston Bruins), Ryan Reaves (Toronto Maple Leafs), and Zack McEwen (Philadelphia Flyers) have joined the ranks of the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge's rival formations.

Moreover, according to numerous sources, the general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers, Daniel Brière, is about to offer a professional tryout contract to forward Wayne Simmonds with the intention of having him sign a new one-season agreement.

As reported by William Nadeau of the Habs and NHL site, if this eventuality were to materialize, Kent Hughes could potentially try to make a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers to acquire the Quebecer Nicolas Deslauriers.

Knowing that Zach McEwen and possibly Wayne Simmons will be able to fill the role of fighter and thus secure a spot on the team's fourth line, the impact of a trade involving the former Canadiens forward would be much less significant.

Now 32 years old, the veteran earns a salary of 1.75 million dollars for the next three seasons. He could certainly lend a serious hand to Arber Xhekaj, thereby allowing him to reduce his number of fights this season.

Do you believe that the Habs should trade a third or fourth-round pick to acquire his services?

Credit: Habs et LNH