Potential acquisitions for the Habs this summer: two interesting players are targeted

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Elias Edmonson
June 4, 2023 (10:53)

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Kent Hughes will have his work cut out for him during his second summer season to initiate a new phase of his long-term plan to rebuild the Montreal Canadiens.

The draft will be a very important moment to try to make a big move like last year, where the Habs managed to land a young NHL caliber forward in Kirby Dach, in order to accelerate the rebuilding process.

It is also possible to see Hughes make an interesting move in the free agent market. Maxim Lapierre has spoken on this subject, mentioning that he would like to see a little more offensive support for the young wolves of the Tricolore.

The former Canadien has targeted two specific players to address two different needs within the organization.

On one hand, he mentioned the name of Tyler Bertuzzi. The fiery forward with nice offensive skills would be a good fit on the club's top-6, according to him. He could certainly become an excellent complement to the duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

I think that's the kind of personality that is missing in the organization. A guy like Bertuzzi... his tenacity, his physical game... I think that's missing, on the Canadiens' first two lines. He's still a young player in some ways, at 28 years old. - Maxim Lapierre

In addition to playing a robust game, Bertuzzi has already scored 30 goals and amassed 62 points in 68 games, as recently as last year. After a difficult start to the season in Detroit, he was traded to Boston where he regained his form towards the end of the season. He further proved his worth in the playoffs, where he finished with a tally of five goals and 10 points in just seven games.

The second player to target, according to the host of La Poche Bleue, would be the tough Ryan Reaves. Having personally played with him during his career, Lapierre believes he would be a good addition to the locker room and to guide the many young players of the club.

And Reaves, on the other hand, could take some work away from Arber Xhekaj. We don't want Xhekaj to become a player who fights 82 times a year because everyone wants to try him out. Reaves is a good veteran in the locker room, I had him as a teammate. It's very important for young players. A player like him brings a certain respect. - Maxim Lapierre

Of course, Reaves would be a complement to the 4th line, but I don't hate the idea that he could relieve Arber Xhekaj of the protector's role. This wouldn't stop the young defenseman from fighting, but at least he could choose his moments more, especially since he brings more to the Canadiens than just his fists.

Credit: HabsetLNH.com