Acquisition of a robust fourth-line forward in sight for the Montreal Canadiens

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Will Austin
October 4, 2024 (3:56 PM)

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According to recent information from Maxime Truman, the Montreal Canadiens' management is actively seeking a physical forward to bolster the team's fourth line.

While the Canadiens are not looking to replace Patrik Laine in the top six, it doesn't mean that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton are not preparing other moves to improve the lineup. Their primary goal appears to be adding some weight to the roster-someone who can complement and assist players like Michael Pezzetta and Arber Xhekaj while also commanding respect on the ice.

Truman notes that the Canadiens' management has not been completely satisfied with certain performances during the preseason and is looking to make adjustments.

"According to my information, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton are active and evaluating several options to make moves. But D'Amico's information isn't wrong: we are not shopping for a top-six winger to complete one of the top two lines at the moment. We're looking for a robust winger to play on the fourth line."

- Maxime Truman

One name frequently mentioned in the rumors is Nicolas Deslauriers, a veteran and former Canadiens player currently with the Philadelphia Flyers. Deslauriers seems to be out of favor with head coach John Tortorella and the team. With 136 penalty minutes, he could be an interesting option to add some toughness to the roster. A trade involving a fourth-round pick might be feasible to acquire him, potentially even for less.

Credit: DansLesCoulisses
Le Canadien se magasinerait un attaquant robuste pour compléter son bottom 6