The Canadian is really not having a good start to the season. The 9 points collected so far do not reflect the team’s low level in the defensive zone and its inability to right the ship when things go wrong.
In recent weeks, we learned that the CH would be interested in a robust defender and attacker, but that the market is currently difficult.
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the CH is in a danger zone where the team does not want to make a mistake by trading a young player too quickly.
Friedman on 32TP: «Montreal is in a danger zone now where you are worried about making a deal that you regret»
Friedman emphasizes that this rebuild is not a process that you can speed up, you have to go through the pain unless a Panarin falls in your laps like for NYR.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) November 1, 2024
In addition, according to him, Montreal is not an attractive destination at the moment to settle and play in the long term. Not yet at least.
Friedman mentioned this information in his podcast 32 thoughts.
🏒 New 32 Thoughts Podcast 🏒@FriedgeHNIC and @sportsnetkyle discuss Montreal’s road to becoming competitive again, the current NHL trade market, and much more!
Presented by @GMCcanada pic.twitter.com/hyCBu54tMZ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 1, 2024
According to him, the fact that taxes are high and the team is not yet good enough will not help Kent Hughes in the short term.
Friedman believes, however, that the general manager went about it the right way with high draft picks and that eventually, Montreal could become a destination of choice.
It’s not a huge surprise that the city of orange cones is not yet popular, but we could expect a little more enthusiasm, especially with the direction the team wants to take this year by being in the mix.
The fact remains that even when the CH is at the top of its game, it will not be as easy to attract free agents as the Rangers did.
The tax system doesn’t help, but the pressure from Montreal doesn’t please everyone either.
When it comes to transactions, Kent Hughes needs to be patient, especially with young players. He has accumulated several during the last drafts, but must make sure to keep the good ones, especially if it is for exchanges of rental players or almost.
In burst
– A great acquisition.
Connor Hughes is very solid in net. Already 9 saves for the great Ontario goalkeeper since the start of the match. The Bruins regularly threaten in Laval territory.
— Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) November 1, 2024
– What an outbreak!
ESPN announcers calling the Michigan vs BU game, talking about Michael Hage:
“You gotta watch out when he’s on the ice. Look at that shot. You can tell, he’s the real deal.” pic.twitter.com/f3M3OHTW62
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) November 1, 2024
– It should be quite a match.
Dru Brown and Ottawa are not on familiar ground in the playoffs
— RDS (@RDSca) November 1, 2024