The Montreal Canadiens are looking to improve their roster greatly and are linked to trading for a star winger to bolster their offense.
Montreal made the first big move of the offseason by acquiring Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders and signed him to an eight-year extension. After making that move, TSN NHL insider Pierre LeBrun revealed the Canadiens are looking to trade for St. Louis Blues star winger Jordan Kyrou.
“Montreal hopes not to be done,” LeBrun said on Insider Trading on TSN on June 28. “They would like to add to their top-six up front, it’s been hard to find a No. 2 center, they are opening up that up to perhaps a winger. Jordan Kyrou is a player that Montreal is among several teams that have shown interest in. He’s got a long-term deal, six more years over $8 million a year.
“What teams aren’t quite sure about is how serious Doug Armstrong and St. Louis are about trading Jordan Kyrou. His no-move kicks in on July 1,” LeBrun added.
Kyrou has six years left on his eight-year, $65 million deal with the Blues. The star winger would be a first or second-line forward for Montreal and add some more scoring to the lineup.
However, after Montreal made the trade for Dobson, whether or not the Canadiens have the assets or cap room to add Kyrou is uncertain.
Kyrou recorded 36 goals and 34 assists for 70 points in 82 games.
Insider Puts Kyrou on Trade Bait Board
Kyrou is an impactful player for the Blues, but St. Louis is open to trading him.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli of DailyFaceoff put Kyrou on his trade bait board as it appears the Blues are open to moving him.
“Kyrou was featured prominently on our Targets board on Wednesday, and that might be one moment in time as they considered a swap for JJ Peterka,” Seravalli wrote. “But he may still be up for grabs. Just days away from his full ‘no-trade’ clause kicking in on July 1. He’s been a very productive player, averaging 35 goals and 71 points over the last three seasons.
“So why would the Blues move him? That’s a big commitment remaining. Plus the calculus that rival teams have made is that GM Doug Armstrong will see rookie Jimmy Snuggerud as a player who can effectively soon replace Kyrou,” Seravalli added.
Kyrou was second in points for St. Louis and plays on the team’s second line. But, it appears the team is open to moving him to get other assets back.
Dobson Eager to Play for Canadiens
Montreal made a blockbuster move on June 28 to acquire Dobson from the Islanders.
The Canadiens then signed Dobson to an eight-year extension, and he’s eager to play for the Habs.
“To be coming to the Montreal Canadiens is super exciting for me, and I have a fresh start here and I’m really,” Dobson said… “Just the opportunity to be part of the Montreal Canadiens, it’s an honor. It’s the best hockey market in the world. The fans are incredible. I love playing at the Bell Centre. Just also the group of players they have already and the talent they have on that team and what they’ve been building. I’m just super excited to join that group and add to it. Excited about what we can do down the road here in the future.”
Dobson recorded 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points in 71 games.
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