The Montreal Canadiens made the playoffs last season and are looking to build off that.
The Canadiens are opening training camp with plenty of expectations to be a legit contender this year. However, Montreal still has some cap space to make a move, as adding a center is still a need.
Canadiens Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton says the team is ‘open to adding’ ahead of the season and into the season.
“We’re always open to adding, it’s pretty well documented that we went into the summer trying to improve our skill level, to try to add to our core, I think we were able to do some of that, but we’re always going to look to get better,” Gorton said. “We’ll see what could be out there, but more encouraged in the now and how camp is going to go.”
The Canadiens traded Carey Price’s contract to get additional cap space, but so far, Montreal hasn’t added anyone. But it’s clear Gorton is looking to make a move happen to further strengthen its roster.
Canadiens GM Doesn’t Think Team is Complete
Not only does Gorton expect the team to make a move, but so too does general manager Kent Hughes.
Hughes doesn’t think the team is complete yet, as Montreal could add another forward to bolster its offense. Center is the biggest need for the Canadiens, and Hughes isn’t ruling out Montreal making a trade or addition before the season starts.
“Ultimately, we don’t feel like we’re done building our hockey team,” Hughes said. “But, we’re in that phase or sequence where we’re constructing a hockey team. Our priority isn’t just being as efficient as we can in terms of our asset management. If we have to overpay to do something to get a specific player who we think is important to the future of our team, then we’ll do it.”
The Canadiens have just over $4.5 million in cap space, which should be enough to add an impact player to help Montreal be a more complete team.
But the Canadiens could also wait until closer to the trade deadline to make a move to acquire an impact player or two for a playoff run.
Montreal Captain Has Lofty Expectations
The Canadiens made the playoffs last season, and they expect to do the same again this season.
Montreal captain Nick Suzuki says the goal is to make the playoffs again and go on a deep playoff run.
“Internally, I think we have similar expectations as players,” Suzuki said. “It’s important that we set high goals for ourselves. I’m excited for what our group has to offer this year. We all have the same belief and goal in mind. We’re really trying to build something special here. I think we’ve been able to do that over the last few years. We’ve acquired a lot of great talent. It’s about putting that all together.”
Suzuki believes the young core learned a lot from the playoff experience and expects to build off that this season.
“This year, I think everyone sees us as a playoff team. That’s where we all think we are, too,” said Suzuki. “We lost some pieces and gained some pieces. It’s about getting that chemistry back as a full team, getting back to the way we were playing at the end of the season.
“I think we’re going to respond really well. We had a lot of pressure over the last few months. We gained a lot of experience,” Suzuki added. “Inside our room we had higher expectations than everyone outside. Now everyone knows we’re a good team. We can compete with anybody and win those games. It’s just a matter of putting it all together at camp and having a good start.”
Montreal opens its season on Oct. 8 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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