For what feels like far too long, the Montreal Canadiens struggled to address a critical team need: the center position. Years ago, David Desharnais served as the team’s top center, followed by Phillip Danault in the same role. While both players contributed, neither represented the elite, top-line center the Habs desperately needed.
Former general manager Marc Bergevin attempted to remedy this issue, albeit with limited success. Bergevin’s most notable move was acquiring Nick Suzuki from the Vegas Golden Knights, and Suzuki has since developed into a point-per-game player. However, other efforts fell short. Draft picks Alex Galchenyuk and Jesperi Kotkaniemi were both envisioned as potential top-line centers, but their trajectories failed to meet those lofty expectations.
According to reports, Bergevin also pursued prominent unrestricted free agents (UFAs) over the years but often fell just short. Matt Duchene, for instance, confirmed that Montreal was his second choice when he signed with Nashville, while John Tavares didn’t entertain the idea of coming to Montreal. These near-misses only added to the frustration of finding that elusive centerpiece.
Enter Kent Hughes
When Kent Hughes took over as general manager, he inherited Nick Suzuki firmly established as the team’s number-one center, with Christian Dvorak anchoring the third line and Jake Evans on the fourth. However, the second-line center position remained a glaring void. Hughes made a bold move at the 2022 NHL Draft, acquiring Kirby Dach in a creative effort to address that need. While Dach has shown promise, injuries have prevented him from definitively proving he can solidify the role.
Now, with both Dvorak and Evans set to become pending UFAs, Hughes faces critical decisions. Should he re-sign Evans based on his career-best season? What if another team offers a first-round pick for him, a valuable asset Hughes could potentially package with Montreal’s two other first-round picks to land an impact player?
Hughes is also keeping a close eye on the pipeline. Oliver Kapanen came close to making the Canadiens roster before being sent back to Europe for further development. Meanwhile, Owen Beck is excelling in Laval and could be ready to challenge for an NHL role next season. Despite this, Hughes understands that integrating too many young players too quickly could hinder the team’s progress.
“I don’t anticipate allowing the lineup to be flooded with young players, because I think if we did that, I think naturally there would be an element of regression that comes with it,” Hughes stated.
Hughes emphasized that while he and Jeff Gorton won’t block promising prospects from earning NHL roles, they remain committed to striking a balance that supports the team’s continued development.
Trade Deadline Decisions
As previously noted, it seems unlikely that the Canadiens would trade both Jake Evans and Christian Dvorak. While Owen Beck could potentially step in by March, relying on two call-ups from Laval at such a critical position would be a significant gamble, particularly if the team remains in playoff contention.
Evans appears more likely to be moved, for two key reasons:
- He will command a higher salary to re-sign.
- He’s likely to generate significant trade interest.
Meanwhile, Dvorak’s higher salary complicates a potential trade, even with the team’s final salary retention spot available for use.
Off-Season Options
Looking ahead, the Canadiens’ center depth already includes Suzuki and Dach as right-handed options, with Kapanen also a right-shot center. Adding a veteran left-handed center for short-term stability could make sense. Michael Hage, another very promising young prospect, is also right-handed but will most likely stay in the NCAA for one more season.
Here is a list of current left-handed centers who are pending UFAs. While some may re-sign with their current teams, this list highlights the available options:
- Mikael Granlund (SJS)
- John Tavares (TOR)
- Sam Bennett (FLA)
- Brock Nelson (NYI)
- Yanni Gourde (SEA)
- Alex Kerfoot (UTA)
- Jesper Boqvist (FLA)
- Zach Aston-Reese (CBJ)
- Christian Dvorak (MTL)
- Nico Sturm (SJS)
- Justin Kirkland (CGY)
- Sean Kuraly (CBJ)
- Lars Eller (WAS)
- Radek Faksa (STL)
- Kevin Rooney (CGY)
- Tomas Nosek (FLA)
- Justin Dowling (NJD)
- Tyson Jost (CAR)
While no single solution is clear-cut, Hughes’ ability to navigate these challenges will be pivotal as he works to shape the Canadiens’ future.
This will NOT make #Habs' fans happy but I would NOT be surprised if the #GoHabsGo re-signed… Christian Dvorak for a couple more seasons.* Left-handed C who wins faceoffs* Only 28* Knows St-Louis' system* Been playing better for a while* Gets along with teammates* Veteran leadership
— JD Lagrange (@jdlagrange.bsky.social) 2024-12-20T21:41:05.380Z
