The Montreal Canadiens have had a reasonably good start to the 2024-25 season, leveling their record at 4-4-1 after securing consecutive wins against the St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers over the weekend.
As they remain competitive in the early Eastern Conference playoff race, general manager Kent Hughes is seeking ways to improve the team.
Reports indicate that the Canadiens are exploring options for defensive assistance and are also considering adding a forward, particularly one with a bit of grit, according to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman on Hockey Night in Canada. However, Hughes has emphasized that any moves made won’t disrupt the team’s long-term roster strategy after this season.
The front office has over $5.7 million in salary cap space and ample draft picks for 2025, including two first-round, two second-round, and three third-round picks.
While no specific players have been linked to trades, it seems the Canadiens aim to strengthen their middle-six forwards. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield have performed well so far, while Juraj Slafkovsky is returning from injury as the Canadiens prepare to face the Seattle Kraken at home on Tuesday night. However, offensive depth has been a concern; no other forwards have achieved more than five points so far. This issue is likely where Hughes is focusing his efforts, particularly on improving secondary scoring.
Following a rough 7-2 loss to New York on Tuesday, the Canadiens bounced back with two wins and points in three of their last four games, including a 4-3 victory over the Flyers on Sunday night. According to defenseman Mike Matheson, the team’s morale has improved since the setback against the Rangers, but he acknowledges there are still areas to improve.
Matheson has recorded five assists in his last four games, and Suzuki has extended his point streak to seven games, with three goals and 11 points during that stretch. Caufield has also contributed with eight goals in nine games.
Matheson noted that while points are important, there’s more to contributing to the team’s success. He remarked that sometimes players benefit from luck, but consistent effort usually leads to positive outcomes.
The Canadiens aim to maintain their winning momentum against a struggling Kraken team that has lost its last three games. The game is scheduled to begin just after 7:00 p.m. ET.
