Insider Suggests $68 Million Star as Canadiens' Top Trade Target
The Montreal Canadiens are coming off their first postseason appearance in three years, and team leadership has made it clear that upgrades are on the table heading into the offseason.
Insider Vincent Duquette of TVA proposed the name of one player the Habs should make their main target, as he could help the team take another leap next season: New York Islanders center Bo Horvat.
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With six years remaining on his eight-year, $68 million contract, Horvat could provide immediate help as a proven top-six forward.
'Horvat would be the ideal center to lead the second line,' Duquette wrote. 'He's capable of scoring 30 goals per season and is responsible in all three zones.'
New York Islanders center Bo Horvat (14) reacts after missing a shootout attempt at Wells Fargo Center.Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Horvat, 30, recorded 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points in 81 games this season. The forward's age and $8.5 million cap hit, however, were highlighted as the main negative point by Duquette.
'He just turned 30 this year and his $8.5 million-per-season deal has six more years remaining,' Duquette said. 'The management, which doesn't want to lock down a youngster, could be put off by his profile.'
General manager Kent Hughes, nonetheless, confirmed the team's intent to strengthen its lineup this summer during the end-of-season media availability.
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'There's no doubt we want to add more talent to our team,' Hughes said. 'We need to determine to what extent we want to add experience versus gain experience.'
According to PuckPedia, the Canadiens will enter the offseason with around $9 million in cap space and a young, strong core founded on Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Lane Hutson.
Related: Canadiens' Nick Suzuki Makes Final Decision on Hockey Canada's Call
Related: Canadiens React to NHL's Major Lane Hutson Announcement
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