My thoughts for the habs assuming they don't go after PLD and don't aggressively go after trades/free agents to get better for next season and the habs don't win the lottery. This is from looking through various leagues, too. Stats, or heard their name before.
NCAA: Free agent Jake Livingstone -
Jake Livingstone at eliteprospects.com
Sign him when his season is over. He can get the games here considering how often this team is hurt. Strong chance to start the season with the team next season, too.
For the ECHL
Josh Lawerence
Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Josh Lawrence, 2002-01-28 Fredericton, NB, CAN Canada. Most recently in the SL with HC Sierre. Complete player biography and stats.
www.eliteprospects.com
On pace for his 2nd consecutvie 100+ season. Undersized, so go similar to RHP and Simoneau. Get a contract, start in the ECHL and work his way up.
Tristan Allard
Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Tristan Allard, 2002-06-23 Renfrew, ON, CAN Canada. Most recently in the undefined with Syracuse Crunch. Complete player biography and stats.
www.eliteprospects.com
Not going to lie, I didn't even know he's from my hometown, but would like to see him get an opportunity
Players already in the ECHL
Zach O'Brien
Zach O'Brien at eliteprospects.com
I'd sign him to a two-way minor league deal with a deal in place to give him a 1 year 1 way minor league deal at 100k for the AHL the next season. Keep looking for deals like this so our ECHL team will be a good team, too, or at least have some skilled (relative to the league) players on the team who are also permanent there.
Xavier Parent -
Xavier Parent at eliteprospects.com
Looks to be a good ECHL player. Quebecois kid, so good for the team in the community, too. Have him be a callup to Laval.
I'd look for another player who's solid in the ECHL as Brett Stapley has done well based on stats and should deserve a look into the A.
Fun fact. P3L played for 3R this year.
AHL
Theo Rochette
Théo Rochette at eliteprospects.com
AHL deal. See how the kid does. A bit more size than the others, but could easily go the same route as Lawerence and Allard.
Sign TJ Tynan to a 2 year, one-way contract at 750k for being the leader and main player in Laval. Give him a callup around the deadline when the team sucks and is likely (hopefully) sitting players for trades
Acquire Alex Barre-Boulet to be a tweener. A player who plays well in the A, but can get a callup to see what he has.
Justin Brazeau - Was the top CHL free agent a few seasons back, 25 now playing in the AHL and doing well. His 6'6 frame and solid speed for a guy his size would be nice in the A and with our likely decimated roster might have a solid chance to play NHL games and sign with us.
Don't have to do all 5, but I'd say 1 prospect, TJ and 1 of ABB, or Brazeau signed.
Brandon Baddock, or other tough guy + another player capable of handling himself. HuGo has gotten understand that the A is still a league for toughness required... I hope.
On D look to sign:
Joe Hicketts - Undersized, puck moving d. Possibly give him a similar contract to Tynan to be the main offensive player down there
Christain Wolanin - Says he's from Montreal. Had a great year in the A.
Main team:
Depending on whether Monahan plays again this season, I'd re-sign him. If he doesn't, don't bother with the headache.
Bring in 1 of Milan Lucic, or Ryan Reaves. Let them help give Xhekaj tips on fighting and let him feel the need that he doesn't need to respond to anything and everything.
Bring in 1 of, but preferably Zach MacEwen, or Brendan Lemieux. MacEwen seems like a better fighter and player. Simply added to the lineup to the 4th line for a little more bulk incase things go sour in a game.
Bottom 6 would have Pezzetta, Reaves/Lucic Lemieux/MacEwen. Not ideal, but the team, unless they really go aggressive won't have a good bottom 6 regardless. At least this way, maybe Xhekaj wont get hurt ?
John Klingberg - Rumoured to be wanting to sign a 1 year deal here to be dealt to Edmonton, or just come here in general. Habs need a PPQB, he could take another chance on himself with a 1 year deal here. Cole healthy, new season, maybe he has better luck with the habs, gets dealt at the deadline and it's a win-win for everyone
Tyler Bertuzzi - Middle 6, but likely top 6 player who can be effective. A less beat up, but tougher Gallagher ? Would obviously take a big contract. He might not want to sign with a Canadian team because of the covid restrictions and how he wasnt, or never did get vaccinated, but now that that's past, might be fine with it. Put a big number for his 1st season here. Tell him the 23-24 season will likely result in missed playoffs and maybe be "out" by January, but his signing would signal the turn to start competing again. I know I said no major deals, but this might be one worth while.
Miles Wood - Big boy who can throw a hit. Has some nice speed and hands. Good 3rd liner. Likely a more attainable signing than Bertuzzi.
Nick Ritchie - Another one for the 3rd line. Another dude with size, physicality and can chuck them while being able to score. In my opinion worth the contract. Well, depending on the contract obviously.
Austin Watson - Physical, but really dumb and a punching bag. Can PK and shows flashes of having NHL 4th line skill. More versatile than Reaves and Lucic, but nowhere near the fighter. Would be cheap, but I imagine he re-signs with the sens.
Luke Schenn - Well, everyone knows him. Might be a good partner for Guhle and let him explore his offensive side and if he throws a big hit, like we all know he's capable of, he'll have at least Schenn on the ice who can help him out if the other team comes after him.
Nick Bjugstad - Big boy, some physicality, some skill, centre. Could overpay him for a year and deal him at the deadline.
Those are some of my suggestions.
In short, habs should have some "star" players at all 3 leagues in place to make sure the team has a winning atmosphere where ever the prospects go and to look at size for the middle/Bottom 6 forward group.
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