Montreal Canadiens: Waivers Are Habs' Best Bet to Add Depth

Montreal Canadiens have priority selecting players off waivers until Nov. 1. Montreal and Los Angeles Kings have different organizational depth up front. Lias Andersson was put on waivers late this week. Michael Pezzetta and Juraj Slavkovsky would be better suited for a reserve role. Montreal has no fewer than 16 players fighting for 12 regular spots up forward. The Canadiens need to be strategic here. They need someone who can play a different position.

Joel Edmundson is out indefinitely, so Montreal Canadiens need to look for a left-handed defenseman. Corey Schueneman has only 24 NHL games under his belt, but he's not impressed this training camp. The team's veteran core on the blue line now comprises Mike Matheson, David Savard and Chris Wideman. Slater Koekkoek was placed on waivers, even though his long-term NHL prospects are lower.

Montreal Canadiens need a new goalie to replace Carey Price. Cayden Primeau has potential to develop into a No. 1, but he needs more time in the AHL. Jake Allen is not a true No 1 goalie, and he has had many injuries. Samuel Montembeault is a third-string goalie. Montreal will try to sneak him through waivers. Keith Kinkaid was just put on waivers himself. The Canadiens are not going to compete this coming season. They need to add some depth in net.

Montreal Canadiens are looking for a right-handed defenseman. They have Justin Barron and Logan Mailloux, but they don't have any prospects with NHL upside. The team finished last season last place and isn't expected to do much better in 2022-23. Montreal can pick up a player via waivers. They can also claim someone with more upside and give them ice time. There are some good players on the waiver wire. It's up to the team to use it wisely. For example, Paul Byron and Rem Pitlick are success stories up front. Matt Murray was placed on waivers last year. Gustav Forsling has had success with the Florida Panthers since being claimed in 2021.