Time for Some Spending: Three Canadiens Free Agent Targets

The Canadiens may have missed out on the post-season, but that doesn't mean they won't look to spend this summer and potentially go after these three free agents.

The Montreal Canadiens might be rebuilding, but they took a step in the right direction this season. Because of this, the expectation heading into the summer is that the Canadiens will look to add to their roster. 

One specific area that the Canadiens are looking to improve is their scoring. Thankfully for them, this year's free agency class has some solid options to consider adding. Let's discuss three specific wingers who make sense for the Habs right now. 

Jake DeBrusk would be a perfect addition to the Canadiens. The Canadiens need more scoring, and when DeBrusk is on his game, he provides just that. The 27-year-old has hit the 20-goal mark thrice and has had at least 40 points in five seasons. 

DeBrusk's future with the Bruins is far from set in stone. The Bruins have yet to sign DeBrusk to an extension, and with the team now in the playoffs, they likely won't have talks about a new deal until the offseason. Thus, the 2015 first-rounder has a real shot of hitting the market, and the Canadiens would be wise to target him if he does. He would give their top six a massive boost if signed and has several years left in his prime.  

Quebec native Anthony Duclair is another notable pending UFA who would be an excellent addition to the Canadiens' top six. Like DeBrusk, he is on the right side of 30, so he would be impactful for several seasons. With that, he is an effective scoring winger who could thrive playing with players like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Alex Newhook. 

Duclair had a solid 2023-24 season, posting 24 goals and 42 points in 73 games. However, he picked up eight goals and 15 points in just 17 regular-season games after his trade to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Adding that kind of production to the Habs' lineup would be excellent, so he's a player worth looking at on a multi-year deal. 

Teuvo Teravainen is among the many notable pending UFAs from the Carolina Hurricanes. If they can't get him signed to a new deal and he hits the market, he is another skilled winger whom the Canadiens should keep an eye on. 

Teravainen, 29, is an impactful top-six forward who not only produces offensively but plays a strong defensive game. Because of this, he would be a strong addition to both of the Canadiens' special-team units if signed, which naturally adds to his value. He had a successful regular season with the Canes, recording 25 goals – a new career high – and 53 points in 76 games. He also has four seasons with at least 60 points, with his last coming in 2021-22.