Montreal Canadiens Possible Trade Target May Be a Demanding Forward

The Canadiens have been linked to numerous names so far this season, but some new information has surfaced concerning one of the names discussed.

It's no secret that Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes would like to add some firepower to his attack. At the draft, he picked Russian phenom Ivan Demidov with the fifth-overall pick and as a result, reinforcements should hopefully be on their way when the KHL season ends or perhaps even earlier. There is still a hole in the team's two first lines for now. 

One of the players Hughes had been rumored to be interested in is Rutger McGroarty the 14th overall pick at the 2022 Draft. A while ago, the NCAA prospect let it be known to the Winnipeg Jets that he had no intention to sign with them. Initial reports suggested that he had seen how the team developed Cole Perfetti and Ville Heinola and he didn't want to go down the same path. 

The Athletics' Murat Ates reported on Winnipeg Sports Talk (@SportstalkWPG) that while there was a lot of talk about the Jets' prospect at the draft, a trade didn't come to fruition. To his knowledge, three trades (Minnesota and two other teams) came close to being completed for him, but at least one of those team backed out because McGroarty wanted a clear path to the NHL, a guaranteed roster spot in the league and guarantees regarding ice time. 

As for Winnipeg Press' Mike McIntyre, he concurs with Ates' report:

So, it's not so much about how the Jets are developing their first round pick, it's essentially about the fact the youngster believes he is entitled to a spot in the best league in the world right away. While I've suggested in the past the Canadiens should have tried to acquire him at the draft for the 26th overall selection, Justin Barron - who's brother Morgan Barron is with the Jets - and perhaps another piece, if those entitlements rumors are true, I'd much rather the Canadiens look elsewhere for attacking help. 

This is a very promising prospect with a lot of talent, but he hasn't heard about "paying his dues" I suppose. There's never been any issues - that we know of - regarding ice time and guys trying to pick their line and that's perfect the way it is. Acquiring a youngster who's head does not fit through the door doesn't seem to be something Hughes will do. 

Patience will be required to see what happens in the Summer, but there's no rush as things stand. The rookie and regular camps are a couple of months away...