Although NHL free agency started roughly one month ago, there are still multiple former Montreal Canadiens who have not been signed to new contracts. Among the former Habs still looking for homes for the 2026-27 season are Patrik Laine, Jonathan Drouin, Jeff Petry, and Mike Reilly. 

Out of these four former Canadiens players, Laine is the most intriguing. The three-time 30-goal scorer used to be a star, but he has missed a ton of time due to injury in recent seasons. This included last season with Montreal, as he played in just five games. Although this is the case, his past success should help him land at least a PTO from an NHL club before the start of the season. 

After being bought out by the St. Louis Blues, Drouin is still looking for his next home. The 31-year-old had a tough 2025-26 season, posting four goals and 24 points in 64 games. Yet, he also had 37 points in just 43 games with the Colorado Avalanche in 2024-25, so it is fair to wonder if a team could be willing to take a chance on him. 

At 38 years old, Petry could very well announce his retirement. However, if the former Canadiens defenseman wants to continue his career, he could land a one-year deal from a team looking for more depth and experience for their blueline. In 67 games last season split between the Florida Panthers and Minnesota Wild, he posted nine assists. 

As for Reilly, the 33-year-old blueliner just won the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2025-26 as an extra defenseman. In 42 games last season with the Canes, he posted one goal, nine points, and a plus-11 rating.