When Jesperi Kotkaniemi joined the Hurricanes in September 2021, speculation arose about potential retaliation from the Montreal Canadiens. The focus turned to Hurricanes’ restricted free agent Martin Necas as a possible target for the Canadiens, given his skill level. However, the management change in Montreal could alter their approach.
While the shift in management is noteworthy, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of signing Necas. Renaud Lavoie recently suggested this possibility, indicating that Necas might attract interest from the Canadiens. Additionally, Montreal possesses valuable assets for potential trades or offer sheets.
La saga entre les Canadiens et les Hurricanes n'est «peut-être pas finie»…🤔 https://t.co/pT56ZFPfMg
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) March 30, 2024
As the rebuilding phase nears its conclusion, Canadiens’ general manager Kent Hughes might consider making significant acquisitions. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes face financial challenges, exacerbated by several impending free agents and limited salary cap space. With notable players set to become unrestricted free agents, Hurricanes’ general manager Don Waddell faces tough decisions regarding roster management.
Amidst these circumstances, there are indications that Necas may not be entirely content in Raleigh and could entertain the idea of joining another team.
Navigating Player Commitment: Coach St-Louis’s Perspective on the World Championship.
During the team’s pre-game briefing this morning, Martin St-Louis addressed the players, with his remarks concluding the session. Although the meeting lasted approximately ten minutes, a question posed by Martin McGuire may have exceeded the intended scope. While the inquiry was not inherently inappropriate, the coach opted not to respond. The reason for his reticence? With only 10 games remaining in the season, St-Louis preferred to focus on the team’s immediate priorities rather than discuss the upcoming World Championship.
Recently, Bill Guerin, the General Manager of the American team for the upcoming Championship, emphasized the importance of player commitment. Guerin suggested that healthy players should seriously consider invitations to enhance their prospects for future international competitions, among other factors.
Écoutez les propos d’avant-match de l’équipe en vue de l’affrontement de ce soir contre les Hurricanes de la Caroline
Tune in now to live pregame media ops ahead of tonight’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes#GoHabsGo https://t.co/v89WEaK59j
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 30, 2024
McGuire directed this query to the Canadiens’ coach: “As a coach, do you believe it’s essential for healthy players to partake in this tournament? Do you actively encourage their participation?” In response, the coach reiterated the limited number of games left in the regular season and declined to provide a direct answer.
This response was reasonable, as St-Louis prioritizes the remaining regular-season matches, even if the Canadiens fail to qualify for the playoffs.
Furthermore, several players on the team may extend their hockey season beyond the regular season:
– Canada: Nick Suzuki, Samuel Montembeault, Mike Matheson, Alex Newhook
– United States: Cole Caufield and Cayden Primeau
– Slovakia: Juraj Slafkovsky
– Finland: Joel Armia
The players’ decisions regarding participating in the Championship versus other potential destinations, such as the Bahamas or Florida, are yet to be determined.
