Thivierge: Bring in experience, not bad contract

Thivierge: Bring in experience, not bad contracts
June 20, 2017, 7:00 PM ET [16 Comments]
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Despite how many feel about the roster annually, the regular season results seem to always be the same (unless the all-world Carey Price gets hurt) for the Montreal Canadiens, make the playoffs and win the division, but that is where the fans see the flaws in their roster.

That is why I believe that this offseason Montreal should target experience in the playoffs opposed to a long term splash that may have people wanting firings after the euphoria wears off. While things may change by the time this is posted here are some players Montreal should target.

In my opinion, these are four players that should be on the top of Marc Bergevin's shopping list. Try and win now with veterans on short contracts who may see a Price backstopped team as one last chance, or just another opportunity at glory. The Canadiens won’t sign all these guys, but management should make a strong push for at least one or two of these players.

Joe Thornton (C, San Jose Sharks)

Sure he hasn't won a Cup, but he's still a top level playmaker who will probably sign a short-term deal and will significantly help with depth down the middle. Jumbo Joe can man the middle on thef first line and top power-play unit which would let Galchenyuk slide into the second spot in both situations, allowing him to opportunity to get easier matchups and finally do what he was drafted to do. In addition, seeing Max Pacioretty with an elite centre for once may have fans excited.

Trevor Daley (D, Pittsburgh Penguins)

While he doesn't put up the points, he brings back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships and is a steady presence on the blue line. With Kris Letang out for the entire run, Daley stepped up and was arguably the best defenseman for the Penguins whose depth was severely tested. With two seemingly locked up spots a couple of weeks ago now open (Nathan Beaulieu and Mikhail Sergachev), Daley would add much needed experience on the backend. While not a top pairing guy (they don't need one), he can provide serviceable minutes on the third pairing and his safe play and defensive awareness will be a huge complement to Price's game.

Justin Williams (RW, Washington Capitals)

Mr. Game 7, the guy comes up huge when it counts and has a Conn Smythe with a few rings to prove that. He can really help with secondary scoring on the wing, which seemed to be a revolving door of try-outs the last couple of seasons consisting of call-ups and depth guys, and won't fade April onward. He may come in on a cap-friendly deal considering he has never had a high cost contract which means the coaching staff wouldn't have to commit to giving him high end minutes over 82 games. He could slide in perfectly on the second line, move up to the first line if needed, and can really help out on the powerplay.

Patrick Marleau (LW, San Jose Sharks)

Like Thornton, he too has never won it all, but still produces at a top level that can only help the Canadiens in close games deeper into Spring. Nearing 40, Marleau is still nearing 30 goals which any team could use, but Montreal may need it the most. Marleau has always been seen as the poster child for the Sharks playoff failures and a change of scenery with less pressure might be all he needs to get over the hump. In Montreal he wouldn't need to worry about a leadership role on the team, there is already enough guys in the city that deal with that.

...And it wouldn't be free-agency in Montreal if Jaromir Jagr wasn't somehow linked to the Canadiens for whatever reason.