A Stamkos-to-Montreal scenario gains traction as Predators scouts closely monitor the Habs
A scenario that already has several people dreaming, even if nobody knows whether it could ever truly happen one day
There are ideas that seem to come out of nowhere. And yet, they take over the discussion very quickly. That is exactly what has been happening since Marc-Olivier Beaudoin's post on X.
He mentioned a player who could become the ideal center for Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov. A suggestion that has the whole city thinking.
The name Steven Stamkos slipped into the debate. Yes, the legendary captain. Yes, the elite goal scorer everyone knows.
And even if his season is off to a rough start in Nashville, multiple reports indicate Canadiens could be among the teams interested in Stamkos.
"I don't know if he'd be up for coming to Montreal, and I know that acquiring Steven Stamkos would still represent a certain risk, but that option really intrigues me.
He's having a terrible start to the season in Nashville, but even at 35, in the right context, I think he still has some good hockey left to give.
It also seems to me that he'd be a good "fit" at center with Demidov and Slafkovsky, in the sense that he's quite the sniper, Demidov quite the playmaker, and Slafkovsky a player who can handle the physical side of the trio.
That said, I know Stamkos has played less at center lately, that he's right-handed so he's not the ideal candidate, but I doubt the ideal candidate will be handed to the Habs on a silver platter at a reasonable acquisition cost.
It's certain that the management has had that discussion internally. Preds scouts have been spotted often at recent games in Montreal and Laval. Ryan O'Reilly would also be a good candidate, but Nashville seems less inclined to trade him."
- Marc Olivier Beaudoin
He's having a terrible start to the season in Nashville, but even at 35, in the right context, I think he still has some good hockey left to give.
It also seems to me that he'd be a good "fit" at center with Demidov and Slafkovsky, in the sense that he's quite the sniper, Demidov quite the playmaker, and Slafkovsky a player who can handle the physical side of the trio.
That said, I know Stamkos has played less at center lately, that he's right-handed so he's not the ideal candidate, but I doubt the ideal candidate will be handed to the Habs on a silver platter at a reasonable acquisition cost.
It's certain that the management has had that discussion internally. Preds scouts have been spotted often at recent games in Montreal and Laval. Ryan O'Reilly would also be a good candidate, but Nashville seems less inclined to trade him."
- Marc Olivier Beaudoin
He explains that Stamkos would be a good fit between Demidov and Slaf. A sniper between a playmaker and a powerful young forward.
It sounds good.
Should Montreal really consider Steven Stamkos for this role?
The price might not even be too high. Nashville could accept a reasonable trade, especially if the Canadiens resolve the Patrik Laine contract situation.
"If the Canadiens can include Patrik Laine's contract in the deal and the acquisition cost is reasonable, would you be tempted to bring "Stammer" (and his $8,000,000/season contract for two more seasons after this one) to Montreal?"
- Beaudoin
- Beaudoin
And more importantly, the Predators have already sent several scouts to observe Montreal and Laval recently. The stars could be aligning. There is also another interesting point. Even if Stamkos plays less at center, he can still take on that position.
He can score. He can lead. He can stabilize an explosive line with two rising young players.
Personally, I believe the idea is worth studying. Too many good players is never a real problem in Montreal.
And if the dream became reality, the Habs could have a line unlike anything we have seen in a long time.
More details to follow.
TRENDING NOW
