In an interesting turn, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports that the New Jersey Devils have made inquiries with the Montreal Canadiens on restricted free agent Alex Galchenyuk. While it’s clear that Galchenyuk is being discussed with several teams, this is the first we’ve heard of a New Jersey connection.
As LeBrun notes, there may not be a fit between the two sides. Montreal is in need of defensemen even after acquiring David Schlemko earlier today, and New Jersey could use some of those themselves. They’ve had trouble scoring even with Taylor Hall added to the picture, and Galchenyuk would certainly do that, but it’s not clear what a possible return could be.
The 23-year old Galchenyuk is an odd case in Montreal. Even though he’s just a year removed from a 30-goal season, and put up 44 points in 61 games this year he’s the subject of much trade speculation due to his lack of defensive responsibility when playing the center position. The team went out and added Jonathan Drouin, a similarly skilled player (if not exactly stylistically identical) and immediately inked him to a long-term deal. Galchenyuk on the other hand still sits without a deal for next year, and no clear role on the roster.
Previously Minnesota had been rumored to be an expected landing spot, and while New Jersey making an inquiry doesn’t necessarily mean anything to dispute their claim, Minnesota will have more bidders than just the Devils to fight off. The third-overall pick from 2012 has incredible scoring ability, even if he is a winger long-term.
New Jersey could really use him, as though they have some depth coming up the middle—Michael McLeod, Pavel Zacha and likely one of Nolan Patrick or Nico Hischier to name a few—they aren’t as deep on the wings and could use another top-flight offensive player to plug in with Hall, even if they likely wouldn’t play together. Other than Damon Severson though, who is as close to untouchable as anyone on the New Jersey roster, there isn’t much defensive help that Montreal could be after.