Canadiens Need a Top Line Center

Thanks to the new playoff format for the 2019-20 NHL season, the Montreal Canadiens are in the playoffs. This may be cause for celebration, but they cannot overlook the fact that there is a glaring personnel problem – they lack a No. 1 center.

As for the free-agent market this year, there are two potential candidates Montreal can look at. In the UFA section, we have Predators center Mikael Granlund. He may be having a rough season this year but he’s a player who’s been a 60-point center and was pushing 70. The 28-year-old Finn has a lot of good hockey left in him and could regain his game being put in a No. 1 role again. It is worth noting that Granlund has played the wing for most of his tenure with Nashville, however, it wouldn’t be a stretch to put him back at center, where he found success in Minnesota.

A great example of a centerman who was moved to the wing then back to center is Flames forward Elias Lindholm. He started as a center for Carolina then was moved to the right-wing spot in Calgary. Now back at centerm Lindholm leads the Flames in points this season, so it could very well happen with Granlund in Montreal.

A stretch in the RFA section is Islanders star Mathew Barzal. The 23-year-old has posted at least 60 points in every full season he’s played in his career, and had almost a point per game this season. Of course, it’s very likely the Isles would match an offer the Habs made, but it’s a possibility and as such is worth mentioning.

It will be interesting to see how the series against the Pittsburgh Penguins will pan out for Montreal given their lack of a No. 1 center. While this can’t be remedied this season, it’s a potential quick fix that can happen for next season. I believe they should have a look at Granlund if they happen to get unlucky in the draft and not get a center in Round 1. This new offensive addition could turn this season’s negative goal differential into a positive one next season.

Related: Canadiens Prospects That Could Benefit From Proposed Playoff Format

What do you think? Do you believe the Habs are lacking a No. 1 center, and if so what would you like to see them do to fix it? Let us know in the comments below.