Canadiens Linked To Predators Defenseman

The Montreal Canadiens are going to have a bunch of cap space freed up to use next season and are going to be looking to improve upon this season. With a number of their young players now having some experience, it is time to shape the roster and push for a playoff spot all season. With a healthier team, that much is likely to happen. But there are some targets that the team should pick up in the offseason, starting with a solid right-shot defenceman.

The name that comes to mind is Tyson Barrie of the Nashville Predators. Barry Trotz is taking over the team as general manager and who knows what kind of work he is going to do. The team dealt with a ton of injuries to major players this season and it really gave the youngsters a chance to show what they can do. The Predators also have a few young defencemen looking to get more playing time and trust. Moving Barrie to the Canadiens just makes sense.

Montreal doesn't have that top power play guy on defence that can change the complexion of the top unit. Barrie has always excelled on the man advantage and had a couple of very strong years in Edmonton getting even better. Barrie is under contract for one more season at $4.5 million, so it wouldn't be a big commitment for the Canadiens either. Their right side is very weak and Barrie can be a simple addition that can make a lot of difference in multiple areas. They can't have someone like Chris Wideman in there playing 46 games. Watch for Barrie's name to pop up closer to the draft and throughout the summer if something doesn't get done early.

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