Are the Canadiens looking to add Bryan Rust?
Jim Biringer of NHLRumors.com and Full Press Hockey joined the Green Zone with Justin Blackwell and Scott Roblin, filling in for Jamie Nye, and was asked about the Montreal Canadiens and their connection to Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust.
Writing for NHLRumors.com
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Host: “Is there any truth to the rumor that the Canadiens are looking to trade Pittsburgh for Bryan Rust?”
Jim Biringer: “His name has been there. He would be a great Montreal Canadiens. His name has been there for the last few years, along with Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins. I know the Penguins want to get back to the playoffs, but he would be a great piece.
He has also been linked to Montreal. What they will have to give up, maybe one of their picks, and one of their young prospects they don't have tons of. And it would be a good fit for their top or second line, because they need that one piece, like Bryan Rust, to put them up, as you saw against Carolina in the Eastern Conference finals.”
NHLRumors.com Note: The Montreal Canadiens will remain patient as they explore all options. They are in good shape when it comes to their salary cap. We know they tried Kirill Marchenko and were told no by Columbus. Montreal is looking to add another top-six forward or center to make another deep run in the playoffs. But they have the equipment to do this.
What will happen to Kirby Dach in Montreal?
Jim Biringer was asked about bringing in Kirby Dach to solve problems and whether the relationship with the Canadiens was damaged.
Writing for NHLRumors.com
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Host: “We're talking to Jim Biringer. We're talking about hockey on this beautiful summer day in Saskatchewan, and Jim, let's go back to the Habs for a moment. Because you say Kirby Dach, and the exciting situation we're playing with him and his arbitration case. Has that relationship soured with everything that's been going on?”
Jim Biringer: “No, I don't think so. I think this is just a game for them to continue to negotiate a salary that works for them.” Again, his qualifying bid is around $4 million.
I think they consider Kirby Dach part of the team, but again, if you listen to Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes talk, it's about, okay, he's hurt. There were a lot of injuries. We haven't really seen what he can do, but he has shown himself this year. He and Jake Evans that line, started putting things together in the playoffs. I think they want to see what he can do in another testimonial deal.
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And, how they get there, they have time before trial to continue to negotiate, and I think that was the whole point of just putting in arbitration. Let's just keep this thing going, keep the relationship going, because again, if you come to these meetings, things will be said. Feelings will be hurt, and a prime example is Jeremy Swayman in Boston. You're opening yourself up to criticism you've never heard in an organization before.
Montreal, the way they run their business, they will be fine. I think Dach probably gets a one-year deal, sees what he can do, and goes from there. I think they see him as part of this team going forward. But, if you look, if they make another big move, maybe he's part of that pack.”
NHLRumors.com Note: The Montreal Canadiens took a chance on Kirby Dach, trading him for the 2022 NHL Draft. Dach faced injury problems in Montreal. He played well for Montreal this season despite his Game 2 error in Round 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning; his line did well after that. And, given what Montreal wants to do going forward, is he a trade piece for something bigger?
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