Analyst Urges Canadiens to Sign Leafs Star this Summer for Ivan Demidov's Line

Kent Hughes ultimately remained a spectator at the last trade deadline. No reinforcements were added to the roster, and the Gorton/Hughes duo listened to their players, deciding to trust the team in place for the remainder of the season.

However, there are still many gaps to fill in the lineup if management wants to be competitive next season.

One of the key positions to address is undoubtedly the second-line center.

We've seen it, Kirby Dach isn't getting the job done in that role, and Alex Newhook is definitely not a top-six player.

A reliable player is needed next season to lead Ivan Demidov's future line.

If it's not through the trade market, the management duo will have to analyze the free agency market.

On this topic, broadcaster Jean-Charles Lajoie recently mentioned in an article for Journal de Montreal that he would target a rival center John Tavares.

John Tavares While Waiting for Michael Hage

The TVA Sports broadcaster's reasoning is quite solid. He is targeting a transition player while waiting for the kids to grow up, as he puts it.

'I've been thinking about John Tavares, repeating the same phrase as I did for Marner:

How can the Canadiens afford to turn their nose up at John Tavares this summer?

This time, the answer was more nuanced: a productive and responsible natural center, turning 35 in September, a prolific playmaker.

He is perfect for taking on responsibilities while perfectly serving guys like Laine and Demidov.

And a transitional veteran while waiting for Michael Hage.'

Jean-Charles Lajoie

However, the Canadiens will need to be cautious when it comes to the contract.

The veteran will undoubtedly want to cash in big, as this will likely be his last major contract in the NHL.

However, he cannot, and he knows it, exceed the $11 million annual mark.

Lajoie wonders if he might accept an offer of $9 million per season for four years.

It is certain that Tavares will be worth his salary for at least the first two years of that deal. After that, it will become more challenging..

But by then, the salary cap will have increased significantly.

In 57 games this season with the Leafs, Tavares has recorded 26 goals and 29 assists for a total of 55 points. At this moment, he would be the Canadiens' third-leading scorer behind Nick Suzuki (67 points) and Cole Caufield (58 points).

It would be a solid free-agent acquisition.