With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, the Montreal Canadiens are exploring their options to strengthen the roster. An article from The Hockey Writers suggests that the team should consider three veteran players as potential candidates for a Professional Tryout (PTO), a low-risk strategy that could offer significant benefits.
According to the analysis, the players who could fit into the Canadiens’ strategy are:
- T.J. Brodie: At 35, Brodie is seen as an ideal candidate to add depth to the defensive line. Although his usage decreased last season with the Chicago Blackhawks, his ability to play on both sides, his penalty-killing experience, and his leadership in the locker room make him a valuable asset. His presence could serve as a safety net and provide stability in high-pressure situations.
- Marc-Édouard Vlasic: As a Montreal native, Vlasic would represent a return home. Like Brodie, his best years are behind him, but the article suggests he could be a «low-risk insurance policy» for a defense looking to gain NHL experience. In a specific role, particularly on the penalty kill, Vlasic could be highly effective.
- Luke Kunin: While he is the least likely of the three to sign a PTO, Kunin, 27, could bring stability and competition to the team’s group of centers. With key players like Kirby Dach dealing with injuries, adding a player like Kunin could strengthen the team’s offensive depth and pressure internal players to improve their performance.
The article concludes that bringing in players of this type is cost-free and could pay off in multiple ways, from solidifying the penalty kill to motivating young players to elevate their game during training camp.