The Montreal Canadiens are firmly in the playoff hunt, but experts warn they are still «too soft» for spring hockey. Now, a blockbuster trade proposal from Sportsnet’s Eric Engels has the fanbase buzzing: the Habs should go «all in» to pry 6-foot-3 powerhouse Will Cuylle away from the New York Rangers.
The Power Move: «Power Dialing» For Toughness
Eric Engels didn’t hold back, stating that if he were Kent Hughes, he would be «power dialing» New York immediately. «Will Cuylle is the Number 1 guy I would go after,» Engels declared. At 215 pounds, Cuylle is the physical nightmare the Canadiens lack—a player who «finishes his checks and makes life miserable for the opposition.» While the Habs have talent, they lack the «scary» presence needed to survive in the dirty areas of the ice.
The Price Of Greatness: Is Bolduc On The Block?
Quality doesn’t come cheap. The rumored trade package involves sending top prospect Zachary Bolduc and a draft pick to the Big Apple. While losing an offensive talent like Bolduc would «make fans wince,» the consensus is shifting: you have to give up quality to get a «future cornerstone» who plays with the grit of a younger Blake Coleman.
The Gorton Connection
The secret weapon in this potential deal? Jeff Gorton. The Canadiens’ VP of Hockey Operations is the man who actually drafted Cuylle back in 2020 while he was running the Rangers. Gorton knows exactly what Cuylle brings to the room, and with rumors of a «major shake-up» looming in New York, the door for a reunion in Montreal might be wide open.
«Better Than Slafkovsky?»
The hype is reaching fever pitch, with Tony Marinaro even comparing Cuylle’s imposing style to that of Juraj Slafkovsky. Despite a slight dip in production this season (27 points in 56 games), Cuylle has already proven he can be a 20-goal, 45-point threat.
Is Kent Hughes willing to pull the trigger on a trade that could define the Canadiens’ playoff run, or is the price for Will Cuylle simply too high? Tell us what you think in the comments!