Habs News: Montreal Canadiens, Marc Bergevin, NHL, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Artturi Lehkonen, Ryan Poehling, Paul Byron, Chris Wideman, David Savard

Jesperi Kotkaniemi (Photo by Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports)

ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA | MONTREAL, QC. — It’s another busy week of the off-season with the NHL free agent bidding set to open on Wednesday at noon ET. The Canadiens have been linked to several unrestricted free agents. On Monday Montreal took the first step in securing their restricted free agents.

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Canadiens submit qualifying offers

Before Monday’s deadline, the Montreal Canadiens submitted qualifying offers to six restricted free agents including forwards Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Artturi Lehkonen, Michael Pezzetta, Ryan Poehling, defenceman Otto Leskinen, and goaltender Michael McNiven.

Leskinen was Laval’s top defenceman last season recording 17 points in 33 games. The 24-year-old recently signed a two-year contract with Jokerit in Finland. By submitting a qualifying offer, the Canadiens retain Leskinen’s rights.

Forward Joseph Blandisi did not received a qualifying offer and will become an unrestricted free agent. Blandisi was the third leading scorer for the Laval Rocket last season.

Forward Jacob Lucchini did not receive a qualifying offer as he signed a one-year, one-way AHL contract with the Laval Rocket on July 16th.

Good vibes only

Since the last chapter was written on the Canadiens incredible Stanley Cup run, there has been a steady stream of difficult news stories for Habs fans. The return of the Montreal captain is very unlikely, the general manager risked his franchise player using him as a shield, and Marc Bergevin shocked the hockey world during the Draft.

So, Paul Byron thought it would be a good time to turn back the clock reminding fans of the joy they experienced during the Cup Final and skipping ahead to thoughts of next season with a Bell Centre at full capacity.

🔵⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/7hn4t7bORR

— Paul Byron (@jpbyron89) July 27, 2021

Wideman coming to Montreal?

On Monday, Chris Johnston reported that Chris Wideman “is a good bet to land with the #habs in free agency.” The 31-year-old right shot defenceman had 41 points in 59 games last season in the KHL. Wideman has not played a full season in the NHL since 2016-17.

St. Louis Blues reporter Andy Strickland confirmed the report later in the day. Wideman is eligible to sign a contract when free agency opens on Wednesday.

Can confirm Chris Wideman having a deal in place with Montreal. 1 yr, one-way. Turned down $2 mill to return to #KHL. Wants back in the #NHL.

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) July 26, 2021

Habs interested in Savard

After raising the Stanley Cup with the Lightning for the first time, David Savard may be interested in returning to Quebec to play with the Canadiens according to Elliotte Friedman. The 30-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent coming off a five-year $21.25 million contract.

Savard recorded 1 goal, 5 assists for 6 points with a minus-27 rating in 54 games in the 2020-21 season.

Like Wideman, Savard is a right shot defenceman. With Cale Fleury and Noah Juulsen departing the organization over the past year and Shea Weber being unavailable next season at minimum, the Canadiens have made the RHD position a priority left with only Jeff Petry and Josh Brook checking off that box currently.

Another Quebecer for the Lions

The Trois-Rivieres Lions signed defenseman Olivier Galipeau. The 24-year-old Montrealer is coming off a Kelly Cup winning season with the Fort Wayne Komets.

Trois-Rivières Lions reach an agreement with defenseman Olivier Galipeau🏒

Welcome in Trois-Rivières, Olivier!🦁⚜️ #LIONS3R pic.twitter.com/rF1DURumEe

— Lions de Trois-Rivières (@Lions3r) July 26, 2021

Canadiens Connection podcast

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