The Canadiens about to acquire a robust forward? The perfect player for the fourth line has been identified

PUBLICATION

Jim Sullivan
November 19, 2024 (9:29 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Once again this season, Martin St-Louis' men are often dominated by the opposing team on a physical level, which has led to a few injuries among the Montreal Canadiens.

Moreover, according to the information reported by Elliotte Friedman, everything suggests that Kent Hughes has also identified this gap within his squad.

According to what Friedman heard, the general manager of the Habs would like to get his hands on a robust forward who could play on the team's third or fourth line.

Furthermore, according to the comments made by Tony Marinaro on BPM Sports, the ideal player to fill this role was at the Bell Centre a few days ago.

Tony Marinaro believes that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier could assume such responsibilities with the Canadiens, who would be able to give Arber Xhekaj a serious helping hand.

"I don't think the Blue Jackets would want to trade a player like him, because he's a heavyweight and he defends his teammates. Plus, he's not a bad hockey player, he has presence.

It would take a player like that on the Canadiens' fourth line to support Arber Xhekaj, who can't always be alone [defending his teammates]." - Tony Marinaro

Éric Bélanger, who was talking with Tony Marinaro about the contribution that a player like Mathieu Olivier can bring, shared the same opinion, even going so far as to say that he was the perfect prototype of a fourth-line forward in the NHL.

"He doesn't cost that much. He's an honest guy who is capable of playing minutes. He won't hurt you defensively, he is capable of producing a little offensively and he will be there for his teammates. He's the perfect prototype of a player you want on a fourth line to provide energy and defend your teammates." - Éric Bélanger

Personally, I completely agree with Tony Marinaro and Éric Bélanger's statements. The Montreal Canadiens clearly need to add a tough player who can defend the organization's young rookies.

There's no doubt that acquiring Mathieu Olivier would be a huge benefit to the Habs, especially Arber Xhekaj, who is practically the only player on the Montreal roster with the ability to throw the gloves.

With a salary of $1.1 million this year, it will be interesting to see what his salary demands will be next summer. If he's not able to come to an agreement with the Blue Jackets, Kent Hughes should absolutely contact him to offer him a contract with the Canadiens.

In your opinion, should Kent Hughes offer Mathieu Olivier a contract if he becomes a free agent on July 1st?

Since the start of the season, the 27-year-old forward has recorded a total of six goals and two assists in 18 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets.