Montreal Canadiens Target College Free Agents

0:00On March 25th, as the NCAA hockey season wraps up, NHL teams like the Montreal Canadiens are turning their focus to college-free agents, a low-cost, way to add talent without using draft picks. The Habs have a track record of finding gems here, and with spots open in Montreal and their AHL affiliate in LaValle, they could sign a few standouts. Soon, one top target is 24-year-old forward TJ Hughes from Michigan. He just posted 53 points in 37 games, marking his fourth straight year with at least 36 points. Playing alongside Canadian's prospect, Michael Hage gives him an edge, as their chemistry could help him fit right into pro hockey as a scoring depth. Peace. Meanwhile, centers remain a need for size, and 22-year-old Hank Lee's from Dartmouth fits perfectly at 6-foot-5. He tallied 39 points in 34 games this season, blending physicality with skill. He would likely start in LaValle, building toward a bottom-six role with the Habs.

1:01On defense, 6-foot-6 Isaiah Norland from Colgate is drawing eyes after 28 points in 37 games. At 22, he is still raw, but offers huge upside as a project player, starting in the minors to refine his game amid Montreal's solid young blue. Line. These signings carry little downside for a rebuilding team like the Canadiens, letting them stack their pipeline with promising pros without big commitments, team coverage, powered by AI. This is NHL News Today.