The Canadiens showed interest in Zach Whitecloud last year, and David Pagnotta isn't ruling out a renewed push from Montreal.
"I know Montreal also had interest in the past," Pagnotta said on the DFO Insider. "Not sure what direction they go in now."
He was clear about what he doesn't know. "I don't know if they've called now, full transparency, but I know they had interest last year."
Calgary isn't in a rush. Anthony Di Marco reported the Flames value Whitecloud's veteran presence on a young blue line, which could push his price even higher.
The Flames are 0-3-0 and have scored three goals. Selling is the obvious direction, but they want full value.
Whitecloud, 29, carries a $2,750,000 cap hit with two years left. He also brings 78 games of playoff experience.
Kent Hughes weighs a veteran add for Martin St-Louis' young blue line
Montreal's defence leans young. Lane Hutson is 22, while Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj are both 25.
Noah Dobson and Michael Matheson carry the bigger contracts, and Alexandre Carrier adds a steady presence at 30. A playoff-tested depth defenceman would round out that group nicely.
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Kent Hughes should make the call. A cheap veteran on a short deal fits a team trying to grow up fast, and Calgary's asking price only climbs from here.
Adding him would be like bringing a seasoned sous-chef into a kitchen full of talented rookies. Nobody notices until the dinner rush hits.
Montreal is 1-1-1, and Samuel Montembeault's awkward injury against Nashville may make goaltending the more urgent need. Depth on the back end never hurts, though.
Pagnotta admitted he doesn't know whether Montreal has called. If Whitecloud is still a fit, Hughes won't stay quiet for long.
Should the Canadiens trade for Zach Whitecloud?
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