Montreal Canadiens Use Waivers In Attempt To Improve Depth

The Montreal Canadiens made a pair of waiver-wire-related moves on Thursday in an attempt to add depth to their NHL lineup while providing reinforcements to their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket.

In addition to placing newly signed forward Brandon Gignac on waivers, the Canadiens also claimed forward Colin White from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

White, 27, was originally an Ottawa Senators draft pick, going 21st overall in 2015. Since then, the Boston native has played 304 games, scoring 44 goals and 39 assists in the process.

White’s production has slowed considerably in recent years, as evidenced by his lack of points this season, but the 6’1 centre did manage to score 17 goals and 27 assists during his sophomore season in the NHL, indicating that there may be some offensive talent left to tap.

As for his underlying numbers, the Boston College alumnus has managed to make a positive impact in his last three seasons, finishing well above 50 percent in shot share and expected goals. He produced those numbers while playing for three different teams, the Penguins, The Florida Panthers, and the Ottawa Senators.

The waiver claim follows a clear pattern for Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes. He tends to acquire players with a little potential who are looking for a fresh start in the NHL, which is certainly the case for White.

White signed a one-year contract this summer that carries a very reasonable $750,000 annual average value.

AHL Talent

With White set to play in the NHL, the Canadiens could afford to make a corresponding move that will hopefully provide much-needed relief to the Rocket.

Gignac, 26, was the team’s leading scorer prior to signing a two-year contract with the Canadiens in early February. Since then, he has played seven games in the NHL, scoring a goal and adding an assist. His underlying numbers were far from impressive during his short tenure with the Canadiens, par for the course when you consider he joined a team midway through the season.

As for the Rocket, despite losing most of their best players, they’re still in the playoff hunt.

There’s a possibility Gignac will be claimed, but given that his guaranteed AHL contract is $150,000 this season and $350,000 next season, the odds a team takes a flyer on him are fairly low.

If he clears, Gignac will resume his role as the engine that powers Laval’s offence. In 43 games with the Rocket this year, Gignac managed to score 14 goals and 28 assists.

An awesome moment as Brandon Gignac scores his first career NHL goal.

Full marks to Guhle. There was no way he was going to shoot there.

Good for Gignac, a nice reward for a player who has given the organization a lot of good games. pic.twitter.com/7yfqL1O9DF

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) February 14, 2024