Christian Dvorak’s Future in Montreal: Trade Possibilities and Max Lapierre’s Take
As the Montreal Canadiens continue to reshape their roster, one of the hot topics surrounding the team is the future of center Christian Dvorak. Acquired by General Manager Kent Hughes in 2021, Dvorak was seen as a stabilizing presence following the departures of Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Philip Danault. However, his inconsistent play has led to speculation about his long-term fit with the team, and recent comments from former NHLer Max Lapierre have fueled those discussions.
Dvorak’s Time in Montreal
Christian Dvorak arrived in Montreal with expectations of being a reliable two-way center. His experience with the Arizona Coyotes demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively while being defensively responsible. However, injuries and team struggles during his first two seasons with the Canadiens hindered his ability to meet those expectations. In 2021-2022, Dvorak managed 33 points in 56 games, followed by 28 points in 64 games the next season, leaving many wondering if he can be a long-term solution for Montreal’s center depth.
Max Lapierre’s Opinion
Former Canadiens forward and current hockey analyst Max Lapierre recently weighed in on Dvorak’s situation, suggesting that a trade might be beneficial for both the player and the team. Speaking on the matter, Lapierre emphasized the Canadiens’ shift toward building a faster, more dynamic roster centered around young stars like Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach.
“He’s a good player, no question,” Lapierre said. “But I think with the direction the Canadiens are heading, Dvorak might not be the ideal fit. He’s more of a two-way player, but Montreal is looking for creativity and speed in their rebuild.”
Lapierre also noted that Dvorak’s defensive capabilities would make him attractive to other teams. For those in need of a solid middle-six center, Dvorak offers reliability and versatility, key qualities for any playoff contender.
Kent Hughes’ Approach
Kent Hughes has shown a willingness to make bold moves as he continues to mold the Canadiens into a young, competitive team. Moving Dvorak, who carries a cap hit of $4.45 million through the 2024-2025 season, could provide the Canadiens with much-needed cap flexibility.
According to Lapierre, Hughes will likely explore trade options for Dvorak if the opportunity arises. “Hughes has been patient but isn’t afraid to pull the trigger when it’s the right time. If a good deal comes, Dvorak could be on the move.”
Conclusion
As the Canadiens embrace their rebuilding phase, Christian Dvorak’s future remains uncertain. While his defensive play has value, his role in the team’s long-term vision is less clear. With analysts like Max Lapierre suggesting a trade might be in the cards, fans will be watching closely to see how Kent Hughes handles the situation in the coming months.