Saint Jean Baptiste Day is always an opportunity to celebrate Quebec’s talent, and for some hockey players in the La Belle province, the coming weeks are likely to be a sign of renewal.
A handful of Quebecers will become free agents on July 1 without compensation. Others like Pierre-Luc Dubois and Rafaël Harvey-Pinard will also soon be making an impact, having achieved limited autonomy.
Here, Quebecers are free this summer in search of a new adventure.
Jonathan Drouin
Photo Martin Chevalier
In six years in Montreal, Jonathan Drouin has become a polarizing player among fans. The forward possesses a wide range of qualities but struggled to find closure last season. The 28-year-old has only scored twice in 58 games. Still, he added 27 assists to his tally and was used as a puck distributor on the power play.
With a salary that will no doubt be less than the $5.5 million he makes annually with the Canadiens, he could be an interesting option. Drouin must look elsewhere.
Patrice Bergeron
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Does Patrice Bergeron have another season ahead of him? The center will be 38 by the start of next season, which could be his 20th in the National Hockey League (NHL). A native of L’Ancienne-Lorette, he has the Boston Bruins tattooed on his heart but has been reserved about the rest of his career.
The Oursons suffered a major disappointment in the playoffs when they were knocked out in the first round despite their record-breaking season in the regular season. Bergeron could choose not to end his career that way by signing another one-year deal. Last season he collected no fewer than 58 points.
Jonathan Bernier
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Another veteran to hang up his skates is goalie Jonathan Bernier. The 34-year-old remained on the injured list throughout the 2022–23 fixture list and has not played since December 3, 2021.
In a speech on TVA Sports in May, the man under contract with the New Jersey Devils admitted the chances of a return to the game were slim. Hip surgery has significantly impacted his quality of life and Bernier would now focus more on his family life.
Alex Belzile
Martin Chevalier / JdeM
Alex Belzile could also be tempted to leave Montreal to get more playing time. The 31-year-old forward was born late but has proven he has what it takes to be an NHL player. His 14 points in 31 games with the Canadiens last year and his neutral difference prove it.
The Laval Rocket captain could accept an offer from a smaller market, as Laurent Dauphin and Jean-Sebastien Dea did in Arizona last season. A return with the Bleu Blanc Rouge is always possible.
Alex Chiasson
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Alex Chiasson has turned down a one-year, two-way contract offer with the Detroit Red Wings and will test the market. With a professional tryout in 2022–2023, he managed to land a spot with the Griffins of Grand Rapids and then the Wings. That says a lot about the tenacity of the 32-year-old Quebecer, who has a clear goal-scoring talent. His nine points in 20 NHL games is a sign he’s not finished at this level.
Alex Killorn
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Alex Killorn was born in Nova Scotia yet grew up on the West Island in Montreal. For this reason, many observers would find him good in the Canadian. With his experience, long playoff run and leadership skills, the left winger should be popular in the off-season as well.
At 33, Killorn recorded his best crop of 2022-23 with 64 points. Though the Lightning apparently offered him less than his last salary of $4.45 million, will the veteran be tempted to sue in Tampa?