The Canadian claimed'Targeting Colin White on waivers Thursday afternoon. Who is he?
Here are five things to know about the Habs' newest member.
1. He is a former first-round pick
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White is a center who was once considered one of the hottest prospects in hockey. As part of a USA All-Star U18 team that included Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Troy Terry and Charlie McAvoy, White finished his 2014-15 season with 54 points in 54 games before finishing 21st in 2015 The Ottawa Senators draft took overall place.
2. Pain and disappointments
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After two successful years in the NCAA with the Boston College Eagles, White made his professional debut at the end of the 2016-2017 season and then had his best NHL season in 2018-2019 with 41 points in 71 games. At the end of that season, the Senators offered him a lucrative six-year contract worth $28.5 million ($4.75 million per season).
Things went downhill from there, as a mix of disappointment and serious injuries forced the Sens to buy back that contract after just three seasons on July 5, 2022.
3. He is a former client of Kent Hughes
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Before taking on the role of general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes represented the interests of Colin White and it was he who negotiated the six-year contract signed with the Senators in 2019.
According to multiple reports, Hughes attempted to acquire White from the Senators at the 2022 trade deadline, but the two parties were unable to reach an agreement and White suffered the termination of his contract a few months later.
4. He was one of the Remparts of Quebec
Fun fact is that White was drafted in the ninth round by the Remparts during the 2014 draft session. The then general manager of the Red Devils, Philippe Boucher, and his recruiting team had tried their luck with the American, even though he had clearly expressed his intention to continue his career in his home country.
White ultimately never ended up in Quebec.
5. He injured Canada at the Bell Center in 2017
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Many fans remember the epic final between Canada and the United States at the 2017 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Montreal.
White was one of the key players on the American team at the time and it was he who scored the Americans' fourth goal in the third period to make it 4-4 after Canada had taken a 4-2 lead.
The United States then won in a shootout that caused consternation at the Bell Center.