The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly set to acquire defenseman Jamie Drysdale, a promising young blue-liner currently in the final year of his three-year, $6.9 million contract. Drysdale, 22, was originally drafted sixth overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2020 and has shown flashes of elite talent, though his development has been hampered by injuries.
The right-shot defenseman is considered a strong puck-mover with top-pairing potential, and he brings a much-needed offensive element to the Canadiens’ blue line. Drysdale will become a restricted free agent (RFA) at the end of the 2024–25 season, giving Montreal control over his rights and a clear window to negotiate a long-term extension.
This move signals that Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is committed to building around his young core, continuing to stockpile high-upside talent to complement players like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovský. While full details of the trade have yet to be confirmed, the addition of Drysdale would represent a calculated investment in Montreal’s defensive future.
For Drysdale, the opportunity offers a fresh start in a high-pressure hockey market, where he could emerge as a key piece of the team’s rebuild—if he can stay healthy and reach his potential.
Leave a Reply