Sunday Habs Headlines: Looking at the free-agent options other than John Tavares who could take a top-line role

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

• Other than John Tavares, there may not be many free-agent options to take over top-line duties for the Habs next season. A look at two of the other candidates. [RDS | Google Translate]
• If you missed the news last night, the Canadiens signed undrafted OHL forward Hayden Verbeek to an entry-level contract. [EOTP]
• With yet another failure of a season for the Canadiens’ minor-league affiliate winding down, it’s time for change in the AHL. [TSN690]
• He just played his former team in the Buffalo Sabres, but Nicolas Deslauriers is very happy to now be with the Habs. [Buffalo Hockey Beat]
• Joni Ikonen recorded his first post-season point in yesterday’s game:/

Joni Ikonen (#Habs) ran the 4-on-3 power play for #KalPa against Tappara to get his first play off assist. KalPa tails Tappara 1-2 in the series. #EuropeanProspectReport for @HabsEOTP pic.twitter.com/waMtWeYKks

— Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) March 24, 2018

Around the league and elsewhere

• It’s college hockey free agent signing season, and one of the top defencemen will soon be off the board:/

Top college UFA D Daniel Brickley of Minnesota State has narrowed his list of NHL possibilities to five and is likely to make a final decision on where to sign in the next day or two or three.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) March 25, 2018

• We looked at the talents Brickley can offer a team, concluding he is perhaps ready to play a role in the NHL right now. [EOTP]
• Should they be able to make it in, the St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars could upset a few higher seeds in the playoffs. [Sportsnet]
• The Ottawa Senators will be offering a contract to Erik Karlsson on July 1, right at the beginning of the final season covered by his current deal. [NHL.com]/