With NHL free agency opening, the Montreal Canadiens are looking to fill holes in their bottom six. Following the acquisition of Noah Dobson on draft day, the focus shifts to building around the core and ensuring depth. The Canadiens parted ways with Emil Heineman in the Dobson trade, and Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia are expected to hit free agency. That potentially leaves three regular bottom-six players out the door. While younger prospects may step in, the Canadiens will likely need to add experienced, inexpensive depth pieces who can help stabilize the roster and offer versatility. The Canadiens are transitioning from the asset-collection phase to team-building.

Here are three forwards the Canadiens should consider targeting in free agency to rebuild their bottom six:

Joel Kiviranta

If the Canadiens are looking for someone to slide into the role vacated by Heineman, Joel Kiviranta, who played for the Colorado Avalanche, could be a fit. At 29 years old, Kiviranta brings energy, speed, and a high work rate, traits that align with the Canadiens' current identity. He brings legitimate upside for a depth piece. Kiviranta had a productive 2024-25 season, scoring 16 goals while bouncing between the Avalanche's third and fourth lines. He's proven he can chip in offensively when needed, but he also plays a responsible two-way game and can handle penalty kill duties. A one- or two-year deal at around $1 million per season seems fair. With his skating ability and forechecking instincts, Kiviranta could begin the season on the fourth line but move up if injuries occur or if he earns more responsibility. In terms of cost-effective reliability, he's the type of player the Canadiens should be targeting.

Taylor Raddysh

Taylor Raddysh could be a player the Canadiens consider. Raddysh brings a strong two-way presence and a knack for being around the puck. He played a good role on the Washington Capitals' bottom-six last season. On a short-term deal, he offers low risk and moderate upside, a potential middle-six contributor who could add scoring depth and compete for minutes in training camp.

Michael Eyssimont

The Canadiens have built an identity around speed, puck pursuit, and relentless energy, making Michael Eyssimont a strong stylistic fit. Eyssimont has carved out a niche as a relentless forechecker with a high motor and good hockey IQ. Eyssimont brings pace and pressure to every shift. He averaged over 1.84 shots per game this past season despite limited minutes, a reflection of his shoot-first mentality and ability to generate offence through pressure. While he only scored nine goals, his analytics show that he drives play effectively and keeps opponents on their heels. He's also capable of drawing penalties with his speed and aggressiveness, an underrated skill for a team like Montreal that has a promising power-play unit heading into this season with Ivan Demidov in the mix. At just 28 years old, Eyssimont is in his prime and could be lured with a one-year “prove-it” deal. If the Canadiens want to increase their pace, he's a low-risk bet who could outplay his contract and earn an extended stay in Montreal.

The departure of Heineman, Dvorak, and Armia leaves a gap in veteran experience and bottom-six depth. The key is not to block the kids, but to give the coaching staff some flexibility and options. Depth wins games in the modern NHL, especially over an 82-game season. The Canadiens are approximately $3.4 million over the salary cap limit, with about $6 million available for trades and free agency. The salary cap is set to rise from $88 million to $95.5 million. The Canadiens must strategically navigate free agency to add size and skill to their forward lineup while managing tight salary cap constraints. Targeting players who fit their playing style will be crucial for the team's growth and competitive future.