In an intriguing turn of events, the Montreal Canadiens have the chance to snag a promising talent from the waiver wire. The Calgary Flames have placed Jakob Pelletier, a 2019 first-round pick, on waivers, opening the door for the Canadiens to potentially strengthen their roster.

Jakob Pelletier, 23, was drafted 26th overall and has faced challenges breaking into the Flames’ lineup, accumulating just 37 NHL games over three seasons due to limited ice time. In that span, he has managed a modest four goals and six assists. However, Pelletier’s performance in the AHL has been stellar, where he recorded 48 goals and 63 assists in 119 games for the Calgary Wranglers, boasting an impressive 0.93 points per game.

Versatility is one of Pelletier's key assets; he can play both center and wing, showcasing untapped offensive potential. General Manager Kent Hughes might see him as a candidate for a reclamation project, yet there are concerns about his size—standing at 5’9” and weighing 170 pounds. While smaller players can thrive, Montreal must consider the overall balance of their roster and avoid overcrowding it with similarly-sized players.

When assessing the Canadiens' current lineup, potential openings for an outsider like Pelletier are limited. Although they could make roster moves—such as sending Oliver Kapanen back to Sweden or reassigning Alex Barre-Boulet or Michael Pezzetta to the AHL—none would guarantee Pelletier the necessary ice time to find his scoring groove.

The Canadiens’ track record suggests a cautious approach. While some fans might recall Paul Byron's rise after being given a real chance, many AHL standouts do not transition successfully to the NHL. Moreover, the Canadiens already have several promising prospects similar to Pelletier.

Another player attracting attention is Raphael Lavoie, who was recently placed on waivers by the Edmonton Oilers. Though he presents an interesting option, the current situation in Montreal doesn’t make his addition feasible. The Canadiens will also keep an eye on Nick Suzuki’s brother, Ryan, who also hit waivers, but claiming him might not align with their rebuilding strategy, which focuses on integrating players with proven credentials.

With a waiver priority ranking fifth overall, the Canadiens sit in a favorable position to make a claim, following only the Sharks, Blackhawks, Ducks, and Blue Jackets in priority. Notably, they can claim multiple players without impacting their priority status until November 1, when new standings will come into play.

As the Canadiens evaluate their roster, it remains to be seen whether they will take action on these players on waivers. With the season about to unfold, fans will be eagerly watching how this situation develops and if Montreal adds any new talent to their lineup. One thing is certain—these decisions could shape the trajectory of the team's season.