Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Unless there’s a change of heart, forward Christian Dvorak is set to leave the Montreal Canadiens.

He will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and based on his comments during his end-of-season press conference, expectations are high that he’s on his way out.

It unfortunately seems to be the end for him in Montreal, especially considering he increased his market value with a strong finish to the season and solid playoff performance.

Christian Dvorak’s Replacement Identified by Journalist Eric Engels Within the Montreal Canadiens

Engels, who has solid sources within the organization, didn’t hesitate to name who he believes will replace Dvorak as the Canadiens’ third-line center.

First, note that with the emergence of Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen, the expected arrival of Michael Hage at the end of next season, and a possible acquisition of another center by Kent Hughes this summer, Engels believes Dvorak’s time is up.

Kent Hughes himself has said he doesn’t want to block his young players and that giving them opportunity is a priority for him.

So, in the latest episode of the podcast The Sick Podcast With Tony Marinaro, the Sportsnet journalist revealed who he sees filling Dvorak’s role on the third line.

“If Martin St-Louis replaces Christian Dvorak with Alex Newhook and he plays on a line with Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher, the main change I see is that this line becomes more productive. […]

If Newhook can improve in the faceoff circle, he can become a very solid third-line center.”

– Eric Engels

So, Alex Newhook appears to be the chosen one, and I have to admit, I also believe he could be a strong third-line center.

Dvorak, age 29, recorded 33 points in 82 games this season, with a minus-5 rating.

Newhook, age 24, recorded 26 points in 82 games this season, with a minus-21 rating.