Karl Alzner Wants Another Chance at NHL, Even If Not With Canadiens

Sometimes the contract of an NHL player is just to high to warrant keeping them in the NHL if they’re not providing steady production. Such is the case for Montreal Canadiens defenseman Karl Alzner, who isn’t the player he used to be, but is being paid like the player he was at the height of his NHL career.

The Canadiens overpaid Alzner and then decided he was too rich for their blood, sent him down the AHL and really hadn’t given him much of a look since, likely expecting him to ride out of the rest of his contract as a vastly overpaid AHL blueliner.

For some, this fate would drive an NHL player crazy. Not every pro would accept such a demotion without complaining. Alzner hasn’t really said one peep and has gone about his business trying to do what he can, where he can. As a result, he finished second in voting as the Canadiens rep for the Bill Masterton Trophy.

Alzner doesn’t think he deserves any special credit for doing what most professionals should do. And, he has no desire to retire. That said, he would like another chance at the NHL.

As Arpon Basu writes in a recent Athletic column (subscription required), Alzner explained:

“This year was fairly difficult I’d say, just because I came in with different expectations. I had put in a really hard summer, so it was definitely disappointing just the way it even got going. But, I don’t know, we’ll see what happens. I have high hopes for this summer; I guess however this is going to play out, whether it’s summer or fall. I have high hopes for the offseason and what could happen for me. Hopefully getting an opportunity, whether it’s in Montreal or somewhere else. But if that doesn’t happen, then yeah, the tank will be running pretty low. So I’m hoping it doesn’t get to that.”

source- ‘How much perseverance does Karl Alzner have left? We will soon find out.’ Arpon Basu – The Athletic – 06/10/2020

Does Alzner Have a Shot?

It’s a great attitude to have and a positive outlook on his current situation, but Alzner may be facing an uphill battle.

As teams battle with a flat salary cap coming out of a pandemic and Alzner is still overpaid for what he brings, he might have a hard time convincing the Canadiens to bring him back up. They may also be in tough to find a trade partner, unless they somehow manage to find a team eager to hit the cap floor and the Canadiens willing to eat a bit of Alzner’s salary.

The good news is, there’s a ton of uncertainty heading into next season. Another strong offseason and some good numbers in the AHL with some injuries in the NHL, and Alzner might get another look.

Related: Oilers to Hold Off On Nugent-Hopkins Extension Offer