Lightning place 6-foot-6 center Jack Finley on waivers as Canadiens eye low-risk option


All Montreal Hockey has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA



Dec 18, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Jack Finley (62) is congratulated after he scored a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at Benchmark International Arena.

Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Lightning just placed center Jack Finley on waivers this Friday.

We’re talking about a true 6-foot-6, 227-pound colossus who is just waiting to break out.

With the rebuild in Montreal, the Canadiens are always looking for muscle and depth down the middle. Finley is a former second-round pick in 2020 who has shown what he can do in the American League.

This morning, fans are wondering whether the Habs should take a chance on the 23-year-old.

He has recorded 2 goals and 1 assist in 20 NHL games this season with the Bolts.

Let’s be honest, his average ice time of 8:57 is fairly limited for a player of his size.

A towering 6-foot-6 center becomes available as Lightning place Jack Finley on waivers

Despite everything, he sports a +2 rating, which proves his defensive effectiveness on a fourth line.

It’s not like the risk would be huge for Kent Hughes, especially with a league-minimum salary of $775,000 through 2028.

We can agree that his offensive production isn’t explosive, but his physical impact is undeniable.

At the end of the day, Finley could become a solid insurance policy for the Laval Rocket or an intriguing project in Montreal.

His offensive breakout may be slow, but he takes up a massive amount of space in front of the opposing net.

Previously on All Montreal Hockey

POLL

30 MINUTES AGO|19 ANSWERS

Lightning place 6-foot-6 center Jack Finley on waivers as Canadiens eye low-risk option

Should the Canadiens claim Jack Finley off waivers?