Embattled Montreal defenseman Karl Alzner says all he wants to do is return to playing at the highest level, and if that means asking for a trade away from the Habs, there's a good possibility that will happen. In an interview with TVA Sports, Alzner stated he wants a regular role in the NHL.
"I want to have a chance to play, which I did not really have last year. I felt good in every game I played," said the 30-year-old. "It's hard to know what to do differently. I hope I have the right time when I return. I do not really know what to expect."
Alzner states he did not have an end-of-season meeting with Habs GM Marc Bergevin and adds his only interview was a "two or three minute" phone call with Joel Bouchard, coach of the Laval Rocket, Montreal's AHL affiliate. While he states he has not yet formally asked to be traded, he may be left with no choice.
"I do not want to make noise. At the same time, you want to make sure your voice is heard in a situation like that," he said. "I was probably open to the idea of being exchanged when I read between the lines. I would prefer to play at the highest level. Even though I enjoyed my time in Laval, I do not want a team to use me as a mentor. I want to be led and win. "
Alzner signed a five-year deal worth $ 4.625 million a season with the Canadiens in 2017. After a disastrous first season, he spent much of the next year in Laval, playing only nine games in the NHL. Alzner says he's not really interested in doing that again.
"I realize that my contract is hard to absorb for an organization. Most teams are near the ceiling. This is the disadvantageous part, but I want to find myself with a team where I feel desired. It's important to me."
-
