Five Veteran Players Officially on the Canadiens Trade Block: Blockbuster Deals Seemingly Imminent
Although some fans hoped that the Montreal Canadiens could compete for a playoff spot this season, recent games have clearly shown that Martin St-Louis's team is not yet at that stage in its rebuilding process.
Even though the Canadiens have many talented young players, the majority of them have not yet reached their full potential. Furthermore, despite the fact that the organization is moving in the right direction, it is clear that it could take longer than expected to reach its destination.
However, this uneven season could be beneficial in the long term. Indeed, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will have the opportunity to add another quality prospect in the next draft, with several promising forwards such as Macklin Celebrini, Cole Eiserman, Ivan Demidov, Konsta Helenius, Berkly Catton, and Cayden Lindstrom all likely to be available in the top-10.
Moreover, knowing that his lineup is not yet ready to compete with the best teams in the NHL, the Canadiens' general manager might be tempted to trade some veterans by the trade deadline, in order to bring a breath of fresh air to the Montreal team.
According to Marco D'Amico of Montreal Hockey Now, three veterans could potentially leave the organization in the coming months, namely Sean Monahan, Christian Dvorak, and David Savard. Although these three players play an important role in Martin St-Louis's lineup, they would allow the Canadiens to add very important assets for the coming seasons.
"« The fact that the Montreal Canadiens are no longer in the playoff picture could also trigger a significant sale of veterans, who outnumber the club's youngsters, in order to make more room on the team and gain space in the future.
The Canadiens could be tempted to trade players like Sean Monahan, Christian Dvorak, David Savard, and others for future players, which could benefit them in the future and allow them to go big game hunting with a larger margin of maneuver in 2024.
There will be interest from rival clubs, and general manager Kent Hughes has publicly stated that the club would probably acquire more draft picks throughout the year, so a minor sale, at the very least, is to be expected. » - Marco D'Amico"
Veterans Tanner Pearson and Jake Allen can also be added to this list.
The former Vancouver Canucks forward will become a free agent at the end of this season, and it would not be surprising if Kent Hughes wants to trade him to get some return before he leaves for free. Having a lot of experience in the NHL, many teams looking for depth as the playoffs approach could be interested in acquiring him.
As for Jake Allen, it is inevitable that a Canadiens goalie will have to be traded soon. Given that the 33-year-old goalie is currently struggling, unlike Samuel Montembeault and Cayden Primeau who are very solid, he could be the one sacrificed by the management. Moreover, he would represent an ideal choice to back up a top goaltender, possibly allowing the Canadiens to obtain a first-round pick in a potential trade.
One thing is certain, the coming months will be very busy for general manager Kent Hughes, who will have to make several heart-wrenching decisions that will undoubtedly impact the future of the organization. So, don't be surprised if the Canadiens are very active by the trade deadline.
| POLL |
28 NOVEMBRE | 304 ANSWERS Five Veteran Players Officially on the Canadiens Trade Block: Blockbuster Deals Seemingly Imminent Which veteran player do you think will get the Canadiens the best return? |
| Jake Allen | 75 | 24.7 % |
| Sean Monahan | 175 | 57.6 % |
| David Savard | 35 | 11.5 % |
| Christian Dvorak | 19 | 6.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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