Massive Trade Between the Canadiens and Sabres Involving a Star Centre Looming?

The Canadiens' GM is very likely not to select with this pick, as he will surely look to make an interesting offer to acquire a young established player, as he did in 2022 with Kirby Dach and last year with Alex Newhook.

Given the needs of the Canadiens and the few interesting young players on the trade market, Trevor Zegras's name is making noise in Montreal, but there could well be another very attractive option available.

Indeed, the Buffalo Sabres could seriously consider testing the value of center Casey Mittelstadt, the 8th overall pick of the 2017 draft.

Interestingly, the Canadiens selected his brother Luke in the last draft.

The 25-year-old forward is blossoming this season, having had a somewhat slow development in the NHL. However, the wait was worth it, as he has totaled 12 goals and 42 points in 49 games this season. He had 59 points in 82 games last year.

He will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season, and due to the deep pool of promising young players within the organization, combined with the team's lack of success this year, the Sabres' GM could be open to meeting needs through Mittelstadt's value, especially on defense.

With prospects such as Jiri Kulich, Matthew Savoie, Noah Ostlund, and Isak Rosen, plus the young Zach Benson already in Buffalo at 18, there will soon need to be room in the lineup.

As you probably already know, the CH organization is not lacking in defensemen.

A popular observer raised a very interesting trade foundation between the two teams. He suggests an offer from the Canadiens including the Winnipeg Jets' first-round pick, as well as defenseman Justin Barron.

In my opinion, the proposed idea is attractive for both teams. However, I believe something additional would need to be added from the Canadiens to conclude the transaction, such as a prospect or another draft pick.

Aside from Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson with the Sabres, there's practically no depth on the blue line. Adding a Barron would make a lot of sense, especially since the three mentioned defensemen are left-handed, and the Canadiens' defenseman is right-handed.

The summer of 2024 will be crucial for Kent Hughes in the success of the rebuild, and he will need to make significant moves to add two or three talented offensive players to his team.

Credit: Go Nordiques