As the Montreal Canadiens approach the 30-game mark of the season, it’s becoming increasingly clear that there are some glaring holes in the team’s formation. On Sunday, we skimmed the subject with a light-hearted look at the Habs’ Christmas list, but one need demands serious attention: a reliable, right-handed shooting defenseman to stabilize the back end.
The Canadiens’ current defensive group lacks depth on the right side, particularly when considering the looming possibility of veteran David Savard being traded before the NHL trade deadline. While the Habs have promising prospects like David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux in the pipeline, neither is quite ready for top-four responsibilities. Reinbacher, having missed an entire season of development, will likely require a full campaign in Laval next year to regain his rhythm. Meanwhile, Mailloux, who made a strong push during training camp, still needs valuable time to mature in the AHL before realistically challenging for a roster spot next season.
That leaves the Canadiens in a tough spot. With no internal veteran options to anchor the right side, GM Kent Hughes will need to turn to the trade market or upcoming free agency to address this gap. Given the challenges of playing defensemen on their off-side, this is not an issue the Canadiens can ignore if they hope to remain competitive and accelerate their rebuild.
Potential Trade Targets
Rasmus Andersson (Calgary Flames)
The Flames have significant depth on the right side with MacKenzie Weegar and Andersson playing heavy minutes, but they’re thin on the left. Kevin Bahl, currently their most utilized left-handed defenseman, offers little offensive upside. A swap involving one of Montreal’s surplus left-handed defensemen could provide a mutually beneficial solution.
Seth Jones (Chicago Blackhawks)
Jones’ hefty $9.5M cap hit for the next three seasons makes this a tricky proposition, but if the Blackhawks retain $3M or so, he becomes a compelling option. Playing nearly 26 minutes per night, Jones would solidify the Canadiens’ top four instantly. Convincing him to waive his no-movement clause for Montreal might be a challenge, but imagining him paired with Kaiden Guhle is enough to make Canadiens fans dream.
Damon Severson (Columbus Blue Jackets)
With Ivan Provorov rumoured to be on the trade block, Columbus is reportedly in need of defensive options. Severson, signed for three more years at a reasonable $6.25M cap hit, could be a great fit for Montreal. However, his full no-trade clause complicates matters. That said, a move to escape Columbus’ struggles might be enticing for the veteran defenseman.
Simon Nemec (New Jersey Devils)
The Devils are stocked with right-handed options like Dougie Hamilton and Brett Pesce, while their left side is comparatively thin. Jonas Siegenthaler leads NJD’s left-handed group with just over 20 minutes per game. With Luke Hughes emerging as a key player, could Montreal entice New Jersey into a Matheson-centered trade involving Nemec?
Rasmus Ristolainen (Philadelphia Flyers)
The Flyers have reportedly made Ristolainen available. With two years remaining at $5.1M, his contract is reasonable for a player who logs over 20 minutes per game. He could step into Montreal’s lineup as their top right-handed defenseman immediately. A potential one-for-one swap with Mike Matheson could make sense, allowing the Flyers to add an offensively skilled left-handed option while the Habs gain much-needed right-side stability.
Kristopher Letang (Pittsburgh Penguins)
While not the ideal long-term solution, Letang remains a workhorse for Pittsburgh, leading the team with over 23 minutes per game. With three years left at $6.1M, the Penguins could retain salary to facilitate a trade. Letang may be willing to waive his no-movement clause to finish his career at home in Montreal, especially given his history as a former client of Kent Hughes.
Pending UFAs
If Hughes prefers a stopgap solution, several right-handed defensemen could be available as pending unrestricted free agents:
- David Savard
- Aaron Ekblad
- Neal Pionk
- Erik Johnson
- Travis Hamonic
- Brent Burns
- Tyson Barrie
- Cody Ceci
- Johnathan Kovacevic
- Jan Rutta
- Dante Fabbro
- Philippe Myers
The Path Forward
As the Canadiens navigate their rebuild, addressing the right side of the defense must be a top priority. While Hughes can rely on promising young talent like Reinbacher and Mailloux down the road, the immediate need for a reliable veteran cannot be ignored. Whether it’s through a well-timed trade for a proven top-four defenseman or a short-term addition in free agency, Hughes must act decisively to ensure balance on the blue line.
The Canadiens are inching closer to becoming a competitive team, but filling this gap will be key to their progress. With Savard’s departure looming, the time to address the need on defense is… soon.
