According to top NHL insiders Pierre LeBrun, Elliotte Friedman, Darren Dreger, and Frank Seravalli, there’s an unusual level of trade chatter early this season. On his recent podcast, Seravalli noted that he’s never seen so many teams eager to make trades this early, yet struggling to find fits.
A Crowded Trade Market
Reports tie as many as 18 teams to trade rumours since the season began. While a few deals have been struck, many teams remain actively engaged in discussions. Here’s a breakdown of teams rumoured to be in the mix:
Eastern Conference
- Boston Bruins
- New York Rangers
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- New York Islanders
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Ottawa Senators
- Detroit Red Wings
- Montreal Canadiens
Western Conference
- Vancouver Canucks (potential move involving Zadorov)
- Edmonton Oilers
- Calgary Flames
- Colorado Avalanche (seeking goaltending help)
- Utah Hockey Club (depleted defense)
- St. Louis Blues
- Anaheim Ducks
- Seattle Kraken
- Nashville Predators
Canadiens needs and potential trade targets
For the third straight year, the Canadiens appear headed for another season without at least fighting for a playoff spot, a scenario that doesn’t sit well with fans or the organization. After offseason promises to “be in the mix,” it’s clear the team must address several pressing needs to transition from rebuilding to learning how to win. Yesterday, we looked at the Canadiens’ top trade baits. The following are three of the team’s biggest needs, and some potential trade targets to address those needs.
1. A Veteran Right-Handed Top-4 Defenseman
The Canadiens have depth in left-handed defensemen (Matheson, Guhle, Xhekaj, Struble, Hutson), but their right side lacks stability and numbers. Barron and pending UFA Savard – who could be gone by trade deadline – are their only natural right-shot defensemen.
Potential Targets:
- Rasmus Ristolainen (PHI): 30 years old, $5.1M cap hit (two years remaining), plays heavy minutes and penalty kill.
- Rasmus Andersson (CGY): 27 years old, $4.55M cap hit (one year remaining), possible availability depending on Calgary’s playoff position.
- Alexandre Carrier (NSH): 28 years old, $3.75M cap hit (two years remaining), capable penalty-killer and Quebec native.
- Jacob Trouba (NYR): 30 years old, $8M cap hit (two years remaining), a physical presence but requires salary retention and sweeteners.
- Kris Letang (PIT): 37 years old, $6.1M cap hit (three years remaining), a risky but intriguing option if the Penguins agree to a favourable deal.
2. A Starting or 1A Goaltender
While Samuel Montembeault has shown flashes of promise, questions remain about his consistency and ability to handle a starter’s workload. The Canadiens clearly recognize that they must address the position as they attempted to acquire Yaroslav Askarov from the Predators but balked at the asking price, reportedly blue-chip goalie prospect Jacob Fowler. The challenge is that there are very few goalies available and many teams looking for improvement in net, including Cup contenders.
Potential Targets:
- John Gibson (ANA): 31 years old, $6.4M cap hit through 2026-27, 4-1-1, 2.48 GAA, .922 Sv%.
- Petr Mrazek (CHI): 32 years old, $4.25M cap hit through 2025-26, 7-10-1, 2.79 GAA, .908 Sv%.
3. A Rugged Winger
The Canadiens could certainly use a bigger energy guy who can play meaningful minutes and like Josh Anderson, make opponents feel it when getting hit. A bonus would be if he can not only drop the gloves to protect his teammates – to help Arber Xhekaj in that department – but also to win his fights, something Pezzetta is unfortunately unable to do on a regular basis.
Potential Targets:
- Mathieu Oliver (CBJ): 27 years old, 6-foot 1-inch, 226 lbs. $1.1M, pending UFA
- Tanner Jeannot (LAK): 27 years old, 6-foot 2-inches, 220 lbs. $2.67M, pending UFA
- Keegan Kolesar (VEG): 27 years old, 6-foot 2-inches, 216 lbs. $1.4M, pending UFA
- Trent Frederic (BOS): 26 years old, 6-foot 3-inches, 221 lbs. $2.3M – pending UFA
- Martin Pospisil (CGY): 25 years old, 6-foot 2-inches, 175 lbs. $1.0M until 2025-26 – RFA
- Cole Smith (NSH): 29 years old, 6-foot 3-inches 195 lbs. $1.1M until 2025-26 – UFA
- Lawson Crouse (UTA): 27 years old, 6-foot 4-inches 214 lbs. $4.3M until 2026-27 – UFA
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Prolonged Losing
For the Canadiens to progress, young players must develop a winning mindset. Extended stretches of losing can lead to complacency, as seen in teams like Buffalo and Ottawa during their rebuilds. By addressing these needs, the Canadiens can instill confidence in their core group and begin competing on a nightly basis. It’s time to move past rebuilding and enter the learning-to-win phase.
