Jeff Gorton recently joined The Sick Podcast – The Eye Test with Jimmy Murphy and Pierre McGuire. Yesterday’s article on this site covered a broad summary of his discussion, but today, let’s zero in on one key topic: the Trade Deadline.
Here’s what Gorton had to say when asked about the Canadiens’ approach as they remain “in the mix”:
“We have a plan and we’re not going to deviate from trying to build a team trying to win for a while. We’re not going to trade young players that we feel are going to be part of that. Kent and I just spoke about it this morning, after a week of scouting meetings. If there’s an opportunity to help these guys, they deserved it, we’ll see what happens […] leading up to the Four Nations break. If we can help them along, we’ll look for that.”
Gorton’s words echo the message GM Kent Hughes delivered last summer when the Canadiens acquired Patrik Laine. At the time, Hughes framed the move as a reward for the team’s tireless effort, even after falling out of playoff contention the previous season. So, what are the Habs’ options as the Trade Deadline looms? Let’s break it down into three potential strategies:
1. Rental Acquisition
The classic “buyer” move: targeting a pending UFA to bolster the roster for a playoff push.
What They Might Need:
Assuming the Canadiens hold on to their own pending UFAs, there isn’t much they need—barring injuries—aside from perhaps a replacement for Michael Pezzetta as the 13th forward when Emil Heineman returns. With one of the NHL’s best records since mid-December, the team has little reason to make drastic changes.
2. Mid-Term Addition
This could be the most likely scenario. The Canadiens might pursue a right-shot veteran defenseman with a couple of years remaining on his contract.
Why Now?
While Logan Mailloux develops in Laval and David Reinbacher rehabs from knee surgery, adding a stabilizing presence on the blue line could make sense. However, with Alexandre Carrier excelling on the second pair and David Savard holding steady on the third, the Habs would likely need a top-pairing RD to replace Mike Matheson.
This would require either trading Matheson as part of the deal or orchestrating separate moves to balance salaries. These “hockey trades” are often tricky to complete mid-season but not impossible.
Potential Targets in the Rumour Mill:
- Seth Jones (CHI) – Salary retention needed, but would he waive for Canada?
- Kristopher Letang (PIT) – A former client of Kent Hughes, also requires salary retention.
- Rasmus Ristolainen (PHI) – A similar contract to Matheson.
- Rasmus Andersson (CGY) – Previously rumoured, though talk has quieted.
3. Long-Term Needs
Given the Canadiens’ deep prospect pool, this path seems the least likely. However, management might consider a long-term upgrade if they believe it strengthens their roster or if there’s concern about a prospect’s development.
One Intriguing Name:
Simon Nemec, the Devils’ top defensive prospect and close friend of Juraj Slafkovsky and Filip Mesar, could be a wildcard. The 20-year-old recently expressed frustration about being kept in the AHL, though New Jersey has reportedly informed teams he’s not available. While a Nemec trade seems unlikely, his situation is worth monitoring.
Conclusion
The Canadiens’ brass remains consistent in its messaging. Whether it’s Jeff Gorton, Kent Hughes, or head coach Martin St. Louis, the focus is on progression, rewarding hard work, and playing meaningful games. The team is committed to staying competitive without compromising its long-term vision.
As the deadline approaches, expect the Habs to carefully weigh their options, balancing immediate needs with their broader plan for sustainable success. Either way, we should find out soon enough.
If we listen carefully and pay any attention to what Gorton said, they should have a pretty good idea by the time the 4 Nations break arrives. The last games prior that that break – including Tampa Bay visiting Montreal – are scheduled for Sunday, February 9th.
