BREAKING NEWS: 4 Habs Already Packing Bags 4 Weeks From Trade Deadline

The Montreal Canadiens have established themselves as sellers, with the recent trade of Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets for a first-round pick marking the beginning of their selling phase. This is not unfamiliar territory for the Canadiens as they have been sellers in the past. Two years ago, they traded Tyler Toffoli to the Calgary Flames for a package that included a first-round pick, and they also dealt Ben Chiarot for a first-round pick along with other assets during that period.

Although last season was relatively quiet in terms of trades, the Canadiens continued to make adjustments and focused on selling and rebuilding their team. This season, they find themselves in a similar position, having already made a significant move by trading Monahan, one of their key trade assets.

What will happen next? Well, with the team reaching 50 points in 50 games, they are not in a position of utter embarrassment that demands a complete overhaul of the organization. They have promising young players already on the roster who will play crucial roles in the team’s future rebuilding efforts. These young talents are currently contributing to the team’s performance, keeping them competitive and on track for an 82-point season during this rebuilding phase.

The situation is not akin to the Chicago Blackhawks, who have Connor Bedard plus a roster of placeholders that need upgrading over the upcoming years.

Therefore, we shouldn’t expect a massive fire sale in Montreal in the near future. Nonetheless, as a team focusing on rebuilding and positioned far from playoff contention, they will continue to explore opportunities to sell off assets.

The trade deadline falls on March 8th and is precisely four weeks away. Certain Canadiens players are significantly more probable to be traded than their teammates. Let’s examine the four Canadiens players who are already preparing to make their moves within the next four weeks leading up to the trade deadline

Lucas Condotta

Lucas Condotta is unlikely to be traded by the Canadiens before the trade deadline. However, he is already preparing to potentially leave because Alex Newhook is expected to return to the lineup soon, creating a roster spot dilemma.

While Condotta has performed well for the Canadiens, when Newhook is back, someone will need to be reassigned. Given Condotta’s solid two-way play for the Laval Rocket, a team also chasing a playoff spot, his skills could benefit them in their playoff push.

The 26-year-old has appeared in three games for the Canadiens, recording 13 points in 40 AHL games with the Rocket earlier this season. It is likely that he will be sent back to the AHL once Newhook’s return occurs.

Pearson Tanner

When a team is facing challenges and transitioning into sellers mode before the trade deadline, the logical approach is typically to trade their pending unrestricted free agents. These players would likely depart for free in the summer anyway, so it makes sense to acquire assets for them now.

In the case of the Canadiens, they do not have many pending UFAs available for trade at the moment. Currently, the only players set to hit the open market this summer are Chris Wideman, who has been inactive this season, and Tanner Pearson, recently back from injury.

Pearson had a strong start to the season playing alongside veteran players like Sean Monahan and Brendan Gallagher but saw a decline in performance afterwards. Despite this, he remains a dependable veteran skater with good defensive skills and valuable Stanley Cup-winning experience, making him an attractive asset for contending teams.

However, due to his $3.25 million cap hit and modest production of eight points in 31 games, the Canadiens are unlikely to secure a significant return in a trade involving Pearson. By retaining a portion of his cap hit, they may be able to facilitate a deal with a team in need of an experienced fourth-line winger, possibly obtaining a 5th round pick in return.

David-Savard

NHL general managers often show a preference for players like Ryan Reaves, followed by veteran defensive defensemen known for their penalty-killing prowess and shot-blocking abilities.

While not in the same category as Ryan Reaves, David Savard fits the mold of a seasoned defensive defenseman who excels at penalty killing and shot blocking. Three years ago, he was traded at the trade deadline and played a crucial role in helping the Tampa Bay Lightning secure the Stanley Cup by providing solid defensive play, blocking shots, and killing penalties.

An interesting point of consideration is Savard’s improved offensive contribution this season, with 11 points in just 28 games compared to six points in 40 games before his 2021 deadline trade. This upturn in production might enhance his trade value beyond the level at which he was previously dealt for a first and a third round draft pick.

If a team puts forward a first-round pick in a trade offer, Savard will likely be on his way out of town promptly. Given his profile as a sought-after player type during this time of year, it’s reasonable to anticipate that he will be part of a trade deal soon.

Allen-Jake

The Canadiens should put an end to their trial of using three goaltenders. Not only has this experiment been previously attempted and proven unsuccessful, but it has also yielded predictable results. Therefore, continuing with it seems unnecessary.

Moreover, the insights gathered at the start of the season have provided clarity. It is evident that Allen is a reliable veteran option, a fact that was already known. Additionally, the emergence of Sam Montembeault as a potential solid NHL starter and the deserving presence of Cayden Primeau as an option have come to light.

Hence, the real revelation is that there is no longer a necessity for Allen, as a Montembeault/Primeau duo would suffice admirably.

Furthermore, several competitive teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings, are facing uncertainties in their goaltending position. While these teams are contenders with aspirations of championship success, they are also in need of goaltending assistance.

It is likely that one of these teams will eventually offer the Canadiens a desirable deal for Allen. It’s just a matter of time before he packs his bags and moves on to a new team.