Exclusive: Montreal Canadiens Trade Deadline Candidates

As the March 8th trade deadline looms closer, the Montreal Canadiens are a team worth keeping an eye on. While they are not expected to make acquisitions, they possess intriguing assets that might be traded. Who are the probable trade targets among the Canadiens players leading up to the trade deadline?

Trade Deadline Potential for Canadiens

Jake Allen

Jake Allen stands out as the likely candidate for a trade at the Canadiens deadline. The team has been juggling three goalies throughout the season, a situation that hasn’t been beneficial for anyone involved. Speculation about Montreal moving a goalie has been circulating for some time now. Sam Montembeault has taken on the role as the team’s primary goalie and secured a three-year contract extension. Cayden Primeau has also shown improvement in his limited appearances this season. On the other hand, Allen, aged 33, has not performed up to par and doesn’t seem to fit into the team’s long-term plans.

Given the demand for goaltenders across the league, it’s surprising that Allen is still with the Canadiens. While Kent Hughes mentioned the possibility of maintaining the three-goalie setup for the season, holding onto Allen doesn’t seem to be a wise decision for Montreal. Doing so would only hinder Primeau’s development, and it would be more practical for the team to capitalize on Allen’s value before his trade potential diminishes. Teams like New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Edmonton are in need of a reliable backup for the upcoming playoffs, and Allen could be a suitable option for them.

Joel Armia

Joel Armia had a slow start to his season. The forward initially joined the Laval Rocket following a disappointing performance at the training camp. Despite his struggles, Armia showcased his skills in the AHL, recording nine points in eight games. This strong showing helped him earn a call back to Montreal, where he has served as a reliable depth option for the team. Since returning, Armia has tallied twelve points in 39 games, with nine of those points coming from goals.

Armia has always faced criticism for his inconsistency, which could make some teams hesitant to pursue him given his $3.4 million average annual value (AAV). However, the Canadiens have a salary retention slot available, and while many expected it to be utilized in a potential Allen trade, using it to retain Armia’s salary could be a more beneficial move.

David Savard

David Savard stands out as the most valuable trade candidate among a trio of potential deadline movers. Right-shot defensemen are consistently in high demand and have historically commanded significant returns in deadline deals. A prime example is Savard’s trade to Tampa Bay in 2021, where the Blue Jackets secured a first-round pick in exchange for him. Although Savard may not merit a first-rounder in the current season, as evidenced by Hughes acquiring a first-round pick in a Ben Chiarot trade, surprises can happen.

The acquisition of David Savard brings a reliable defenseman to bolster a team’s top four. Notably, Savard brings championship experience and leadership from his Stanley Cup run with Tampa Bay in 2021. Additionally, he showcases offensive capabilities with 12 points in just 33 games this season. With a 3.5 million average annual value (AAV) and one more year remaining beyond the current season, the team acquiring Savard gains more than a rental player, potentially increasing the return for the Canadiens. Given the emergence of several young defensemen set to ascend to the NHL in the near future, the timing appears ripe for Hughes to initiate a trade involving Savard.

Despite already possessing 23 picks in the upcoming two drafts and a wealth of prospects and young talent, players like Armia, Allen, and Savard do not align with the Canadiens’ long-term plans and are therefore probable candidates for the trade deadline.