Montreal Canadiens Trade Deadline Candidates is under preasure
Watching the Montreal Canadiens is exciting as the trade deadline of March 8th draws near. The team has some intriguing players that might be moving, but they aren’t in a position to be buyers at the deadline. So going into the trade deadline, which Canadiens players are likely trade candidates?
Candidates for the Canadiens Trade Deadline
Allen Jake
The most likely player to be traded by the Canadiens before the deadline is Jake Allen. All season long, the Habs have used a three-goalie rotation, which isn’t good for anyone. This is the reason for the rumors that have been circulating all season about Montreal moving a goalkeeper. With his rise to the position of starting quarterback, Sam Montembeault has earned a three-year contract extension. Cayden Primeau, who has made few starts this season, has also advanced significantly. However, Allen hasn’t performed well this season, and the organization doesn’t have any plans to use him in the future at the age of 33.
It’s actually pretty remarkable that Allen is still Canadian, given how many clubs in the league are in dire need of goaltender assistance. According to Kent Hughes, playing with three goalies might take the entire season. But Montreal doesn’t really have a good reason to hang onto Allen for the entire season. By taking this action, the team would just be restricting Primeau’s starts, so they might as well take advantage of Allen’s worth before he plays his way out of a trade. Going into the playoffs, clubs like New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Edmonton could all use a trustworthy backup, and Allen might be the answer.
Joel Armia
Joel Armia’s season got off to a dull start. After having a subpar camp campaign, the forward signed with the Laval Rocket for the 2019 season. But Armia showed his mettle in the AHL, netting nine points in eight contests. He was granted a second trip to Montreal and has performed admirably as a depth player all season. Armia has scored twelve points in 39 games since being promoted, nine of which have come from goals.
Armia’s flaw has always been his inconsistent play, which could scare away a lot of teams at 3.4 million AAV. Though many had assumed this would be utilized in an Allen trade, the Canadiens do have an open retention space. It could be better to spend it on Armia.
David Savard
In a deal, David Savard is the most valuable of the three deadline contenders. Defencemen with a right shot are in high demand and have usually brought a high price in trades made at the deadline. This includes the 2021 trade of Savard to Tampa Bay, when he acquired a first-round pick for the Blue Jackets. Although Savard’s value might not justify giving up this season’s first-round pick, Hughes managed to acquire a first in a Ben Chiarot trade, so you never know.
The team that signs David Savard will have a reliable defenseman who can complete their top four. Because of his cup run with Tampa in 2021, Savard brings leadership and a championship pedigree. At just 33 games this year, he has 12 points, showing some offensive upside. After this season, Savard gets one more year at a 3.5 million AAV. It should increase the Canadiens’ return because the team that signs him won’t be getting a rental player. The timing of Hughes’ acquisition of Savard looks ideal, given a number of young defensemen are about to enter the NHL in the upcoming seasons.
The Canadiens have a ton of young talent and prospects in their cupboard, and they already have 23 picks total in the next two rounds. But guys like Armia, Allen, and Savard don’t match the team’s plans, so the Canadiens will probably try to trade for them before the deadline.
