Montreal Canadiens NHL Trade Deadline Outlook

Montreal Canadiens NHL Trade Deadline: Preview

Are the Montreal Canadiens NHL Trade Deadline buyers, or sellers? Much uncertainty surrounds this club – largely around the status of all-star goaltender Carey Price. Latest rumors suggest that Price may not return in 2015-16. Perhaps shutting down Carey Price is for the best. Why risk long-term damage in an attempt to salvage the season?

Shutting down Price doesn’t mean the Canadiens need to put all their eggs into the Ben Scrivens/Mike Condon basket (unless fans are okay with likely being a draft lottery pick). Rental options exist.

The NHL’s hottest team out of the gates grabbed hold of that top spot in the Eastern Conference, and showed no signs of relinquishing it. Montreal is now 27-25-4 (58 points), sitting 5th in the Atlantic Division. They went 2-12-0 in December, 3-7-1 in January, and 3-3-0 so far in February, totaling 8-22-1 over the last three months.

Montreal Canadiens NHL Trade Deadline Rental Goalie Options

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Yes it’s true, teams rarely target goaltenders as rental options. A couple of factors could change that. Firstly, Montreal is still in a position to make the playoffs. They don’t have a strong enough top six, or score enough goals – but a couple big additions make them that Eastern Conference powerhouse we remember from October/November. Secondly, the quality of rental goaltenders is extremely high.

Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes

Feb 5, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward (30) makes a save during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /

He’s currently day-to-day, and it’s unclear when/if he’ll be back (he may be done for the season – his status is uncertain). His entire career is plagued by injuries, rarely playing enough to earn his lucrative $6.3 million dollar cap hit. Generally speaking, the notion of acquiring Cam Ward seems comical, but for a team such as the Montreal Canadiens (where the dollars don’t matter as long as it’s under the cap) – why not roll the dice with a former Conn Smythe Winner? He was largely responsible for that improbable Hurricanes Stanley Cup victory. He’d strictly be a rental, and perhaps you can package him with Eric Staal to pull off a blockbuster.

*He carries a no-trade clause in his contract

Jonas Hiller, Calgary Flames

It’s been an ugly season for Jonas Hiller. Karri Ramo eventually stole the starter role in Calgary. Is he an upgrade on Mike Condon or Ben Scrivens? That’s debatable. He’s got the experience advantage over both, and makes for an affordable rental.

James Reimer, Toronto Maple Leafs

Feb 9, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer (34) attempts to make a save against Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (not pictured) during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports /

There’s nothing to suggest Toronto is openly shopping James Reimer. The rumors suggest they’d prefer to re-sign him. It’s not to say teams can’t call and see about his availability. One of the NHL’s best goalies in 2015-16 (when healthy) makes for another attractive rental option.

Chad Johnson, Buffalo Sabres

Here’s another situation where Buffalo may decide to re-sign Johnson, and perhaps trade Linus Ullmark. If plans are to move forward with Robin Lehner and Linus Ullmark, Chad Johnson’s performance this season is good enough to merit interest from other clubs. He would be an upgrade on both Condon and Scrivens.

Montreal Canadiens NHL Trade Deadline Top-Six Options

Falling short in one-goal games or struggling to put the puck in the net is an all too common theme for Montreal in 2015-16. A team with some very promising pieces in place, the Canadiens are still one productive top-six forward away from taking that next big step to becoming legitimate Cup contenders once again.

Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes

Rumors linked Staal with the Canadiens at one point this season, but talks fell apart. This a scenario the two teams can re-visit as we near the trade deadline – the numbers/figures may work a little easier now. Montreal needs a true number one center, and Staal fits that mold perfectly.

Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche

Feb 12, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey (27) battle for the puck in the first period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

His name was bantered about in trade rumors earlier in the season. The future of Colorado continues to show signs of promise, but this team is struggling to take that next step. Pieces may come together in 2016-17, but Joe Sakic knows his core group of players are struggling to click. Whether it comes by way of moving Semyon Varlamov to make way for Calvin Pickard and Reto Berra, or moving another player such as Gabriel Landeskog – something’s gotta give in Colorado.

Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks

The Canadiens weren’t part of his three-team list provided earlier in 2015-16. Although, the three teams provided made any trade virtually impossible. The Sharks have the ability to approach their long-time veteran to seek his approval. If the San Jose Sharks still believe they can win with Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, it’s the NHL’s most delusional organization. One or both of these guys need to be moved at some point.

Jonathan Drouin, Tampa Bay Lightning

Dec 30, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin (27) skates with the puck as New York Rangers defenseman Keith Yandle (93) during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Call this scenario possible, but less likely. Montreal may not have/be willing to give up the NHL ready pieces that Steve Yzerman wants in return. Unless either GM is willing to budge for the other one, it’s going to be tough to bring this talented superstar home. You know Marc Bergevin will try to find something that works, if at all possible.

Nazem Kadri, Toronto Maple Leafs

After the way Dion Phaneuf was talked up prior to being traded, some have speculated the same may happen with Leafs center Nazem Kadri. While it’s more likely that Toronto holds onto the talented young forward, there’s always a chance he’s being shopped. Kadri’s photos from childhood of him dawning a Montreal Canadiens sweater are well publicized – he’d probably love to play for them, if the interest is mutual. If the Leafs can pull off a trade with rival Ottawa, the same can be done with Montreal.

Next: Carey Price Likely Done in 2015-16

Radim Vrbata, Vancouver Canucks

A rental option that might be worth extending if he were to play well down the stretch. An upgrade on both Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann, Vrbata is a sniper who can put to the puck in the net – making this a natural fit.

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