Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours, brought to you by Last Word on Hockey. With the trade deadline quickly approaching, teams are finalizing their rosters for the push toward the Stanley Cup. One of those teams, the Montreal Canadiens, is just two points shy of a wild card spot.
While they’ve decided against a full rebuild, signing Jake Evans to a four-year contract, they still face tough decisions regarding a few key unrestricted free agents. In this edition of NHL Rumours, we focus on Joel Armia and David Savard and what the Canadiens’ plans are ahead of the deadline.
Analysis: The Canadiens’ playoff hopes remain alive, so it’s no surprise they’re not leaning toward a full-on sell-off. The initial goal for this season was to play meaningful games in March, and they’ve done just that. Their rebuild is progressing, and they’re closer to becoming true playoff contenders.
That said, there’s still work to be done. GM Kent Hughes needs to carefully consider his options. Fortunately for Hughes, there’s no pressure. Unless a trade deal for Armia or Savard makes sense, he doesn’t have to move either player.
The Canadiens could keep them to make a playoff run, which could potentially lead to an extension for either player. As LeBrun points out, the Canadiens don’t need another fourth-round pick—they already have plenty. If no offers are compelling enough, don’t be surprised if both remain in Montreal after the deadline.
Other Trade Options for the Canadiens?
One intriguing point LeBrun made is that Hughes is reportedly looking to make a “hockey deal” at the deadline, similar to the trades for Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach in previous years. Hughes is likely on the lookout for another young, NHL-ready player who can help the team both now and in the future.
A name that stands out is Trevor Zegras. At 23 years old, Zegras has been a consistent trade rumor and could be just the kind of player Hughes is targeting.
Trevor Zegras
Currently ranked 33rd on TSN’s Trade Bait Board, Zegras could be a game-changer for Montreal. While it’s unclear whether the two teams will reach a deal, it’s definitely something to watch as the trade deadline nears.
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