The Montreal Canadiens and Kent Hughes have made some splashes on the trade front in recent memory. Kirby Dach was acquired in a draft day blockbuster in 2022, while Alex Newhook was acquired leading up to last year’s draft. There are plenty of trade rumors swirling this year as well. The obvious suspects have been headlining the rumors as Martin Necas and Trevor Zegras continue to be watched around the league. However, the Canadiens aren’t willing to meet the current asks of those teams. With that being said, here are four other trade options that could help bolster the Canadiens top-six.
Montreal Canadiens Trade Targets
Patrik Laine
Pierre Lebrun just reported that Laine has requested a trade out of Columbus. Laine has struggled over the years with injuries but when healthy he has produced. At only 26 years old he still has the potential to be one of the league’s premier goal-scorers. At 6 foot 5, Laine also adds some much-desired size to the team’s top-six.
With his trade request known around the league and with his injury history, the Canadiens can get Laine at a relatively low cost. If he can reach his potential and stay healthy, he is exactly the type of player the Canadiens need to take the next step. Laine entered the NHLPA player assistance program earlier this year and can’t be traded until he exits the program which should happen soon considering his trade request.
Cole Perfetti
Cole Perfetti is a player who is just scratching the surface of his potential. At only 22 years old, he racked up 38 points with the Jets. Despite this, he received limited minutes down the stretch and was in and out of the lineup. He only suited up for one playoff game in the team’s first-round matchup with the Avalanche. This has led many to believe the Jets could look to trade the young forward. They are in a contention window after extending both Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebucyk to 8-year deals.
Perfetti could benefit from a larger role in the Canadiens under the mentorship of Martin St. Louis. He doesn’t bring the same size or tenacity as other players on this list but Perfetti has high-end skill. The Canadiens could certainly benefit from a player of his caliber in their top-six
Seth Jarvis
The Carolina Hurricanes are in a cap crunch this offseason. They have free agents like Teuvo Teravainen, Jake Guentzel, and Brady Skjei, as well as RFA’s in Martin Necas, and Seth Jarvis. While the former in Necas is the likely casualty, it’s possible Jarvis could hit the block. This is especially true if Jake Guentzel resigns at a high AAV.
The odds of Jarvis hitting the block is less likely than anyone else on this list but he would fit beautifully in the Habs top-six. Jarvis recorded a career high 68 points including 33 goals this past season. Jarvis isn’t big in stature but he plays a tenacious game and his mix of grit and skill would add nicely to the Canadiens young core if he is made available.
Dawson Mercer
The final Montreal Canadiens trade target is Dawson Mercer. His name is one that hasn’t received much trade chatter. However, Mercer’s third season with the Devils was a disappointing one. As a result, his value is as low as it has ever been. With the Devils looking to contend after a disappointing season, they may be willing to sacrifice Mercer.
After a sophomore year where he scored 56 points and 27 goals, Mercer saw a significant drop in points as he only registered 33 this season. Mercer is another player who could add some size and skill to the Canadiens top/middle-six. Much like Perfetti, Mercer is currently an RFA so the Canadiens would need to sign him to an extension following the trade.
With the team in need of an offensive boost, any of these four would be a welcome addition. The Canadiens have the assets to acquire any of these young players. Outside of Jarvis, they can all be acquired relatively cheaply in their current situations. Will we see the Montreal Canadiens pull off another draft-day blockbuster?
Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
