The Montreal Canadiens are one of the most storied franchises in NHL history, known for their passionate fan base, rich tradition, and a legacy of success. However, in recent years, the team has been in a rebuilding phase, as they’ve worked to rebuild their roster and recapture their former glory. As the 2024 NHL trade deadline approaches, rumors are swirling that the Canadiens could be looking to move several players to further accelerate this rebuild. The team, under the guidance of general manager Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St-Louis, has been in a transition period, and these potential moves could signify another shift in the team’s long-term strategy.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the latest rumors surrounding the Montreal Canadiens and which players could be on the move in the coming months.
The State of the Canadiens’ Rebuild
The Montreal Canadiens are currently in the midst of a rebuild. After a surprise run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2021, which ultimately ended in disappointment, the Canadiens’ front office made the decision to pivot toward a long-term rebuild. They began this process by trading away some of their more veteran players in exchange for prospects, draft picks, and young players who could help the team build a competitive future.
While the Canadiens have some promising young players like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Kirby Dach, they are still in a phase of development. The team’s roster remains a mix of veterans who were once key players but are now aging, and younger, up-and-coming talents that have yet to fully establish themselves. The challenge for Kent Hughes and his team is to continue building around their young core while finding ways to stay competitive in the short term.
As a result, there have been growing rumors that the Canadiens could be active in the trade market as the trade deadline approaches. Moving some players who don’t fit into the team’s long-term plans could help the Canadiens acquire more assets to further their rebuild. But who are the players that could be on the move?
1. Josh Anderson: The Power Forward on the Move?
One of the most talked-about players in trade rumors surrounding the Canadiens is Josh Anderson. The 6-foot-3, 222-pound winger is known for his power game, physicality, and speed. He has the potential to be a game-changer for a team looking to add a big, fast forward with some offensive upside. Anderson’s size and skill set make him an attractive target for contending teams looking for depth on the wing, particularly those who need a player who can add a physical edge to their lineup.
Anderson has a contract that runs through the 2026-27 season, with a cap hit of $5.5 million. While his salary is manageable for a player of his skill level, the Canadiens may look to move him for a couple of reasons. First, his production has been inconsistent, and he has yet to fully realize his potential as a top-six forward. Second, with the Canadiens’ ongoing rebuild, it may make sense to trade a player who is in his prime but isn’t likely to be part of the team’s long-term future.
Contending teams such as the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, or even the Colorado Avalanche could show interest in Anderson as they look to add a physical presence for their playoff pushes. If the Canadiens are offered the right package of draft picks or prospects, Anderson could be on the move before the trade deadline.
2. Joel Edmundson: The Veteran Defenseman
Another player who has been a frequent subject of trade rumors is Joel Edmundson. The 6-foot-4, 219-pound defenseman is known for his physicality, leadership, and experience. Edmundson has played a crucial role for the Canadiens since being acquired in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes prior to the 2020-21 season. However, his role with the Canadiens has diminished somewhat as the team’s defensive core has evolved, and with the team’s rebuild in full swing, it may be time for Edmundson to move on.
Edmundson, who has one year left on his current contract with a $3.5 million cap hit, could be a valuable addition to a team looking for a steady veteran presence on the blue line. Contenders in need of defensive depth, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, or St. Louis Blues, could be interested in bringing in Edmundson to bolster their back end as they push for a playoff spot.
For the Canadiens, trading Edmundson would not only free up cap space but also provide another opportunity to acquire future assets to aid in their rebuild. Edmundson’s leadership qualities could also make him an attractive target for teams looking to add experience to their locker room heading into the postseason.
3. Christian Dvorak: A Valuable Center with Trade Potential
Christian Dvorak is a name that has been floated in trade rumors for much of the past year. The 27-year-old center was acquired by the Canadiens in 2021 from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a package that included a first-round pick. Since then, Dvorak has been a steady presence in the middle of the ice, but his production hasn’t quite lived up to expectations, particularly considering the cost of the trade.
Dvorak has a solid two-way game and is capable of contributing offensively, but with the rise of younger centers like Suzuki and Dach, Dvorak’s role on the team could be somewhat redundant. Additionally, as the Canadiens continue to build for the future, they may look to move Dvorak while he still has significant trade value. A playoff contender could be interested in Dvorak’s ability to play in all situations, particularly if they need to add depth down the middle.
Teams like the Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders, or even the Pittsburgh Penguins could be in the market for a center like Dvorak, especially with the increasing importance of depth down the middle in today’s NHL.
4. Jonathan Drouin: The Wild Card
One of the most intriguing names in the trade rumor mill is Jonathan Drouin. The former third-overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft has shown flashes of his elite skill but has struggled with consistency and injuries throughout his career. Drouin is a dynamic playmaker, but he has often been unable to put together a full season of top-tier production. After a tumultuous time in Montreal, including an extended period away from the team due to personal reasons, Drouin is in the final year of his contract with the Canadiens.
Despite his inconsistent play, Drouin’s talent still holds appeal to teams looking to add a player with elite vision and playmaking ability. However, his injury history and lack of consistency could make him a risk for some teams. Montreal may look to move Drouin at the deadline, particularly if they are not willing to re-sign him in the off-season. Teams in need of a skilled winger, like the Anaheim Ducks or the Detroit Red Wings, could be potential suitors for Drouin’s services.
5. The Future: What’s Next for the Canadiens?
As the 2024 NHL trade deadline draws closer, the Montreal Canadiens are poised to make some difficult but necessary decisions. Moving players like Josh Anderson, Joel Edmundson, Christian Dvorak, and Jonathan Drouin could help the Canadiens further stockpile draft picks and prospects, which is crucial for their long-term rebuild. These moves would provide the team with more flexibility and allow them to focus on developing their younger talent, including the likes of Suzuki, Caufield, and Dach, while continuing to add pieces that will help them contend in the future.
The Canadiens are a team in transition, and with a clear vision for the future, Kent Hughes and his management team will be looking to move assets that don’t align with that vision. With a plethora of NHL-caliber players who could be on the move, the Canadiens could be active participants in the trade market as the season progresses, and their decisions could have a lasting impact on the team’s trajectory for years to come.