Today’s selection of NHL rumours comes straight off the press from the hockey hotbed, known affectionately as Les Habitants, the Montreal Canadiens. This rumour may be none-to-surprising for folks who follow the Canadiens closely. However, there is an aspect to it that just might cause a stir throughout the NHL, in particular the GM circles.
EARLY TRADING – @PierreVLeBrun on Utah HC and the Habs exploring the trade market, and the role players Team Finland is eyeing for the 4 Nations Face-off: https://t.co/IlYuWZy7Sz
Be sure to watch an expanded Insider Trading later today on SportsCentre & https://t.co/BQGeAnElqf. pic.twitter.com/Xbleb7kZkt
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) October 24, 2024
NHL Rumours Exploring the Montreal Canadiens Plans As the 2024-25 Seasons Wears On
Pierre LeBrun of TSN’s Insider Trading, brings us the tea from within the NHL GM circles surrounding the Montreal Canadiens. It turns out, that even though it is early on in the season, Habs general manager Kent Hughes has been on the phone. LeBrun was quick to point out, that within the salary cap world we live in, trades at this time of the year are rare. However, it is a sign that Hughes won’t stand around and wait for opportunities to pass him by.
The motivation was that there was thinking that the team was hopeful of challenging for the playoffs. In contrast, realistically, and combined with some early injuries, the playoffs might be a bit ambitious. But the goal was for the Canadiens to be playing meaningful hockey throughout this year. Otherwise, how else are the young players going to take the next step in their development? Therefore, the fact that GM Hughes is on the horn, suggests the club is open to shaking some trees.
Narrowing Down on Specifics for these Montreal Canadiens Rumours
So, what does that mean in terms of potential targets? LeBrun didn’t get into any specifics, but detailed some of the known variables in the situation. First of all, the organization is in no way, shape, or form going to mortgage the future. They won’t be trading any top prospects just to make their team a little better in 2024-25. Furthermore, the club is right at the salary cap. This means that a trade would really have to be a very strategic hockey move. Somehow it would have to be an eye-for-an-eye and make sense to the Canadiens team composition.
Another way to look at it, is analyzing the pieces that are already in place. Patrik Laine‘s injury was very unfortunate. In contrast, when he gets back in the lineup, that will be a huge boost to the offence. Entering him back into the lineup would be akin to adding a big piece via trade, so that’s not necessarily a piece they need to explore at this time. Also, despite the loss to the New York Rangers where he allowed four goals on ten shots, starting goaltender Sam Montembeault has been reliable. Even with that game bringing his numbers down, he is still sitting at a .909 save percentage on the young season.
Their Defence Does Look Strong for the Future
Their defence, despite being young, and with some potential areas of concern, is a workable model. With the veterans in place like Mike Matheson and David Savard, it provides a good mix throughout their pairings. The young players on the blueline like Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, and Logan Mailloux will benefit mostly from added ice time. Therefore, disrupting that dynamic is not likely something Hughes will do at this time.
The type of player that Montreal would want to add, would be a depth contributor. Someone who is reliable, can fill multiple roles if need be, and add a little point production. It may seem easy in practice, but given the club’s current constraints, making it reality might be a challenge. However, with Hughes starting the process now, he will have a leg-up on the competition.
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
