Examining the Montreal Canadiens trade options, in the rental market before this years NHL trade deadline.
The Montreal Canadiens have been rumored to be interested in making a trade all season. The Canadiens have a very deep roster, and they have many veteran players currently in their prime. The Habs also have the NHL’s best Goaltender in Carey Price.
However, the Habs have recently gone through a rough patch of injuries. The Canadiens have lost many important players at key positions. For example, the Habs are currently without Forwards Alex Galchenyuk, Andrew Shaw, David Desharnais, and Brendan Gallagher. The Canadiens are also without Defensmen Andrei Markov and Greg Pateryn.
Galchenyuk and Markov have recently returned to practice, but obviously the Habs are still missing many key pieces. The Canadiens have had to recall many players from their AHL affiliate team, the St Johns Ice Caps. The young players from St Johns have been solid, but their inexperience could soon catch up with them.
Habs Active on Trade Deadline Day
As a result, the Habs could look to make a trade to help add depth to their lineup. One way the Habs could attack the trade market is by going after some rental options, or players who have expiring contracts after the season. The Canadiens could land one of these players without having to sell the farm.
Canadiens General Manager, Marc Bergevin, has usually been active around this time of the year. He’s also not been afraid to make bold moves, that could bolster the roster. He has shown this by acquiring players like Jeff Petry, and Thomas Vanek, on past trade deadline days.
Some of these moves have worked out great, but some haven’t. Yet, there are some interesting names that could be on the trade block as the trade deadline approaches. Here are 8 players who are all considered rental players, that could be available, as we approach the trade deadline on February 28th.