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RUMOR: Canadiens Talking To Both Wild And Devils

By Patrick Lortie |
MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 08: Pavel Zacha #37 of the New Jersey Devils skates against Alexander Romanov #27 of the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at Centre Bell on February 8, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 08: Pavel Zacha #37 of the New Jersey Devils skates against Alexander Romanov #27 of the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at Centre Bell on February 8, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
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The Montreal Canadiens are in the final stretch towards the NHL Trade Deadline. With 7 days until the final day where teams can make trades, the Canadiens have been linked to many teams but some seem to be heating up more than others. This time around, it seems the Canadiens are linked to trades with both the Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils.

No, it’s not for P.K. Subban.

Let’s take an in-depth look at the players rumored to be linked to the Canadiens.

Jack McBain (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
Jack McBain (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) /

Jack McBain is a name that’s been floating around under the radar as of late. Fans of the Winnipeg Jets in the mid 1980’s might recognize his last name as he is the son of former NHLer Andrew McBain. The newer generation might connect the name more with a revered Simpsons character.

McBain is in a similar situation as Canadiens prospect Jordan Harris. The former 2018 third round pick for the Minnesota Wild has not yet committed to the NHL, much like Harris, meaning they do not have a professional contract as of yet.

McBain is currently in his 4th season with Boston College in the NCAA playing under a scholarship and has also represented Canada at the last World Junior Championship. He currently has 19 goals and 14 assists for 33 points in 24 games with Boston College.

The giant 6’3″ 205 lbs centerman plays a big 200 foot game and uses his long reach effectively. Scouting reports claim his shooting needs work and he’s not the quickest guy on the ice but works hard in the corners and isn’t afraid to use his large physique.

Pavel Zacha (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Pavel Zacha (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Pavel Zacha is the name that’s being linked to the New Jersey Devils. This comes with a little bit of intrigue but also a risk as Zacha has shown tons of inconsistency since the beginning of his playing career.

Zacha was drafted 6th overall in the 2015 draft by the Devils. He was advertised as a big centerman (6’3″ 210 lbs) with speed and grit and has a devastating shot. After being drafted he elevated his play with the Sarnia Sting of the OHL and had career highs in virtually ever offensive category with a scoring line of 28-36-64 in 51 games.

His success hasn’t translated to the NHL level as of yet but maybe that’s partly because he has been misused, as we have seen with his breakout season last year.

Zacha is not the player you pencil in at center for 20 minutes a night. His poor performances defensively might have affected his confidence as well as the team’s view of the man himself. That being said however, he has been switched to left wing where he seems much more comfortable since he has a lot less responsibility than a centerman would.

Last season saw him produce a scoring line of 17-18-35 in 50 games. This season he is on pace to breaking, or at least tie, these stats as he currently stands with a scoring line up 13-15-28 in 55 games.

The Brno, Czech Republic native is in the final year of his contract holding a $2.25 million cap hit and will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

Related Story. RUMOR: Canadiens Going Hard After Jakob Pelletier. light

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