Montreal Canadiens: Best Trade Bait For 2023 Trade Deadline

Paul Byron

Why Habs will trade him: Byron is 33 years old and entering the final year of his contract. He is not coming back in 2023-24 when he will depart and open up a roster spot for a deserving younger player. May as well trade him for something before he leaves as a free agent in July.

Why contenders will want him: Byron is a smart, veteran player and possesses blazing speed when he is healthy. Is a valuable bottom six winger, leader and penalty killer and could add depth to a team looking to go on a long run in the postseason.

Likelihood of deal: If he is healthy, the only thing stopping a trade would be his $3.4 million cap hit. The Canadiens would have to retain some money, but that’s not a problem since it would only be for half a season. He would need to prove he is healthy, but if he shows any value at all this season, he will be dealt

Best case scenario for Habs: This could work out really well for the Habs if Byron is able to get healthy, and start showing off that tremendous speed on a nightly basis once again. He may not be able to do that at this age, but if he can return to the player who regularly blew past defenders to create scoring chances, and routinely found himself in all alone on breakaways, he will get a decent return at the trade deadline.

Trade value: His age isn’t really a problem for a deadline rental, but his contract isn’t ideal, considering other fourth line wingers can be found for half the price. He hasn’t scored much in the past three seasons, but a contending team would likely part with a 5th round draft pick to add Byron as depth.