Montreal Canadiens Have What Nils Lundkvist Is Looking For

The Montreal Canadiens training camp is less than three weeks away, but that doesn’t mean the roster is set in stone yet. We could still see a few additions to the organization as the final free agent signings trickle in.

Or, possibly, we could see a big trade. The Canadiens made a blockbuster deal sending Max Pacioretty to the Vegas Golden Knights just hours before training camp began in 2018. General managers are constantly working to improve their team, and if recent reports are true, the Canadiens may have a golden opportunity to do so in the coming days.

A report out of New York suggests that Rangers young defender Nils Lundkvist is looking to be dealt. More than that, the Swedish blue liner seeks a team that will give him a bigger opportunity and a chance at some power play action.

The right shot defender is blocked, and blocked long term, by right defenders Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba and now Braden Schneider. With Fox one of the best power play quarterbacks in the league, Lundkvist is unlikely to ever get that role.

But who would be blocking him in Montreal? David Savard is their best right defender followed by Chris Wideman and Justin Barron is knocking on the door for a job. Lundkvist could easily have top four ice time with the Canadiens this season, and would only really need to battle Wideman for power play time.

Lundkvist was a first round pick of the Rangers in 2018 (when Jeff Gorton was their GM) and won top defenceman of the year in the Swedish Elite League in 2021. Last season was his first in North America and it didn’t go perfectly but it was literally his first season in North America.

Lundkvist, a 5’10” and 187 pound right shooter scored just four points in 25 games with the Rangers and had 15 points in 34 games with their AHL affiliate. He brings puck moving ability and skill which is something the Canadiens really need on their blue line as it has been lacking for years.

Though last season wasn’t great for Lundkvist, and he wants out, the acquisition cost would still be high. Christian Dvorak may make sense, but the Rangers are close to the salary cap and it would be difficult to fit. It would make more sense for them to target an entry-level contract roster player or a prospect.

Jordan Harris would make sense as he would help the Rangers on the left side where they need assistance. A younger prospect like Jan Mysak may be interesting to the Rangers if they are going to accommodate Lundkvist’s request.

Of course, the Habs are also loaded with draft picks in future years, so they could try to make a deal involving a pair of second round picks or something like that. Lundkvist was not great in his first year with the Rangers, but he is still young and won the best defenceman award in a really good league in Sweden as a 20 year old.

There is a great chance Lundkvist quickly develops into a puck moving, point getting top four right shot defender. Those are hard to find, but there is one on the market right now and the Canadiens should be looking to acquire him.

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