Montreal Canadiens passing on Nils Lundkvist helped avoid an overpay

The Montreal Canadiens were reportedly interested in trading for defenceman Nils Lundkvist. There was a belief that the team would make a run at the Swedish defender, who has yet to really break out as the prospect he was expected to be.

It was rumored that the Montreal Canadiens might be looking to bring in Nils Lundkvist to aid the team’s defence core. A Winning Habit Co-Expert Ken MacMillan wrote about this as recently as Sunday; there was intrigue to bring in Lundkvist and see if the change of scenery helps him figure it out.

MacMillan notes that Lundkvist could have a ceiling as a top-four defender. However, it seems that the Canadiens were too late to the trade talks as he was moved elsewhere. It was reported that Lundkvist is headed to Dallas to join the Stars after being traded from the Rangers organization.

Lundkvist was sent to the Stars for a first-round pick in the 2023 draft, which could be an absolutely stacked draft. The Habs may have missed out on Lundkvist, but the cost may have steered Kent Hughes away from pulling the trigger on a trade.

Montreal Canadiens avoided overpaying for Nils Lundkvist.

Giving up a first-round pick would have been a steep overpay for the Canadiens. Even trading for Lundkvist, who has upside but has not exactly proved himself yet. He’s supposed to be a big-time defender, and the Stars may have just hit on a future defender for their defence core, but giving up a first-round pick is tough to stomach.

Even though the Canadiens have some holes in the defence core, avoiding giving up a first-round pick is a victory. Avoiding overpaying for a 22-year-old defender is good for the Canadiens, who can hope to strengthen their defense core from within.

With strong performances from the young defenders, the Habs can fill some of the weaker spots they have. For the Habs, avoiding Lundkvist should be viewed as a good thing, being able to give up one of their first-round picks.

The Canadiens have two first-round picks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, but giving one up, even for Lundkvist, is a poor choice. While the initial hopes to trade for Lundkvist were good, overpaying would have been detrimental to the Habs, who are rebuilding.

While they are trying to rebuild, even if it’s on the fly, keeping both of their 2023 NHL Entry Draft picks should be more important for the team’s future.