Montreal Canadiens: Age-Specific Right-Defensemen To Target Via Trade

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has not been shy about bringing in young players that are yet to hit their stride. Such is evidenced by the Kirby Dach trade at the 2022 NHL Draft, and more recently, the acquisition of Alex Newhook from the Colorado Avalanche. The Canadiens have a luxury of young forwards, and with a couple of veterans still, within the organization, Hughes could swing for another deal.

The left side of the Canadiens blue line, and their prospect pool is pretty loaded, but the right side isn’t the same. Aside from Barron, Kovacevic and Mailloux, and Reinbacher in likely 2024, the right side is relatively bare when compared with the left. Should Hughes feel bringing in another age-specific right-shot defenseman is necessary, the Habs definitely have the assets to bring one in.

Options and a trade package?

League-wide, there are many fascinating options for Hughes to try and bring into the organization. Given the prospect pool and picks that the Canadiens have, it seems certain that if Hughes picks up the phone, he could present a nice package for a right-shot defenseman. Keeping with the age of the Canadiens’ core, it would seem fitting that a 21-25-year-old defender would be the target.

If you scan across the league, there are players that have underperformed and there are deep prospect pools that are loaded on right defence. If a team needs to add a piece, while leveraging their assets, the Habs could be the ideal trade partner. I think a package including a second, and a forward prospect (Kidney, Kapanen or Tuch) could get the ball rolling.

Let’s take a look at three options if the Canadiens decide to take a third swing at an underperforming talent.