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Montreal Canadiens: Three Bold Habs Trades To Take Advantage Of Struggling Teams

By Ken MacMillan

Oct 2, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bertuzzi battles for position against Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard (58) in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bertuzzi battles for position against Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard (58) in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

Edmonton Oilers

Okay, taking on Klingberg’s contract for one year and dealing with a division rival is kind of bold, but what if the Canadiens actually just throw caution to the wind? The most desperate team in hockey right now is the Edmonton Oilers and they are ripe for the picking at this point.

They have a huge goaltending problem and dropped to last place in the NHL standings after losing to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night. They also fancy themselves as Stanley Cup contenders so they need to make a drastic shift to correct things. They probably still see Stuart Skinner as part of the solution in goal, but he could use a veteran running mate to help him along.

The Oilers also desperately need to rid themselves of Jack Campbell’s hefty contract that pays him $5 million per season for three more years after this one.

If the Canadiens really want to add a boatload of futures, they would take on Campbell’s contract, send Allen the other which means very little being added to the salary cap this season or next but a whopping $5 million cap hit the next two years.

The Oilers could run with a Skinner-Allen tandem this season with Allen arriving as a trusted veteran and leader that can help calm a dressing room that is walking on eggshells at this time. He can also offer reliable consistent netminding for a team that can outscore some problems buts needs to find confidence in their goaltender again.

It would really cost the Oilers though, as there is no way the Canadiens take on Campbell right now without also getting a first round pick and a top prospect like Xavier Bourgault. The Oilers are desperate for help, and Allen could help settle things down while Skinner finds his game and they turn into a solid tandem for the Oilers.

The big win for Edmonton would be moving on from Campbell’s contract and though it would be a pretty bold move to take that on, the Canadiens would really benefit from another first round pick (and could hope the Oilers continue to struggle) and a top local prospect like Bourgault.

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