Canadiens: Sean Farrell’s Strong Play Could Turn Him Into A Nice Trade Chip
The Montreal Canadiens offence has hit a bit of a bump in the road since Kirby Dach’s season-ending injury, and they could use some help.
One thing that has been promising for the Canadiens is their future, thanks to the play of some of their prospects. Sean Farrell has recently found his rhythm in the American Hockey League with the Laval Rocket. Due to his smaller frame, it seems likely that his future will come with another team; in the interest of not having too many smaller forwards, he could end up being moved.
With all things taken into consideration and the Canadiens deep defence prospect pool, a package deal could be put together. They could spare a young defender, with Logan Mailloux, Lane Hutson, and David Reinbacher all approaching their NHL arrivals. Bringing in another young forward will add to the young core, and when Dach returns, the offence could be that much better.
Now, this would take a bit of cap wizardry and asset management, Hughes, the stockbroker as some have called him. He is the perfect man to put together a package that benefits both the Habs and their trade partner. Jordan Harris and Jonathan Kovacevic could be viable additions to a package with Farrell and maybe a pick to persuade a general manager to make a trade.
Potential Trades For the Canadiens
With a hypothetical trade package put together, including Farrell, Harris and a fifth-round selection, let’s explore two trade targets that could make sense for the Habs.
A team seeking immediate help on their blueline could plug Harris right in, and Farrell could continue marinating in the AHL or play in the NHL if they deem him ready. So that should definitely give the Habs a little wiggle room towards facilitating a trade call and requesting a certain player’s availability.
My A Winning Habit colleague Suki Gill touched on kicking the tires on Anaheim Ducks 2019 first-round selection Trevor Zegras. Zegras and Caufield have prior chemistry from their United States National Team Development Program days. They were also a great addition to the American team during the World Junior Hockey Championships.
Zegras would immediately slot into the Habs top six and add another high-impact forward to the young forward core. It’s no secret that the offence has struggled in Dach’s absence, but the Canadiens could benefit from plugging Zegras into the top line. This would allow Josh Anderson to move down the depth chart and find his way against less talented competition.
Another option that could be of interest is looking at the struggling Edmonton Oilers. Now, the package might look a bit different, however. Edmonton desperately needs a goaltender, and the Habs have three, so sparing one, along with Harris or Farrell, to get a pick back, along with a young forward, could work. Take, for example, Dylan Holloway, 22, or Raphael Lavoie, 23. Both players are young, developing forwards, who could provide an excellent piece in the Canadiens’ top six for the future.
Lavoie might even come a little cheaper since he is a bit of a late bloomer. But the size and goalscoring package could be a nice addition to the Canadiens roster. Dealing from a position of strength to bring another puzzle piece to the offence is exactly the kind of move that Hughes should be looking into.
Want your voice heard? Join the A Winning Habit team!