The Montreal Canadiens are in good position thus far to make a run to the playoffs. Through 38 games, the Canadiens have a 20-12-6 record, good enough for 46 points and third place in the Atlantic Division. They even have a four point cushion for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
That's all well and good, but the Canadiens need to pull themselves away from the path and ensure there is no room for error. In this case, no room to fall out of a playoff spot. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to gain ground on the Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings, both of whom are ahead of Montreal. They've already dealt for Phillip Danault. Maybe a trade deadline splash could do the trick.
The Athletic's Chris Johnston, along with Pierre LeBrun, released their latest edition of "trade matchmaker" for top players who could be on the block and teams that present themselves as the best fits. For the Canadiens, Johnston matched them with Nashville Predators winger and Quebec native Jonathan Marchessault.
NHL insider Chris Johnston says Canadiens are best fit for Jonathan Marchessault
"This is a move that would certainly sit well with Marchessault, which is important given the fact he’s got that NMC in his contract," writes Johnston. "The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner would bring some experience to the NHL’s youngest roster and should be able to add offensive pop to the Habs’ top-six forward group...The Quebec native would be a popular addition for the fanbase."
If the Canadiens could manage to get Marchessault, that would be quite the dream for Canadiens fans. As Johnston mentions, he is a Quebec native, so he'd be an instant fan favorite. Not to mention he has a proven playoff track record, as he won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 and won the Conn Smythe Award for playoff MVP after scoring a league-high 13 goals (10 of which were even strength), and recording 12 assists through 22 games. That is exactly the kind of player the Canadiens need, especially if they plan on making a lengthy playoff trip and reaching the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2021.
This year, however, Marchessault's numbers aren't the greatest. Through 28 games, Marchessault has seven goals and three assists. These numbers are on a Predators team that is working their way back into the playoff picture after an abysmal start to the year. If the Predators ultimately decide to sell at the trade deadline, their top names like Steven Stamkos, Ryan O'Reilly, and Marchessault will all be popular.
Johnston mentions that Marchessault has a full no move clause, so he has a say on where he can get traded to. Considering he grew up in Quebec, Johnston hints that it could be a good match. But to facilitate the trade, the Canadiens would have to free up some cap space. Johnston mentions that one way they can do so is send Patrik Laine's contract to Nashville, as it would free up $8.7 million in cap space.
The Canadiens need to make a move to bolster their roster to ensure they have a more than great shot of making a run in the playoffs. Perhaps bringing in a proven playoff performer in Marchessault could do the trick.