Canadiens willing to trade two important assets to improve team for 2025-26

The Montreal Canadiens would be smart not to sit on their draft and prospect capital if they want to capitalize on their progress from this season. Montreal isn't far from becoming a contender, and the pieces they have in the pipeline are more than enough to supplement the current talent on the roster. At a certain point, you have to wonder when you have too much of a good thing, and that could be the Canadiens' way of thinking as they enter this offseason.

Chris Johnston reported on Friday morning that the Canadiens are open to moving one of their 2025 firsts and Logan Mailloux this summer. The Canadiens will pick 16th and 17th if they don't move one, which is slightly outside the range of where you want to be picking in this draft.

So, what would the Canadiens like to do with these trade assets? Are they considering a package deal to move up in the draft and secure a prospect like Carter Bear? They could maximize their return by moving the two assets together, as they might not receive full value if they were moved individually. Depending on how high they want to climb in the draft, it might take something else added to the trade to sweeten the deal.

The New York Rangers are a team to circle if the Canadiens want to move up in the draft. New York missed the playoffs this season but they are far from being in the mix for a rebuild. They are a bit light on defensive depth, and Mailloux could be enough to entice them to move back in the draft. If New York is actually considering trading K'Andre Miller this offseason, they might look to improve their depth in that area.

Mailloux is a valuable piece for the future of the Canadiens, but there is a long list of defenseman ahead of him on the depth chart. David Reinbacher is likely next in line to earn a spot on the blue line, and there are no gurantees Mailloux will get the call-up next season. It might be time to give him a chance to earn that NHL spot.