Montreal Canadiens: Five Players Habs Could Buy At Trade Deadline
The Montreal Canadiens struggled for the past two seasons and entered this 2023-24 campaign as clear rebuilders. They were not fooling anyone into thinking they were a Stanley Cup contender right now, and many predicted a bottom five finish and an almost guaranteed last place showing in the Atlantic Division.
But, that's why they play the games they say. To see who actually fits where and the Canadiens have proven to be better than anticipated.
After walking out of Winnipeg with a W on Monday night, the Canadiens had 32 points in the standings with 31 games played. It put them on a pace for 85 points on the season. That doesn't knock anyone out of their chair (or off the toilet where most people read this stuff) but it is better than we thought two months ago.
Especially when you consider Kirby Dach played about a game and a half this season, Alex Newhook suffered a long term injury, Aber Xhekaj and Jordan Harris were injured and David Savard missed most of the season as well. Who would have thought the Canadiens had the depth to withstand those injuries?
Yet, they left Winnipeg just two points back of a playoff spot. We are approaching the midpoint of the season and Cole Caufield hasn't even gotten going yet. How is it possible the Canadiens are a breath away from a playoff spot?
There has been talk since the beginning of the season of trading veterans for draft picks and adding another high end prospect at the NHL Draft next spring, but are the Canadiens actually pretty good right now?
They have been lately and if they can keep it up for two more months they could be looking to buy at the deadline instead of sell. Of course, this isn't the year to sell top prospects and first round picks, but they could look to add some depth scoring at a reasonable price or try their hand at a low priced player with some upside.
Who could be on the shopping list if the Canadiens hang around the playoff race for a while? Let's take a look at five options.