Two players to buy and one prospect to sell for the Canadiens at the trade deadline

Prospect to sell: Xavier Simoneau

The Canadiens are rebuilding, so it would be tough to see them parting ways with most, if not all, of their prospects. But if they were to sell one to another team in a trade package that would involve either Kaapo Kakko or the second player on this list, they would need to entice a team with a lower-ranked, but high-potential prospect from their pool.

The versatile Xavier Simoneau stands out, and the one major reason for his supposed lower ranking is thanks to his 5’6, 163 pound frame. But players like Simoneau can be deceptive, evidenced by his outstanding QMJHL career when he scored 86-plus points in two of his five seasons, and averaged over a point per game between 2018-19 and 2021-22. 

Simoneau played well enough to earn a spot on the Laval Rocket, where he has been since the 2022-23 season, and is on pace for 48 points in 67 contests this year. Not only is he good at finding open linemates and creating scoring chances, Simoneau’s relentless work ethic and ability to play all over the ice should win over other organizations. 

Putting Simoneau here is not saying the Canadiens should sell him because things haven’t worked out in the system. Instead, it’s all about trading away a prospect that should intrigue several NHL franchises to gain a young but established NHLer who can help the Habs start winning in 2024-25.