Three Montreal Canadiens Just Playing Out The String With Organization

The Montreal Canadiens did a little tinkering with their roster ahead of the trade deadline. Teams had until Friday, March 8th to make trades and get their rosters set for the postseason,

Of course, the Canadiens did not have to worry about the postseason, but they had a few players they wanted to trade to contending teams to get something that will help them in the future. As a rebuilding team, it makes sense to move out veterans, especially those on expiring contract, and get what you can in return.

The Canadiens made two great trades leading up to the deadline. One saw them move Sean Monahan, a pending unrestricted free agent, to the Winnipeg Jets for a first round pick. They could also get a future third round pick in the Jets win the Stanley Cup this season. (Go Jets Go!)

In a more surprising deal, the Canadiens traded Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils for a third round pick that can be upgraded to a second round pick if Allen plays 40 games or more next season. Also, whatever team Allen is on next season has to make the playoffs. The Canadiens had to eat half of Allen's contract so they will be on the hook for just under $2 million next season to have Allen play elsewhere, but it could net them a second round pick in the future.

There were a few other players that we know won't be around the Canadiens long term that could have been traded before the deadline but were not. David Savard comes to mind but he has another year left on his contract and will continue to mentor the young defense for a while longer. He could even stay through next season.

There are a few other players on the roster that we know won't be back next season. Here are three players that are just playing out the string with the Canadiens for the remainder of the season and will be gone in the summer.