The Canadiens are a speedy team, with their respective lineup comprising a young, classy core that complements the future of the club. However, with the win-now attitude of many franchises going into the coming years, including the other Canadian teams in the NHL.
The Current Stance of the NHL
It is evident that the Montreal Canadiens' management will have to make a significant splash to secure a playoff-worthy team that can advance past the first round and perhaps compete in the postseason with a gritty squad.
For many teams in the league who are rebuilding or securing a playoff-worthy team themselves require desperate winger scoring, which means the Habs may be in business to deal away a coveted forward.
The reason is that the return they can secure is coveted because the team has plenty of depth and can utilize it in a manner to become even stronger on the ice. This return can fetch an intense top-two center or winger who is experienced in crucial high-percentage plays.
Alex Newhook of the Montreal Canadiens
Alex Newhook is a talented young forward who is a pure goal-scorer, who, in my opinion, will be a good trade bait if the price is right to trade away the winger. His services to another team would be vital in an upcoming squad.
His ability to make plays for his teammates is unique in nature, coming clutch in many low-to-high percentage plays on-ice. His gameplay is stellar, as he knows where to go to set up a scoring opportunity and often converts.
As a teammate and leader in the locker room, his guidance towards another young team may benefit and add more value to his worth in a trade, giving Kent Hughes the leverage to add grittier players to the team.
Toughness is a valuable asset in today's NHL, and it is highly regarded due to the presence of star players on each team who require protection from the league's more rugged players.
The Anaheim Ducks May Be a Good Trade Partner for the Montreal Canadiens
The first player that comes to mind with a top-two centerman leadership would have to be Frank Vatrano. He is also a good goal scorer and is still valued as a top-of-the-line forward. He can lead the team with Nick Suzuki and ensure ample scoring opportunities.
He is a talented veteran who can lead the team with his experience and knowledge of the game. His gameplay is compared to that of Adam Henrique of the Edmonton Oilers because both were teammates for quite some time.
This acquisition will give the Canadiens an added touch of a gritty game due to his size and ability to score in front of the net, making the goaltenders' lives miserable.
Second, I would ask for Olen Zellweger. He is a promising defenseman in the league. He will benefit from the Montreal Canadiens' coaching system and playing with seasoned veterans such as Noah Dobson, Lane Hutson, and Mike Matheson as a top-four defenseman.
Zellweger would complement the speed of Dobson when on the forecheck and the gameplay of Lane Hutson with his skating ability. Mike Matheson is a veteran leading the way. Olen Zellweger would definitely give the defence system that type of dominant effect.