If Jeff Gorton and the Montreal Canadiens decided to make some substantial changes, who knows who he will want to keep and who will be on the trade block. More than the players desire to stay or go, a lot will have to do with the tradability and the return some of those assets could fetch the team. You don’t want to give them away either.
The Athletics writer Marc Antoine Godin spoke with several NHL scouts regarding the potential trade value of several notable Montreal Canadiens players. Lots of details and since it’s a paid subscription, I won’t translate the article, but here are some highlights…
Potential targets
It seems like a goaltender could be shopped. Several teams could have an interest in Carey Price but his contract and the fact that he has a full no-movement clause could make him difficult to trade. A few days ago, we looked at potential destinations for Price and what the goaltending tandem could look like without him.
If Price returns from offseason knee surgery, it might be worth offering Jake Allen. Sam Montembault or Cayden Primeau could be Price’s backup. According to the scouts, Allen could fetch a first-round pick.
Jeff Petry could draw some interest from some teams. He could bring in a couple of draft picks. His $6.25 million cap hit and no-trade clause could get in the way of a possible trade. Petry must submit a 15 teams no-trade list.
Ben Chiarot has been the player the most consistently in the rumours lately. Slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, he is believed to be worth a first-round pick. With the way injuries have followed the Habs this season, he will need to remain healthy.
Brendan Gallagher is another guy who would draw interest but his contract and no-trade clause could potentially be a factor. Gally would have to submit a list of 6 teams to which he would not accept to be traded to.
Of course, pending UFAs like Chiarot, Brett Kulak, Mathieu Perreault, Cedric Paquette and Chris Wideman will be shopped. It is also possible to see one of Joel Armia or Artturi Lehkonen (pending RFA) being put on the trade block.
Two other players have been in trade talks or rumours. Jonathan Drouin and/or Tyler Toffoli could be dangled to see what teams would give up to get them. Gorton could also try to unload Paul Byron’s last year of contract for peanuts.
Most of those changes though, particularly those with years left to their contract, would be easier to complete in the off-season as more teams will have cap space.
More reading…
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