Canadiens Linked to 4 Unique Trade Targets Amid Early Struggles

The Montreal Canadiens are 1-2-1 and on a three-game losing streak, and the rumor mill is already turning. GM Kent Hughes has never been afraid to make moves and he was linked in several speculated trade discussions over the summer. He didn’t pull the trigger on any blockbusters, but that doesn’t mean he’s standing pat.

Following another loss, this time a 5-2 defeat at the hands of the Nashville Predators, buzz is picking up. Here are a handful of names the Canadiens are still actively being linked to in trade chatter:

Dylan Larkin

Dylan Larkin remains the most prominent name on the board, and many see him as a great fit for the Canadiens. Frank Seravalli of Casino.org reported Oct. 6 that an NHL executive called Montreal “the one team with a chance to contend that can also give Detroit what it wants.” “Larkin could end this saga tomorrow if he added the Canadiens to his list.” said one NHL executive.

The catch is that Larkin has expanded his list of acceptable destinations but still hasn’t added the Canadiens. If things continue to drag out in Detroit, that could change. As of now, Larkin is waiting. TSN’s Darren Dreger noted, “I think that Kent Hughes is still looking to make a trade; in a perfect world he’d like to add another top six forward, and preferably it’d be a centerman; we know it’s not gonna be Dylan Larkin; the pool gets pretty shallow.”

Zach Whitecloud

The 29-year-old Calgary Flames defenceman has been floated in trade talks before. Per Daily Faceoff, insider David Pagnotta said Montreal had interest last season and that he isn’t sure where they stand now. Whitecloud has played four games this year without a point.

“I think it’s gonna be very difficult for them to keep him; sooner or later, somebody is gonna make them an offer, that they’re gonna do it,” reported Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast. Are the Canadiens the team to make a move?

Simon Edvinsson

The young Detroit defenceman wants out, and he has plenty of suitors. At least 10 teams are rumored to be in the mix, with Pierre LeBrun listing the Boston Bruins as the latest to join. With Edvinsson and Larkin preferring a fresh start, the Red Wings are in a tough spot.

Montreal can pull off a blockbuster like this, but the return is the real question. What pieces would the Habs be willing to give back in any trade? It will take removing someone important from their active roster.

On the topic of an Edvinsson trade to Montreal, Elliotte Friedman reports: “I’m told the ask is high, like a really good player or a couple of very good players. […] The other thing I was told about him is that I think Horcoff himself has worked with him personally on his development up through the organization, so Horcoff is especially convinced about the value of the player.”

Mark Scheifele

Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report believes Scheifele could land in Montreal, arguing the Canadiens need an upgrade at second-line center behind Nick Suzuki. Many think he would be a better fit than Larkin. Scheifele hasn’t asked for a trade, and the Jets are off to a 3-0-1 start. There’s no reason to trade Schiefele, particularly given the Jets’ desire to remain competitive.

Nick Kypreos reported that the Canadiens are among the teams asking about Scheifele, suggesting that Sam Montembeault would go back the other way. However, with Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson holding down the fort in Winnipeg, the Jets aren’t in a rush to do anything, which explains why a Connor Hellebuyck trade hasn’t happened yet.

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