Montreal Canadiens
Canadiens Likely Hold on Trades Unless “Bottom Falls Out”
The Montreal Canadiens are no longer obvious sellers at the trade deadline and with their recent run, could hold off on trades.
Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period appeared on TSN’s Melnick in the Afternoon and admitted that the Montreal Canadiens and GM Kent Hughes are in an interesting position heading into the 2025 NHL trade deadline. Just three points out of the playoff mix, the Canadiens have gone on a bit of a run and put themselves in a spot where being sellers is no longer an obvious option. In fact, Bernstein believes the Canadiens may hold off on trades despite possessing several assets that could attract strong interest from contenders.
The only way Hughes makes a move, in Bernstein’s opinion, is if the “bottom falls out” on the season or teams come with offers too good to refuse.
The Canadiens Have Made This Season Meaningful
Currently, the Canadiens are working their way into in the playoff conversation, meaning it would be risky to dismantle a roster that could see postseason action. Trading key pieces, such as Jake Evans, David Savard, Mike Matheson, Christian Dvorak, or others would have been a quick decision if reasonable offers were made by other teams. Now, the Canadiens have to weigh what it means to move those pieces, knowing each subtraction from the roster could hurt their playoff odds.
Teams would have to come with strong pitches. Bernstein explains:
“Well, with the one caveat of, if someone’s going to offer you a first-round pick and a great prospect for David Savard, you’re going to make that trade, right? Right? If you get two seconds for Jake Evans, you’re probably going to make that trade…”
However, even if Hughes were offered multiple second-round picks for Evans, he would have to consider what picks they were and where they were coming from. Since they would likely come from playoff-bound teams and fall near the end of the second round, it’s not a slam-dunk decision.
The Canadiens Have to Support Their Players at the Deadline
For some teams, buying at the deadline sends the right message. If a club is competitive but needs to fill holes, going out and adding that missing piece is critical. In the Canadiens’ case, this season might be about sending the wrong message to the locker room by selling off pieces.
The Canadiens’ players have built chemistry and are performing above expectations. Trading away key pieces could pull the season out from under the team. To the stars and role players who have earned the right to experience playoff hockey, taking away their motivation to push seems counterproductive.
There is still time between now and the deadline, and anything can happen. What the Canadiens have done is give Hughes time to be patient and an opportunity to explore his options. He could sell if the return is right. He could hold firm and let the team try to make a run. And, if things really go well, he could become a buyer. The door is open for anything now.
Next: Conference Rival Unlikely to Bail Out Senators During Trade Hunt
