Ekholm on Habs Radar: Canadiens Eyeing Top Blue Line Trade Target

Call this nothing more than the potential interest by the Montreal Canadiens to bolster their blue line, but as per a report by The Fourth Period, the Habs are believed to be one of the teams interested in Nashville Predators defenceman Mattias Ekholm. According to the publication, interest has been there for some time and well before Ben Chiarot left Wednesday night’s game with an injury.

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Canadiens eyeing defenceman Ekholm? https://t.co/FChSO3hdod

— The Fourth Period (@TFP) March 11, 2021

Ekholm is the top trade target for most insiders this season. He’s become available out of Nashville for the right price, but there’s no guarantee the Predators will move him. As such, the asking price will be high.

At the same time, the Canadiens are not where they want to be in the Scotia North Division. A team that was almost completely reassembled in the offseason, many predicted them to be Stanley Cup contenders this season. GM Marc Bergevin believes they still are, but speculation is that adding a piece like Ekholm could be key to sparking this group and moving up the division standings.

What Is the Ask for Ekholm?

It is believed the price tag to acquire the defenseman could include a first-round draft pick, — or perhaps a second-round pick and at least one other piece. The Habs, of course, also have to consider what they are moving in return and the quarantine delay that comes with making a deal with an American team. If they move a useful piece, are they in a position to go two weeks without a player that could make a difference?

If the Canadiens decide to make a push and attempt to acquire Ekholm, they will have to compete with the Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers who are all rumored to be interested as well.

Next: Predators’ Top-Six Forward No Longer an Option for Maple Leafs