Montreal Canadiens
Injuries Pushing Playoff-Hungry Team Into Urgent Trade Search
A growing NHL injury wave is driving early trade speculation, with the Canadiens searching for forward help amid high prices and few sellers.
The growing wave of injuries across the NHL is starting to shape the early-season trade market, and according to TSN’s Darren Dreger, no team is feeling that pressure more than the Montreal Canadiens.
Dreger noted that injuries are “fueling trade speculation and certainly trade interest across the National Hockey League,” and Montreal has become one of the clubs most aggressively searching for help.
The Canadiens have been hit hard by long-term injuries in recent weeks, leaving significant holes in their forward group. Because of that, Montreal is “scouring the league” for reinforcements. Dreger added that the Habs aren’t locked into targeting a specific position; while a center would help, they’re mainly looking for any reliable forward who can stabilize their lineup.
The problem? The market simply isn’t there yet.
Dreger noted that with so few sellers this early in the season and asking prices sky-high, Montreal is stuck waiting for conditions to improve or the right opportunity to present itself. That may take some time as most teams still believe they’re in the mix, even if they aren’t playing well.
Until the market opens, the Canadiens will have to hope their internal depth is enough to slow their recent skid.
Despite their struggles, the Canadiens remain third in the Atlantic Division, a testament to how competitive things still are. But if injuries continue to mount, outside help may become a necessity rather than an option.
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