Kaiden Guhle’s Future With The Canadiens Suddenly Unclear

The Montreal Canadiens are winning hockey games — and they’re doing it without one of their key defensemen. After three seasons where he’s missed signficant time, the question is quickly becoming, how much does Kaiden Guhle really matter to this team’s future?

The young blueliner, expected be a big part of Montreal’s defensive corps has struggled to stay healthy since he joined the NHL. When he’s in the lineup, he’s a big pieces of the team’s attack and eats big minutes. When he’s not in? The Canadiens don’t seem to miss a beat. Montreal has posted strong results in his absence this season, much like they did last year when Guhle missed significant time.

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With Jayden Struble stepping up as a reliable replacement and David Reinbacher waiting in the wings, Guhle’s spot isn’t as secure as it once was. The team spent big money on Noah Dobson, and then inked Lane Hutson to a long-term deal ($8.85M extension kicking in next year). Assuming the Canadiens are looking at a new deal for Mike Matheson, the Canadiens’ defensive payroll is about to get crowded fast.

At $5.5 million per season, Guhle isn’t an expensive player — but if he’s missing 20+ games a year, the math starts to shift. Montreal could use that money to address other needs, like a veteran 2C or a scoring winger.

What Would Be A Better Fit for the Canadiens?

Dose.ca argues that Guhle could be trade bait to get something else the Canadiens need. Some insiders have linked the Habs to Nazem Kadri, who would fill a major need down the middle. Calgary, which is in Alberta where Guhle is from, could use a stabilizing young defenseman as they continue to retool.

If GM Kent Hughes sees the Canadiens as ready to win now, moving a young defender for a proven center might not just make sense — it might be necessary.

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