Sniper Going Out In Marchessault-to-Canadiens “Sit Well” Trade?

According to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston, add Jonathan Marchessault to a list of names the Montreal Canadiens might have some trade interest in. Johnston pegged the Habs as a team to watch in the scribe’s second installment of NHL trade matchmaker.

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He writes:

“This is a move that would certainly sit well with Marchessault, which is important given the fact he’s got that NMC in his contract. The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner would bring some experience to the NHL’s youngest roster and should be able to add offensive pop to the Habs’ top-six forward group.”

If the Predators move on from Marchessault — which is possible despite the team’s recent string of victories — the Canadiens seem like a logical fit. Pierre LeBrun mentioned the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the Canadiens have a lot more working for them than the Maple Leafs do.

Can the Canadiens Make This Work? Patrik Laine?

Johnston adds, “…facilitating a trade for Marchessault would necessitate some money going out the door, with Patrik Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit the most obvious candidate to go.” It would be intriguing to see if the Predators would take on Laine’s contract. Barry Trotz has been known to take big swings, but of late, he’s struck out on his attempts to make the Preds an immediate contender.

Marchessault is a hometown favorite, but he’s never played for the Canadiens during his NHL career. “The Quebec native would be a popular addition for the fanbase,” Johnston adds. He played with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL and the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights before signing a lucrative deal with Nashville.

Next: Former Conn Smythe Winner Pegged as Match With Maple Leafs