Montreal Canadiens’ Trade Plans: A Closer Look at the Future as the Playoff Race Looms
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves in an interesting position. The team, led by General Manager Kent Hughes and executive vice president Jeff Gorton, has been actively assessing its roster, and according to the reliable David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period (TFP), four players are currently available on the trade market: David Savard, Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, and, surprisingly, Jake Evans.
While the inclusion of Savard, Dvorak, and Armia on the trade block makes sense given their contracts and roles within the team, the mention of Jake Evans raises eyebrows. Evans, a gritty, hardworking center who has quickly become a fan favorite in Montreal, has earned respect with his consistent play and strong defensive presence. His availability is curious, especially as the team’s fortunes have improved and a potential playoff spot is within reach.
Pagnotta’s report suggests that all four players are on contracts that expire at the end of the season. This is a clear indicator that the Canadiens’ management, led by Hughes and Gorton, is planning for the future while considering the current competitive landscape. However, this raises an important question: will the Canadiens’ approach change if the team remains in playoff contention as the trade deadline nears?
The Case for Selling
Looking at the situation objectively, the Canadiens’ primary focus for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season is likely to be long-term success. Despite their recent winning streak and only being three points out of a playoff spot, the Canadiens’ roster is still in a rebuilding phase. The team is full of young, developing talent like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Kaiden Guhle. The key goal is to surround these young stars with the right pieces in order to make a deep run in future seasons, not necessarily to push for a playoff spot this year.
From this perspective, it makes sense for the Canadiens to continue with their plan and be active in the trade market. David Savard, a reliable veteran defenseman, has been solid this season, but with his contract expiring, the Canadiens could deal him for valuable assets—perhaps a draft pick or a younger player with more upside. Christian Dvorak, who has struggled to consistently produce offensively, could be another player that Montreal moves, especially if a team looking for depth at center comes calling.
Joel Armia, while contributing in various ways, has also been a player on the fringes, and his trade could clear more cap space for future moves. Finally, Jake Evans is an interesting case. The fan favorite has become an important depth piece for Montreal, but with his expiring contract, the Canadiens could test the market for him, particularly if a playoff contender is looking for a solid defensive forward and penalty killer.
The Case for Buying
However, the scenario changes if the Canadiens continue to win and push for a playoff spot as the trade deadline draws nearer. If Montreal is in a position to make a run at the postseason, management might reconsider their stance. The team is only a few points away from the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, and with the right additions, they could potentially make some noise in the playoffs.
In this case, Hughes and Gorton could pivot and look to acquire more talent, rather than trade away key assets. The Canadiens could add depth on the wings or bolster their defense to strengthen the roster for a potential playoff push. Acquiring a veteran scorer or an experienced defender could provide the necessary boost for a late-season surge. But at the same time, balancing the pursuit of a playoff berth with long-term goals would require careful evaluation of what players are available and whether any move would impact the future development of the team.
The Best Option: Do Nothing and Let Things Play Out?
An alternative approach would be to let the season play out without making any drastic moves. If Montreal continues to hover near the playoff picture, staying patient and assessing how the team performs down the stretch might be the most prudent course of action. At the same time, keeping the veterans like Savard, Dvorak, and Armia could provide stability in a playoff race, allowing younger players to focus on their development without putting too much pressure on them.
Letting things unfold naturally could also allow the Canadiens to make decisions closer to the deadline based on the team’s position. If they fall out of playoff contention, the focus could shift back to selling assets and building for the future, but if they are in a tight playoff race, keeping the roster intact—or even making a modest addition—could be the right call.
The Future of the Canadiens’ Trade Strategy
It’s clear that the Canadiens’ front office has been planning for the long term, but the next few weeks will test how committed they are to this strategy. If the team remains competitive, Hughes and Gorton will face a tough decision: stay the course and sell for the future, or make a push for the playoffs by adding pieces to the roster. Whatever path they take, it will be fascinating to see how the Canadiens navigate the remainder of the season, with the trade deadline potentially altering the trajectory of this rebuilding team.