Five Moves the Montreal Canadiens To Consider Before Deadline

As the March 7th NHL trade deadline approaches, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves at a crossroads. With the team still on the outside of the playoff picture, management is grappling with whether to continue pushing for a postseason spot or take advantage of the opportunity to sell assets and build for the future. While the season has primarily been about information gathering, there are several moves the Canadiens should consider to balance their short-term competitiveness with long-term planning. Here are five potential moves Montreal could make before the deadline:

1. Moving Jake Evans

Potential return: 2025 or 2026 1st round pick

Jake Evans, a key player on Montreal’s penalty kill, has been the subject of trade rumors, especially after the Canadiens were unable to extend him before the deadline. The 28-year-old has shown he can contribute offensively while remaining a strong defensive presence. His potential return could include a first-round pick, possibly from a team looking for a reliable depth forward. Montreal could use Evans as a trade chip to acquire a high-value pick in a future draft, which would help them further stockpile assets as they build for the future.

2. Moving Joel Armia

Potential return: 2025 2nd or 3rd round pick

Joel Armia has been a solid penalty killer and a strong puck possession player for the Canadiens. His size and playoff experience make him an attractive option for teams looking for depth on the wing. With the Canadiens in a selling mode, Armia could fetch a decent return — likely a second or third-round pick. Additionally, Montreal could use their retention slot to ensure they get the value they desire for Armia, potentially even packaging a later-round pick in a deal that helps Laval prepare for an extended AHL playoff run.

3. Acquiring AHL Veteran Centre

Potential cost: 2025 late-round pick

With the injury to Kirby Dach and the possible trade of Jake Evans, the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, will face some depth issues at centre. To ensure Laval stays in a strong position for the playoffs, Montreal should look to acquire a veteran AHL centre to help stabilize the team and provide leadership as they push for a playoff spot. The Canadiens could likely acquire such a player with a late-round pick, providing Laval with the depth they need while also helping the organization maintain a competitive presence at both the NHL and AHL levels.

4. Acquiring NHL Depth

Potential cost: 2025 3rd round pick

Given the likelihood of trading Evans and Armia, the Canadiens could find themselves thin on NHL-ready depth. Acquiring a player or two who could fill out the roster for the remainder of the season, and potentially beyond, would be a wise move. Ideally, these acquisitions would be players under team control, such as pending restricted free agents, to ensure Montreal’s depth can remain strong for the foreseeable future. A 3rd-round pick could be enough to secure a middle-six forward or a bottom-pairing defenseman, strengthening the team in the short term while offering flexibility for the future.

5. Moving David Savard

Potential return: 2025 4th round pick

While David Savard’s play has been less than stellar this season, his experience and leadership are still valuable. However, Montreal’s management is likely looking at the future of their defense, particularly with prospects like Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher in the pipeline. Savard could be a candidate for a trade, especially if Montreal is unable to get their desired return. If Savard’s value is low due to his current performance, the Canadiens might need to settle for a mid-round pick, possibly a 4th-round selection. If Savard is open to a move, Montreal could look to trade him to a team that needs defensive depth for a playoff push, freeing up space for younger players to get more NHL experience.

The Canadiens’ trade deadline strategy will likely be a balancing act. They will likely be sellers but not to the extent of a full roster dismantling. Management wants to keep the Laval Rocket competitive while also evaluating young talent in pressure situations. This means that while some veterans like Jake Evans, Joel Armia, and David Savard could be on the move, the Canadiens may not completely strip their NHL roster. Instead, Montreal could look to add a few pieces to provide depth for the remainder of the season and continue to build their future, all while ensuring their AHL affiliate remains strong for an anticipated playoff run. The March 7th deadline will be crucial in setting the stage for the Canadiens’ next phase of competitiveness.