BREAKING: Montreal Canadiens Now Identify 3 Potential Summer Trade Candidates

The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up to bolster their forward lineup this summer, aiming to enhance their scoring capabilities for the upcoming NHL season. As the current season winds down and the NHL Draft Lottery picture becomes clearer, the Canadiens are determined to build on their progress and contend for a playoff spot next year.

While the development of promising young players like Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, Joshua Roy, and Alex Newhook has been promising, the team recognizes the pressing need for additional scoring prowess among their forwards. Despite the strides made by their youth, the Canadiens acknowledge that relying solely on their natural progression won’t suffice to address their goal-scoring deficiencies.

Fortunately, the Canadiens possess surplus young defensemen, available cap space, and a wealth of draft picks over the next couple of drafts. This positions them favorably to make significant additions to their roster during the rebuilding phase.

Considering their circumstances, let’s explore some potential options for the Canadiens to bolster their forward corps:

Trevor Zegras

It appears that Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks could be on the move this summer, as the 23-year-old forward has struggled to meet expectations under new head coach Greg Cronin.

Following a contentious contract negotiation that led to Zegras missing training camp, coupled with unfortunate injuries, this season has been a disappointment for the talented young player. Consequently, a change of scenery may be necessary to reignite his career.

With promising chemistry between Juraj Slafkovsky and Nick Suzuki, and the potential addition of Cole Caufield alongside Zegras and a returning Kirby Dach, the Montreal Canadiens could solidify two formidable scoring lines for the future.

While concerns about Zegras’ commitment to defense and alleged attitude issues have surfaced, investigations into these matters have largely debunked them as “fabricated” or “exaggerated.”

Having already notched two 65-point seasons, Zegras possesses the potential to thrive in Montreal’s high-tempo, offensive system.

Given his current season’s performance, Zegras may be available at a more reasonable price than initially anticipated. Although the Canadiens have expressed interest, Ducks GM Pat Verbeek has resisted trade discussions.

Considering the trajectory of Zegras’ season, it’s highly likely that he’ll be on the trading block in the offseason.

Martin Necas

The Carolina Hurricanes are facing a critical juncture regarding their roster, with the potential need to sacrifice a talented forward to maintain salary cap flexibility and retain key players.

Currently, the Hurricanes have several pending free agents, both restricted and unrestricted, with limited projected cap space of around $30 million to re-sign them all. Among this group are notable players such as newly acquired winger Jake Guentzel, breakout star Seth Jarvis, veteran Teuvo Teräväinen, and crucial defensemen Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce.

To navigate this financial challenge and sustain their competitive window, the Hurricanes may need to consider trading Martin Necas, who is a restricted free agent seeking a significant salary increase. Despite being just 25 years old, Necas has already demonstrated his offensive prowess with a breakout 71-point season last year and continued productivity this season, tallying 23 goals and 52 points in 70 games. Known for his speed and size at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Necas possesses a rare blend of skill and physicality coveted by teams like the Montreal Canadiens, especially under the leadership of GM Kent Hughes and EVP Jeff Gorton.

Considering Carolina’s lack of veteran defenseman signed beyond the 2024-2025 season and limited defensive prospects with NHL potential, the Canadiens could emerge as an intriguing trade partner for the Hurricanes. This potential exchange could provide both teams with the assets they need to address their respective roster needs and bolster their competitiveness in the league.

Kent Johnson

Kent Johnson, though lacking in proven experience compared to others, stands out as a player brimming with untapped potential, especially with the arrival of new management in the Columbus Blue Jackets.

With Columbus set to welcome a wave of young talent and likely securing another top-5 pick, Johnson could emerge as an intriguing asset for potential trades, offering the club a chance to bolster their resources for overall team improvement or to steer their rebuild in a more effective direction.

Given Columbus’ limited early-round draft picks, the Montreal Canadiens present an appealing option for trade partnerships, boasting a rich pool of picks, prospects, and NHL-ready defensemen who could seamlessly integrate into Columbus’ lineup.

While some might argue for Patrick Laine as a trade candidate due to his disappointing season, his hefty $8.7M cap hit and accompanying issues might deter the Canadiens, making Johnson a more attractive choice.

Similar to Kirby Dach of the Chicago Blackhawks, Johnson has shown promise in his debut season, only to face setbacks due to limited opportunities and injuries that halted his progress. However, with successful shoulder surgery behind him and a solid 40-point campaign to his name, Johnson could prove to be a shrewd addition for the Montreal Canadiens, who have a track record of successful reclamation projects.

Despite being less established compared to others mentioned, Johnson holds the potential for the highest value among the trio discussed.