The Montreal Canadiens are expected to trade Patrik Laine soon after the roster freeze lifts, as his cap hit and lack of a clear lineup spot create obstacles for roster improvement. Alongside Laine, there are several other players who might be made available before the March 6th trade deadline if the right offers come in.
Montreal’s Goaltending Situation and Samuel Montembeault’s Role
Samuel Montembeault entered this season under high expectations after a strong previous year in which he recorded four shutouts and posted a career-best goals against average (GAA) of 2.82 across 60 starts. However, his performance has declined significantly in the current campaign, with his save percentage dropping to .875 and a GAA rising to 3.34. In an attempt to regain his form, Montembeault was briefly assigned to Laval for conditioning in December.
With Montreal introducing Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes as goaltending options, Dobes has emerged as the starter. To pursue a veteran goalie addition or keep Fowler with the team full-time, the Canadiens might need to trade Montembeault. While the return in such a deal may be limited, clearing his roster spot and salary could be more valuable for Montreal’s immediate plans.
Arber Xhekaj’s Position on the Blue Line
Arber Xhekaj has provided a strong physical presence on Montreal’s defense this season, leading the team with 135 hits. Despite his toughness, Xhekaj has struggled to make consistent contributions and has been in and out of the lineup recently. His ice time has notably decreased, with six of his last eight appearances before the Olympic break featuring less than 10 minutes on the ice.
As the Canadiens face a critical need for reliable defensive depth under coach Martin St. Louis, Xhekaj has yet to establish himself as a trusted option. For a rebuilding team aiming to add a 25-year-old defenseman with grit, Xhekaj could be a meaningful asset that Montreal would consider trading if it fits their broader roster strategy.
Kirby Dach’s Potential Trade Value Amid Contract Questions
Kirby Dach might come as a surprise on this list, but his inclusion in potential trade discussions makes sense for Montreal, especially when targeting players like Jordan Kyrou or Nazem Kadri. Dach, the third overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, has endured injury setbacks but showed signs of progress in the games leading up to the Olympic break. He recorded points in each of his last four outings, tallying a total of five.
Montreal faces a challenging decision with Dach’s upcoming status as a restricted free agent. If the team doubts their readiness to commit to a long-term contract, trading him before he reaches free agency could allow them to recoup value. Such a move could help improve the roster immediately or build for the future.
These potential trades illustrate how the Canadiens are navigating a season marked by urgency and pressure to reshape their lineup before the deadline. With the Montreal Canadiens trade deadline approaching, the moves they make could significantly affect their competitiveness and direction going forward.
