Montreal Canadiens’ 2023 Trade Deadline Preview

The NHL Trade Deadline (TDL), which is on March 3^rd this year, is approaching fast. Last year, Montreal Canadiens general manager (GM) Kent Hughes was working his first-ever deadline with the club. Despite that, he was fearless in his approach, making deals only when the values he set were met. Also, he was willing to deal early, as seen when he dealt Tyler Toffoli to the Calgary Flames. 

Hughes has also shown a willingness to be creative to get what he wants. Look no further than the deal to take on Sean Monahan, where the Flames paid a conditional first-round pick simply to dump the last season at $6.375 million. Hughes could replicate both trading early while also being creative. With an early trade (four to six weeks before TDL), he could create some extra cap space, which could allow him to take on another contract for an asset. Doing so could take advantage of the fact there are so many teams at the salary cap ceiling or well into long-term injury reserve (LTIR). The Habs are also into LTIR, but they have several million to use as a cushion. He could also use the cap space and act as a third team in a trade, where Hughes could retain 50% on a rental player (player with an expiring contract) as an in-between, allowing that player to go from Team A to Team B while being paid with a good prospect or pick in return. 

In an interview with TVA Sports, Hughes was clear that he is looking to the future, part of that is his desire to add more 2023 first-round picks. He stated (in French) that even though the Habs have two first-round picks, ideally the team would have at least three in the upcoming draft. There are several teams that hold late first-round picks who may even be willing to part ways with it for the right fit. Hughes does have trade collateral, but what teams are most likely to gamble with a pick in a draft that is expected to be very deep? 

First-Round Picks Available for Canadiens 

There will be a limited supply of 2023 first-round picks available, which is why dealing early would benefit the Canadiens. So far, there have already been three dealt away. The Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers have all used their first-round picks from this season to make additions. In the case of Florida, they are the only ones to not place any protection on their pick, and of the three teams, they are also the only one vastly underperforming and sitting outside…