The Montreal Canadiens surprisingly stayed in the race for a playoff spot longer than many would have thought after the injuries early in the season. Some players have stepped up, while others have struggled. This was never going to be their year as they are still technically in a rebuild. There are lots of talented players coming through the ranks very soon and a lot for fans and the organization to be excited about.
This trade deadline is one where the Canadiens need to once again focus on selling some key assets that will make the team better in the future. If the team sells correctly, they should lose more games, fall down the standings further, and hopefully get a better player from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. If they aren’t going to make the playoffs, and the chance they will is very low, then it’s better to succeed at the deadline and the draft. So what will make a successful trade deadline for the Canadiens? Let’s dive in.
Sell, But Don’t Overdo It
Most of the players that the Canadiens should look to move are veterans. They should definitely move a number of them, but not overdo it by clearing everyone out. After all is said and done, the ideal scenario is that Brandan Gallagher, Mike Matheson, Josh Anderson, and even Joel Armia are still around. After seeing those names, I’m sure I have to do some explaining.
The Canadiens are close to coming out of a rebuild, but they aren’t there yet. Armia, for starters, isn’t going to fetch anything. He has another year left on his deal at $3.4 million annual average value (AAV), and is declining. There is a reason why he was sent to the American Hockey League (AHL) after nobody would take him, and no team claimed him either. He is back with the team after that demotion and playing better. Just like it wouldn’t work having a full team of veterans, it would be even tougher for a team to succeed with little to no veterans as well.
Gallagher is another unmovable contract, but he is a leader in the dressing room, knows his role, and doesn’t have to fit in the top six. There is more than enough cap space to work with until his deal is done, and it will become less impactful the more the cap rises. Anderson has picked up his play after a tough start, and I believe he has more to give. There’s no use in selling low when he is a unique player who can play physically and contribute offensively at times.
As for Matheson, the defence is…
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