Hockey

Transactions: three Canadiens in The Athletic’s top-13 players to watch
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Transactions: three Canadiens in The Athletic’s top-13 players to watch

Now that the American Thanksgiving holiday is behind us, the NHL transaction market is about to get busy. It started yesterday with the deal that sent Anthony Beauvillier to the Blackhawks in Chicago.

It's not a transaction, but seeing Patrick Kane sign in Detroit also changes the market.

As teams become more aware of their strengths and weaknesses, it looks like the trade market could finally open up in the coming weeks.

So who could be traded?

Chris Johnston of The Athletic has painted a picture of the 25 players on his Big Board. It's a list of guys who are likely to change address between now and the deadline, which is March 8.

Here's the result:

The first observation is clear: the first four positions are occupied by members of the Calgary Flames. Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov are, in order, the columnist's picks. Still.

But a second trend quickly emerges: the situation of the three Canadiens goaltenders is attracting attention across the NHL. Why is this? Because two CH goalies are in the top-8.

Jake Allen is in seventh place and Samuel Montembeault is right behind him. Cayden Primeau is not in the top-25.

First observation? Jake Allen is ahead of the Quebecer. Does that mean we can take it as one more clue that he's the veteran? Perhaps, yes.

There aren't many options available right now for teams looking to improve in front of the net.

Allen may be the best fit in most situations. – Chris Johnston

What's interesting is that many people are divided over Jake Allen's value. Many think that his contract and current performance are working against him.

But while Johnston cites the goalie's partial no-trade clause (seven teams) and the fact that Allen loves Montreal as aspects that work against the CH, he believes that he has proven that he can be a good goalie for a club that needs one.

Johnston mentions that, given Samuel Montembeault's performance and contract, the Quebecer is probably the “easiest” of the club's three goalies to move.

But we know that the Habs probably want to keep him (Kent Hughes and the goalie's agent are negotiating), which no doubt explains why he's behind his Maritime colleague in The Athletic's rankings.

Sean Monahan is ranked 13th. The man who would have been in demand last year had he not been injured will be in the same position this year.

And since his contract is even more advantageous, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will have some big decisions to make.


In gusts

– Beautiful tribute.

– Read more.

– The CH will be in action tonight.

– Mathis Rousseau, a starter with Team Canada [BPM Sports].

– Will he leave?

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