Joel Armia: David Pagnotta targets four clubs

Joel Armia has been playing some good hockey lately.

The Canadiens’ big forward has rediscovered his offensive touch (seven points in his last 12 games), and he’s picked the right time to come out of his shell.

After all, the trade deadline is Friday, four short daysfrom now…

Armia’s recent performances mean that the market could well be active for his services.

David Pagnotta is one of those who believe in a deal involving the Finn, and the tipster on TSN 690 named four teams who could use the Joel Armia we’ve been seeing in recent weeks:

Edmonton Oilers
Vancouver Canucks
Vegas Golden Knights
New York Rangers

His comments can be found in the following audio clip:

ICYMI: @TheFourthPeriod joined @seanrcampbell vs. @MitchyGallo to discuss trade deadline week for the Habs. Listen: https://t.co/hkscpD2Q7T

– TSN 690 Montreal (@TSN690) March 4, 2024

All these clubs have something in common.

They’ll be in the next NHL playoffs… And they’re all looking to improve their bottom-6 .

That’s where a guy like Armia comes in, because he can do a lot of things on the ice.

He protects the puck well, he can play short-handed because he’s reliable, his forecheck is excellent because he controls his stick well…

What I’m saying is that when Armia uses his qualities, we’re talking about a good hockey player. We saw how useful he was to the Habs during the last playoff run (summer 2021) and teams remember that.

However, it’s the player’s contract that could complicate matters. Armia earns a salary of $3.4 million, but the problem is that his contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2025.

Kent Hughes will have to work hard to find a partner to dance with… But the veteran’s recent performances could also help the GM find a buyer.

And if Armia has another good week (tomorrow vs. Nashville and Thursday vs. Carolina), that’ll get the ball rolling even more.

In gusto

– We’ll see.

Jake Allen in net tomorrow.

Jayden Struble practiced today and looked comfortable, but Martin couldn’t confirm 100% that he’d be in uniform tomorrow.

RHP also practiced with a regular jersey. No confirmation for tomorrow in his case as well.

– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) March 4, 2024

– More fear than harm.

Appears to be alright

– Eric Engels (@EricEngels) March 4, 2024

– To be continued.

Kraken coach Dave Hakstol said Alex Wennberg was held out of morning skate and not available tonight due to “trade-related issues.”

– Kate Shefte (@KateShefte) March 4, 2024

– Great read on the Canadiens’ next opponents.

Nashville is a team long thought to be a trade deadline seller that suddenly has a strong hold on a wild-card spot. Plus, how the Panthers are now the team to beat, and the fall of the Devils.@dixononsports has the story. https://t.co/IjdBBMgaf3

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 4, 2024

– Three players in the waivers today.

Placed on NHL waivers today: Joel Hanley (DAL), Aaron Dell (LA) and Matthew Phillips (PIT).

– Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 4, 2024

– That’s impressive.

Jason Kelce just officially called it a career.

– 6x All-Pro
– 7x Pro Bowler
– Super Bowl Champ
– A top sports podcast
– His own youth charity
– His own documentary
– His own line of apparel
– Two Christmas albums
– $82M in career earnings

13 years, all in Philly. pic.twitter.com/bkkrfh00XJ

– Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 4, 2024