Transactions: 16 attractive targets for the habs between now and the Olympics

Tony Patoine
Transactions: 16 attractive targets for the habs between now and the Olympics
Credit: Screenshot/Twitter

As our friend Max Truman pointed out the other day, there will indeed be two transaction “deadlines” this year because of the Olympics.

That's going to make the next 10 days very interesting before the Olympic orgy!

So, a few lists and analyses of tradeable players appeared this week on sites like The Athletic and The Score, just to feed the beast.

I've subdivided them all and I'll share with you my views on those I'd identify as main targets if I were in HuGo's shoes.

Time for your second coffee, go!

“So, are the Canadiens going to make a move?”

The coveted Rasmus Andersson and Kiefer Sherwood were quickly snapped up with “honest” returns from the Golden Knights and Sharks.

As for the Canadiens, although they've already snapped up Alexandre Texier and repatriated Phillip Danault at little cost—amere second-round pick before the holidays—there's a feeling that Kent Hughes hasn't finished his work, as he undoubtedly hopes to 1) participate in the playoffs and 2) if need be, be more successful there than he was last year.

We'd be very surprised if the Habs don't make any trades between now and February 4, and even more so between now and March 6…

The needs

Hughes may have strategically hammered home in his mid-season review that Kapanen was a second center, but we can't completely rule out the possibility of another talented, experienced pivot joining the team in the coming weeks.

Then, even if it doesn't fall from trees, the addition of a power winger capable of scoring certainly can't be ruled out.

The “bionic Frenchman,” Texier, has done a fine job and has had a lucky hand of late. Dach and Bolduc have also had or will have their chance. But we feel that the Habs would ideally benefit from a little more muscle and consistency alongside Suzuki and Caufield, or at least in the top 9, with a view to the playoffs.

Unfortunately, we can't clone Slafkovsky.

Then, with Reinbacher likely to enjoy a full season in the AHL, it's not impossible that an experienced right-handed defenseman will make his way to the Metropolis.

Finally, another “need” for the Habs is simply to get Patrik Laine's contract off the books, if possible before the Olympics. And so, the Finn could be included in several of the scenarios presented below.

The most attractive logical targets

Let's focus on the teams outside the playoff picture that will be most likely to part with their players between now and February 4, some of whom the Habs are likely to be interested in.

The proposed order is very secondary…

1. Boone Jenner | C/A | 32 years old, free agent 2026 | $3.75M
Here's an ideal rental player (6'2, 204 lbs), as strong and feisty as you'd like, who isn't talked about enough. Jenner would bring experience, speed, versatility, grit, leadership, and a healthy dose of talent (25 points in 36 games this season).

The Ontarian would be quite a complement alongside Suzuki and Caufield and could also help on faceoffs if needed. He would be very high on my shopping list, and Kent Hughes seems to have chemistry with the Jackets' staff… Something to keep an eye on.

Price: It all depends on whether Jenner is simply a rental player or not, but the Jackets certainly wouldn't turn down a first-round pick in return for their captain and, since they're no longer in the early stages of a rebuild, perhaps they'd also like to give Kirby Dach a chance. Finally, a deep prospect ready to make the jump to the NHL, like Owen Beck, might also appeal to them as a complement. But not Patrik Laine!!!

2. Jake Debrusk | AG/D | 29 years old, free agent 2031 | $5.5 M
Without being a disaster, Debrusk may never have fully produced at the level of expectations placed on him in Boston. He was nonetheless quite effective in the playoffs and enjoyed a 28-goal season in Vancouver last year, his fourth 25-plus-goal season. In fact, his career goals against average is 24.75 per 82 games. Not to be sneezed at… Good size, fast, a good scorer, not too old, relatively honest contract, here's one who ticks a lot of boxes.

With Gallagher and Anderson's contracts set to expire in 2027, the versatile Debrusk could be a valuable addition to the Habs' top 9 for a long time to come. A more proven Bolduc.

Price: Ideally, first- and second-round picks, along with a prospect or young secondary player (Beck? Roy? Struble?) and the Canucks could be in the black. Laine could also enjoy the Pacific air and finish his season there…

3. Jordan Kyrou: | AD | 27 years old, free agent 2031 | $8.125M
Even deeper in the “big game” category, we have Jordan Kyrou. Bothered by a lower-body injury earlier this season, his 22 points in 41 games (-8) are not representative of his talent. There appear to have been serious discussions between the Canadiens and the Blues about him last summer, but in the end it was Bolduc who made his way to Montreal. If we add Texier, could Kyrou become the third Blues player to join the Habs this season? A rocket on skates and a 35-goal scorer when he's at his best.

With Kyrou, a star player belonging to any club's top 6, however, you have to wonder what it would cost the Habs.

Price: Would Hughes and Gorton be willing to sacrifice Hage or Zharovsky in return, since Kyrou would literally take one of the positions reserved for them in the top-6? It would make sense in a way. But I don't think HuGo would want to go there. Patrik Laine, Oliver Kapanen, David Reinbacher, Jakub Dobes, and/or a few first- and second-round picks would be more “digestible” possibilities. And let's not rule out the return of Bolduc, who really seemed to like it in St. Louis…

4 . Evander Kane | RW/D | 34 years old, free agent 2026 | $5.125M
Back to the Canucks! Hampered by injuries in recent seasons, the “subtle” Kane is no longer the productive player he once was, but he's still capable of upsetting opponents by imposing himself physically and probably wouldn't cost much to acquire. The Vancouver native has served the Oilers well over the past four springs, racking up 42 points in 68 playoff games. Use him wisely and sparingly to keep him fresh for the playoffs, as he can still play top-six minutes if need be. If he agrees to return to the East, Kane would be a nice little bet for Kent Hughes in the “bargain bin.”

Price: Laine, a second- or even third-round pick accompanied by a Category B prospect, could probably satisfy the Canucks, who acquired Kane last summer in return for a mere fourth-round pick. The kind of acquisition that would make a lot of sense at this point for the Habs.

5. Michael Bunting | AG/D | 30 years old, free agent 2026 | $4.5 M
Speaking of modest and logical acquisitions for Hughes, Bunting isn't the sexiest name on the market, but the good Michael scores around 20 goals, year in and year out, and would probably be inexpensive for potential buyers. Even if he's not the biggest (6'0, 186 lbs), he never hesitates to show up in the pay zone at the right time. Not to be underestimated in Hughes' and Gorton's potential targets. Bunting would solidify Martin St-Louis' top 9.

Price: If Barry Trotz is lucid and decides to sacrifice the playoffs, the Preds could be interestedin 2ndand 4th round picks and a Category B prospect in return for Bunting. Perhaps they'd also be willing to take Patrik Laine and his contract for the rest of the season? That would keep the playoff prospects alive for their fans…

6. Nazem Kadri | C | 35 years old, free agent 2029 | $7M
While Kadri is a polarizing player, here's a rumor or idea that won't die easily. Last November, I myself put forward the idea of a trade for Kadri involving either Kaiden Guhle, David Reinbacher, or Kirby Dach.

Of course, Oliver Kapanen has produced at an unexpected rate so far this season. Of course, Phillip Danault was added, another idea I'd floated in late November, a few weeks before his arrival… and Danault, of course, didn't cost Guhle! So, the context has changed. But, depending on what the Habs intend to do this spring, the addition of Nazem Kadri—still capable of producing some 60 points and 30 or so goals for a poor club—would add enormous depth to the Habs' attack for years to come. In any case, like him or not, Nazem would be very much in demand… There's a lot of talk of Dallas and a return to Colorado or Toronto in his case.

Price: Few players like Kadri will be available in the coming weeks, and the Flames will want to capitalize on that, as they did with Andersson. Will the Canadiens accept the asking price? There's no question of giving up Hage or Zharovsky, but the Habs might have to sacrifice two first-round picks, a second-round pick, and O. Beck for his services. The Flames could also be interested in one or more of the more seasoned young players among Kapanen, Engstrom, Reinbacher, Dach, Newhook, or even Guhle… Let's just say, the odds of such a trade are slim.

7. Ryan O'Reilly | C | 35 years old, free agent 2027 | $4.5 million
It's hard to talk about Kadri without talking about O'Reilly, the “other” very good experienced center on the market with an even better contract. I'm not sure that O'Reilly likes big markets like Montreal, but from a strictly hockey point of view, he would meet several needs for the Habs: experience, talent, left-handed center, size, leadership, etc.

Price: The Feet will be VERY greedy here and will probably outbid you. But O'Reilly will also decide where he wants to go. If he were to “choose” Montreal, Hughes might have to sacrifice Engstrom or Reinbacher, Beck, and first- and second-round picks. Or Oliver Kapanen as the main piece? Who knows! And let's not forget that, in his mid-season review, while Hughes “consecrated” Kapanen as a second-line center, he also ” sold ” him as such throughout the NHL!

8. Vincent Trocheck | C | 32 years old, free agent 2029 | $5.625 million
Not necessarily the first name that comes to mind, but still very productive, Olympian Trocheck compares rather well, even advantageously, with the Kadri and O'Reilly of this world. His affordable $5.625 million contract expires in 2029, when he'll be 35. However, he's right-handed, which for me is a little less attractive as the center of the second line…

Price: The Rangers will undoubtedly demand Oliver Kapanen, a top pick, and a prospect. At that price, I'm not sure it's worth it for HuGo, but hey…

9. Blake Coleman | AG | 34, free agent 2027 | $4.9 M
Still with the Flames, Coleman is another popular name in Montreal this winter. The feisty winger still seems capable of collecting his fair share of points, as well as being physically involved and useful on the power play. However, it's risky to think that he'd be a plug-and-play or ideal partner on the Suzuki and Caufield line. The American is better known for his usefulness on a third line. It was in such a role that he helped the Lightning win two championships earlier this decade, racking up 24 points in 48 playoff games. Like Bunting and Kane, he could solidify the top-9.

Price: Still under contract for next year, the Flames will probably ask for a first-round pick, or two second-round picks, or a pretty good prospect/young player for Coleman and they'll get him. Kirby Dach, from Alberta, would be another possibility.

10. Steven Stamkos | AD/C | 36 years old, free agent 2028 | $8M
, “Stammer” would be a bit of a “surprise” acquisition, since there's some doubt about the Habs' interest in him. But, as the good Jacques Demers used to say, with 24 goals in 50 games, 16 in his last 21, he's obviously still capable of “putting it in”!

There are only two years left on his contract after this season, and I don't think he'd say no to a reunion with his MSL friend. That said, it's unclear if he could still play center, but the Ontarian might not be a bad option on the top-6 until Hage and Zharovsky mature…

Price: Laine should definitely be included in such a deal. What's next? Probably something like first- and second-round picks and a secondary prospect. But the Habs probably wouldn't even give up Kapanen for him. Finally, Stamkos himself would have something to say about such a deal…

11. Connor Murphy | DD | 32 years old, free agent 2026 | $4.4 M
A relatively unknown American right-handed defenseman, selected 20th overall in 2011, Murphy has played over 790 NHL games. Defensively reliable, he plays an average of 16 minutes per game in Chicago, while maintaining a very acceptable -3 differential on a third pairing. A nice insurance policy that will have its share of potential buyers, including the Habs, especially if they lose a defenseman in the coming weeks.

Price: There's no question of “selling out” for this defenseman, but we shouldn't be surprised if the Hawks get a second-round pick for his services, given the demand and his scarcity on the market as a right-handed player. Perhaps Jayden Struble could also satisfy them as a key piece.

12. Justin Faulk | DD | 33 years old, free agent 2027 | $6.5M
At 33, Faulk is still playing great hockey for the Blues, with 11 goals (22 points) so far this season, while maintaining a healthy differential of -5 in a club that's getting the better of it. While waiting for Reinbacher, Engstrom, or Pickford, the Habs would have an experienced second-pair defenseman who could help them out over the next two springs.

Price: Aiming more at a “retool” than a radical rebuild, it's obvious that the Blues would like a prospect in the “same style” as Faulk, a prospect like Pickford, Engstrom or Reinbacher, for example. That would be a risky gamble for the Habs. But, considering the team's defensive shortcomings, Hughes could be tempted.

13. Jonathan Marchessault: Often injured and not very productive since his arrival in Nashville, he really shouldn't cost too much. But who knows, if healthy and inspired, the Québécois could surprise in a favorable environment and become playoff poison once again. Remember that he was courted by the Habs before coming to an agreement with the Preds…

14. Alexis Lafrenière: JiC dreams about it, but does Lafrenière? I'm really not sure how willing and comfortable Lafrenière would be in the Montreal market… A very long shot. Gorton knows Lafrenière and undoubtedly knows things about him. Let's trust his judgment in this matter.

15. Brayden Schenn: The value of Schenn, 34, must be dropping with his difficult season in St. Louis (9 goals, 19 points in 50 games). Schenn, who was never a merchant, is losing speed… But he's strong, left-handed, and experienced. At his best, he can still excel in the opposing net. Two years left on his contract… At the right price only, i.e., second- and third-round picks and a youngster like Beck or Struble, at most.

16. Colton Parayko: Big, experienced, Olympian, right-handed, and pretty mean. Who knows! Alongside Hutson, it could be interesting. But his contract runs out when he's 37, and at 32, he's already showing signs of slowing down… In return for Reinbacher, would you do it?

We look forward to hearing from you in the comments section!

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