The Montreal Canadiens are ready to start dealing their veterans. They got the ball rolling with the trade of forward Tyler Toffoli to the Flames. It was also rumored that the two sides were looking at a bigger deal that also involved defenseman Ben Chiarot.
That deal fell through due to cap issues on the Calgary side. However, it sounds like Chiarot could be on the move any day now.
NHL Rumors: Ben Chiarot trade
Chiarot, 30, recently landed on IR with a lower-body issue. He has 9 points in 44 games and could play top four minutes on the left side for a playoff team.
Even when Chiarot is eligible to come off IR, I doubt the Habs will risk another potential injury this close to trading him.
“The internal debate for the Canadiens now, after they almost dealt Chiarot in the Calgary deal, is how long they drag this out with Chiarot because there’s already sizeable interest with other teams,” Pierre LeBrun said via Insider Trading. “You name a playoff contender; I believe they’ve phoned. The likes of Florida, Boston, the New York Rangers, St. Louis, among others. The Flames could circle back on Chiarot at some point.”
It is believed that asking price for the rental defenseman starts with a first round pick and another prospect.
Habs eyeing Rangers prospects
Earlier today, Pierre Lebrun tweeted the following:
Keep an eye on the Rangers and the Habs between now and March 21. I think Montreal covets some Rangers prospects. Habs could fill some Rangers needs. Montreal would rather add prospects over picks. Already have 12 picks for the July draft. Rangers’ pipeline drawing Habs interest
Making this connection isn’t difficult, especially since Jeff Gorton had a major hand in drafting many of the Rangers top prospects.
What I can add is this: Rangers GM Chris Drury has made calls to his old boss which has been reported by multiple outlets. It was relayed to me awhile ago not to expect Gorton to do the Rangers any favors after the way he was dismissed.
No real trade talks yet for Giroux
Giroux, 34, is in the final year of a contract that comes with a $8.275M cap hit. He has 37 points in 45 games. The expectation is that the Flyers would retain 50% of the cap hit to make the trade work and for a sweeter package.
“What’s going on right now is that there have not been serious trade discussions on Giroux yet [since] there’s still lot of time,” Lebrun reported. “But Pat Brisson, the agent for Giroux, has the clearance to talk to teams directly and start to put together a shortlist. He’ll do that with Giroux, if he’s willing to be dealt, over the next [few] weeks.”
The Colorado Avalanche have been the rumored as the most likely destination.
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