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Are Canadiens Showcasing Adam Engstrom Ahead Of Possible Trade?

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Dec 1, 2025 10:28 AM ET

Earlier this week, Pierre LeBrun dropped an interesting nugget on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro. He noted that several NHL teams have recently inquired about Adam Engstrom and what it might take to pry the young defenseman out of Montreal. This report comes at an interesting time, as the Canadiens just promoted Engstrom to make his NHL debut.

Engstrom, a 2022 third-round pick, has been excellent in Laval. He posted 14 points in 18 games and earned AHL Player of the Week honors after a five-point night against Belleville. After narrowly missing making the NHL roster out of camp, he kept pushing. He was rewarded with his first recall earlier this week.

The Canadiens’ decision to bring up Engstrom raised eyebrows, as the team has typically turned to Marc Del Gaizo as its extra defenseman on road trips. This time, they recalled Engstrom—and immediately put him into the lineup against Utah. His NHL debut was steady and mistake-free, all good things if the club is thinking about exploring a trade.

With scouts from multiple teams keeping tabs on Montreal and the organization openly searching for a top-six center, Engstrom instantly becomes a logical trade chip.

The Canadiens are deep on the left side with Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, and newly extended Mike Matheson locked in long term. Engstrom projects as a solid middle-pairing defender—maybe more—but he may face a difficult path to meaningful minutes in Montreal. That reality, combined with league interest and Montreal’s need for forward help, makes him a logical trade piece in a potential defense-for-forward swap.

The Canadiens Do Like Engstrom

Marco D’Amico of RG.org writes, “There are a few teams that like Adam Engstrom, but the Canadiens possibly like him even more. They’re interested to see what Engstrom can do at the NHL level.” That means his call-up could be about him getting a shot. A trade involving another player could be the route Montreal explores.

Nothing is imminent, but Engstrom’s name is absolutely one to watch. Montreal may be evaluating him—or showcasing him—which one is not yet clear.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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