David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

Canadiens’ Injuries Open Door for Big Trade Opportunity

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated 10/23/23

In the wake of Kirby Dach’s season-ending injury, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves in an advantageous position despite the setback. Dach’s absence, along with long-term injuries sidelining key players Carey Price and Christian Dvorak, grants the Canadiens significant cap relief, totaling a substantial $13.86 million. While Dvorak is set to return in early November — meaning the team will keep some space available to bring him back — the Canadiens now possess the second-highest available cap space in the league, trailing only behind the Chicago Blackhawks, who have $11.7 million available.

Marco D’Amico of Montreal Hockey Now took a closer look at what the Canadiens might choose to do with this financial flexibility, and why the team is one to watch. In fact, the Habs may be among the more active clubs on the trade and free agent market in the next few weeks and months.

This newfound financial flexibility has put Montreal in a prime position to be active in the trade and free agent market. With several other teams holding onto their cap space for specific targets, the Canadiens have a unique opportunity. The list of teams with available cap space is slim, leaving potential trade partners limited. D’Amico writes, “With a plethora of clubs antsy to make the moves they couldn’t during the summer or preseason, this provides the Montreal Canadiens and general manager Kent Hughes with some interesting options.”

Among the names he drops, Anthony Mantha, Mathieu Joseph, Conor Garland, and Adam Boqvist are currently on the trading block. These could be intriguing targets and the scribe points out, “…one shouldn’t expect them to be anywhere as quiet as they were last season on the trade front, given their greater flexibility.

These Are the Deals General Manager Kent Hughes Likes to Make

Known for his strategic maneuvers and willingness to weaponize cap space, Hughes, could explore a range of options, including trading for one of the names above, or going with a smaller move such as bringing in returning player Jesse Puljujarvi.

Montreal’s ability to navigate a relatively quite marketplace by using recent injuries as the catalyst to strike up conversations is a storyline worth watching. The trade deadline is a ways away so many of the teams that could do something similar to Montreal are waiting. All eyes are on the Canadiens to see how they will leverage their financial flexibility to bolster their roster, both in the short-term and long-term.

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

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