Canadiens swing intriguing Predators trade involving young defenseman

The Montreal Canadiens have high hopes for the 2026-27 season. So far, things have been a bit up and down for the Habs. It’s still quite early in the season. However, the Canadiens have deemed it necessary to shake things up to some extent.

Montreal has traded defenseman Jayden Struble to the Nashville Predators, the Habs announced through an official press release. In exchange, the Canadiens are receiving a 2027 second-round pick. This second-round pick was originally owned by the Vegas Golden Knights.

“Jayden Struble is a 25-year-old physical defender who will add mobility and a hard-to-play against quality that will help our backend,” Predators general manager Chris MacFarland said in a statement after the trade. “We are excited to watch his growth and look forward to him being a player who can grow with us.”

Struble had spent his entire career with the Canadiens prior to this trade. In 174 career games, he scored seven goals and 35 points for Montreal. He appeared with the franchise in each of their last two postseason appearances, as well.

This is a bit of a surprising move from the Canadiens. Struble was not a superstar by any means. However, he was a regular defensive partner of star defender Lane Hutson. That pairing produced quality results, with Hutson blossoming into one of the best offensive defensemen in the NHL.

How the trade affects both teams moving forward will certainly be interesting to monitor. Struble could make his Predators debut soon, as well. Nashville is in action on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators in Ottawa.