Canadiens' Trade Update Emerges Amid Roster Crisis

LeBrun noted, however, that Canadiens president Jeff Gorton and general manager Kent Hughes are not rushing into any deal. The front office does not view this year’s roster as a Stanley Cup contender, and any trade would need to benefit the team both this season and beyond.

“Montreal is also open to a trade for winger,” LeBrun wrote. “They’re open-minded in their approach to boosting their forward group.

“The truth is that the Canadiens were making these types of calls around the league even before their recent significant injuries, but that has obviously exacerbated the situation.”

According to LeBrun, the Canadiens tried to land veteran center and former Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Kampf, who instead signed with the Vancouver Canucks last weekend.

LeBrun described Montreal’s current stance as a “dual-track” approach.

“I also think the Habs have examined the cheaper options, too; less dramatic moves that could fill a hole to help with the injuries,” LeBrun wrote. “The problem, of course, is that there are few sellers with the standings so jammed up.

“Calgary and St. Louis are listening, for sure. But Flames ownership doesn’t want Nazem Kadri traded (he would be an obvious fit for Montreal). We’ll see if that changes over time.”

Montreal has fallen off in recent weeks, with just one win in their last seven outings. Still, they remain in the Atlantic Division mix with a 10-6-3 record. The Canadiens host the Washington Capitals on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.