Looking into potential trade targets from the Montreal Canadiens

The Montréal Canadiens are on their way to another season out of the playoffs.

Back on December 16, the team found themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with an 11-16-3 record, their 25 points ranking among the league’s worst. Then came a surprising surge, 13 wins in 17 games, leading to a 24-19-4 record and a Wild Card spot by January 21.

Since then, the Canadiens have stumbled. Losing seven of their last eight games (1-6-1), they now sit at 25-26-5 with 55 points, trailing the Detroit Red Wings by six points and with five teams to leapfrog.

With the March 7 trade deadline approaching, the Canadiens have some decisions to make. Here are potential trade candidates who could draw interest:

Jake Evans

If the Edmonton Oilers want a reliable bottom-six forward, Jake Evans should be on their radar. The right-shot center is having a career year, with 11 goals and 27 points in 57 games—on pace for 16 goals and 39 points.

What sets Evans apart is his utility. He’s strong in the faceoff circle (52.8%) and leads all NHL forwards in penalty-kill minutes (164:55). He’s also contributed to six shorthanded goals, tied for third-most league-wide.

While not overly physical, Evans is effective on the forecheck and has 79 hits this season—ranking him fourth among Oilers players if acquired.

The best part? He’s affordable. Evans carries a $1.7 million cap hit and is on an expiring deal. His trade cost might hover around a second-round pick and a mid-tier prospect, as speculated earlier by insiders. For the Oilers, the value is clear.

Joel Armia

Evans’ frequent linemate, Joel Armia, could also be a target for Edmonton. The 30-year-old winger is a solid penalty killer and is on track for another productive season, with 10 goals and 24 points in 57 games. He’s projected to finish with 14 goals and 34 points, which would be a career-high.

Armia ranks second among NHL forwards in penalty-kill minutes (148:58), just behind Evans. While his offensive output isn’t elite, his postseason experience—five goals and eight points during the Canadiens’ 2021 Stanley Cup run—adds value.

With a $3.4 million cap hit and no trade protection, Armia is an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. The Oilers might even look to package him with Evans for added depth.

Patrik Laine

Once a premier scorer, Patrik Laine’s 2017-18 campaign (44 goals, 70 points) feels like a distant memory. After trades from Winnipeg to Columbus and then to Montréal, Laine has found his footing this season with 13 goals and 19 points in 29 games.

But for the Oilers, Laine is likely out of reach. His $8.7 million cap hit, which runs through 2025-26, makes him a tough fit under Edmonton’s tight salary cap unless significant retention occurs. Even then, the acquisition cost would be enormous.

While Laine remains a long-term asset for the Canadiens, he’s unlikely to move before the 2026 trade deadline.

Christian Dvorak

Christian Dvorak could offer the Oilers a versatile bottom-six option. Known for his consistency, the 29-year-old has hit double-digit goals and the 30-point mark in previous seasons. This year, he has six goals and 18 points, projecting to finish with eight goals and 25 points.

The challenge with Dvorak is his $4.45 million cap hit, which runs through 2024-25. Even at 50% salary retention, that’s a steep price for a player with modest offensive production. While he’s strong on faceoffs and a capable penalty killer, his contract might deter potential suitors.

Mike Matheson

For teams seeking defensive help, Mike Matheson is an intriguing option. The 29-year-old defenseman had a career year in 2023-24 with 62 points but has slowed this season, tallying four goals and 25 points in 55 games.

Matheson is a workhorse on the penalty kill, logging 178:49 minutes—third-most in the league. He’s also versatile and capable of playing both sides of the blue line.
Under contract at $4.875 million through 2025-26, Matheson comes with an eight-team no-trade list. His term and cap hit might appeal to a team looking for more stability on the back end.

David Savard

David Savard is the quintessential defensive defenseman. While his offensive numbers are modest (one goal, 11 points in 51 games), he excels at blocking shots (12th in the league) and killing penalties (fifth-most PK minutes).

Savard’s $3.5 million cap hit expires at the end of the season, and he has no trade protection. For a team needing depth and defensive reliability, he’s a rental option worth considering.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Canadiens are poised to be active sellers. With players like Evans, Armia, and Matheson offering value in specific roles, contenders like the Oilers have plenty of options to bolster their rosters. The question is: how much are they willing to pay?