Trading Alexander Zharovsky: 'I’d be cautious'

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Trading Alexander Zharovsky: 'I’d be cautious'

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Jun 17, 2026 1:41 PM ET

The Canadiens want to improve this summer.

To do so, they'll have to trade away quality players. And since they can't strip their current roster bare and their first-round pick isn't as valuable as it used to be, they'll have to rely on prospects.

That makes sense, of course.

Since David Reinbacher's greatest value most likely lies within the Canadiens' organization—and since it's probably too early to consider trading a young goaltender—the solution will likely involve a forward.

That's why the names Alexander Zharovsky and Michael Hage come up often.

Since centers are more valuable, and Hage has a clearer path to the NHL and chose to stay in the NCAA, he seems to be the name circulating most on the trade market.

But Zharovsky still has a chance of leaving, too. And on that note, Craig Button (who was a guest on Tony Marinaro's Sick Podcast) advises the Habs to be cautious before trading him.

“For me, seeing how good Zharovsky was in the KHL, seeing the support he has from Demidov, I'd be really careful about trading Zharovsky” – @CraigJButton #GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro pic.twitter.com/yMAT4JqHld

— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) June 17, 2026

Because the young player is talented and has the backing of Ivan Demidov—who is a key part of Montreal's future—Button recommends proceeding with caution.

He's right, of course. But if Kent Hughes has no choice, he'll have to act accordingly.

Ivan Demidov seems very happy to help his fellow Russian adjust and to take him under his wing. @DLCoulisses #GoHabsGo #HabsProspect #Zharovsky #Demidov pic.twitter.com/LpNARfHB7g

— Patrick Guillet (@PatGuillet) June 15, 2026

For me, the question is this: if Kent Hughes ever had to choose between letting Zharovsky or Hage go, what decision would he make? Has Hage's decision to stay at Michigan changed the situation?

We'll see what the team does in the coming days. After all, the draft is next week.

In a nutshell

– Hehe.

Jim Hiller knows how to lose in the first round: he's ready for his new tenure in Toronto

Source: Hockey DB pic.twitter.com/wVGzZ6WsJo

— DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) June 17, 2026

– Note to self.

#CFMTL practice on Wednesday morning at the Nutrilait Center—the last one before next Monday.

1. Philippe Eullaffroy is absent. He'll be away for a few days; he's attending a mandatory coaching course. Robert Rositoiu of the Roses is also participating in this session… pic.twitter.com/r1bkFGzSp6

— Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) June 17, 2026

– Mason McTavish traded for a right-handed defenseman?

Building on this—and absolutely unsurprisingly—sources have told me that he'd be prime trade bait for a top-four, right-shot defenseman.

There's a possibility Jacob Trouba could return, but if that doesn't happen, it's a position they want to strengthen now that John Carlson is leaving. https://t.co/9VK4DHJGkU

— Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) June 17, 2026

– Who might be bought out?

Four buyout candidates to consider as the #NHL's buyout window is now open, set to close on June 30 at 5 p.m. ET: https://t.co/vRTxLe6yBT

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 17, 2026

– Check it out.

2026 NHL Draft Player Poll (Part 2)

I surveyed 65 of the top prospects for their player comparisons. Their answers and explanations (free to read):https://t.co/qJgoQnbCzC

— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) June 17, 2026

– Interesting.