Canadiens’ Speculation Builds As Trade Deadline Approaches
Sergei Belski-United states of america Now Sporting activities
The Montreal Canadiens have enhanced under interim head mentor Martin St. Louis, sporting a file of 7-4- less than their new bench manager.
Supplied their lowly placement in the standings, however, that exertion stays overshadowed by speculation more than which gamers could be transported out by the March 21 trade deadline.
Jeff Petry remains a key applicant. His improved general performance less than St. Louis could bolster his stock in the trade sector. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman a short while ago joined the 34-year-aged defenseman to the Philadelphia Flyers although Montreal Hockey Now’s Marco D’Amico cited a “well-positioned NHL source” claiming the Dallas Stars could have Petry in their sights.
Cap Welcoming indicates Petry is signed by 2024-25 with an once-a-year cap strike of $6.25 million. Canadiens normal manager Kent Hughes has indicated he is willing to shift the veteran blueliner if a honest offer can be discovered. He can pay for to wait right until the off-time if no acceptable delivers look in advance of the deadline.
Friedman also claimed the Canadiens could endeavor to move Shea Weber’s contract. The 36-yr-previous defenseman is on lengthy-phrase damage reserve amid speculation his actively playing occupation is more than. He observed Weber has four years on his agreement with an yearly cap strike near to $7.9 million but his total actual wage above that time period is $6 million.
The Athletic’s Michael Russo questioned if the Minnesota Wild would be fascinated. Weber’s contract would give an avenue out of their income-cap hell about the following 3 seasons from obtaining out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter last summertime.
TSN’s Darren Dreger described last Thursday the New York Rangers continue being connected to defenseman Ben Chiarot. Meanwhile, Day-to-day Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli experienced Habs winger Artturi Lehkonen atop his checklist of 5 likely difference-makers for playoff contenders.
