A Massive Trade Opportunity Could Be on the Horizon for Kent Hughes

Daily Faceoff hockey insider Frank Seravalli reported on Amazon Prime Video's NHL live feed that the Montreal Canadiens have been looking at the trade market for possible available options on the right-hand side.

According to Seravalli, the current RHD market is not only priced quite high as would be expected of a top asset in a marquee position, but many teams are not sold on trading this early in the season, with not even a quarter of the season having been played.

Further complicated is the injury to youngster David Reinbacher, one of the top defensive prospects expected to be a key defensive option for Montreal this season and now out for the Habs, with Reinbacher expected to miss approximately 4-5 months after undergoing knee surgery.

Seravalli also noted Lane Hutson playing nearly 24 minutes a night for the Canadiens this season, something the team would want to take the pressure off for a rookie defenseman where it's unusual to have such a heavy workload right off the bat, even for a talent of Hutson's caliber.

On Daily Faceoff, Seravalli further added that the Canadiens feel they are "well set up for the future" on their defensive side, and there is enough trust in their young talents such as Reinbacher and Guhle, along with Hutson and Logan Mailloux, for them to not hinder that depth.

One name that could make sense for the Canadiens looking for right-handed talent is Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek, currently in trade rumors after the Blue Jackets acquired defenseman Dante Fabbro off waivers from the Nashville Predators.

Jiricek, 20, has played in just 5 games for Columbus this season in minimal ice time, and could use a change of scenery.

Although Jiricek is a popular trade target, two big questions persist, one being Jiricek's youth. Seravalli indicated the team wants a stopgap, someone who won't hinder the pathway for their young talent. Although Jiricek is equally as talented, the implication seems to be Montreal wants to go with an older, short-term option.

As well, it's unclear if Columbus will even sell. Fabbro is still an uncertainty and Jiricek isn't far off from what should be a permanent NHL spot. Eventually he should get it in Columbus, but it depends if he is willing to wait. If the Blue Jackets believe in the upside of the former sixth overall pick, they may as well keep him.

For the Montreal Canadiens, they will likely continue to scour the market for options to add to their blueline, although it'll be a question what they'll pay to add a top asset and how long they can hold their nose at a high price before their playoff chances start to falter.