Darren Dreger Reveals Montreal Canadiens are Listening to Offers for Multiple Players
Photo credit: NHL.com
NHL insider Darren Dreger shockingly revealed that GM Kent Hughes of the Canadiens is listening to offers from teams on pretty much every player.
The Montreal Canadiens general manager, Kent Hughes, has indicated that he is willing to listen to offers for most players on the roster as he prioritizes the team's long-term strategy.
At 8-13-3 and near the bottom of the NHL standings, the Canadiens are open to almost anything that could benefit the team, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
"You look at the players and think, 'How would they fit in long-term?' Then you balance that with what the market is presenting.»
- Darren Dreger
- Darren Dreger
That includes looking into trades of pending unrestricted free agents, including the likes of defenseman David Savard and forwards Jake Evans, Christian Dvorak, and Joel Armia.
In general, Dreger indicated the effort is aimed at marrying available trade opportunities to organizational will. Not all fans agree with this sentiment, as many feel players become scapegoats far too easily in Montreal.
One of the more interesting assets that Hughes could move is defenseman Mike Matheson. Signed through next season at a $4.88 million cap hit, Matheson has been a standout performer with 14 points in 22 games.
"There are always teams looking for quality defense," Dreger noted
He's currently out with a lower-body injury, but he remains an extremely attractive option for playoff-bound teams.
The experience of veteran David Savard as a dependable blueliner has some trade value, while Jake Evans' decent contributions as a bottom-six forward and special-teams asset could see Hughes hang onto him.
«Evans is the player the Montreal Canadiens would like to hold onto,» Dreger said
With so many injuries and tight playoff battles around the league, Hughes is in an enviable position to take advantage of the market as the March trade deadline approaches.
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