Canadiens Reportedly Open to Trading Veteran Forward for ‘Right Deal’
The NHL trade deadline is less than two months away, leaving many fans to wonder whether the Montreal Canadiens will be buying or selling in the lead-up to Friday, March 7. After all, it looked like the Canadiens were ready to be sellers again after another slow start to the 2024-25 campaign. Things immediately improved after Patrik Laine made his debut at the start of December, leading to an 11-5-0 run in their last 16 games – good enough to bring them one point outside of the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot. The Canadiens will likely be deadline buyers if they continue piling up the wins in the coming weeks. Having said that, just because a playoff berth is a real possibility doesn’t mean that general manager Kent Hughes won’t ship out a veteran or two along the way.
Home Kansas City Favorites Customer Service Stay Connected Read today’s Edition Obituaries Video Local Events News Sports Opinion Business Living & Entertainment Featured Reality Check Uniquely Detour Travel Kansas City Favorites Guides Shopping/Reviews Deals & Offers Careers and Education Special Features Press Releases Sponsored Content Classifieds Place an Ad – Celebrations Search Jobs Search Legal Notices Advertising 99¢ WELCOME OFFER SUBSCRIBE SPORTS Canadiens Reportedly Open to Trading Veteran Forward for ‘Right Deal’ By Devon A. Platana Athlon Sports Updated January 09, 2025 12:07 PM The NHL trade deadline is less than two months away, leaving many fans to wonder whether the Montreal Canadiens will be buying or selling in the lead-up to Friday, March 7. After all, it looked like the Canadiens were ready to be sellers again after another slow start to the 2024-25 campaign. Things immediately improved after Patrik Laine made his debut at the start of December, leading to an 11-5-0 run in their last 16 games – good enough to bring them one point outside of the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot. The Canadiens will likely be deadline buyers if they continue piling up the wins in the coming weeks. Having said that, just because a playoff berth is a real possibility doesn’t mean that general manager Kent Hughes won’t ship out a veteran or two along the way. TOP VIDEOS According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, the Canadiens are open to trading pending unrestricted free agent Christian Dvorak if the price is right. “If the Habs can find the right deal, they will consider moving Dvorak ahead of the deadline – even as they chase a playoff spot,” Pagnotta wrote. “He’s a UFA in July, but given his cap hit, Montreal may need to get creative if they want to move him.” Dvorak, 28, has been in Montreal ever since the Canadiens acquired him from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for first- and second-round draft picks back in September 2021. He’s now playing in the last season on the six-year, $26.7 million extension he signed with the Coyotes ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.
The Palos, Illinois native has played to mixed results this season, tallying three goals and nine assists with a minus-5 plus/minus margin in his first 40 outings. He’s playing at a 0.3 point-per-game pace, putting him on track for 25 points in 82 games, which would mark the worst output of his nine-year career. With the Canadiens needing to step up in a competitive Eastern Conference, it makes sense for them to try and upgrade Dvorak. Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach are playing well down the middle on the club’s top two lines, but more help is needed. The Canadiens’ third line needs a more offensive-minded center to get wingers Josh Anderson and Brandon Gallagher – who’ve combined for just 16 goals – scoring more.
Even though Dvorak’s performance this season hasn’t matched his price tag, that doesn’t mean other teams won’t be interested in his services. After all, he’s a physical forward who’s managed to record 96 goals and 228 points in 492 regular-season outings (0.46 PPG). He’s also an experienced penalty killer who boasts an impressive career faceoff percentage of 52.9 percent, which has jumped up to 55.9 percent this season.
The Canadiens have until early March to decide Dvorak’s future with the franchise. Pagnotta also listed forward Jake Evans and defenseman David Savard as two more Habs who could be moved ahead of the trade deadline. Needless to say, the Canadiens are certainly worth following in the coming weeks.
