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Analyst believes the Canadiens might need to trade a fan favourite to fill their second-line centre hole
Photo credit: Montreal Hockey Fanatics / NHL
The recent acquisition of Alexandre Texier would not change the Montreal Canadiens' plans in any way.
According to several sources, Kent Hughes is not done shopping. In fact, he has never stopped searching for help for his top six forwards.
As reported by the excellent Marco D'Amico in recent days, the Montreal Canadiens' GM is still very active with his counterparts.
"Montreal is not done, that's for sure," said a Western Conference source. "They'd still like to add a centre or a top-six player to their lineup."
"Hughes is active in making calls and checking in on players. We know Nashville and St. Louis are also talking to everyone right now. Lots of chatter, let's see where it goes.
The Canadiens have been followed by a plethora of scouts from across the league, especially from the lopsided Western Conference. Discussions are ongoing, and the Canadiens are leaving no stone unturned in their mission to add a piece that will help them for the long haul."
- Marco D'Amico via RG.org
"Hughes is active in making calls and checking in on players. We know Nashville and St. Louis are also talking to everyone right now. Lots of chatter, let's see where it goes.
The Canadiens have been followed by a plethora of scouts from across the league, especially from the lopsided Western Conference. Discussions are ongoing, and the Canadiens are leaving no stone unturned in their mission to add a piece that will help them for the long haul."
- Marco D'Amico via RG.org
A trade that will involve Kaiden Guhle?
In a recent column for TVA Sports, host Jean-Charles Lajoie breaks down the Canadiens' possible trade options.
His conclusion is simple: the ideal partner for Hughes would be Barry Trotz, and the target should be none other than Ryan O'Reilly. If that statement surprises no one - the veteran has been in the rumour mill for some time - the player who could be leaving the Canadiens is enough to raise eyebrows.
Lajoie states without hesitation that this player could very well be Kaiden Guhle, whose name, according to the host, is part of trade discussions.
WOW!
If Guhle's name being included in discussions is surprising, it becomes less so after some reflection. Let's be honest: Guhle is quite fragile. Since entering the NHL, the now 23-year-old defenceman has never played more than 70 games in a season.
While he is extremely valuable when in the lineup, he is undeniably fragile (and unlucky). Is it time to trade him before his value drops following yet another injury?
"For O'Reilly, the cost would be more reasonable.
But if the seller asks for Kaiden Guhle, would you be willing to part with a defenseman who is fragile but valuable? His name is circulating as well..."
- Jean-Charles Lajoie
But if the seller asks for Kaiden Guhle, would you be willing to part with a defenseman who is fragile but valuable? His name is circulating as well..."
- Jean-Charles Lajoie
According to Pierre LeBrun, the price for Ryan O'Reilly would be a first-round pick and an A-level prospect. In my opinion, that is steep for a player who will turn 35 in February.
As for a possible Guhle departure, I am not against it, but not for O'Reilly. That would, in my opinion, be a poor use of the asset that is Kaiden Guhle.
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