Big Three-Team Trade Reportedly in the Works, Blackhawks Seen as Ideal Partner

First, let's recall some interesting points.

- First, absolutely all signs indicate that the Habs will trade Carey Price's contract on September 1st (after the payment of his last big bonus), and several experts even believe the deal may already be done.

- Second, we have an insider reporting that the Montreal Canadiens and the Chicago Blackhawks are currently on the phone, with Chicago being an absolutely logical destination for Carey Price's contract.

- Third, we have Frank Seravalli, who reports that Chicago will really need to trade a defenseman before the start of the season..

- And fourth, we know very well that the Habs absolutely don't need more defensemen, since the team already has Arber Xhekaj, David Reinbacher, and Jayden Struble battling for the 6th and final regular spot on defense.

That could very well be the case.

In two previous trades of this kind, Kent Hughes dealt Shea Weber's contract in exchange for forward Evgeny Dadonov.

Here, the "Evgeny Dadonov" would be defenseman Connor Murphy.

And for the second, Hughes pulled off a three-team deal (with the San Jose Sharks and Pittsburgh Penguins on August 6, 2023), mainly to re-trade players he didn't actually need afterward.

Could he do the same thing again, this time with the Chicago Blackhawks and another team?

Given all this, the most logical name for the Blackhawks to trade (to Montreal) in exchange for Price's contract would be defenseman Connor Murphy.

But clearly, Montreal wouldn't need Murphy.. So could this turn into a three-team trade, sending Price to Chicago for Murphy, before immediately flipping Murphy elsewhere?

That really seems like a possibility, so it's something to keep an eye on.

Basically, everything indicates the Hawks would like to swap Murphy for Carey Price's contract, but since Montreal doesn't need Murphy.. a three-team deal makes so much sense!

To be continued!