The Montreal Canadiens are a team that have loaded up this offseason in an attempt to bolster their odds of returning to the playoffs next season and going on a deeper run after a surprise breakout 24-25 year.
One of the Canadiens biggest needs is another weapon to add in their top 6. The Habs would prefer a forward who is a center to target in a trade as they lack a clear 2C, but wingers are easier to find on the open market. An intriguing trade idea from Heavy Sports sees Montreal add Jonathan Marchessault from the Nashville Predators in exchange for draft capital.
While Marchessault may not be the second line center the Habs desire, he adds more consistent scoring touch to their top 6. Whether it is Kirby Dach or Alex Newhook down the middle, Marchessault is a more reliable option to pair on the wing as the health and consistency of players such as Patrik Laine is always a question mark. Plus, Marchessault could be a flank to pair on Ivan Demidov’s opposite wing as the Russian rookie looks to put his name in the Calder conversation this upcoming season.
For the Predators the move makes sense if the team decides its time to rebuild after a disappointing 66 point campaign last season. Moving on from a 34 year old Marchessault would shed an unneeded $5.5 million contract and open up cap space they could use for future assets. The Canadiens would need to get creative in finding a way to make room for that deal in their books.
The 12 year veteran has amassed 251 goals and 292 assists for 543 points in 716 games so far in his NHL regular season career. In the postseason, he has recorded 36 goals and 40 assists for 76 points in 102 games. Jonathan’s most notable moment came during the 2023 playoffs in which he won the Conn Smythe trophy for the Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights.
