Rumor: Canadiens and Oilers could swap pending RFA forwards

The Stanley Cup playoffs officially kicked off this week and the rumors continue to grow that  forward Max Domi's time is coming to an end in Montreal. Domi found himself on the Canadiens fourth line on Wednesday night and the pending RFA's future in Montreal has been a hot topic throughout the season among fans and media. Michel Bergeron of TVA Sports believes Domi will be moved after the playoffs. 

Another team that has an issue with a pending RFA that they are trying to move are the Edmonton Oilers with Andreas Athanasiou. Word is that Oilers GM Ken Holland is not going to re-sign Athanasiou after a poor showing after being acquired at the deadline from Detroit for a 2nd round pick in this years draft. Both Domi and Athanasiou's best years came two seasons ago, when they each scored 28 and 30 goals respectively. Each player is only 25 years old and a change of scenery may be just the thing each player needs to get back to that level of production. They both also make $3 million so there would be no cap issues and the qualifying offer would be about the same to retain the negotiating rights and protect from offer sheets. 

The biggest problem with the Canadiens and Max Domi is teams insistence on playing Domi at center, he is a natural winger. Andreas Athanasiou has played more center in the NHL and may be a better fit in Montreal, he was a complete misfit in Edmonton. The Oilers are in desperate need for depth on the wings, their best wingers have been natural centers in Draisaitl and Nugent-Hopkins. Domi would slide in nicely on the wing of either McDavid or Draisaitl. A one for one deal may be doable between these two teams.


photo credit: Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire