NHL Rumors: 2 Montreal Canadiens Forwards Who Could Be Traded

The Montreal Canadiens are a team to watch as we creep closer to the NHL's trade deadline in late March. The team has disappointed this season and changes have already been made off the ice and now the focus shifts to the on-ice product. 

2 Canadiens Forwards Who Could Be Dealt This Season

Brendan Gallagher: The heart and soul forward is someone to watch for numerous reasons. He makes a ton of money at $6.5 million per season until through the 2026-27 season. For a player who has recorded just 10 points in 25 games, the Canadiens new management regime could look to move on from Marc Bergevin's favorite player. The pesky forward owns no-trade protection where he submits a list of six teams he would like to avoid being dealt to. There would be a long list of suitors interested in Gallagher should he be made available on the trade market, we will have to wait a few weeks to see if that occurs. Because of everything he's given the franchise over the past 10 seasons, if Montreal does end up moving him, expect the player to have some say in the matter.

Tyler Toffoli: Another winger for the Canadiens who is signed to some term as his contract runs through the 2023-24 season. He's currently on the injured reserve with a broken hand but is expected back towards the end of January/early February. So far in 26 games in 2021-22, Toffoli has put up 17 points. Last season he scored 28 goals in 52 games and there would be a ton of interest in acquiring the 29-year-old as he's only making $4.25 million on the cap and doesn't hold any trade protection. Montreal could easily fetch a first-round pick and a top prospect for his services. Some teams who would have a ton of interest include the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche. 

The changes are coming in Montreal and Habs fans are going to need to be open to a slight re-tool over a full rebuild. It could all begin with one of these two being shipped out of town before this season's trade deadline. 

Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports