NHL Rumors: 2 Montreal Canadiens Expected to be Traded Next

 

With the news breaking on Monday afternoon that the Montreal Canadiens have shipped off winger Tyler Toffoli to the Calgary Flames for a bunch of future considerations, the focus now shifts to what's next for the Habs. It's expected to be a fire sale with several more trades on the way and while the attention has mostly been on defenseman Ben Chiarot, let's take a look at two other Canadiens who are expected to be moved, and soon:

Mike Hoffman

The pure goal-scoring talent signed in Montreal last summer and is now being discussed in several trades. The 32-year-old is on the books for $4.5 million this season and through 2023-24 and does not hold any trade protection. So far in 33 games, Hoffman has scored eight times and tallied 15 points. His ice-time has been all over the map and it's become obvious as a veteran he's not going to make it until the March 21 trade deadline in Montreal. Teams who have interest include the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks. The Canadiens hold 12 draft picks at the 2022 entry draft, which is being hosted in Montreal, and expect to see them move Hoffman for a couple more picks. 

Artturi Lehkonen

It's not often a checking winger draws so much trade buzz but that's certainly been the case this season for the Canadiens' Lehkonen. He's the one player who has drawn the most trade calls and it's expected the team will cash in high on their asset. Lehkonen is a 26-year-old former second-round pick from the 2013 draft and he's currently making $2.3 million on the cap as he heads to restricted free agency next summer. So far in 45 games he's collected 19 points and he's a player who can play on any line and contribute a role to the team. Playoff bound teams would love to get Lehkonen on their team and three teams who have serious interest include the Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals. Expect to see Montreal wait until right down to the wire to create a bidding war before this deal transpires. 

Photo credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports