NHL Rumors: 3 Montreal Canadiens Trade Candidates

The Montreal Canadiens have been busy this summer and hard work is likely to continue as they've been recently linked to a few different trades. One in particular with the Winnipeg Jets is expected to involve Pierre-Luc Dubois. Dubois's agent came out and confirmed the current restricted free agent who is heading for unrestricted free agency next summer would prefer to play for the Canadiens. There's also uncertainty around Carey Price's future among other things. Let's dive into a few players in Montreal who are likely heading elsewhere in the near future:

Christian Dvorak

Dvorak has been linked to trade rumors since Kent Hughes took over in Montreal and with the recent rumblings about Dubois, he could be the focal piece heading back the other way. Winnipeg would have a giant hole at center for their second line and he'd be a nice compliment to Mark Scheifele. The 26-year-old is signed through the 2024-25 season at $4.45 million and his no-trade protection doesn't kick in until next summer. Dvorak got off to a slow start in his first year in Montreal, however finished the year with 33 points in 56 games. A prime trade candidate for the Canadiens.

Josh Anderson

Another player linked to a deal with the Jets, Anderson has been inconsistent for the Canadiens and is signed for five more seasons at $5.5 million. He submits a list of eight teams he does want to avoid, so there's a little bit of work to do for Canadiens management if they want to move him. Last season Anderson recorded 32 points in 69 games, roughly 30 points under where the team thinks he should be producing. A trade is likely if he can't turn it around early on next season, or if someone swoops in with an offer management can't refuse.

Jake Allen

As a pending free agent who has a ton of experience in net, Jake Allen will be dealt by the Canadiens. If it's not this summer, which seems unlikely at this point considering all the goalie movement, it will certainly be before the trade deadline next season. The 31-year-old Allen appeared in 35 games in 2021-22, posting a 3.30 GAA and a .905 SV.%. He's set to make $2.8 million against the cap next season, a number that's very affordable for teams around the league. Expect to see Allen in a different jersey at some point next season.