NHL Rumors: Dvorak Will Likely Be Traded Before Next Season

The Montreal Canadiens are trying to make this rebuild as quick as possible as they have done a great job managing assets and making themselves better than they were last season. They have made a number of big moves around the draft and free agency, moving out Jeff Petry, Alexander Romanov, Ryan Poehling, and Shea Weber's contract while bringing in Michael Matheson, Kirby Dach, Evgeni Dadonov, and Juraj Slafkovsky.

The Canadiens are now using a lot of cap space, not indicative of a team that should be at the bottom of the standings. That being said, Marco D'Amico reported that a source says Christian Dvorak's name is out there more, and he can't see him in Montreal next season. When healthy, Dach can take on the second line center role, the spot Dvorak is currently holding.

Dvorak is making $4.45 million for three more years, shouldn't be difficult to move since he's not paid a ton, and should also get a nice return. The Canadiens acquired Dvorak to replace Jesperi Kotkaniemi at a much cheaper price before last season started for a first round pick in 2022 and a second round pick in 2024. The Canadiens may not get that much in return now, but it could be close.

Dvorak is very good in the faceoff circle and would be able to consistently provide 40-50 points if he were to stay healthy or play a full 82-game season. He is physical at times and is effective at scoring goals and putting up points on the power play. Keep an eye out for a team that may be looking to sign Nazem Kadri but misses out and has cap and a spot open for a second line centerman.