NHL Rumors: Dvorak's Trade Value

The Montreal Canadiens may be looking to move a centerman sooner rather than later. Coming into this season, they have Nick Suzuki, Sean Monahan, Christian Dvorak, Kirby Dach, and Jake Evans. With the playoff hopes for the season low, the team can continue to build a strong future that could come sooner than later with a trade.

Of interest here are Monahan and Dvorak. The Canadiens just acquired Monahan along with a first round pick and he is heading into the last year of his deal. He won't be going anywhere so that the Canadiens will waste an asset. That leaves Dvorak who is signed for three more seasons at $4.5 million.

Dvorak is a serviceable second line centerman who, when healthy, can put up 45-50 points. He is a contributor on both special teams which gives him added value and is a stud in the faceoff circle. Jimmy Murphy reported that the Canadiens would be lucky to get a third-round pick for Dvorak. The Canadiens paid a first round pick in this year's draft and a second round pick in 2024 to acquire Dvorak after choosing not to match the offer sheet and keep Jesperi Kotkaniemi. They received a first round pick and third round pick as compensation, but that first round pick was the one used to get Dvorak.

It would be a steep fall from what the Canadiens paid for Dvorak if they were to only get a third round pick at best for the centerman. If the cap hit was a little more friendly, there would be no issue moving him for a better price. There is no rush to trade him right now. The Canadiens should wait to see if Dvorak's value can rise.

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