3 Trade Rumors Following the Montreal Canadiens Into the 2023-24 Season

The Montreal Canadiens are expected to continue their rebuild this season and as far as performance go, the expectations are low. Some are considering them as a wildcard team in the east and if they do end up getting some solid goaltending, perhaps they can sneak in the back door of the second season.

As far as off the ice goes, expect general manager Kent Hughes to continue to be active. Hughes loves making moves and has a clear vision for the Habs as they are still a couple of seasons away. Regardless, expect to see a few trades this season out of Montreal as these three trade rumors follow them into this season:

Christian Dvorak Likely First to Go

Dvorak is signed for two more seasons at $4.45 million and holds a modified no-trade clause that protects him from eight teams. Expect to see Dvorak moved at some point as the rumors have been running rampant for roughly 10 months. The 27-year-old center is coming off a down season with only 28 points in 64 games. With the slew of young forwards on the Habs, Dvorak will likely be the odd man out.

Goaltending Conversations Heating Up

When the Canadiens got involved in the Erik Karlsson trade with the Sharks and Penguins it gave them a chance to move Mike Hoffman and his bad contract, and gave Hughes a chance to add another goalie in their crease. Casey DeSmith made way to Montreal via Pittsburgh and now finds himself on the trade block. He had himself a decent couple of seasons as Tristan Jarry's backup with the Pens and now is among a crowded crease with the Habs. Wait until training camp starts and watch for a goaltender to go down with injury and for DeSmith to end up as their replacement.

Veteran Forward Will Draw Interest

Joel Armia is someone who could very well be dealt this season. Armia is signed for two more seasons at $3.4 million and is one of the few Habs who don't have trade protection. He recorded 14 points in 43 games and will obviously need to stay healthy if Hughes wants to offload him. A number of contending teams will be interested, however the Canadiens will likely have to eat at least a little bit of salary in any deal.