Canadiens Rumors: 3 Prime Trade Candidates Out of Montreal

The Montreal Canadiens are 9-10-2 on the season and currently sit second last in the Atlantic Division. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are going to be a stretch this season and it's going to take a solid next 61 games for the Habs to overachieve and make it into the NHL's second season. 

General manager Kent Hughes knows what he expects from his team and the expectations have been quite realistic to this point since Hughes took over. They knew there'd be pain before pleasure and right now they are dead smack in the middle of their development plan. Changes will continue throughout the Canadiens roster this season, here's three prime trade candidates emerging for Hughes to dangle:

Samuel Montembeault

The Canadiens have done the unthinkable and carried three goaltenders the whole season and Montembeault may be the one drawing the most interest on the trade market. The 27-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent who is owed just $1 million against the cap this season. Despite the Canadiens struggles, Montembeault has recorded .908 Sv.% in nine appearances this season and could be had by the Habs for a mid-round pick and solid B prospect. It won't take a first rounder and it won't take a top prospect to land the Habs netminder. A deal could be coming very soon. 

Tanner Pearson

When Pearson was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks after a forgettable season in Western Canada, which included the team botching his medical needs, Pearson joined the Habs and has fit in nicely. The veteran winger has recorded seven points in 21 games, and while the fit has been seamless, the production has been inconsistent. Considering Pearson's resume which includes 51 Stanley Cup Playoff games and the fact he's a rental, the trade winds will blow his way. Pearson's due $3.25 million this season and Hughes will have to retain some money if he wants to move the 31-year-old. After having two seasons of trade protection, Pearson can be moved at will this season. 

Sean Monahan

One player who is outplaying his contract this season is veteran forward Sean Monahan. His reasonable deal owes his just $1.98 million this season against the cap and so far he's managed to collect 13 points in 21 games. Monahan looks healthy and fresh this season and if that's the case a playoff contender is going to get a very motivated player later on this season. Hughes should be able to land a top prospect in the deal and Monahan will help provide a contending team with some depth scoring. 21 points in 30 Stanley Cup Playoff games is impressive stuff and Monahan will likely be back in the postseason again this season, it just won't be in Montreal.

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