Canadiens Rumors: Analyst Gives "Most Realistic" Trade Acquistion For Montreal

Erik Duhatschek of The Athletic recently analyzed which player among Trevor Zegras, Kent Johnson, and Kaapo Kakko would be the most realistic trade acquisition for the Montreal Canadiens. 

According to Duhatschek, Kakko emerges as the most attainable option. Despite the potential and high draft pedigrees of all three players, Kakko's situation with the New York Rangers makes him the likeliest candidate for a move.

Duhatschek explained that acquiring Johnson or Zegras would be significantly more challenging. 

Johnson, who had an impressive 40-point season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, is highly valued by his team and seen as a key part of their future plans, especially under a new coaching regime. 

Over his first 130 games in the NHL, the 21-year-old Johnson has put up 22 goals and 37 assists for a total of 59 points. He was the 5th overall selection in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Kaapo Kakko takes Trocheck's pass and bangs home the backhander to put the Rangers up 1-0!#NYR pic.twitter.com/bWEMNnc9sF

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) April 14, 2023

Similarly, Zegras, who has demonstrated considerable skill with back-to-back 60-point seasons, is highly valued by the Anaheim Ducks, making a trade for him both costly and unlikely.

Over his four-year career, Zegras has amassed 55 goals and 99 assists for 154 total points across 211 games played.

In contrast, Kakko, who has struggled to secure a consistent top-six role with the Rangers, might be more attainable. 

Kakko, the second-overall pick in the 2019 draft, has had an underwhelming development period with the Rangers, managing just 13 goals and six assists in 61 games last season. 

Despite his potential, multiple coaches in New York have not fully tapped into Kakko's abilities, suggesting that the Rangers might be open to moving him for the right price. 

Pretty nifty move and backhand tally by Kaapo Kakko in the shootout#NYR pic.twitter.com/Od9Dzqc3nZ

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) February 18, 2023

Duhatschek suggests that the Canadiens could benefit from acquiring Kakko, as he might thrive with a change of scenery and a fresh opportunity in Montreal's lineup. 

This perspective might explain why Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has yet to acquire a scoring forward, possibly waiting for the right opportunity or exploring other options as the season progresses, as noted by Lyle Richardson.

Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports