Canadiens Rumors: 3 Early-Season Trade Candidates in Montreal

The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly involved in ongoing trade discussions, however GM Kent Hughes doesn't have any interest in moving any prospects who the organization feels is close to NHL ready. 

The Canadiens are off to a 4-6-1 start to the year, and Hughes has shown in the past, he's no afraid to make a bold move to try and upgrade his roster. Here's three Canadiens who could be involved in an early-season trade:

Christian Dvorak

It's never really worked out as either side hoped for Dvorak. The 28-year-old versatile forward is a pending unrestricted free, set to earn $4.45 this season, he owns a eight-team no-trade clause. This season, Dvorak has yet to score in 11 games, he's recorded three assists, and it's been a frustrating start. He's averaging 12:53 of ice-time per game and has slotted into a checking role among the bottom six, also playing almost three minutes a game on the penalty kill. A contending team could use Dvorak for a depth role, but expect to see Hughes have to retain some salary to make a deal happen.

David Savard

Savard is also a pending unrestricted free agent and if Hughes wanted to, he could have traded the veteran defenseman last season but chose not to. Savard is sound defensively, he blocks shots at will and he has 57 games of Stanley Cup Playoff experience under his belt, which will be appealing to onlooking teams. Savard has four assists in 11 games this season and is coming off a 24-point campaign. The right-handed d-man carries a $3.5 million cap hit and doesn't have any trade protection. Considering the Canadiens are a couple of years away from being a strong playoff contender, it makes sense to move out the 'rental' blueliner and consider their options in the summer. 

Jake Evans

There's been some rumblings recently that Evans is drawing trade interest from other teams. The 28-year-old centre has recorded two goals and five points in 11 games this season. He's played just under 16 minutes per game and is a staple on the Habs' penalty kill. Evans is strong in the faceoff dot and as a right-handed center, very likely will be dealt at some point this season because there's several teams who are desperate to balance themselves out down the middle.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images