NHL Trade Rumors: Insider Links Canadiens & Penguins To Trade

Speculation is building about a potential trade between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, driven by TSN’s Darren Dreger, who reported that Penguins scouts have been closely monitoring the Canadiens in recent weeks. 

Both teams are underperforming, with Pittsburgh sitting at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division at 7-12-4 and Montreal last in the Eastern Conference at 7-11-2. 

Dreger suggested that the Penguins, led by GM Kyle Dubas, could offer an expiring contract—such as Anthony Beauvillier, Jesse Puljujarvi, Drew O’Connor, or Matt Nieto—in exchange for a player the Canadiens see as lacking long-term value. 

“The Penguins have some expiring contracts that aren’t going to hurt you for the rest of the year,” Dreger said, adding that a sweetener like a draft pick or prospect could make such a deal more enticing.

On this day in 2018, Patrik Laine scored five goals on five shots in an 8-4 victory against the Blues. Laine was the first player to score five goals in a game since Johan Franzen in 2011 #Hockey365 #GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/9Mrvy8w6Xp

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The Canadiens are facing a roster crunch with injured forwards Patrik Laine and Rafael Harvey-Pinard nearing returns. 

Laine, acquired from Columbus in the offseason, is expected to debut in December, while Harvey-Pinard is recovering from a broken leg and is on a conditioning loan in the AHL. 

GM Kent Hughes may look to clear space by moving a player who no longer fits the Canadiens’ long-term plans. Dreger noted that such a deal could benefit both teams, as the Penguins seek immediate help to salvage their season, and the Canadiens look to manage their roster while potentially gaining future assets. 

“If you’re the Canadiens, you see certain needs, and there have to be long-term benefits,” Dreger explained.

Rafael Harvey-Pinard stays hot! 🔥

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While Dreger emphasized that “nothing is close or imminent,” he pointed out the logic in these two struggling teams engaging in trade discussions. 

Pittsburgh is searching for upgrades, and Montreal has surplus forwards and flexibility to absorb contracts. “There’s a reason to connect Montreal and Pittsburgh,” Dreger concluded, leaving the door open for a deal that could address both teams’ needs in the coming weeks.

Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images