Report: Canadiens Could Use Their Own Rentals For Playoff Push

Saturday, January 25, 2025

The Montreal Canadiens, unexpectedly in the playoff mix, may take a different approach to this year’s trade deadline by treating their pending unrestricted free agents as "in-house rentals." 

According to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports, veterans like David Savard, Joel Armia, and Christian Dvorak could remain with the team to support their playoff push, rather than being dealt for mid-round draft picks. 

Lavoie explained, “What are you going to get for these players? A third-round pick? A fourth-round pick? Who cares? You already have so many picks.”

Jake Evans, who is having a career-best season, is also a key piece of Montreal’s plans. Lavoie believes Evans is likely to sign an extension before the deadline, as both the player and the organization are motivated to continue their partnership. 

However, if no agreement is reached, the Canadiens would only consider trading Evans for a significant return, such as a first-round pick. 

TSN’s Craig Button has praised the Canadiens’ transformation this season, calling them a playoff-caliber team. “There’s not a team they play against where they don’t believe they can win,” he said.

Lavoie and Button both point to the value of creating a culture of success for a team that has endured years of rebuilding. As Button put it, “This team needs to taste success. There’s a culture of winning and a culture of losing, and Montreal has been in the latter for too long.”

Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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