Canadiens Rumors: Projected Trade Returns For 4 Montreal Trade Candidates

Friday, February 14, 2025

Marc Dumont of Montreal Hockey Now has projected potential trade returns for four key Montreal Canadiens trade candidates as the March 7, trade deadline approaches. 

With the team sitting in a precarious position—six points out of a Wild Card spot but also just six points ahead of the league’s bottom tier—GM Kent Hughes faces some tricky decisions. 

Forward Joel Armia, bringing a strong penalty-killing ability, is expected to fetch a mid-round pick or a B-level prospect. Dumont believes this may be the Canadiens’ only chance to move him for an asset, given his expiring $3.4 million cap hit. 

Center Jake Evans, a strong two-way player whose production has cooled since December, could draw significant interest if a team is willing to offer a first-round pick. 

“Rejecting a decent offer, and then giving a player whose shooting percentage is unsustainable a significant raise is the exact type of scenario rebuilding teams should avoid,” Dumont warned.

Veteran defenseman David Savard remains a sought-after right-shot option with Stanley Cup experience, but his struggles this season have dampened his value. 

While a second-round pick is possible, a lesser return is more likely. 

Josh Anderson is the most intriguing trade candidate. Despite reshaping his game into a bottom-six role, his $5.5 million cap hit over two more seasons presents a challenge for potential suitors. 

Dumont believes Montreal should move him if the opportunity arises, stating, “The decision not to trade Anderson in 2022 was a mistake, one that the team cannot afford to repeat.” 

His combination of size, speed, and experience could attract interest from contenders, but teams may be hesitant to absorb his full salary.

With the trade market favoring sellers, the Canadiens have a chance to extract value from expendable players. Armia’s defensive reliability makes him a natural fit for playoff-bound teams, while Evans could be an intriguing rental at the right price. 

Savard’s leadership might appeal to contenders, though his impact this season raises questions about his return. 

Anderson remains the biggest variable—his physical style and postseason experience are attractive, but his contract complicates negotiations.

Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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