Insider Suggests 2 Intriguing Trade Targets at Center for Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens will be scouring the market (both via trades and free agency) this summer to bring in a solid No. 2 center. That seems to be one of their top priorities. With young Russian phenom, winger Ivan Demidov coming over, finding a solid pivot to play with him would be critical.

Insider Marco D'Amico, in speaking on the Shaun Starr podcast, came up with two "ideal" but contrasting 2Cs for the Habs to target. One as a more experienced UFA, and another at the other end of spectrum, a young player locked up with term.

Matt Duchene

The Dallas Stars' 34-year-old, 16-year veteran is one suggestion. A terrific playmaker, and a 13-time 20-goal scorer, Duchene, notes D'Amico, is a player the Canadiens have targeted twice before. He chose Nashville over Montreal in free agency in 2019, but it was only because of money. He'd be a tremendous veteran to help shepherd Demidov along.

Anton Lundell

If and when the Florida Panthers ultimately re-sign pending UFA Sam Bennett, it blocks the progression of third-line center Anton Lundell, who is signed at a $5M cap hit for five more seasons.

"(Lundell is) a Number 2 center all day," insists D'Amico. "Defensive responsible, your prototypical top-six center, in my opinion... He's got the experience of having gone through the playoffs, he knows what it takes to win. In my opinion, he's just begging for a true opportunity in a top-six setting."

Right now, under their current roster construction, the Panthers are sort of stuck spending $5M annually on a 'third-line center'. It would be better for them, better for Lundell, and certainly great for the Habs, to make something like this happen, reasons D'Amico.

"What happens if he were to play with a guy like Demidov and Patrik Laine? You're talking about a two-way that can cover for Laine, and could (help) Demidov as he gets accustomed (to the NHL)."

The Panthers "are in love" with Lundell, warns D'Amico, so he won't come cheaply. But Florida does need to replenish their draft pick stockpile, and this could be one way for them to do that.