Report: Canadiens Rejected Solid Trade Offer For Pending UFA Joel Armia
Sportsnet’s Eric Engels confirmed the offer, stating, “Sources we spoke to said the Canadiens could have had a second-round pick for Joel Armia on Friday, but the club turned down that opportunity.”
Despite Armia’s solid defensive play and penalty-killing ability, his offensive production has been inconsistent, with his highest-scoring NHL season dating back to 2019-20. However, Canadiens management valued his contributions enough to prioritize continuity over acquiring another draft asset.
According to Eric Engels, Montreal had the chance at a 2nd rounder for Armia but declined.#GoHabsGo https://t.co/Sr0yDmZ0vS pic.twitter.com/fxdyiji1Rp
— Nathan "Grav" Murdock (@NathanGraviteh) March 8, 2025
General manager Kent Hughes made it clear that the decision to hold onto Armia was about believing in the group, particularly after the team’s strong 5-0-1 run leading up to the deadline.
Captain Nick Suzuki had expressed the players’ desire to remain together, and Hughes honored that, explaining, “We believe we’re progressing… As long as we keep that in mind, it probably helps you resist the excitement or emotion of the team getting on a five-game run.”
Hughes and Jeff Gorton also made extensive calls to find a top-six center but found the prices too high, opting instead to wait until the offseason to make major roster changes.
If the #GoHabsGo have so many up and coming forwards why would they re-sign Joel Armia?!@TonyMarinaro has an exercise for @KnucklesNilan30 👇#thesickpodcast pic.twitter.com/D69bJNtJUk
— The Sick Podcast - Raw Knuckles with Chris Nilan (@sickpodknuckles) March 10, 2025
While Armia remains in Montreal, his future beyond this season is uncertain, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
Hughes has reportedly begun negotiations to extend him, though it will have to be at a reasonable price. With the Canadiens expected to be aggressive this summer in upgrading their roster, Armia’s role in those plans remains to be seen.
If he does walk in free agency, the decision to pass on a second-round pick could come under scrutiny, but for now, the team is focused on making a late-season playoff push.
Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
