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Cup contender looking to make big trade up front.
Keystone Press

Cup contender looking to make big trade up front.

Trading one of their top forwards for an upgrade?

HockeyFeed

HockeyFeed

The Montreal Canadiens have made several big moves this summer, and there have been rumblings of another move from general Marc Bergevin for several weeks now.

Previously rumors focused on the possible acquisition of Kris Russell, a possible defensive paring partner for newcomer Shea Weber, but a recent report from The Hockey Press claims the Habs are now looking to upgrade at forward.

The report claims the Canadiens are looking at a possible deal that would allow them to acquire the Arizona Coyotes' Martin Hanzal, a player who was expecting a contract extension for the Coyotes this summer but never got it. With Hanzal in the final year of his deal and at an affordable $3.1 million against the cap, moving him could be in the Coyotes best interest long-term.

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Montreal would need to clear cap space for this move, or the Russell move, and The Hockey Press reports that forward Tomas Plekanec could be the man on his way out, and considering he comes in at nearly $3 million more than Hanzal, the Canadiens could also retain salary on this deal. Hanzal obviously brings more size to the table than Plekanec's up front, and there is a belief both the Habs GM and coach felt their team was very soft last season.

It's worth noting that the report also named the Vancouver Canucks as a potential landing spot for the Hanzal deal as well, albeit briefly.