Pacioretty for Nugent-Hopkins in the works?

The Montreal Canadiens are working hard to get back on track and continue on the momentum they've gain since the return of star goalie Carey Price, but it seems much harder for captain Max Pacioretty to get on board. 

The Habs forward has only recorded a goal and four assists at his last 12 games, and looks to be struggling on the ice at all times. Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos mentioned a few weeks ago that a move out of Montreal would probably be the best thing for Pacioretty, who looks like Phil Kessel used to when he was "trapped" in Toronto before he was shipped to Pittsburgh. 

The trade chatter has also affected young forward of the Edmonton Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, whose team and personal stats have seen better days. In 28 games with the Oilers, RNH has amassed 11 goals and 20 points, when much more is needed from the top forward to get his club out of their current slump. 

Many wonder if a possible trade between the Canadiens and Oilers is in the works, especially with both teams facing off on Saturday. While it may see like a good deal on the surface, Matt Larkin of the Hockey News needed to point out some risky aspects. 

"Montreal should only deal a player of Pacioretty’s ilk if he returns the thing they need most: a true, dominant No. 1 center. Nugent-Hopkins isn’t an upgrade over Jonathan Drouin, so why trade for Nugent-Hopkins?" he carefully writes. 

"Bergevin is better off holding ‘Patches’ and perhaps taking a run at John Tavares this summer if he goes to market. And if Montreal’s early-season struggles manifest as a second-half slump, then Bergevin can reconsider putting Pacioretty on the block. He’d attract a ton of interest."

Of course, this trade speculation looks good on the Oilers' end as they are still looking for a way to fill the void left by the trade of Jordan Eberle. 

They might take a stab at this one...