Rumor: Canadiens talking trade with four teams

With just eight goals and a 1-3-1 record through the first five games of the 2017-18 season, things aren’t looking good for the Montreal Canadiens. While some players, most notably Jonathan Drouin, Artturi Lehkonen and Charles Hudon, have provided the team with a modicum of offense, it’s simply not enough. This has led to wild trade speculation that the Habs may be looking to make a deal.

According to a report from anonymous online rumor monger Eklund, the Habs have been in discussions with four NHL teams with the aim to add to their anemic offence. The team’s in question? The Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Some interesting names out there… let’s parse them out. Matt Duchene from the Avs is an obvious target, but what about forward Carl Soderberg? The former 50+ point man has been a flop in Colorado the past season, but maybe a new opportunity in Montreal will enable him to find his scoring touch again? In Tampa, might the Bolts part with a player like Alex Killorn? His $4.45 million salary could be an anchor for the team as they attempt to negotiate with top-liners Nikita Kucherov and Vlad Namestinikov after this season.

Or, how about Andreas Athanasiou from the Wings? The un-signed RFA remains without a deal almost two weeks into the season and could provide the Habs with instant speed and offence. Then there’s James Neal from Vegas. The veteran is on the final season of his contract and has been tearing up the NHL with six goals through four games. He’d instantly be a trigger man alongside Drouin.

While it remains to be seen whether there’s any truth to these rumors, don’t expect them to die down unless the team can turn around its offensive woes in short order.