Rumor: Montreal Canadiens may deal one of their top forwards.

The Montreal Canadiens are considered by most a serious contender to win it all this season, this despite their current slump and form, so a trade involving one of their top forwards would truly be a shocking announcement.

Despite that insider Elliotte Friedman believes it's an option Canadiens general manager will have to consider if he wants to to get the most out of his club this season. Of course given that their playoffs are their top priority, the Canadiens would be looking to get a big piece back.

From Friedman:

Matt Duchene may be older, but is under contract for two more seasons at $6 million per year. Bergevin is trying to sign Alexander Radulov, with Carey Price and Max Pacioretty to come. If you think you can have a more established Duchene at a potentially lower number for the next two years than Galchenyuk, does Montreal do it?

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Friedman believes that Bergevin's top priority will be to move salary off his books and that the two players more likely to be dealt to clear up cap space are Tomas Plekanec and David Desharnais, although getting teams to take on those deals will be no easy task.

The Habs have slumped badly in February and are currently on a bye week, so don't be shocked if Bergevin does something to give his team a shot in the arm in the next few weeks.